Top 20 Most Fun Cities in America with Best Entertainment, Nightlife & Parties

Laelia Yang March 03, 2022 | 20:09

If you're considering the number of entertainment options with the best entertainment and nightlife cities across America, this information below will help determine your city's list.

Personal finance website WalletHub released their ranking for the most fun cities in America, based on a number of factors including entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and costs. Costs ranked from lowest to highest, with a No. 1 ranking indicating that the city had the lowest costs associated with it. For the other two categories, a No. 1 spot indicated the cities scored the most points for metrics relating to entertainment and recreation and nightlife and parties.

Some cities, like New York, are just so much fun that they ranked near the top of the list despite sky-high local prices. The Big Apple, for example, boasts the most restaurants and playgrounds “per square root of the population,” according to WalletHub, at 7.5023 and 0.6241, respectively.

That’s more than 30 times the number of eateries in Peoria, Arizona — the U.S. city with the fewest restaurants, at 0.2464 — and 19 times more playgrounds than Hialeah, Florida, which has the fewest playgrounds (0.0328). Results like those land New York in the No. 3 spot in the list of most fun cities despite its poor ranking — dead last, at 182 out of 182— for cost-effectiveness. (Santa Rosa, California; Juneau, Alaska; Boston; and Yonkers, New York, rank with the City That Never Sleeps as the nation’s priciest places.)

Take a look at some of the most fun cities in the USA you should visit below. Have fun!

Which Are the Most Fun Cities in America With Best Entertainment, Nightlife & Parties?

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

2. Orlando, Florida

3. New York City, New York

4. Miami, Florida

5. Chicago, Illinois

6. Atlanta, Georgia

7. San Francisco, California

8. Portland, Oregon

9. San Diego, California

10. Los Angeles, California

11. Austin, Texas

12. New Orleans, Louisiana

13. Honolulu, Hawaii

14. Denver, Colorado

15. Washington, D.C.

16. Tampa, Florida

17. Seattle, Washington

18. St. Louis, Missouri

19. Houston, Texas

20. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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List of The Top 20 Most Fun Cities in the US

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Photo: allegiantair

Las Vegas landed the top spot for the most fun city in America, with very high rankings in both entertainment and nightlife.

The "Entertainment Capital of the World", Las Vegas, took the number one slot for the most fun city in America just like in 2019 (the list was not available in 2020 due to the pandemic).

The city also ranked number one as the most sinful city in the country. As expected, it scored very high on metrics that include most festivals per capita, most restaurants per capita, most dance clubs per capita, and a number of attractions.

No surprises there for the city known as "Gambling Capital of the World," the "Marriage Capital of the World," and the "Neon Capital of the World."

2. Orlando, Florida

Two words describe why Orlando places so high on this list of fun cities: “Disney World.” True to its name, the world-famous theme park is home to an endless supply of attractions and rides. When you're all done there, Universal Orlando Resort is more comprehensive and spectacular now than ever.

Famous for its theme parks such as Disney World or Universal, Orlando offers plenty of fun things to do in the Florida sunshine at a more affordable price than other major "fun" cities in the country.

The city has hotels that cater to any budget, excellent restaurants and cultural attractions, including the Orlando Science Center, Wekiwa Springs State Park, or Mennello Museum of American Folk Art.

Orlando, Miami and Las Vegas were among those tied for 'Most Restaurants per Capita.'

3. New York City, New York

Photo: The Telegram

NYC has to be one of the most fun cities in the US to visit! After all, a global city like the Big Apple has literally everything you could ever want (or find).

Once here, check out the views (at sunset) from the Top of the Rock, explore the secret spots in NYC (that are hidden all across the city), and gorge on New York’s best doughnuts!

Now, there are far too many things to mention in one post on all the fun things to do in NYC, but we’ve created a few posts that’ll hopefully get you on your way to explore some of the best parts of Manhattan and the surrounding districts.

4. Miami, Florida

Miami is filled to the brim with famous nightclubs, Art Déco architecture, delicious food, white sand beaches, luxurious hotels, and a discernible Cuban influence. Each year, Art Basel descends on the city, putting some of the country's best contemporary art within reach.

Miami remains in the fourth position on the fun scale. The "Magic City" has lots of fashionable places to eat and hang out, beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, international cuisine, and a thriving nightlife that attracts millions of visitors to this subtropical city every year.

5. Chicago, Illinois

Photo: Gogo Charters

With the most restaurants per capita and most park playgrounds per capita, Chicago claims the eighth spot on the list. It scores high on entertainment and nightlife, which is to be expected, right? The city is big on sports, architecture, shopping, museums, dining, and music. Plus, there’s deep-dish pizza, blues, Lake Michigan, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Chicago is known as a great summer destination, thank to its beaches, ball parks, and its popular summer music festival, Lollapalooza. The Windy City doesn't need mild weather to have fun. It ties with New York for most park playgrounds per capita. Pictured is ice skating at Millennium Park.

6. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is home to the Falcons, Braves, and Hawks. The city's dining options are abundant and varied, and the club scene is tough to beat. Visit the Georgia Aquarium, often named among the best in the country.

Home to a stunning skyline, this charming southern city offers a thriving food scene and plenty of cultural and fun activities at a reasonable cost.

Visiting the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. or the Center for Civil and Human Rights, is always a great idea when in Atlanta. Apart from that, there are plenty of parks, trails, shopping districts and always something to do and see.

7. San Francisco, California

Photo: The San Francisco Examiner

Home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermans Wharf (with stinky, but funny seals), and the hippie district around Haight Street, San Francisco is one of the most fun cities in the US to explore.

Once you’re here, hire a bike and cycle down to Sausalito for brunch or enjoy a takeout picnic from Tartine Bakery in Mission Park. Oh and head over to Alcatraz to brush up on the cities prison history, too. You can easily spot the prison island from Fisherman’s Wharf and visit once you’ve bought your tickets. Just make sure to book in advance as the tours can fill up real fast.

Don’t forget to see the Painted Ladies (colorful houses), take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer, and see the winding Lombard Street.

If you’re looking for one of the best brunches of the city, pop over to Sweet Maple on Sutter Street. Make sure to try their Millionaire’s Bacon, too!

8. Portland, Oregon

Spread across both sides of the Willamette River, Portland is the kind of place where the local barbershop has cold beer on tap, and there's a new vegan bakery springing up on every block.

Portland feels really creative and one of the more fun cities in the US to visit. Once here, make sure to explore Washington Park, explore the Grotto, and visit Pittock Mansion. If those don’t immediately take your fancy, pop out of the city to explore Share Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge. Just remember to pack your hiking shoes.

Worth a visit is the Native American art at the Portland Art Museum. The slogan, "Keep Portland Weird" makes sense considering how unique the city is, and as for fun, it has everything you need and more.

9. San Diego, California

Photo: Tripdolist

Right on the Pacific coastline, sunny San Diego is a partygoer's paradise. Alcohol flows liberally in the Gaslamp Quarter, which comprises virtually nothing but bars, restaurants, and music venues. Spread across Balboa Park's 1200 acres are museums, gardens, art galleries, and one of the best zoos in the world.

That said, the Californian city, scores very high on "entertainment and recreation" and there are plenty of things to do that won't cost you a thing such as enjoying the mild climate, catching some sun on the many beaches or a visit to the famous Balboa Park, home to museums, gardens, and restaurants.

10. Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles took a bit of time for me to like, the city is pretty expansive and can be quite hard to navigate with the traffic (which we regularly got stuck in). That being said, what I would recommend is that you think of LA as a cluster of smaller towns. Focus your energy on particular areas you think you’ll like and explore those.

Once in the city, pay a visit to see the Hollywood Sign, visit the Getty Center and watch a game at the Dodger Stadium. Alternatively, there are other cool spots that make LA one of the fun cities in the US to explore. Of course, you can visit Disneyland (technically Anaheim) and Universal Studios, and Santa Monica Pier.

All that exploring, will no doubt work up an appetite, so pop over to Genwa for one of the tastiest Korean grills in California (based in Beverley Hills or Mid Wilshire).

11. Austin, Texas

Photo: The Austinot

The Texas state capital is also one of the hippest cities in the country. Every year, the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival rolls into town, bringing the latest in film, music, and tech. The rest of the year, Austin is well-known for its flourishing music scene, delicious food, and college life.

The home of SXSW, Austin is no doubt a top destination for live music, boasting more than 250 music venues.

The nightlife is legendary and so is the welcoming, friendly vibe. The city also caters to art lovers and curious minds with top-notch museums such as the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Blanton Museum of Art.

12. New Orleans, Louisiana

There are few festivals in the world more fun than Mardi Gras, celebrated each year in this popular city. The “Big Easy” delivers great food and thrilling live music no matter what the time of year, or time of day for that matter. Famous areas like Bourbon Street and the French Quarter offer copious amounts of vivacious local flavor.

The city is an amalgam of cultures that includes Creoles, African Americans, Spanish, Germans, Jews, and many other communities that make New Orleans an interesting, fun and soulful place to visit. When nightime falls, vibrant Bourbon Street is the place to be.

13. Honolulu, Hawaii

Photo: TripSavvy

Mountainous backdrops, rolling waves and some pretty epic beaches make up the island of Oahu – with the capital city, Honolulu being one of the most fun cities in the US to spend some time.

Once here, visit Pearl Harbour, head to the Lyon Arboretum to explore the botanical gardens and head down to the local farmers market to enjoy lunch on the go. It also goes without saying that you should book a crafty surf lesson on Waikiki beach.

Also, don’t forget to visit the Diamon Head State Monument, hike to Manoa Falls and gorge at South Shore Grill. They serve up the best fish tacos in all of Oahu!

14. Denver, Colorado

Colorado’s capital has a lot going on for it. The Mile High City is the first point of contact when planning a hike to the Rocky Mountains. It has an appreciation for nature and the outdoors, but there’s nothing rustic about it—it’s an urban city with sports fans, beer lovers, art aficionados, and gourmands. The Mile High City has plenty to offer when it comes to fun. It caters to everyone; sports fans, art and culture lovers, foodies, outdoors lovers, the list goes on.

Visitors to and residents of Denver have access to a number of exciting and fun activities, including the Denver Art Museum and resorts in the nearby Rocky Mountains.

In addition, there is the eternal sunshine and friendly locals.

15. Washington, D.C.

Photo: Nelson Mullins

Washington D.C is the capital of the United States with places like the White House, Congress, and government being key features of the city. Now, don’t let that put you off, Washington really is one of the fun cities in the US to explore, especially their museum district and different neighborhoods.

Once here, make sure to explore Georgetown is full of cool eating spots like Clyde’s that’s pretty lively and even has some live bands in the evenings.

Don’t forget to explore the world-class museums in Washington DC, too. Make sure to pop in; United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art, the Musem of African-American culture and the Renwick Gallery. You can literally spend weeks exploring all the museums!

16. Tampa, Florida

It may not be Disney World, but Tampa's Busch Gardens delivers equally thrilling escapism. For a different kind of fun, check out Ybor City just outside of the downtown area for delicious food, boutique shopping, and several popular nightclubs.

Visitors who love exploring the Spanish-Cuban neighborhood Ybor City, the Busch Gardens theme park, the Tampa Riverwalk, Seminole Heights, and cat lovers, will never miss the chance to pay a visit to the Big Cat Rescue sanctuary.

17. Seattle, Washington

Photo: US News Travel

Seattle is a northwest coast city, the weather can be slightly unpredictable but don’t let that put a dampener on your trip, it’s easily one of the fun cities in the US to explore whatever the weather may throw!

Once here, make sure to pop over to Pike Place Market to grab some chowder (at Pike Place Chowder) and see the stunning Dale Chihuly Gardens that’s right next door to the Space Needle. Oh, and take the boat over to Bainbridge Island… It’s totally gorgeous.

For coffee, obviously Seattle is home to Starbucks, but if you fancy a smaller establishment, pop over to Elm Coffee Roasters, a quirky independent coffee house for one of the best brews.

18. St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch is worth a visit, but St. Louis' nearby Soulard District is where the action is. Awash with old-school architecture and new-school vibes, the area is rich with restaurants, clubs, and music venues. St. Louis is also home to one of the country's best zoos, as well as gardens, parks, stadiums, and plenty of other attractions.

St. Louis has respectable scores across the board, including on the "entertainment and recreation," "nightlife and parties," and "cost" categories.

Among the highlights, check out Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Moto Museum, Adventure Valley Zipline, Central Library and the Lumiere Casino.

19. Houston, Texas

Photo: Techspo Houston

Houston is the largest city in the South and the Southwest, and the fourth-most populated city in the country. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world's largest livestock show and has hosted performers like Jason Aldean, Beyoncé, Bon Jovi, and most recently Kacey Musgraves and Cardi B.

The second-most fun city in Texas, according to the report, Houston is one of the top five cities with the most dance clubs per capita and most park playgrounds per capita.

Check out the Johnson Space Center, Houston Rodeo, Armadillo Palace, and the Art Car Museum.

20. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

History doesn't just survive in Philadelphia—it thrives. Besides a range of historical landmarks, the City of Brotherly Love features several of the country's best restaurants, shopping districts, and sports teams. If you've never tried a Philly cheesesteak, now's the time.

Home of the Philly Cheesesteak, Philadelphia is a destination for pop culture fanatics and history nerds alike. Visitors can see the Liberty Bell and climb the stairs made famous by the 1976 classic film "Rocky."

Philadelphia made it into the top 20 for entertainment and recreation, taking 20th place. Be ready to spend some money here, though. The city ranked 102nd in the costs category.

Other findings in the most fun cities

Beer: Oklahoma City boasts the cheapest six-pack of beer, at $7.24 on average, which is 1.6 times lower than the price in New York ($11.78).

Dance clubs: San Francisco has the most dance clubs, more than 84 times as many as Plano, Texas, which has the fewest.

Festivals: Honolulu, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Tampa, Florida, are all tied for the most festivals per capita. Laredo, Texas, has the fewest.

Movie tickets: Port St. Lucie, Florida, enjoys the lowest movie ticket prices, at $6.63, which is 2.3 times cheaper than in Los Angeles, the nation’s most expensive at $15.57 per person.

Park access: San Francisco and Boston boast the highest level of walkable park access, with 100% of people enjoying access to some green within walking distance. That’s almost three times higher than in Jacksonville, Florida, where only 35% of people can walk to a park.

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