These Are the 10 Most Fun States in the U.S., According to New Data

The live music capital of the country is brimming with more than just nightly gigs! Texas is home to the classic all-American barbecue scene, and the Fort Worth Stockyards boast a reputation as a site for authentic cowboy culture and a bustling world-class arts district. San Antonio is home to the historic Alamo, and Houston’s iconic Space Center accompanies a diverse culinary scene. For those looking to get in touch with the great outdoors, Big Bend National Park is filled with desert canyons perfect for hiking, and Galveston's historic beachfront is a prime location for soaking in the sun and getting some R&R.

The Evergreen State is bustling with a mix of nature-centered living and a growing urban scene. Its three national parks—Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades—boast a temperate rainforest, an active glacial volcano, and the snowy “America's Alps,” respectively. In Seattle, the Pike Place Market is a hub for shopping and culture, with world-class museums dotting the streets. Just two hours away, a charming little mountain town sits in the Cascade Range in Leavenworth.

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is; Colorado is sure to impress. Set against the iconic Rocky Mountain Range, the Centennial State boasts red rocks and natural hot springs for those seeking a little luxury while they embrace the outdoors. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre marries live music with the natural landscape, while Denver offers select Colorado-brewed craft beers.

Home to one of the most famous cities in the world, New York offers a vibrant mix of cultures, with authentic food, dance, music, and entertainment from around the globe found across its five boroughs. But the Empire State has plenty to offer beyond New York City. Upstate, charming rural towns are surrounded by scenic mountains and rolling landscapes, while hiking trails and wine routes provide plenty of opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

Nevada may be fourth overall, but the Silver State took the top spot for nightlife—no wonder, with Vegas lighting up the desert landscape. Beyond the Michelin-starred dining scene and the lights of the Strip, Nevada is home to vast, untouched land, including Great Basin National Park, home to ancient bristlecone pine trees, and Valley of Fire State Park, which boasts 150-million-year-old Aztec sandstone formations alongside ancient petroglyphs.

While Route 66 might run through the state with its alluring roadside attractions, it’s worth stopping in the Prairie State. Brimming with history, Springfield is the final resting place of the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. It is now a hub for preserving his memory and legacy, with tours of his home and presidential library available. In Chicago, Millennium Park beckons visitors as The Bean offers the perfect photo op. The Riverwalk offers entertainment, miles of public shorelines, and the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza. About five hours away, Shawnee National Forest boasts hiking trails, sweeping vistas, and wine trails.

The Sunshine State takes the second spot on WalletHub’s list, boasting an abundance of amusement parks, a bustling nightlife scene, and a vibrant art district. Also home to the longest contiguous coastline in the United States, the state offers an enviable water sports scene with fishing, boating, and even jet skiing. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the fanfare of Orlando, dance in the clubs of Miami, or rest on the shores of Tampa, Florida has something for everyone.

Claiming the top spot is the Golden State. From the trolleys of San Francisco to the music festivals of the valley, California offers the second-most attractions per capita, alongside vibrant outdoor culture boasting both the best beach access and the most scenic byways in the entire country. The Napa Valley offers an unparalleled wine scene, while its nine national parks feature waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, canyons, and desertscapes all in one state.