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Stuart Today
By the People, for the People
Stuart, Florida Ranked Best Coastal Small Town for 4th Straight Year
USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards honor Stuart's parks, museums, and access to the St. Lucie River
Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:03am
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The vibrant coastal charm and small-town community spirit that have earned Stuart, Florida recognition as one of the nation's best coastal small towns for four straight years.Stuart TodayFor the fourth consecutive year, the coastal city of Stuart, Florida has been named one of the top 10 best coastal small towns in the United States by the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. The rankings highlight Stuart's parks, museums, restaurant-lined downtown, and proximity to the St. Lucie River, with Cedar Key as the only other Florida city on the 2026 list.
Why it matters
These annual 10BEST awards are highly coveted in the travel industry, as they drive significant tourism and economic activity to the winning destinations. Stuart's consistent top ranking over the past four years demonstrates the city's enduring appeal as a desirable coastal getaway, boosting its profile and attracting visitors from across the country.
The details
The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards are determined by a panel of industry experts who nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions. 10BEST editors then vet the nominations before presenting a final set of nominees to the voting public for a four-week period.
- The 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards were announced on April 11, 2026.
- Stuart has now been ranked as one of the top 10 best coastal small towns in the U.S. for the fourth consecutive year.
The players
USA TODAY 10BEST
A travel media brand that hosts an annual Readers' Choice Awards program to determine the top destinations and attractions across various categories.
Stuart, Florida
A coastal city in Florida's Treasure Coast region known for its parks, museums, restaurant-lined downtown, and access to the St. Lucie River.
Cedar Key
The only other Florida city to be named one of the top 10 best coastal small towns in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards.
The takeaway
Stuart's consistent top ranking in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards over the past four years solidifies its reputation as a premier coastal destination, attracting visitors from across the country and boosting the local economy. The recognition highlights the city's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant community, making it a standout among the nation's top coastal small towns.
