California is known for its sunshine, beaches, and celebrities, but it’s not the most fun state in the U.S., according to WalletHub. That honor goes to Florida.
WalletHub, a personal finance website, recently ranked all 50 states based on how fun they are to visit in 2024. They considered things like the number of restaurants, amusement parks, and movie theaters per person.
“There are some states where having fun isn’t just an option—it’s a way of life,” WalletHub said. These states offer a wide range of activities, whether you love outdoor adventures or prefer watching movies.
Florida topped the list because it has lots of amusement parks, music festivals, and affordable fun options. The state earned an overall score of 65.51 out of 100.
California came in second with a score of 65.14, followed by Nevada with 59.12.
Why is California one of the top states for fun?
California ranked second on WalletHub’s list. The state has the most restaurants and movie theaters per person, and it also has the highest number of fitness centers. California boasts a large number of amusement parks, performing arts venues, and music festivals.
Although California is one of the most expensive states for beer, it’s the sixth-least expensive for wine, likely due to local production. The state also has the ninth-best access to bars in the country.
If you love the outdoors, California has the best beach access in the U.S. and the most scenic byways. The state also enjoys the fourth-best weather in the country.
Here are the top 10 states for fun in the U.S., according to WalletHub:
- Florida
- California
- Nevada
- New York
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Texas
- Washington
- Minnesota
- Louisiana
Which states rank the lowest for fun? WalletHub ranked these states at the bottom:
- North Dakota
- Kentucky
- New Hampshire
- Connecticut
- Vermont
- Arkansas
- Rhode Island
- Delaware
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
How did WalletHub rank the states?
To determine the most fun states, WalletHub looked at two main categories: Entertainment & Recreation, and Nightlife. They used 26 different factors, including the number of attractions, variety of arts and entertainment options, weather, and beach quality.
WalletHub used data from various sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, National Park Service, and American Gaming Association to come up with the rankings.