A recent study by WalletHub ranked the most, and least, fun states in America based on a few different variables.
To develop its rankings, WalletHub took stock of different states’ variety and cost-effectiveness for fun activities. The study measured 26 metrics, including number of attractions; variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments; restaurants per capita; amusement parks per capita; golf courses and country clubs per capita; and more.
The study breaks the findings down into two categories, entertainment and recreation and nightlife. Once each metric was measured for all 50 states, the states were ranked in order of highest to lowest scores. The results are based on a 100-point scale.
California, Florida and New York take the first three spots. The three lowest-ranking states are Delaware, Mississippi and West Virginia.
California, New York, Florida and Texas tie for first place in terms of most restaurants per capita. North Dakota has the fewest. Michigan has the most golf courses and country clubs per capita with 11 times more than Alaska, with the fewest.
The study also includes marinas per capita, skiing facilities per capita and access to natural parks in its rankings. Read the full study online.
Where does your state rank in terms of fun? Do you agree with its ranking, and how many top states have you traveled to? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 23, 20264 Ways to Spend a Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio
Whether an adventure seeker, culturally curious or a lover of all things music, Cleveland, Ohio, is the perfect weekend getaway for all types of personalities and travel styles.
Sponsored Content
IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
Daily
Sep 23, 2026Delve into a Curated Journey for Mexico City Art Week with Trip Whisperer
During Mexico City Art Week 2027 (Semana del Arte), Trip Whisperer founder Jessica Parker will lead Mexico City Art Week Salon, a small-group expedition to explore the city’s fascinating art, design, culinary and luxury lodging offerings. For five nights, Feb. 2–7, 2027, participants will lodge with creatives and like-minded travelers in Casa Amsterdam, a private Mexico City villa located in the La Condesa neighborhood. After daytime forays to explore the festival’s events, this group will return to the villa to enjoy mezcal tastings, chef-prepared dinners and evening activities.
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 23, 2026Review: Sage Lodge Resort & Spa
Set on more than 1,200 acres in Montana’s Paradise Valley, Sage Lodge sits just 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, with the Yellowstone River running for more than a mile along the property.
Sponsored Content
The Art of Balance in Seoul: Beyond the Boardroom
The value of a destination is no longer defined solely by infrastructure, efficiency or scale. Increasingly, it is measured by a city’s ability to balance productivity with well-being — creating opportunities for focus, restoration and more meaningful connections.
Airlines
Sep 23, 2026American Airlines, Condor Airlines Announce New Interline Agreement
American Airlines and Condor Airlines expand their international partner network with a new interline agreement, providing travelers with a wide range of new connections. Passengers can expect connections to more than 150 cities through Condor’s trans-Atlantic gateways in major hubs like JFK, BOS and LAX.
What’s in Store for Finnair in 2026/2027?
Daily
Sep 23, 2026Daily
Sep 22, 2026Cunard’s “Queen Mary 2” to Undergo Stunning Refurbishment
Cunard recently announced a stunning refurbishment of Queen Mary 2; the ship prepares to enter dry dock on March 31, 2027, as the flagship of the Cunard fleet and the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic crossings between Southampton and New York. The refurbishment will introduce new Grill Suites, an elevated wellness offering, enhanced retail spaces and refreshed guest areas, while preserving the ship’s Art Deco identity. The ship will return to service May 9, 2027.
Sponsored Content
What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?
You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?
Daily
Sep 22, 2026Santa Barbara, California, Delays Autumn with a Second Summer
Experience Santa Barbara’s second summer, when golden hour sunsets, warm evenings and wine season offer a unique Californian take on fall. The destination’s pre-autumn season is perfect for those not yet ready to let go of warm weather just yet.
ShareThis