Are we having fun yet? Louisiana ranks 12th

From Mardi Gras to crawfish boils, we know that Louisiana people like to have fun. But how does our joie de vivre stack up against other states?
According to a study by WalletHub, we rank in the top 12.
WalletHub, which compared metrics including movie costs, national park accessibility and nightlife options, ranks Louisiana 12th among the 50 states.
In individual categories, Louisiana ranks:
•27th in restaurants per capita
•27th in amusement parks per capita
•27th in fitness centers per capita
•12th in casinos per capita
•25th in the variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments.
Fun is serious business in Louisiana. Despite some international tensions over tariffs and trade, Louisiana still attracted people from overseas among 45 million visitors to the state last year.
That translates to an economic impact of $19.5 billion per years, 225,000 Louisiana jobs and more than $1,300 in tax savings for each state household.
“State-sponsored tourism campaigns are most likely to succeed when they increase awareness of destinations that potential visitors may not otherwise consider,” said Chris Douglas a professor at the University of Michigan-Flint.
“Well-known tourist destinations such as Hawaii, Florida and Alaska already enjoy high visibility, so additional advertising may have limited impact. Lesser-known destinations may benefit more because advertising can introduce travelers to attractions they were previously unaware of.”
“The best campaigns go beyond a catchy phrase and instead feature local food, art, culture, history, events, and outdoor spaces,” said Marybeth Gasman, professor at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. “It is also important to know your audience so you can reach the people most likely to visit and stress affordability and ease of travel.
“I live in Pennsylvania, and the state has been emphasizing the historic sights and historic culture a lot more lately, linking it to the America 250 celebration. They have also been capitalizing on the state’s athletic teams and the diversity of art.”
And, as the slogan says, fun can be good for the soul.
“Living in one of the most fun states can boost your mental, physical and emotional health by giving you a wide range of activities to choose from, both indoor and outdoor,” said Chip Lupo, a
WalletHub analyst.
"These states help residents stay active and socialize, and they’re also ideal for travelers who want to make the most out of the limited amount of time that they have to explore.”
California is the most fun state in 2026, with an especially large number of restaurants, amusement parks, movie theaters and fitness centers per capita.
If there’s a dark cloud on the tourism and fun horizon, it’s the cost of living. But it’s not necessarily a killjoy.
According to the U.S. Travel Association’s spring 2026 forecast, travel spending is expected to grow 1% on an inflation-adjusted basis in 2026, accelerating to 3% growth in 2027 and 2028, as resilient domestic demand partially offsets ongoing economic pressures, including inflation.
Total spending is still on track to hit a record: U.S. travel spending will reach $1.37 trillion in 2026 and $1.42 trillionin 2027. What’s changing underneath those numbers is trip behavior.
“The association’s own research anticipates travelers shifting toward shorter and cheaper trips this year as inflation works through household budgets, which tracks with what most industry analysts expect, with markets and value destinations gaining share while premium urban getaways feel more pressure on discretionary extras like dining and shows,” said assistant professor Andrew Burnstine of Lynn Univeeristy. “The trip survives. The upgrades don’t.”
Even without a big wallet, many people can find fun close to home.
“Every community or region has plenty of activities people can participate at little to no cost,” said Scott Thorne, instructor at Southeast Missouri State University.
“Most communities sponsor free concerts during the warmer months and offer other short getaways such as swimming pools, walking and hiking trails and public libraries."
“Granted these are not as potentially exciting as a trip to Disneyland but they are far less costly.”