Florida knows how to have a good time — and apparently the rest of the country knows it, too.
The Sunshine State has been ranked the second-most fun state in America for 2026, trailing only California in a new WalletHub study measuring everything from restaurants and amusement parks to beaches, nightlife and outdoor recreation.
Florida posted an overall score of 64.14, finishing No. 2 nationally for entertainment and recreation and No. 7 for nightlife. California took the top spot with a score of 67.35, followed by Illinois, Nevada and New York.
For anyone who has spent time in Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando or along Florida’s sprawling coastline, the result probably isn’t much of a shock.
Florida leads the nation in restaurants, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita, according to WalletHub. It also boasts the most marinas per capita, the second-most shoreline mileage and ranks fifth for golf courses and country clubs.
The state finished fourth nationally for attractions per capita and seventh for the variety of arts, entertainment and recreation businesses.
WalletHub compared all 50 states using 26 measures split between entertainment and recreation and nightlife, looking not just at how much there is to do, but how accessible and affordable those options are.
“Living in one of the most fun states can boost your mental, physical and emotional health,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said, noting that top-ranked states offer residents and visitors plenty of ways to stay active and socialize.
At the other end of the party spectrum, Rhode Island ranked No. 45 overall, followed by Delaware, Arkansas, Vermont, Mississippi and dead-last West Virginia.
So while California technically grabbed the crown, Florida once again proved there aren’t many places better suited for people who would rather spend their free time anywhere but sitting at home.
