Americans devote nearly 5% of their annual spending to entertainment, and a new national report reveals where that money delivers the most value. WalletHub’s 2025 ranking of the Most Fun Cities in America names Las Vegas as the country’s top destination for year-round enjoyment.

The personal-finance company analyzed more than 180 cities using 65 metrics measuring affordability, access, and variety. The findings highlight where residents and visitors encounter the strongest mix of activities, from dining and nightlife to outdoor recreation and cultural events.

Top Cities Blend Affordability With Abundant Activities

WalletHub designed its analysis to help travelers and residents locate cities with a broad mix of fun, budget-friendly experiences. Measures include restaurant density, walkable park access, playgrounds, nightlife, and the overall variety of attractions.

Las Vegas ranks No. 1, supported by a large concentration of restaurants and attractions, one of the country’s biggest collections of casinos, and a robust mix of music festivals, venues, dance clubs, and comedy clubs. Public drinking is permitted in most areas of the city, adding to its unique entertainment landscape.

“Las Vegas is the most fun city overall,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo explains, “boasting an extremely large number of attractions and restaurants rated at least 4.5 stars. In addition, Sin City is one of the only cities in our study where public drinking is allowed in most or all places, and it has one of the largest numbers of casinos in the country. Las Vegas is renowned for its performers, and it has a very high number of music festivals, music venues, dance clubs and comedy clubs per capita. While Las Vegas can be expensive for many things, it’s the cheapest city for grabbing a burger, and it has the 12th-cheapest average fitness club membership cost.”

Orlando follows at No. 2, while Miami ranks No. 3. Atlanta and New Orleans complete the top five, each scoring highly for dining, cultural events, and year-round entertainment.

“The most fun cities naturally include some of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., like Las Vegas, Orlando and Miami,” Lupo adds, “but these cities are far more than tourist traps. They provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all types of interests, from sports to theaters to arcades, and they have plenty of diverse restaurants to try. The top cities offer affordable options for year-round fun for their residents, which is good for residents’ wallets and their mental health.”

What Experts Say About Fun on a Budget

WalletHub’s report includes insight from national scholars on how Americans can stretch their recreation dollars. Their guidance highlights the factors that shape a city’s overall “fun” factor.

“Attend free local events, outdoor concerts, or festivals that celebrate community and culture,” says Nicole Darnall, professor at American University. “Utilize public parks, trails, and green spaces, which also encourage active transportation and ecological stewardship. Explore farmers’ markets, community gardens, and public art, supporting local producers and artists while reducing long-distance transport impacts.”

Kenneth Kickham, a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, also points to community-driven traditions. “Public spaces deserve a look,” he says. “Parks, museums, hiking trails, and libraries can be fun for all ages, depending on tastes. Community-building events are also available year-round in many large cities and even smaller ones. In my city, as an example, we have dozens of neighborhoods that show up for the annual ‘Neighbors Night Out’ event coordinated by the city and a local nonprofit. Police and fire departments participate along with community-minded volunteers. It’s a good way for people in every neighborhood to get to know each other a little better.”

What Makes a City Both Fun and Affordable

Experts outline the considerations Americans should weigh when evaluating cities for livability or travel. Their recommendations help explain why some destinations deliver stronger value and variety.

Darnall encourages travelers to look for “accessible green spaces, urban forests, and water features open to all at low or no cost. Robust public transportation and walkable districts that help visitors cut spending and emissions. Local entertainment venues, markets, and restaurants that source goods sustainably, supporting circular local economies.”

Kickham recommends beginning with transit and mobility. “First on my list is a robust public transit system,” he says. “Larger cities that take transportation seriously use some combination of bus service and light rail to make getting around town a pleasing and worry-free adventure. Other considerations are safety, low cost of living, economic stability, and affordable housing.”

How Cities Can Strengthen Their Appeal

Local governments play an important role in shaping a city’s fun factor. Their investment choices directly influence access, affordability, and available experiences.

“Allocate local budgets and funding to provide safe, clean, and inviting cities with limited traffic congestion, plenty of open street and sidewalk infrastructure, walkable downtowns, quality public transit options, and low crime rates, combined with reasonable levels of tax exporting on tourists,” says Dr. Tom Lehman, professor of economics at Indiana Wesleyan University. He adds that reducing congestion through durable roads and peak-use tolling can make a city more attractive to visitors.

Darnall notes that cities can enhance fun while advancing sustainability by “supporting community-led festivals, arts initiatives, and green spaces that draw both residents and tourists. Investing in infrastructure – such as bike lanes, pedestrian plazas, and efficient public transit – that makes visiting easier and more eco-friendly. Fostering local food, music, and markets that offer entertainment and promote local economic resilience. Prioritizing inclusive policies and affordability so all can participate, ensuring social sustainability alongside environmental goals.”

Strong Contenders: Cities Ranked 6–10

Houston, San Francisco, Austin, Portland, and Cincinnati make up the next tier of WalletHub’s ranking, driven by restaurant diversity, cultural access, and outdoor recreation. Each city shows a balance of year-round activities that appeal to both residents and visitors.

Cultural Hotspots and Activity Hubs: Cities Ranked 11–15

Chicago, Denver, St. Louis, New York, and Fort Lauderdale deliver strong value across museums, festivals, food scenes, and sports. Their mix of experiences helps them stand out in the middle of the list.

Top 20 Finishers: Cities Ranked 16–20

Tampa, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Washington, D.C., and Seattle close out the top 20, supported by a blend of nature access, cultural programming, and entertainment infrastructure. Their placement reflects steady strength across multiple categories rather than dominance in a single one.

WalletHub’s full report, including detailed scores for all 180+ cities, is available on its website.

This article was produced by The Roam Report and syndicated on Our Woven Journey.