California trumps Florida as essentially the most ‘fun’ state in America. Right here’s why

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Sunshine State turned out to be the second-most “fun” state within the nation, according to WalletHub’s most recent ranking.

But one different state managed to return out on high: California.

WHAT DOES “FUN” MEAN?

WalletHub in contrast all 50 states utilizing 26 indicators associated to leisure, recreation and affordability, together with:

• Restaurants, amusement parks and arcades per capita

• Music festivals and nightlife choices

• Marinas and shoreline entry

• Movie theaters and health facilities

• Access to nationwide parks

• State and native spending on parks and recreation

• Variety of arts, leisure and recreation institutions

WHY DID FLORIDA RANK SO HIGH?

Florida ranked first nationally for the variety of eating places, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita. It additionally ranked fourth for complete points of interest and seventh for the number of arts, leisure and recreation institutions.

The state’s out of doors facilities helped strengthen its general rating. Florida has extra marinas per capita than another state and ranks second for shoreline mileage, giving residents and guests quite a few alternatives for boating, fishing and different water-based actions.

Florida additionally ranked twelfth for general climate, regardless of its sizzling summers. State authorities spending on parks and recreation ranked 18th nationally, whereas the common Floridian spends almost $2,300 per 12 months on recreation—additionally 18th-highest within the nation.

CALIFORNIA TAKES NO. 1

California took the highest spot general, whereas Illinois, Nevada and New York rounded out the highest 5.

“California is essentially the most enjoyable state in 2026, with an particularly giant variety of eating places, amusement parks, film theaters, and health facilities per capita. It additionally boasts the second-most points of interest per capita general.

For those that get pleasure from nightlife, the Golden State has a really excessive variety of performing-arts institutions and music festivals per capita, together with the ninth-best entry to bars. And though California is without doubt one of the most costly states for beer, it’s the least costly for wine – probably because of the abundance produced regionally.

When it involves the outside, California has essentially the most scenic byways per capita and the sixth-longest ones within the nation. It additionally has the very best seashore entry within the nation and the fourth-best climate (not less than, when it’s not too sizzling to exit).“

WalletHub, “Most Fun States in America (2026)”

FULL RANKING