Last week, U.S. News & World Report released its list of the best small towns to visit in the U.S. for 2026.
The study examines factors like local attractions, culture, food and affordability to determine which places ranked within the top 25 nationwide.
“U.S. News evaluated places with a population of less than 50,000 people that offer a host of restaurants and attractions, plus boast picture-perfect natural beauty and a unique character all their own,” the report reads. “So ditch the city crowds and start planning your quintessential small-town getaway.”
Within Florida, only one small town managed to make its way onto the list: St. Augustine at No. 16.
“Full of history and broad beaches, St. Augustine is one of the best places to visit in Florida. After shopping for souvenirs along St. George Street and touring the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, head to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for photo-worthy views of the town’s many Spanish colonial landmarks and Matanzas Bay. Alternatively, you can attempt to reclaim your adolescence at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park or wade in the calm ocean waters at Anastasia State Park. And if you’re a fan of the paranormal, save time for a ghost tour."
U.S. News & World Report, "Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA for 2026"
This isn’t St. Augustine’s first time ranking high on a U.S. News ranking, though.
Earlier this year, the outlet also released an overall list of the best places to visit in Florida, with St. Augustine ranking No. 4 for the state.
Other areas in Central Florida also made their way onto that ranking, including Orlando (No. 8) and Cocoa Beach (No. 21).
[BELOW: Florida’s safest cities revealed in latest WalletHub ranking]
Meanwhile, the top 25 small towns in the latest ranking are as follows:
| Rank | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bar Harbor | ME |
| 2 | Telluride | CO |
| 3 | Leavenworth | WA |
| 4 | Jackson Hole | WY |
| 5 | Sedona | AZ |
| 6 | Fredericksburg | TX |
| 7 | Monterey | CA |
| 8 | Steamboat Springs | CO |
| 9 | Galena | IL |
| 10 | Taos | NM |
| 11 | Nantucket | MA |
| 12 | Stowe | VT |
| 13 | Cannon Beach | OR |
| 14 | Moab | UT |
| 15 | Breckenridge | CO |
| 16 | St. Augustine | FL |
| 17 | Lake Geneva | WI |
| 18 | Camden | ME |
| 19 | Williamsburg | VA |
| 20 | Cape May | NJ |
| 21 | Sun Valley | ID |
| 22 | Beaufort | SC |
| 23 | Hood River | OR |
| 24 | New Hope | PA |
| 25 | Martha’s Vineyard | MA |