12 of the Most Fun States in America, According to a New Study
As a born-and-raised Californian, I’d naturally argue that my state is the most fun with its great weather, beaches, mountains, great food, nightlife, and more. Plus, we have the original Disneyland (my personal favorite)! But I bet a lot of states think they have California beat.
No matter where you are in the U.S., Americans really know how to have a good time. We’ve got epic national parks, endless coastlines, Super Bowl Sundays, and 4th of July fireworks. I’ll take you through America’s most fun states based on real data, taking into account the number of restaurants, amusement parks, and music festivals. Is your state on this list?
Florida
Coming in at number one is the Sunshine State itself. You’ve probably heard endless Florida jokes about strange happenings and alligator spottings in the city (only in Florida!), but maybe that’s what makes it so fun! Florida is definitely unique.
With year-round warm weather and 825 miles of stunning beaches, it’s a sun-seekers paradise. Not a beach bum? No problem. Florida boasts over 9,200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and paddling, plus it’s the boating and fishing capital of the world. And let’s not forget the Everglades, home to the incredible manatee and over 516 bird species. Oh, and did I mention the theme parks? Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland, Busch Gardens—Florida has them all!
California
Ahh, my home state. Maybe it didn’t beat out Florida, but second place isn’t too shabby! Did you know California gave us wetsuits, Barbie dolls, and fortune cookies? While those things are pretty cool (and let’s not forget Hollywood movies and television), there’s so much more to the Golden State.
From Malibu’s sun-kissed beaches to the snow-capped Mammoth mountains, plus a year-round lineup of music festivals, top-tier chefs, and buzzing nightlife—what more could you hope for? You can visit world-renowned art museums, go behind the scenes at a real Hollywood filming studio, see epic live music at Coachella, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, or go skiing in Tahoe, all within the same state.
Nevada
It’s no surprise that the home of Las Vegas is at the top of the list of fun states. Vegas is all about entertainment and having a good time with its endless casinos, drinks galore, high-end shops, unparalleled concerts, famous restaurants, and flashing lights. The last time I visited Vegas, I got to see Katy Perry’s campy, whimsical show, where she sang “Last Friday Night” from within a gigantic bathtub while six-foot rubber duckies danced around on stage.
But Nevada isn’t only about city life; the state offers amazing outdoor activities like hiking and climbing with 314 mountain ranges—more than any other state—and boasts 35 peaks over 10,000 feet.
New York
There is truly nothing like New York! The bustle of the city energizes you with an indescribable feeling that you don’t get anywhere else in the world. And believe me when I say it’s not just because of the restaurants, performing arts theaters, and nightlife. Landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty are iconic, but New York’s diverse population and cultural melting pot truly sets it apart.
There’s always something happening, from Broadway in NYC to art hubs across the state and festivals celebrating everything from autumn foliage in the Hudson Valley to winter sports in Lake Placid. The blend of different lifestyles and cultures is incredible, and New York’s walkability and public transit make it even better.
Colorado
Coloradans definitely know how to keep the fun rolling! The state tops the charts for parks and recreation spending. But that’s just the start.
Colorado boasts some of the coolest “biggest and highest” records, like the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest railway train globally. Plus, the Eisenhower Tunnel is the highest auto tunnel in North America, and Glenwood Springs has the world’s largest natural hot springs pool. Not to mention, Denver’s Colfax Avenue is the longest continuous street in the country!
Illinois
Illinois is a gem with its serene natural beauty and vibrant city life. Enjoy miles of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, hidden waterfalls in Shawnee National Forest, and stunning fall foliage.
But the real excitement is in Chicago—sports, entertainment, dining, and nightlife. You can also explore Starved Rock State Park, visit Lincoln’s Springfield home, catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, and check out local museums and festivals. Illinois is all about outdoor fun, too, with boating, golfing, and regional fairs, parades, and events in nearly every town. Plus, midwestern people are known for being friendly, hardworking, and full of spirit!
Texas
They say, “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” and fun is no exception. Houston is like Texas’ New York, bustling with energy, while Austin, with its tech scene, gives off major San Francisco vibes. Texas has been the backdrop for iconic films like Dazed & Confused and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. In addition to the world-renowned South by Southwest music and arts festival, Austin boasts over 250 live music venues where the tunes never stop.
Want to be part of something really out of this world? NASA is based in Texas! You can tour the Houston Space Center and see where real astronauts train!
Washington
You might’ve heard it rains nonstop in Washington, but who says you need sunshine to have fun? This Pacific Northwest gem has incredible seafood, cultural attractions, and stunning scenery. From its impressive volcanoes and 3,000 glaciers to its 157 miles of Pacific coastline, Washington offers epic storm watching and whale spotting in the Salish Sea.
If you’re into basketball, Spokane’s Hoopfest is the world’s largest three-on-three outdoor tournament. Don’t miss the Original Starbucks at Pike Place Market in Seattle, where it all began in 1971!
Minnesota
If you’re tired of the same old crowded beach vacations, try exploring Minnesota’s crystal-clear lakes! You can kayak through scenic forests or even hike through the ever-wide Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
For those who love a bustling metropolis, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have world-class museums and music, with great local restaurants and parks, too. The Midsommar Festival celebrates Swedish culture with traditional music, dancing, and food. And don’t forget the iconic Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States, with an indoor amusement park, aquarium, miniature golf course, and over 520 stores!
Louisiana
Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve probably heard of New Orleans’ larger-than-life Mardi Gras—the ultimate celebration of “Fat Tuesday.” It’s an explosion of culture, with drinking, parties, king cakes, parades, costumes, and more–you really can’t get more fun than that!
But Louisiana is also a foodie paradise, with everything from Lafayette’s pork boudin to New Orleans’ famous beignets–fried French pastries with a donut-like texture dusted with powdered sugar. You can explore New Orleans’ unique French Quarter, antebellum mansions, and rich Jazz music scene. If you love the outdoors, Louisiana’s bayous, swamps, and forests offer fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Arizona
Don’t sleep on Arizona! It might have a retiree’s reputation, but this state has warm weather year-round and endless outdoor adventures. One of the funnest trips I’ve had was tubing down the Colorado River in the summer in Arizona with a drink in my hand, blasting music out of my Bluetooth speaker in my waterproof bag.
You have plenty of options when it comes to fun, including hiking the Grand Canyon or hitting the slopes. That’s right, in Northern Arizona, you can go skiing and snow-shoeing outside of Flagstaff. Arizona boasts 22 national parks, over 100 wineries, 75+ craft breweries, and 50 James Beard-nominated chefs and restaurants. If you visit this southwest state, check out Room 4 Bar in Bisbee, the second smallest bar in America, or the Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes store in Jerome, the world’s largest kaleidoscope store.
Oregon
No matter where you live in Oregon, the state is stunning. Its volcanic peaks, craggy, windswept beaches, and vast deserts offer endless outdoor adventures. The rugged Oregon Coast features dramatic rock formations, historic lighthouses, and America’s largest coastal sand dunes.
Want to know the coolest part? Oregonians’ strong environmental values mean the state has one of the lowest carbon footprints around. And if you’re a wine lover, you’ll be in heaven—Oregon is the fourth-largest wine producer in the country, with the Willamette Valley alone home to over 550 wineries!
Source: WalletHub
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