Two Florida cities earn a spot on Time magazine’s ‘World’s 100 Greatest Places’ list

St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL Lido Key Aerial Drone – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Suncoast Aerials

Two Florida cities snagged a spot on a globe-spanning list of top destinations by one of the world’s most famous magazines. 

Time magazine debuted its ‘The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021’ list, and Orlando and Sarasota both made the cut. 

The piece on Orlando focused on the city’s multitude of amusement parks, including the “crown jewel of American theme parks,” Walt Disney World. The article also touched on the 18-month celebration of Disney’s 50th anniversary that is set to start this upcoming October. 

Other Orlando theme parks were mentioned as well. “Thrills abound at neighboring parks as well, with a new Jurassic World-themed VelociCoaster boasting a 140-ft. drop and zero-gravity stall – in which the track rotates 360 degrees above the surface of a lagoon – at Universal’s Islands of Adventure,” the piece reads. “Other attractions, including SeaWorld Orlando’s tundra-themed Ice Breaker and a drop tower at ICON Park – the world’s tallest, at 430 ft. – are slated to open by year’s end.”

On the other hand, the Sarasota piece focused on new and refurbished attractions, including the recently opened Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College. Sarasota is located south of Tampa and sits on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The article highlighted Sarasota’s ‘The Bay’ project, which includes the recently opened Mangrove Walkway, as well as renovations to the Resort at Longboat Key Club and Lido Beach Pavilion, “both superior spots to watch the sunset over the shimmering Gulf waters.”

“Miami has long held the reins on all things young and hip in Florida,” the description reads. “But there’s something special percolating along the once sleepy Gulf Coast these days. Celebrating its centennial this year, Sarasota is proving itself a vital cultural capital.”

First published in 1923, Time magazine stated in a press release that its third annual World’s Greatest Places list “recognizes 100 unique destinations that are offering visitors an extraordinary experience that’s unlike any other” and is “curated from editor and expert nominations from around the world.”

The list is “a tribute to the people and businesses at the forefront of industries who, amidst extraordinary circumstances, found ways to adapt, to build, and to innovate. It shines a light on ingenuity, creativity, revitalization, and re-openings in destinations across the world – from small towns to big cities, and everything in between.”

The two cities’ spot on the list joins the growing amount of international recognition throughout Florida, both as places to live and visit. Two Florida metropolitan areas were included in U.S. News & World Report’s Top 10 of its “150 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” list, with Naples ranking No. 7 and Sarasota making it at No. 9. 

The recognition helps market these areas to several tourists. “These lists have a tangible impact,” said Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County. 

For more information on the Sarasota Art Museum, click here.

Are you interested in Florida travel? For stories like this and much more: Florida Insider is dedicated to educating, entertaining and informing its readers about everything Florida. Easy to read content at the palm of your hands and covering the stories that matter.