North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the most fun states in America. Here’s why

Party in the Park at Mint Museum Randolph, one of the art museums in Charlotte, NC.
Party in the Park at Mint Museum Randolph, one of the art museums in Charlotte, NC. Alex Cason

North Carolina is a popular travel destination in the South, but it’s also been named one of the most fun states in the country.

It was listed among the top 15 fun states, according to WalletHub’s 2023 Most Fun States in America report.

WalletHub compared the 50 states across 26 key metrics to determine which states offer the greatest variety and most cost-effective options for visitors, from the accessibility of national parks and nightlife options.

The Tar Heel state ranked 15th overall on the list, but was also highly ranked for specific activities:

  • Restaurants per capita (ranked 8th)

  • Movie theaters per capita (ranked 19th)

  • Golf courses & country clubs per capita (ranked 10th)

  • Amusement parks per capita (ranked 16th)

  • Performing arts theaters per capita (ranked 29th)

  • Fitness centers per capita (ranked 9th)

Riders on Fury 325 at Carowinds, one of the tallest, fastest and longest roller coasters in the world.
Riders on Fury 325 at Carowinds, one of the tallest, fastest and longest roller coasters in the world. Charlotte

North Carolina is also home to major college and pro sports teams, beaches, mountains, state parks, museums and other attractions for visitors of all ages. Plus, there’s an annual lineup of art, food and music festivals and events across the state.

[RELATED: Check out these 25+ festivals across the Charlotte area this summer]

Todd Wiedman, from left, Stacy Wiedman, and Stephanie Wiedman, all of Charlotte, N.C., celebrate a run from the Charlotte Knights during a game against the Memphis Redbirds at Truist Field in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, April 17, 2022.
Todd Wiedman, from left, Stacy Wiedman, and Stephanie Wiedman, all of Charlotte, N.C., celebrate a run from the Charlotte Knights during a game against the Memphis Redbirds at Truist Field in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, April 17, 2022. Alex Slitz alslitz@charlotteobserver.com

Here’s how North Carolina compared to other states across the U.S.

Most Fun States to Visit in America

  1. California

  2. Florida

  3. Nevada

  4. New York

  5. Illinois

  6. Colorado

  7. Texas

  8. Washington

  9. Minnesota

  10. Louisiana

  11. Arizona

  12. Oregon

  13. Ohio

  14. Pennsylvania

  15. North Carolina

  16. Missouri

  17. Wisconsin

  18. Maryland

  19. South Carolina

  20. Alaska

This story was originally published June 12, 2023 at 1:04 PM with the headline "North Carolina is one of the most fun states in America. Here’s why."

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Chyna Blackmon
The Charlotte Observer
Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
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