A recent study by WalletHub ranked states based on their “fun factor,” considering factors like entertainment and recreation options, nightlife, and cost. Florida and California took the top spots, offering a variety of activities for all interests.
The study highlights that living in a fun state can positively impact mental, physical, and emotional health, providing opportunities for residents to stay active and social. It also benefits tourists who want to maximize their experiences within a limited timeframe.
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Florida’s top ranking is attributed to its abundance of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades, and music festivals per capita, along with its favorable weather and government spending on parks and recreation.
The report also delves into the effectiveness of state-sponsored tourism campaigns and the impact of inflation on tourism. Experts agree that such campaigns can successfully attract visitors and boost local economies.
Related: Florida Sets Record With 34.2 Million Visitors In Q2 2024, Marking Historic Growth In Tourism
While inflation may influence travel decisions, the pent-up demand for leisure activities and travel after the COVID-19 pandemic remains strong.
For budget-conscious individuals seeking fun, experts suggest prioritizing spending, incorporating free activities like hiking or attending local events, and considering camping as an affordable accommodation option.
“Living in one of the most fun states can boost your mental, physical and emotional health by giving you a wide range of activities to choose from, both indoor and outdoor. These states help residents stay active and socialize, and they’re also ideal for travelers who want to make the most out of the limited amount of time that they have to explore,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst.
“Florida is the most fun state in 2024, leading the country when it comes to the number of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita. In addition, Florida has the third-most attractions per capita and the sixth-best variety of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments. Finally, Florida has the 12th-best weather overall, and the Florida government spends the eighth-most money per capita on parks and recreation,” said Happe.
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