U.S. States, Ranked from Least to Most Fun
Who's having the most fun in America?
While your idea of fun may be different from the next person, WalletHub decided to compare all 50 states to find out which places make it easy (and relatively difficult) to enjoy yourself.
A whole host of factors were taken into consideration, including number of attractions, weather, shoreline miles, beach quality, access to national parks, and variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments. All told, the analysis accounted for 26 metrics, then weighted them based on a state's population and size, so small states like Rhode Island could be compared to large states like Texas.
So where should you go to have a good time? Read on!
50. West Virginia
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 49
Nightlife Rank: 49
Whenever there is a ranking of best to worst states, some place has to come in last. And alas, in this case, that place is West Virginia.
Why does the state land at the bottom?
It is tied with Mississippi for having the lowest personal expenditures on recreation services per capita and is tied with five other states for having the lowest variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments. It also is one of the states with the fewest performing arts theaters, fitness centers and nightlife venues.
Where to Have Fun: Even the least fun state in America has plenty to keep you busy, if you know where to look. Despite its ranking, West Virginia is home to part of the Appalachian mountain range, which makes it a great place for hiking and skiing. It also features an adventure-lover's-dream whitewater river-rafting trip along the New River National Gorge, and houses the historic and stately Greenbrier Hotel, which has welcomed guests since 1778.
* All data came from the 2021 WalletHub report.
49. Mississippi
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 50
Nightlife Rank: 46
Farther south, Mississippi lands near the bottom due its lack of movie theaters (it ranks 48th) and performing arts theaters (it ranks dead last). And it ties with five other states for having the lowest variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments.
Plus, the residents have the lowest personal expenditures on recreation services (along with overall loser West Virginia).
Where to Have Fun: Attempt to make some coin while enjoying yourself at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, learn a bit about the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park and take a dip in the warm coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which Mississippi's coastline borders with soft-white beaches.
48. Delaware
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 48
Nightlife Rank: 50
It's not Delaware's size as the second smallest state in the U.S. that makes it less fun than others — remember this assessment is per capita and accounts for size. The First State has the second-fewest number of movie theaters and the most boring nightlife. (Yawn!)
It also has some of the fewest restaurants, golf courses and performing arts theaters in the country, and its residents spend less than most states on recreation services.
Where to Have Fun: There are 28 miles of dune-backed coastline in Delaware, with quaint Victorian beach towns providing family-friendly fun. The city of Wilmington, inland, features a riverfront park district with ample dining and shopping, as well.
47. Arkansas
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 46
Nightlife Rank: 48
When WalletHub found Arkansas to be one of the worst states for nightlife, it factored in how many bars, music festivals, casinos and performing-arts theaters the state has as well as the time of last call and the average price for a pint of beer or a glass of wine.
All of the above are not good in Arkansas, which also has some of the lowest personal expenditures on recreation services.
Where to Have Fun: Considering that a schoolteacher found a 2.12-carat diamond in July 2019 at the finders-keepers Crater of Diamonds State Park, we think there is a wealth of reasons to visit Arkansas.
46. Rhode Island
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 47
Nightlife Rank: 34
Rhode Island may be the smallest state and among the states with the fewest movie theaters per capita, but it is known for having a good amount of marinas.
Where to Have Fun: Those marinas are there for a reason: The state touts 384 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, even though it's only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long. The town of Newport is even considered the world capital of sailing.
45. Vermont
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 47
Nightlife Rank: 34
Often snow-covered during its long winter months, Vermont tied with five other states for having the most skiing facilities and is one of the states with the highest variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments.
Alas, that wasn't enough to move Vermont higher on the list, as it fares poorly in terms of attractions, amusement parks, arcades, nightlife accessibility and affordability.
Where to Have Fun: Those ski resorts in Vermont actually make the state the top spot for skiers on the East Coast, with places like Killington, Stowe, Okemo and Sugarbush providing some of the highest verticals and best powder east of the Mississippi River.
44. Alabama
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 44
Nightlife Rank: 43
Neighboring Mississippi, Alabama is only slightly better in the fun category, failing to pass a number of WalletHub's tests. The state offers fewer performing-arts theaters than most states, and residents spend much less on recreation services.
Where to Have Fun: Alabama's Gulf Shores is considered an American Riviera for its 60 miles of beaches so soft the sand squeaks when you walk on it, "singing" as you take in the surrounding emerald-green gulf waters. It's also home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, where all ages can get a taste of space and weightlessness — how fun is that?!
43. Connecticut
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 43
Nightlife Rank: 41
One of the states with the worst access to national parks, Connecticut is considered to be one of the 10 least fun states in America. WalletHub's low rating also factored in the state's relative scarcity of scenic byways, subpar beach quality, and minimal state and local finances directed to parks and recreation.
Looks like Connecticut didn't make the cut with a score of only 24.37 — in comparison, the No. 1 state's score is 61.57.
Where to Have Fun: With casinos a factor in the scoring system, we're surprised Connecticut didn't land a bit higher on the list. Foxwoods Resort and Casino and Mohegan Sun, both of which offer concerts from top-charting performers, are among the most exciting gaming establishments in the country.
42. Kentucky
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 41
Nightlife Rank: 39
Think Kentucky is just about a world-famous horse race and some baseball bats? Nope. It's actually one of the states with the most skiing facilities per capita.
But it's also a state with low state and local expenditures on parks and recreation, some truly yawn-inspiring nightlife when the Derby isn't running, and a lack of theater and entertainment.
Where to Have Fun: Besides checking out Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and visiting Churchill Downs, Mammoth Cave National Park features awe-inspiring caverns to explore.
41. Kansas
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 39
Nightlife Rank: 33
Dorothy may have wanted nothing more than to return to Kansas in "The Wizard of Oz," but this Midwestern state doesn't offer much when assessed across WalletHub's 26 metrics for fun. There's nothing particularly dismal about it — it doesn't land in the bottom five on any particular metric — but also nothing specific to write home about.
Kansas City is a great city for having fun, but most of its star attractions are in Missouri, which earns a much higher spot on this list.
Where to Have Fun: While the Kansas side of Kansas City is less jam-packed with attractions than the Missouri side, it has its own charms, including the Providence Medical Center Amphitheater (or Sandstone as most locals know it), a rollicking outdoor music venue. Elsewhere, Lawrence is a happening college town, and the Flint Hills are ideal for outdoor exploration.
40. Maine
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 35
Nightlife Rank: 44
Maine is tied with five other states for having the most skiing facilities and the most marinas per capita. Plus, it ranks highest for its variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments. So why does it land so low on the list of fun states?
The great outdoors is Maine's most appealing attribute, with nightlife failing miserably. It also receives less funding for its parks and recreation than most other places in the U.S.
Where to Have Fun: Maine is home to one of the most scenic national parks in the country: Acadia, which is nestled on just a fraction of the state's 3,478 coastline miles. (That's more than California, by the way!)
39. New Hampshire
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 38
Nightlife Rank: 40
New Hampshire's state and local expenditures on parks and recreation are among the lowest of all the states, which is sad when you consider how much of the destination is wooded for outdoor fun. Perhaps spending isn't needed when the residents can simply go out the door and enjoy nature, which they certainly do: New Hampshire boasts one of the highest personal expenditures on recreation services per capita.
While the outdoor fun may be plentiful, the state's nightlife leaves much to be desired, making New Hampshire's score low enough to almost land it among the 10 most boring states.
Where to Have Fun: Like its snowy neighbor of Vermont, New Hampshire offers great ski trails, especially near Mount Washington. That peak is also a summer play area, as is Franconia Notch State Park and the large Lake Winni (Lake Winnipesaukee) and its 258 islands.
38. Indiana
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 40
Nightlife Rank: 20
Midwestern states get a bad rap on WalletHub's fun-o-meter. Indiana's flat land makes it ideal for farming but horrible for skiing; the state has fewer skiing facilities per capita than most others. It also lacks much access to national parks, housing a paltry three National Park Service sites.
Where to Have Fun: Indianapolis is one of the state's best features, serving as home to the world's largest racing circuit; the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, considered the best kids' museum in the country; and 11 professional sports teams, including the NFL's Colts and the NBA's Pacers.
37. Montana
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 42
Nightlife Rank: 19
Remotely tucked away near the Dakotas and serving mostly as cattle land, Montana isn't considered much fun by WalletHub's measures. Its dearth of movie theaters, amusement parks, golf courses and theaters really does it in.
Then again, Montana does tie with five other states for having the most skiing facilities and offers excellent access to national parks. And that nightlife rank is definitely surprising!
Where to Have Fun: Montana certainly has parks and ski resorts in spades, such as Big Sky Resort for skiing and hiking and Glacier National Park. And, if you're looking for one of the most picturesque drives in the country, you'll find it here along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
36. Nebraska
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 36
Nightlife Rank: 28
Nebraska has a very low ranking for entertainment and recreation, with relatively scant marinas per capita (duh!), arcades, movie theaters, restaurants and golf courses.
Heck, even Nebraskans don't tend to boast about Nebraska. In late 2018, the state unveiled its new tourism tagline: "Honestly, it's not for everyone."
Where to Have Fun: The tagline is actually a joke, playing off the stereotypes people have of Nebraska being boring. Some cool places to go include Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock National Historic Site and Carhenge, a modern-day Stonehenge made of old cars.
35. North Dakota
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 33
Nightlife Rank: 29
Remote North Dakota is mainly a wide expanse of undeveloped land, which could be the reason it offers the fewest restaurants per capita. Rightfully, it offers fewer marinas, as it doesn't have much in terms of water fun, and it has fewer fitness centers than most states as well.
By why have a fitness center when you can get outside and enjoy the land here? In fact, North Dakota tied with four other states for having the highest state and local spending on parks and recreation.
Where to Have Fun: State and national parks are the big draw here. If you ever make it to the state, check out Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Mandan, which offers an interpretive history of explorers Lewis & Clark.
34. Wyoming
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 31
Nightlife Rank: 45
Wyoming has the second best access to national parks, which lands it higher on this list. But that's about it.
For instance, its nightlife really is a downer. Wyoming is missing out on access to bars, music festivals, casinos, theaters and nightlife options. Moreover, it has fewer restaurants per capita than the majority of other states.
Where to Have Fun: Like its neighboring states, Wyoming draws adventure-seeking crowds. Visit Grand Teton National Park and Grand Teton mountain, Devils Tower National Monument and even Yellowstone, which crosses into Wyoming and provides natural entertainment in the form of Old Faithful's geyser-spewing moments.
33. Alaska
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 32
Nightlife Rank: 42
Alaska is another state where the wealth of daylight entertainment far exceeds the nightlife. It has fewer restaurants, movie theaters and variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments than two thirds of the country. But it also has the best access to national parks, according to the research.
This mix of good and bad lands it in the middle of the list for fun.
Where to Have Fun: The national parks, of course! Denali, Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords? All yours for the exploring.
32. Iowa
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 37
Nightlife Rank: 17
Iowa has the second-most golf courses and country clubs per capita than any other state and more movie theaters than most. But golf and movies aren't enough to earn Iowa coveted "fun" status.
What it really needs are more amusement parks, restaurants, theaters and attractions (other than the "Field of Dreams" baseball field, that is).
Where to Have Fun: There are some unusual sites in Iowa, like the Captain James T. Kirk Future Birthplace, Villisca Axe Murder House and Day the Music Died Memorial, which uses thick black glasses to mark the site of the plane crash that took the life of Buddy Holly (along with the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens).
31. South Dakota
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 34
Nightlife Rank: 16
South Dakota touts better attractions and nightlife than its neighboring rival, North Dakota, landing it a few spots above a state it's too often confused with.
Still, South Dakota has fewer restaurants per capita than most, and, with a lack of lakes and seas, fewer marinas.
Where to Have Fun: One of the states with the best access to national parks, South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as Custer State Park.
30. New Jersey
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 30
Nightlife Rank: 30
The Garden State's shore is a hot spot in the summer, but it isn't actually that long and doesn't feature as much soft, clean sand as other ocean-bordering states. This is also one of the states with the lowest variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments — why bother when you can cross a river and enjoy all New York City to the north or Philadelphia to the south have to offer instead?
Despite its placement at No. 30, New Jersey ranks fifth for having the most fitness centers per capita, and its residents spend more on recreation than most.
Where to Have Fun: New York may claim the Statue of Liberty as its own, but Jersey's Liberty State Park overlooking the statue and the Manhattan skyline offers the best views. Plus, when summer does visit for its brief three-month stint, the Jersey Shore's boardwalk-lined beaches are a blast.
29. Virginia
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 28
Nightlife Rank: 35
You're not likely to tie one on and dance the night away in Virginia, which WalletHub gave a not-so-great nightlife ranking.
Its entertainment and recreation rank was also very middle of the road, so it's not surprising that the state that boasts itself as being "for lovers" earned the No. 29 spot.
Where to Have Fun: We love Virginia for its history — it seems everywhere you turn you can find something that forged a place on America's timeline, including George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, as well as the Arlington National Cemetery. You can also enjoy Shenandoah National Park and take the scenic route along Skyline Drive.
28. Idaho
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 27
Nightlife Rank: 31
Idaho landed in a lowly position for having fewer performing arts theaters than the majority of states. But what the state lacks in indoor fun seems to be made up for in outdoor adventures; it's one of five states topping the list for the most ski facilities per capita.
Where to Have Fun: Getting outside is big in this northwestern state, where you can hike along the Oregon Trail, at Shoshone Falls Park or at Craters of the Moon National Park.
27. Utah
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 23
Nightlife Rank: 47
Utah is one of the worst states in the nation for having a fun night out. But during the day? WalletHub notes it has a plethora of activities to keep you smiling, ranking it in the top 25 for entertainment and recreation.
Where to Have Fun: Utah is home to the Mighty 5: Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks — some of the best and most beautiful parks in the country.
26. Tennessee
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 29
Nightlife Rank: 18
One of the states with the highest variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments, Tennessee lands in the top 20 for nightlife. Memphis and Nashville are both hot cities for getting out and getting down, with a variety of live-music venues and clubs on tap.
Where to Have Fun: Check out the country-music scene in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame, or learn more about blues and rock in Memphis along Beale Street and at Graceland and Sun Studio.
25. Oklahoma
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 26
Nightlife Rank: 21
WalletHub finds Oklahoma to be a middle-of-the-road state in terms of its entertainment, recreation and nightlife. It's got a little bit of a lot of things. But not a whole lot of any particular thing.
Where to Have Fun: You can explore some really cool attractions in Oklahoma, including a psychedelic arts center known as The Womb in Oklahoma City, an abandoned circus camp called Gandini's Circle in Edmond, and the world's only museum dedicated to action figures in Pauls Valley.
24. Georgia
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 22
Nightlife Rank: 36
WalletHub doesn't sing the praises of or throw punches at Georgia, another middle-ground state in terms of fun.
As home to the capital of the South, Atlanta, and the charmingly graceful city of Savannah, plus many spots in between hoping to show you a good time, don't discount Georgia just because it's No. 24 on this list.
Where to Have Fun: The Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest, while the World of Coca-Cola is perfect for sampling unique soda from around the planet. Both are near Centennial Olympic Park in happening Atlanta.
23. Massachusetts
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 25
Nightlife Rank: 23
Although Massachusetts spends little on parks and recreation per capita, its residents do, spending plenty on recreation services. The state has more performing arts theaters than most, many of which can be found in Boston and the Berkshires for end-to-end state entertainment.
Where to Have Fun: From the Berkshires to the Cape, Massachusetts offers fun in all forms: hiking in the woods, sunning on the beach, sailing off the coast and exploring historic sites, just for example.
22. South Carolina
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 21
Nightlife Rank: 32
Similar to its northern neighbor, which ranks even higher on this list, South Carolina is considered to be a fun and affordable state to visit. Beaches with amusement parks, national parks and gardens, sprawling plantations and up-and-coming cities are all part of the fun here.
Where to Have Fun: Myrtle Beach is one of the biggest vacation destinations in the country, especially for families. Head over to enjoy the tallest Ferris wheel in the U.S.
21. New Mexico
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 20
Nightlife Rank: 26
It doesn't matter that New Mexico has fewer golf courses and marinas than most other states; it is still No. 21 for fun, according to WalletHub.
New Mexico hits all the right notes in terms of offering art, entertainment, amusement, restaurants and more. And it's one of the best states for accessing national parks to boot.
Where to Have Fun: There are definitely great national parks in this southwestern state, including Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Parks, and Chaco Culture National Historic Site.
20. Hawaii
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 16
Nightlife Rank: 37
Hawaii ranks 46th when it comes to movie theaters per capita, and dead last for fitness centers per capita.
Then again, why would you want to sit in a dark theater when you could explore crystal-clear oceans, rainforests with waterfalls and golden-sand beaches — or work up a sweat indoors when you could go for a hike or swim instead?
Perhaps as no surprise, Hawaii has one of the highest state and local expenditures on parks and recreation per capita — this is a beautiful state, and they pay to keep it that way!
Where to Have Fun: Surfing, kayaking, SUPing, snorkeling, boating — anything to enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean waters is a must-do. On land, visit national parks like Haleakala or Hawaii Volcanoes.
19. Michigan
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 19
Nightlife Rank: 22
Michigan is home to the most golf courses and country clubs per capita, but that's not enough to get it into the top 10 for fun.
But Michigan is in the top 20 because you'll find a good mix of things to do here, from eating at top-notch restaurants, to connecting with your inner kid at arcades, to catching flicks at movie theaters, to enjoying world-class skiing.
Where to Have Fun: Michigan is also home to national parks galore, many of which are along the Great Lakes. Try Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park.
18. North Carolina
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 15
Nightlife Rank: 27
In North Carolina, you'll find beaches and mountains and cute cities with restaurants, museums, nightlife and attractions, all at lower costs than the majority of states.
WalletHub's analysis kept costs in mind when creating its list — having fun for free is certainly better than paying for it!
Where to Have Fun: The Outer Banks' beaches make up a national dune-filled seashore on the east coast, while the Blue Ridge Mountains promise beautiful scenery in the western part of the state. Stop in Asheville to visit the Biltmore, the largest privately owned home in the country.
17. Maryland
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 13
Nightlife Rank: 25
Known as a sailing hotspot, Maryland is tied with five other states for having the most marinas and has nearly 3,200 miles of coastline to enjoy (when you follow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's measurements).
WalletHub has it high for entertainment and recreation, but alas, the nightlife is quite average, keeping Maryland from a higher spot on the fun chart.
Where to Have Fun: Baltimore's wealth of attractions includes the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry National Monument, and the Inner Harbor restaurants and shops. And while the state as a whole doesn't offer much nightlife, the city's Fells Point is an excellent place for a pub crawl.
16. Arizona
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 12
Nightlife Rank: 24
Arizona is filled with amazing national parks and has lots of fun resorts and golf courses to lounge the day away. Plus, hot-air balloon rides are a daily occurrence in several cities, including artsy Sedona.
Where to Have Fun: This is the state where you'll find the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley — three amazing southwestern backdrops that draw visitors from around the world.
15. Wisconsin
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 24
Nightlife Rank: 2
After shredding the Midwest for its lack of fun, surprise! Wisconsin is WalletHub's No. 2 pick for nightlife. Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay? They know how to have a good time when the sun goes down.
The state even has more country clubs and golf courses per capita than most. And yet, the entertainment and recreation rank isn't a high one. Perhaps that's because the state has poor access to national parks?
Where to Have Fun: Wisconsin Dells is the "waterpark capital of the world." Slip and slide your way around at Noah's Ark Waterpark, one of the largest you'll ever see.
14. Missouri
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 14
Nightlife Rank: 14
The Show-Me State has plenty to show you in terms of fun, especially within the confines of St. Louis and Kansas City, where nightlife and attractions are plentiful.
The state is also home to Branson, where Silver Dollar City and the Ozarks are a huge draw for American visitors — we definitely understand how Missouri only narrowly missed the top 10 when it comes to a good time.
Where to Have Fun: Enjoy professional sporting events in Missouri, home of the MLB's St. Louis Cardinals, NHL's St. Louis Blues and NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, which it shares with Kansas. You'll also find attractions galore in the Missouri part of Kansas City, including the National World War I Monument and Museum and Harry S Truman National Historic Site for history buffs, Worlds of Fun amusement park and Sea Life Kansas City aquarium for kids, and tons of great museums like the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the American Jazz Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
13. Ohio
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 17
Nightlife Rank: 10
Ohio, where grassy knolls abound, is home to several golf courses and amusement parks.
Plus, it's No. 10 in terms of nightlife, which is especially good in Columbus and Cincinnati. (Really!)
Where to Have Fun: You can enjoy fun and games at Cedar Point and Kings Island amusement parks, or at outdoor parks like Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hocking Hills State Park.
12. Louisiana
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 18
Nightlife Rank: 6
When you throw one of the biggest parties in the world, you're bound to be considered one of the most fun states in America. That's certainly the case for Louisiana, where foot-tall Hurricanes are the drink of choice along beloved Bourbon Street, whether its Mardi Gras or not.
It's not only about the drinks in Louisiana, of course. Airboat tours in the swampland, discovering the history of voodoo and sampling amazing food are in the cards as well.
Where to Have Fun: New Orleans, of course! Home to the French Quarter, Jackson Square and nightclubs filled with lively jazz music, this city has excitement down.
11. Oregon
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 10
Nightlife Rank: 15
The Pacific Northwest was an insider's secret for generations, but no more. Now everyone has discovered just how beautiful and laidback the area is, with loads of things to do outside, from Crater Lake National Park to mountains and waterfalls for exploring, hiking and skiing.
Yet, Oregon slips almost makes the top 10 not only for outdoor recreation, but for its expansive offering of daily and nightly fun, all at a wallet-friendly price, according to WalletHub.
Where to Have Fun: Visit the city of Portland and wander through the Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden to find your zen.
10. Pennsylvania
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 11
Nightlife Rank: 9
Pennsylvania is a large state that offers two awesome cities at either end for theater, restaurants and nightlife, then sprinkles in history, outdoor fun and amusements everywhere in between.
From Pittsburgh on the west to Philadelphia on the east, city-lovers will find lively bars and restaurants, museums dedicated to art and history, and festivals to fill weekend days. When hitting the rural roads, you'll stumble upon the Appalachian Mountains and the Poconos, where you can see how life was lived during a simpler era in Amish Country.
Where to Have Fun: Visit the home of chocolate, Hershey, to learn about the man behind the name, and to sample all of his candies. Then take a spin on a roller coaster or two at Hersheypark.
9. Minnesota
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 9
Nightlife Rank: 7
Does it surprise you that this Midwestern state landed in the top 10? We bet the people of Minnesota will proudly share all the reasons why they are a barrel of laughs. First, Minnesota's residents spend the second-most on recreation — these are people that like to have a good time.
Minnesota also has one of the highest concentrations of performing arts theaters per capita in the country.
Where to Have Fun: There is so much more than the state's famous Mall of America, much of it outdoor fun. Enjoy the trails at Voyageurs National Park, the waterfalls in Minnehaha Park and on-the-water thrills at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wildnerness.
8. Texas
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 8
Nightlife Rank: 12
Texas is an extra-big state with extra-big attractions, rightfully earning its No. 8 spot.
Texas has it all: beaches, hills, cities, science, history and lots to see and do. It's also tied with New York, Florida and California for having the most restaurants per capita.
Where to Have Fun: You can remember The Alamo in San Antonio, as well as cruise down a river while dining along the city's River Walk. In Houston, visit the Space Center, then head down the coast to Galveston and South Padre Island for beaches and sun.
7. Washington
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 7
Nightlife Rank: 13
Washington state has been consistently growing as a travel destination now that people have uncovered how truly hip it is. The state brought on the local breweries trend that has spread across the country, and Seattle's cool vibe includes tons of restaurants, theaters and entertainment.
If that wasn't enough, Washington's national parks, including Olympic and Mount Rainier, are just a stone's throw from Seattle, and the nearby San Juan Islands provide a boating paradise.
Where to Have Fun: While in Seattle, see the city from atop the iconic Space Needle, visit the landmark Pike Place Market and step into pop-culture history at the Museum of Pop Culture.
6. Colorado
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 6
Nightlife Rank: 11
Colorado is known to be an outdoor-lover's dream state, with locals touting its hiking, biking and ski trails and practically perfect year-round weather (also a factor in WalletHub's point system).
Sure enough, the state lands in the top 10, as its officials and residents spend more on parks and recreation than most other states. Colorado is also tied with five other states for having the most skiing facilities per capita.
Where to Have Fun: It's all about the outdoors here: Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Garden of the Gods — even concerts are enjoyed outside at Red Rocks Canyon.
5. Illinois
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 5
Nightlife Rank: 3
With more restaurants and performing arts theaters than most states, Illinois is in the top three for nightlife. There is plenty to keep you busy in the heartland of America, specifically in Chicago, the largest city in the Midwest.
Although the state doesn't have great access to national parks, it makes up for it by spending more than most states on its parks and recreation.
Where to Have Fun: Outside of the music venues in Chicago and East St. Louis, Illinois is home to the famed Route 66 starting point, as well as notable Americans like Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright. You can visit all of their former homes.
4. New York
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 3
Nightlife Rank: 4
Of course, New York made the top five. Tied for having the most restaurants, most movie theaters, most performing arts theaters and most fitness centers, the question should really be "What doesn't New York have?"
Nightlife, of course, isn't the answer. The state has one of the highest rankings for nightlife, as well, and we're betting New York City heavily affected that rating — theaters, bars and clubs promise fun that spills well into the night. All in all, it's easy to love New York.
Where to Have Fun: New York City isn't the only hotspot in the state. Visit Niagara Falls near Buffalo, ski an Olympic slope in Lake Placid and go leaf-peeping in the fall in the Catskills.
3. Nevada
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 4
Nightlife Rank: 1
Was there any doubt that Las Vegas was going to earn Nevada the No. 1 spot for nightlife when factoring in drink prices, casinos and last-call hours? (Does Vegas even have a last call?)
Nevada features some of the most varied arts, entertainment and recreation establishments in the nation, including abundant outdoor recreation in the desert, where even guests of Vegas can enjoy the red rocks, Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, just over the border in Arizona.
Where to Have Fun: There is nowhere else like the casinos of Las Vegas — sample the glitz and glamour of the Bellagio and Venetian along The Strip, and don't forget to take in a performance from one of the many A-list stars hosting residencies in town.
2. Florida
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 2
Nightlife Rank: 8
Less than three points kept Florida from taking the title as the Most Fun State in America. We really shouldn't have to explain why: The state boasts more than 1,200 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean with beaches galore and is home to Disney World and scores of amusement parks.
WalletHub found Florida to be tied for the most restaurants. That's because this state is home to cities filled with Caribbean and Latin flair, especially in Miami, where all-night dance clubs and hip international-cuisine-filled restaurants attract throngs of visitors.
Where to Have Fun: If you really have to ask, let's add to the mix places like the Kennedy Space Center, the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park.
1. California
Entertainment & Recreation Rank: 1
Nightlife Rank: 5
The state that bests them all has to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to fun and flair — and California sure does. Hugging the Pacific Ocean are 840 miles of coastline with surf-friendly beaches. The state also introduced the world to Disneyland well before the Florida's "World" came along. And while it doesn't have Miami, it does have world-class cities in the form of Los Angeles and San Francisco, along with Hollywood and all that entails.
It ties with three others for most restaurants, with New York and Texas for most movie theaters (duh!) and New York for most performing arts theaters. Plus, there is skiing in Lake Tahoe and so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, from Yosemite and Death Valley to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. California definitely earned its blue ribbon.
Where to Have Fun: Something else California does best: vineyards. Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara produce some of the world's finest wines.