These 10 States Could Use a Little More Fun — and the Data Proves It
A new study ranked all 50 states on how entertaining they are, and these landed at the bottom.
Every state has its charms, but when it comes to pure entertainment, some just can’t keep up. WalletHub compared all 50 states across 26 metrics, from restaurants and attractions to nightlife and movie costs, to find out where fun comes easiest. The results? A few states might need a little help in the excitement department.
Here are the ten that ranked lowest for 2025.
10. Delaware
The First State may be rich in history, but it’s short on nightlife. Delaware landed near the bottom for both entertainment options and variety. With fewer movie theaters and attractions per capita, locals have to work a little harder to fill their weekends.
That said, the beaches in Rehoboth and the tax-free shopping still make it worth a visit — just don’t expect Vegas-style energy.
9. Arkansas
Known more for its natural beauty than its bustling city life, Arkansas scored low in recreation and nightlife. The Ozarks are stunning, and Hot Springs National Park offers a unique getaway, but after dark things quiet down fast.
If you’re the type who prefers starry skies over neon lights, you’ll probably still love it here.
8. Vermont
It’s picture-perfect in every season, but Vermont’s fun tends to be of the calm, cozy variety. The state ranked low for nightlife and restaurants, though it shines in outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
Think maple syrup tastings and ski weekends — not wild nights out.
7. Alabama
Between its music roots and beaches along the Gulf Coast, Alabama has the ingredients for fun — but it didn’t score high for overall entertainment options. The nightlife scene lags, and even its larger cities tend to wind down early.
Still, for anyone who loves college football Saturdays and Southern food, it’s far from dull.
6. Connecticut
Despite its proximity to New York and Boston, Connecticut struggled in almost every fun category, from attractions to affordability. The nightlife scene is limited, and it’s not exactly a budget destination.
That said, coastal getaways like Mystic and the fall foliage in Litchfield County still give it some bragging rights.
5. New Hampshire
New Hampshire may have gorgeous lakes and mountains, but WalletHub ranked it near the bottom for both nightlife and entertainment variety. Its charm lies in the outdoors, not in after-hours options.
If your idea of fun involves campfires and quiet hikes, you’ll be perfectly happy — but clubgoers will need to head south.
4. Kansas
The Sunflower State earned low marks for attractions and nightlife. It’s flat, quiet, and practical — which has its perks, just not for thrill-seekers.
Still, Kansas surprises with good barbecue, quirky roadside stops, and friendly small towns. Fun here just moves at a slower pace.
3. North Dakota
Even locals might admit it’s more of a “low-key” fun kind of place. North Dakota has wide-open spaces, long winters, and not much nightlife to speak of. It also ranks low for restaurants and entertainment venues per capita.
Still, if you’re into quiet beauty, it’s got that in spades — and the northern lights sometimes make a cameo.
2. Mississippi
While Mississippi has history, soul, and great food, the state scored near the bottom in both entertainment and recreation categories. There are fewer parks and attractions overall, and nightlife options are sparse outside a few college towns.
Visitors come for the music and the culture, not the crowds or chaos.
1. West Virginia
It’s a paradise for hikers, not partygoers. (It was recently awarded as having one of the best hiking trails in the whole country.) But West Virginia ranked last overall for fun, with some of the fewest attractions, restaurants, and nightlife spots per capita. The scenery is stunning — but it’s more about serenity than excitement.
If your idea of a good time involves rafting through the New River Gorge or unplugging completely, you’ll find it here. Otherwise, you may be reaching for your phone’s signal just to find the next thing to do.
If you prefer your vacations on the livelier side, though, check out where Americans are finding the most fun — or browse a few clever destination swaps that can make your next getaway feel brand new and save you hundreds.
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