Last week, WalletHub released its 2025 ranking of the most “fun” states in the U.S.
The study takes a look at the number of things to do and see across each of these 50 states to determine which ones offer the best forms of recreation overall.
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“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 study reads.
With its bevy of theme parks and outdoor attractions, Florida might seem like a shoo-in for the top spot. However, the Sunshine State came in just under at No. 2.
“Florida is the second-most fun state in 2025, leading the country when it comes to the number of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita. But even if those particular activities aren’t of interest to you, Florida has the fourth-most attractions per capita, and the seventh-best variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments.
In addition, Florida is a great state for people who like to be outside. Although it does have very hot summers, the state has the 12th-best weather overall. It also has the most marinas per capita and the second-most miles of shoreline.
Finally, the Florida government spends a lot on parks and recreation, the 17th-most per capita. The average Floridian also spends nearly $2,300 per year on recreation expenses, the 15th-most in the country."
WalletHub, "Most Fun States in America (2025)"
Instead, this year’s most “fun” state was revealed to be California, which came ahead of Florida in terms of entertainment, recreation, and nightlife.
“California is the most fun state in 2025, with an especially large number of restaurants, amusement parks, movie theaters, and fitness centers per capita. It also boasts the second-most attractions per capita overall.
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. 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.
When it comes to the outdoors, California has the most scenic byways per capita and the sixth-longest ones in the country. 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)."
WalletHub, "Most Fun States in America (2025)"
But earlier this year, WalletHub also broke down the most “fun” areas of the nation by city.
And according to that study, Orlando and Miami came in No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. This was thanks to the two cities’ strong marks in terms of entertainment, recreation, nightlife and party scenes.
On the flip side, though, both cities lagged by a large margin when it came to costs specifically.
Regardless, the full state-by-state ranking is as follows: