What the Most Fun States Reveal about Finding Lasting Joy

The useful part

Most Fun States and the Search for Lasting Joy | Crosswalk.com Guest Commentary. What the Most Fun States in America Reveal about Lasting Joy WalletHub's 2026 ranking of America's "Most Fun States" highlights the places with abundant entertainment, recreation, and nightlife. Psalm 16 reminds us that lasting joy is rooted in God's presence rather than the places we visit.

How it works

• Joy that sustains us lies not in where we go, what we buy, or how fun the night is.
• WalletHub ranked California first, followed by Florida, Illinois, Nevada, and New York based on measures involving entertainment, recreation, nightlife, and affordability.
• How can Christians practice contentment in everyday life?
• God invites us to enjoy His gifts without expecting experiences, possessions, or entertainment to give us ultimate fulfillment.

What to take from it

This is because it's less about where you go and more about with whom you journey. So when we chase joy because we long to savor God's blessings, we find—no matter where we are—the contentment our souls were designed to live within. It's Not the Grandiosity, But the Gratefulness "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Example or evidence

• Psalm 16:11 points to God's presence as the source of fullness of joy, reminding believers that lasting gladness is ultimately rooted in Him rather than circumstances.
• Gratitude helps us recognize God's goodness in ordinary life rather than constantly waiting for the next trip or experience.
• We like being in new places, trying new foods, seeing new landscapes, and experiencing as much of the world as possible.
• Needless to say, we have only been married eight years and have already lived in three different states.

Details worth keeping

Can where we live—or where we vacation—actually give us lasting joy? I have visited 39 states, and my husband has visited 42. We are adventurers, almost nomads, he would say.

Related coverage

• Mentalfloss: WalletHub's 2026 study ranked all 50 U.S. states on happiness using metrics like depression rates, work hours, and community safety. Here is where every state landed.
• Businessinsider: A recent study measured Americans' happiness based on three factors: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community.
• Myarklamiss: WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo pointed out that the happiest states tend to offer a high quality of life across multiple sub-categories.