Despite its renowned attractions, California ranks as the second most fun state in the U.S., according to WalletHub. The top spot for fun, however, belongs to Florida, as revealed in WalletHub’s recent list of the Most Fun States to Visit in America for 2024.
WalletHub’s rankings are based on a variety of factors, including the number of restaurants, amusement parks, and movie theaters per capita. The site describes states like Florida as places where “fun is not just an option but a way of life,” offering a range of activities from outdoor adventures to vibrant cultural events.
Florida topped the list with an overall score of 65.51 out of 100, owing to its extensive array of amusement parks, music festivals, and its picturesque coastline. California followed closely with a score of 65.14, while Nevada secured the third position with a score of 59.12.
Why California Shines in Fun Rankings
California’s second-place ranking is attributed to its impressive offerings. The Golden State boasts the highest number of restaurants, movie theaters, and fitness centers per capita in the nation. It also features a notable concentration of amusement parks, performing arts venues, and music festivals. Despite being one of the most expensive states for beer, California offers relatively affordable wine and ranks ninth in terms of bar access. For outdoor enthusiasts, California excels with its prime beach access and scenic byways, alongside having the fourth-best weather in the U.S.
Top 10 States for Fun
According to WalletHub, the top 10 states for fun are:
Florida
California
Nevada
New York
Colorado
Illinois
Texas
Washington
Minnesota
Louisiana
States Ranking Lowest for Fun
The states ranked lowest on WalletHub’s list include: 41. North Dakota 42. Kentucky 43. New Hampshire 44. Connecticut 45. Vermont 46. Arkansas 47. Rhode Island 48. Delaware 49. Mississippi 50. West Virginia
Methodology
WalletHub’s rankings were determined by comparing all 50 states across two main categories: Entertainment & Recreation and Nightlife. The evaluation involved 26 weighted metrics, such as the number of attractions, variety of entertainment establishments, ideal weather, and access to scenic byways and national parks. Data sources included the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, National Park Service, and various other organizations.
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