What makes a state fun? For some, it means beaches, amusement parks and outdoor adventures. For others, it's a vibrant nightlife, live music, restaurants or family-friendly attractions.
A new WalletHub ranking looked at all 50 states to determine which offer the most opportunities for entertainment and recreation without breaking the bank. The analysis compared states across 26 metrics, including attractions, restaurants, movie theaters, nightlife options, music festivals and access to parks.
California claimed the top spot, followed by Florida and Illinois. Nevada and New York rounded out the top five. At the bottom of the ranking, West Virginia came in last, behind Mississippi and Vermont.
Here's a look at the most fun states in America, according
to WalletHub.
Top 5 most fun states in America
California ranked No. 1 with a total score of 67.35 out of 100. The state ranked first in entertainment and recreation and fourth in nightlife. WalletHub highlighted California's large number of restaurants, amusement parks, movie theaters and fitness centers, as well as its beach access and scenic byways.
Florida came in second with a score of 64.14. It ranked first nationally for restaurants, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita. The state also has the most marinas per capita and the second-most shoreline mileage.
Illinois ranked third with a score of 59.87 and had one of the strongest nightlife showings in the country, ranking second in that category. WalletHub also pointed to the state's restaurants, movie theaters, attractions and golf courses.
Nevada was fourth, helped by its No. 1 nightlife ranking, while New York ranked fifth overall and third in nightlife.
Top 15 most fun states
- California
- Florida
- Illinois
- Nevada
- New York
- Colorado
- Washington
- Texas
- Minnesota
- Arizona
- Oregon
- Louisiana
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Ohio
Which states ranked lowest?
West Virginia ranked No. 50 with a score of 20.57. Mississippi was No. 49, followed by Vermont at No. 48, Arkansas at No. 47 and Delaware at No. 46.
While the lowest-ranked states varied in their strengths and weaknesses, several finished near the bottom in key entertainment and nightlife measures. West Virginia ranked 49th in entertainment and recreation and 43rd in nightlife, while Mississippi ranked last for entertainment and recreation despite placing 24th for nightlife. Vermont, meanwhile, finished 47th in entertainment and recreation but fared better in nightlife, ranking 36th overall.
According to WalletHub, having access to a variety of recreational and entertainment options can do more than provide ways to spend free time. It can also benefit residents' overall well-being.
"Living in one of the most fun states can boost your mental, physical and emotional health by giving you a wide range of activities to choose from, both indoor and outdoor," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. "These states help residents stay active and socialize, and they're also ideal for travelers who want to make the most out of the limited amount of time that they have to explore."
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is your state one of America's most fun? See the list
