WalletHub Names California the Most Fun State in America for 2026
WalletHub ranked the state No. 1 overall at 67.35, first in Entertainment and Recreation and fourth in nightlife.
WalletHub's annual Most Fun States in America study, published August 18, 2026, ranks California first overall with a score of 67.35, ahead of Florida at 64.14 and Illinois at 59.87, followed by Nevada, New York, Colorado, Washington, Texas, Minnesota and Arizona.
The study scores all 50 states across 26 metrics divided into two weighted categories: Entertainment and Recreation, worth 80 points, and Nightlife, worth 20. California ranked first in Entertainment and Recreation and fourth in Nightlife, behind Nevada, Illinois and New York, meaning the result rests on the larger half of the scorecard rather than on bars and clubs.
WalletHub credits California with the best beach access in the country, the most scenic byways per capita, the fourth best weather, the second most attractions per capita, and ties for first in restaurants, movie theaters and fitness centers per capita. Florida leads on amusement parks and arcades per capita. This is WalletHub's ranking rather than an official designation.
Need to know
- Where
- Statewide ranking. The study does not break out Los Angeles.
- Hours
- Published August 18, 2026. Data collected as of July 21, 2026.
- Price
- Free to read.
Source: WalletHub