Southlake residents, you officially live in a top-10 fun state. You may have always thought it; heck, you may have always KNOWN it, but now, it's set it stone.
A 2026 WalletHub ranking says Texas is No. 8 among the most fun states in America. The study compared all 50 states across 26 entertainment, recreation, and nightlife metrics. Texas posted a total score of 53.67.
And the Lone Star State has some particularly impressive bragging rights. Texas is tied for No. 1 in the nation for restaurants per capita, tied for No. 1 for movie theaters per capita, is No. 1 for amusement parks per capita, and tied for No. 1 for fitness centers per capita. It also ranks No. 12 for performing-arts theaters and No. 18 for golf courses and country clubs per capita.
It’s hard to argue with the food ranking around here. Texas shares the No. 1 spot for restaurants per capita with California, New York, and Florida, and Southlake and neighboring Grapevine certainly do their part. From date-night destinations and weekend brunches to longtime local favorites and quick bites, there’s rarely a shortage of somewhere new—or familiar—to grab a meal.
Proximity to Arlington certainly doesn’t hurt Texas’ amusement-park credentials. The state ranks No. 1 in amusement parks per capita, and residents here have Six Flags Over Texas practically down the road, with Hurricane Harbor Arlington next door. Roller coasters, water slides, and easy summer adventures are all within a short drive.
The same goes for working out. Texas shares the No. 1 spot for fitness centers per capita with California, and Southlake has no shortage of ways to put that statistic to use. Within roughly 10 minutes of virtually anywhere in town, residents can find gyms and fitness studios offering everything from traditional strength training and cardio to Pilates, yoga, CrossFit, and boutique workouts.
For some perspective, other states are dominating different corners of the fun spectrum. Michigan ranks No. 1 for golf courses and country clubs per capita; New York and California tie for No. 1 in performing-arts theaters; Alaska leads in access to national parks; Colorado ranks No. 1 in personal recreation spending; and South Dakota leads in variety of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments.
And there are some decidedly less-fun No. 50 spots. Alaska has the fewest restaurants and golf courses per capita; Rhode Island has the fewest movie theaters; Mississippi has the fewest performing-arts theaters; Hawaii has the fewest fitness centers; New Mexico has the fewest marinas; Illinois ranks last for access to national parks; Arkansas has the lowest personal recreation spending; and Maine has the lowest state and local spending on parks and recreation.