California is the ‘most fun’ state in the US, ranking says. Here’s why
Some states in the U.S. have a little bit of everything for residents to enjoy, and California comes out on the top of that list, according to a new ranking.
Personal finance company WalletHub ranked all 50 states by which ones are the “most fun,” from outdoor recreation to nightlife. California won the fun jackpot at the No. 1 spot on the list.
“There are certain states where fun is not just an option but also a way of life,” the company said in an Aug. 19 news release. “These states offer such a variety of activities that everyone will be able to find something that excites them, from people who crave the outdoors and athletics to those who would rather sit down for a film.”
The company compared the states “across 26 key indicators of a jolly good time that won’t break the bank” ranging “from movie costs to accessibility of national parks to nightlife options per capita.” All 26 are then folded into two categories: nightlife, plus entertainment and recreation.
What makes California the ‘most fun’ state?
The Golden State’s top score came in at 66.89 based on WalletHub’s metrics. The company reached this metric based on an “especially large number of restaurants, amusement parks, movie theaters, and fitness centers per capita,” adding that California “also boasts the second-most attractions per capita overall.”
California came in first in the entertainment and recreation category.
“When it comes to the outdoors, California has the most scenic byways per capita and the sixth-longest ones in the country,” the company said. “It also has the best beach access in the country and the fourth-best weather (at least, when it’s not too hot to go out).”
It also has the most restaurants per capita along with New York, Florida, Texas and Illinois, and the most movie theaters per capita among Texas, New York, Iowa, and Washington.
It came in third overall in the nightlife category.
“For those who enjoy nightlife, the Golden State has a very high number of performing-arts establishments and music festivals per capita, along with the ninth-best access to bars,” the company said. “And even though California is one of the most expensive states for beer, it’s the least expensive for wine – likely due to the abundance produced locally.”
What are the other ‘most fun’ states in the U.S.?
Florida is the second “most fun” state after California, scoring second in entertainment and recreation and sixth in nightlife.
The Sunshine State leads the nation “when it comes to the number of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita,” and “has the fourth-most attractions per capita, and the seventh-best variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments.”
Nevada’s famous nightlife helped it win third place overall, and first in the nightlife category. The Silver State “has the most nightlife activities per capita, including a very high number of music festivals and casinos per capita” — and low average beer and wine prices.
Following the top three are Illinois, New York, Colorado, Washington, Texas, Minnesota, and Oregon.
West Virginia scored the lowest on the fun scale of all 50 states in the country.
This story was originally published August 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "California is the ‘most fun’ state in the US, ranking says. Here’s why."
