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Have you ever disagreed with a friend who has a different idea of what constitutes a "fun" time?
Fun is a subjective concept dependent on your personal interests. Activities and destinations that some people consider fun, others might never seek out. For example, someone who enjoys a quiet hike and a picnic in nature might not see dancing at a nightclub until the early morning hours as "fun," and vice versa. Others are more versatile and appreciate a wider range of attractions and events.
To determine which states are more fun to visit than others, WalletHub evaluated several metrics across the categories of entertainment, recreation, and nightlife.
WHAT MAKES A STATE FUN?
While nightlife played a significant role in the data, other "fun" factors were also considered. Restaurants, golf courses, movie theaters, and fitness centers contributed to the list, further broadening the definition of fun. For those who prefer scenery and leisurely activities, beach quality, scenic byways, state fairs, and national parks were also factors.
For nightlife, WalletHub looked at drink prices, bar access, closing times, and even the number of music festivals and casinos in a region.
All of these metrics reflect what people account for when planning a trip to a particular destination in search of fun. With that in mind, here are the most and least fun states to visit in the U.S.
THE MOST FUN STATES
Rank | State | Score |
|---|---|---|
1 | California | 67.35 |
2 | Florida | 64.14 |
3 | Illinois | 59.87 |
4 | Nevada | 58.76 |
5 | New York | 58.40 |
The most fun states to visit in 2026 are California, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, and New York.
Each of these states is home to bustling cities with endless dining, entertainment, and nightlife options, whether you're interested in catching a play, sipping cocktails at a rooftop club, or dining at a popular restaurant. They offer a variety of choices, which is ideal if you're traveling with a group whose interests vary and you want to include a little bit of everything in your itinerary.
Another trait many of these top states share is access to an ocean or lake, giving residents and visitors opportunities to spend a day at the shore or partake in boating and water sports.
All but Nevada rank at the top for the most restaurants per capita, and California and New York also score highly for their abundance of movie theaters.
THE LEAST FUN STATES
Rank | State | Score |
|---|---|---|
46 | Delaware | 24.57 |
47 | Arkansas | 24 |
48 | Vermont | 23.97 |
49 | Mississippi | 21.62 |
50 | West Virginia | 20.57 |
On the other side of the list are Delaware, Arkansas, Vermont, Mississippi, and West Virginia. These states have been named among the least fun to visit due to fewer entertainment, recreation, and nightlife options.
However, these states each offer their own unique appeal. Arkansas, Vermont, and West Virginia, for example, are beloved for their natural wonders, scenery, and state parks, perfect for those wanting a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Again, some travelers might have these quieter states at the top of their travel bucket lists, regardless of how they rank. Similarly, others may actively avoid the busy entertainment hubs of California, Florida, and Nevada in search of a milder adventure.