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New Report: These Are the Most Fun States in the U.S.—See Where Yours Ranks

While the adjective fun is subjective, some states just seem to have that extra sparkle, whether it be beach access, killer restaurants or cultural outlets galore. But according to a new survey by WalletHub, there’s one clear winner that owns the title of The Most Fun State, and the findings are based on data.

Think fun doesn’t matter? It might! “Living in one of the most fun states can boost your mental, physical and emotional health by giving you a wide range of activities to choose from, both indoor and outdoor,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “These states help residents stay active and socialize, and they’re also ideal for travelers who want to make the most out of the limited amount of time that they have to explore.”

Did your state take the crown? Read on to find out which state ranked top and to see where yours ranked.

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How were the most fun states determined?

To determine the most fun states in America, WalletHub looked at two key categories: entertainment/recreation and nightlife. Within those two categories, there were 26 metrics, and each was assigned a different weight. For example, the number of amusement parks held full weight (1x), while the number of attractions a state has held quadruple weight (4x). The metrics were graded on a 100-point scale. Everything from the time of last call at bars to access to scenic byways was considered.

Which state is the most fun?

The state that is the most fun is California. It ranked No. 1 overall in entertainment and attractions, and No. 3 in nightlife. Its total score was 66.89 out of 100 possible points. It was followed closely by Florida and Nevada to round out the top three.

Why is California rated the most fun state?

Anyone who has been to California can tell you it’s a vibe, but the Golden State comes through with the data to back it up. A few of the categories that added to the state’s overall score included:

  • The most music festivals per capita
  • The most scenic byways per capita
  • The least expensive state for wine
  • The most restaurants per capita (tied with New York, Florida and Texas)
  • The most movie theaters per capita (tied with Texas)
  • The most performing arts centers per capita (tied with New York)
  • The most fitness centers per capita (tied with Texas)
  • The third most personal expenditures on recreation per capita
  • The ninth-best access to bars, despite being one of the most expensive states for beer
  • The fourth best weather

How did your state rank?

While every state has wonderful qualities that make it unique, you might be curious about how your state ranked. Here’s the full list with each state’s total score:

    1. California (66.89)
    2. Florida (63.86)
    3. Nevada (58.17)
    4. Illinois (58.14)
    5. New York (56.94)
    6. Colorado (56.17)
    7. Washington (55.17)
    8. Texas (52.96)
    9. Minnesota (49.66)
    10. Oregon (47.98)
    11. Louisiana (46.68)
    12. Arizona (46.19)
    13. Pennsylvania (46.13)
    14. Ohio (45.58)
    15. North Carolina (44.94)
    16. Missouri (44.55)
    17. Wisconsin (42.98)
    18. Georgia (42.36)
    19. Maryland (42.04)
    20. Tennessee (41.60)
    21. South Carolina (41.18)
    22. Michigan (39.71)
    23. Hawaii (38.76)
    24. Massachusetts (38.28)
    25. Utah (38.25)
    26. Virginia (37.19)
    27. Oklahoma (36.52)
    28. New Mexico (36.16)
    29. South Dakota (35.87)
    30. Montana (35.73)
    31. Alaska (34.34)
    32. Wyoming (33.85)
    33. Iowa (33.28)
    34. Nebraska (33.19)
    35. Idaho (32.80)
    36. New Jersey (31.70)
    37. Indiana (31.28)
    38. Kentucky (29.72)
    39. Maine (29.04)
    40. North Dakota (28.54)
    41. Kansas (28.45)
    42. New Hampshire (27.06)
    43. Connecticut (26.91)
    44. Alabama (26.90)
    45. Vermont (24.69)
    46. Arkansas (24.49)
    47. Delaware (23.95)
    48. Rhode Island (23.74)
    49. Mississippi (21.05)
    50. West Virginia (19.18)

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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Source:

  • WalletHub: “Most Fun States in America (2025)”

The post New Report: These Are the Most Fun States in the U.S.—See Where Yours Ranks appeared first on Reader's Digest.



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