The most entertaining city in every U.S. state

The Most Entertaining Cities in the United States
From vibrant nightlife scenes to family-friendly attractions and entertainment, these cities are known for being the best in their respective state. So whether you are looking to travel to the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest or South, choosing one of these cities for your next vacation is sure to provide plenty of fun.

Alabama – Birmingham
Birmingham entertains travelers with a handful of culturally significant sites and engaging museums as well as an underrated nightlife scene highlighted by affordable and beloved bars, nightclubs and live music venues. Visitors can also elevate their trip to Birmingham by competing against friends and family in axe throwing, Topgolf, go-karts, escape rooms and many other exciting activities.

Alaska – Ketchikan
When it comes to entertainment in the Last Frontier, Ketchikan is not to be overlooked as it boasts the second-most nightlife options, fourth-most music venues, third-most active life and the most arts listings per capita in Alaska, according to recent research by Movoto Real Estate. Visitors can tour charming Creek Street, take in the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and even view 19th-century totem poles in this fun little destination of just over 8,000 people.

Arizona – Scottsdale
Located just minutes east of Phoenix, Scottsdale wows travelers to Arizona with no shortage of mouthwatering restaurants, high-end shopping and nightlife ranging from raucous to subdued. The city’s charming and walkable Old Town neighborhood is a must-visit, providing numerous opportunities to stop into quaint shops and even return to the past in a handful of Western saloons. This lively desert city is also a dream for golf enthusiasts, hikers and visitors seeking some rejuvenation at a world-class spa resort.

Arkansas – Little Rock
Arkansas’s capital city is long on fascinating history and nature that can be experienced in many forms, including bucket-list historic sites like Little Rock Central High School and the scenic Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The city is also home to a slew of intriguing museums and a variety of nightlife offerings like Lost Forty Brewing and a modern-day speakeasy in 109 & Co.

California – San Diego
America’s Finest City is also the Golden State’s most entertaining. There are certainly strong cases to be made for both Los Angeles and San Francisco but San Diego offers visitors the best of all worlds, providing a stellar climate, convenient access to sun-kissed beaches, a buzzing nightlife scene and a plethora of attractions ideal for travelers of all ages, from the sensational San Diego Zoo to the inviting Coronado Beach and its historic beachfront hotel.

Colorado – Colorado Springs
Entertainment takes on many forms in Colorado Springs, where adventure travelers can explore the otherwordly rock formations and hiking trails at the Garden of the Gods and put their courage to the test at Pikes Peak. After sunset, visitors can head downtown to experience the city’s diverse nightlife highlighting some of the best locally made craft beverages in the country. Pair them with authentic scratch-made Mexican food at Jose Muldoon’s or glorious vistas at ViewHouse.

Connecticut – Hartford
From the Mark Twain House to the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford is full of elite attractions and the city’s nightlife doesn’t disappoint either. The Front Street District offers dining, dancing and more at places like the Infinity Music Hall but visitors can also make a few stops on the Connecticut Beer Trail and take in a comedy show at the Funny Bone.

Delaware – Rehoboth Beach
The Atlantic resort town of Rehoboth Beach is always ready to entertain visitors to the East Coast with calming beaches, a bustling boardwalk and all of the seaside classics such as miniature golf, art exhibits and carnival rides. What’s more, visitors will be nearby to the spectacular Cape Henlopen State Park and Lewes, where they can even catch a ferry ride across the Delaware Bay to Cape May, New Jersey.

Florida – Miami Beach
When it comes to entertainment, few cities nationwide can compete with Miami Beach, a vibrant oceanfront destination with a seemingly endless array of epic restaurants, bars, nightclubs and rooftop hangouts providing the ideal setting for unparalleled people watching. Visitors can also look forward to live music showcases and marquee events whether it’s the annual Ultra Music Festival or Art Basel. Orlando is also worth a mention for those seeking family-friendly entertainment in the Sunshine State as the Theme Park Capital of the World boasts an impressive portfolio of world-class thrill rides, unique experiences and kid-friendly entertainment.

Georgia – Atlanta
Sprawling Atlanta is undoubtedly the most entertaining city in the state of Georgia as it boasts a variety of acclaimed attractions, including expansive parks like Centennial Olympic and standout venues such as the Georgia Aquarium, the nation’s largest aquarium and one of the few places travelers can see massive whale sharks up close. The interactive College Football Hall of Fame and SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel are also special experiences that visitors can enjoy as they tour this captivating city.

Hawai’i – Honolulu
Honolulu is bustling with bars, restaurants, open-air markets. The destination blends beach life with nightlife. Apart from surfing lessons and a day at the beach, visitors can spend the day touring the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri Battleship and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial as well as Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum and more.

There are hikes to Diamond Head, strolls along Waikiki Beach, visits to Manoa Falls and the trail to Koko Crater for those looking for outdoor enjoyment.

Nightlife includes small local bars, classy lounges and dance clubs, with evening activities that will appeal to everyone.

Idaho – Boise
Galleries, museums, theaters, bars and restaurants are in abundance in Boise, making the bustling city the place to be for entertainment when visiting Idaho.

Home to Boise State University, the city is young at heart and sports a rockin’ music scene and promotes an active lifestyle.

Travelers can spend time visiting the Boise Art Museum, check out the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, indulge in the culinary scene on 8th Street downtown or visit the beautiful Idaho Botanical Garden for Winter Garden aGlow.

Illinois – Chicago
There’s almost an overwhelming number of things to do in Chicago. Nightlife is abundant, whether looking for bars and nightclubs or high-end dining and theater, Chicago has it all.

Visitors will want to visit Navy Pier, walk through Millennium Park, tour the Museum of Science and Industry, watch the water show at the Buckingham Fountain, head up to the 360 Chicago at the top of the John Hancock Center office building, see the Field Museum of Natural History and–of course–stroll along Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Indiana – Indianapolis
Welcome to Indianapolis, Indiana’s bustling hub of entertainment. Visitors will find plenty of museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, sports bars, clubs and a zoo.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art performances, lectures, film screenings, and more in addition to fine art, ceramics, design, textiles and masterpieces of renowned artists.

White River State Park is in the heart of downtown and covers 250 acres with trails, picnic spots and the Canal Walk.

Nightlife includes the latest trends such as axe throwing bars, Duckpin Bowling and arcade bars.

Iowa – Iowa City
When traveling to the most exciting city in Iowa, visitors should head to Iowa City. The destination has the highest concentration of live music, arts and restaurants in the state per capita. When visiting, check out popular restaurants such as Oasis Falafel and La Michoacana Taqueria.

Kansas – Manhattan
Visit the ‘Little Apple’ when heading to Kansas. The college town of Manhattan is home to Kansas State University, and its young population has led to a precipitous number of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues to keep travelers on the move.

Stop in at Auntie Mae’s Parlor, a 1930s speakeasy, for live music, and visit in the fall to take in a K-State game day.

Kentucky – Louisville
Louisville is a bourbon lover’s paradise, and home to the Kentucky Derby. The city is a shoo-in for most entertaining in the state.

When not sipping bourbon or taking in a horse race at Churchill Downs, visitors can check out the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Louisville Zoo.

Louisiana – New Orleans
As the home of Mardi Gras, New Orleans stands as Louisiana’s most entertaining city and possibly one of the most entertaining cities in the United States.

When visiting, there are a few must-dos for nighttime entertainment such as a stroll down Frenchmen Street, a walk through the French Quarter, a tour of the Garden District as well as a tour through the cemeteries. That’s just scratching the surface of what this city has to offer.

Maine – Rockland
Maine is not known for its bustling city centers but its small-town charm and, in Rockland, visitors will find the ideal blend of outdoor and indoor entertainment.

Dine at the Waterworks Restaurant, spend time outdoors sailing or take in the local art scene with a stop at the Farnsworth Art Museum.

Maryland – Annapolis
Head to Annapolis for its vibrant and lively recreational activities. The capital city is the sailing capital of the U.S. Visitors will find a number of adventures to choose from, including discovering the local maritime history on a tour, spending time at the beach, strolling through gardens, taking in the opera, wine-tasting or enjoying the waterpark.

Massachusetts – Cambridge
Look, we all know Boston has everything a big city should have. But one of the coolest vibes is right across the Charles River in Cambridge. We’ll call this one a trip for cerebral entertainment. Walk among the students at Harvard University and Harvard Square and engage in a lively debate or two. Tour the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Museum. Take a step back in time by visiting the home of poet Henry Longfellow.

Michigan – Detroit
You want cool? We give you cool. Start with the home of one of the greatest genres in musical history, Motown. The Motown Museum is actually a small house that, from its start in 1957 until moving to bigger digs in 1972, served as ground zero for the likes of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and so many more. Visit the renowned Detroit Institute of Arts, the Wright Museum of African-American History, or listen to jazz and R&B at one of the city’s many clubs. Within minutes of Detroit is the Henry Ford Museum, where the birth of the automobile industry took place.

Minnesota – Minneapolis-St. Paul
Two for the price of one. The Twin Cities, separated by the mighty Mississippi River, are loaded with things to do. If shopping is your thing to do – or just to pique your interest – you have the Mall of America. That should take up the better part of your day, if not dayS! At night? Well, welcome to one of the greatest cities in the country for live music, both to listen to and dance to. No visit to Minneapolis is complete without a night out at First Avenue, the nightclub still in existence where the legendary Prince got his start. His home and museum are also nearby.

Mississippi – Biloxi
A great, great town for all ages but especially for young adults. The nightlife here is outstanding, as is the restaurant scene – one of the best Italian restaurants we ever ate in was here in the deep South at Jazzeppi’s. Biloxi also has four big-name casino hotels in the Hard Rock, Harrah’s, Golden Nugget and Beau Rivage.

Missouri – Kansas City
Great jazz, great shopping and nightlife downtown, and a great appreciation of history with the Negro League Baseball Museum and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. But if you don’t get to Arthur Bryant’s, Big T’s, Gates, Joe’s or Porky’s Blazin’ for Kansas City BBQ, well, then you haven’t really done Kansas City.

Montana – Darby
Bet you never heard of it, right? Well, it’s 68 miles from Missoula, Montana, if you’re looking for something a little bigger. Or you could venture to Darby and spend some quality time where the hottest show on television is filmed. The Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby is where Kevin Costner, Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly and the rest of the cast of Yellowstone films the hit TV series. When they are not taping, you can actually stay here and soak in the Old West at one of the ranch’s rental cabins.

Nebraska – Lincoln
There is a great scene in the 2008 Jim Carrey movie ‘Yes Man’ where he and his girlfriend decided to show up at the airport and fly to wherever the next available ticket and flight were too. It was to Lincoln, where they caught a University of Nebraska football game. You can go and also see the Museum of American Speed, the Sunken Gardens, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, and so much more.

Nevada – Las Vegas
This is, bar none, the premier mecca for entertainment in the world. There isn’t another city that offers more entertainment than Vegas, everything from gambling, to the pool scene, to A-list celebrity concerts and residencies, to nightclubs, to a thriving restaurant and foodie scene. And, you know, a few more adult things probably best left unsaid.

New Hampshire – Portsmouth
Sure, you can make a case for Manchester. But Portsmouth is one of those great, unique New England towns. In the winter, you can skate and ski. Its downtown is lively with great shopping and terrific food including, surprisingly, some of the best pizza you’ll taste outside of New York. And in the summer, you’re less than 20 minutes from Wallis Sands State Beach, one of the great but unknown beaches on the east coast.

New Jersey – Jersey Shore
Yes, all of the Jersey Shore. From Sandy Hook and Long Branch in the northern part of the state, down through Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights and Asbury Park, all the way to the southern tip of Atlantic City and, finally, Cape May. Any kind of entertainment and experience you want at the Shore – from nightclubs to gambling to children-centric entertainment to the slowest pace imaginable – is right along the Jersey beaches.

New Mexico – Santa Fe
Recognized by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Santa Fe is a global hotspot for the arts, nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Among its many art galleries and installations and home to the multi-site Georgia O’Keefe Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Art, SITE Santa Fe’s collection of contemporary art and many more. In New Mexico’s capital and cultural hub, you’ll also find everything from ballets and operas to casinos, markets, breweries, a chocolate factory, golf courses, rafting adventures and astronomy tours.

New York – New York City
It almost goes without saying that the Big Apple is one of the world’s greatest cultural, art, media and entertainment capitals. With the city’s massive diversity of tourism draws, visitors couldn’t possibly pack everything into a single trip, whether they want to visit world-famous spots, go sightseeing, try every type of cuisine imaginable or spend their time taking in a host of theatrical performances on Broadway. Among the most popular places to visit are Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, National September 11 Museum and One World Trade Center, and Fifth and Madison Avenues for luxury shopping.

North Carolina – Asheville
Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville draws tourists with its artistic spirit, culinary scene, fascinating historic places and wealth of outdoor activities. Visit the River Arts District, a creative enclave along the French Broad River, filled with indie art galleries, local artisan studios, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Tour the Biltmore Estate, a U.S. National Historic Landmark and the largest privately-owned house in the country, constructed for the Vanderbilts from 1889 and 1895. Another of the city’s greatest attractions is that it’s surrounded by wilderness, so visitors can readily explore such sites as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mount Mitchell State Park and Pisgah National Forest.

North Dakota – Fargo
Being North Dakota’s most populous city, Fargo has plenty of offerings that appeal to tourists. Points of interest include the Plains Arts Museum, filled with national and regional contemporary art, traditional American Indian art and folk art. Aviation enthusiasts can view aircraft dating back to World War II on display at the Fargo Air Museum. Visitors can also explore the frontier town’s history at Bonanzaville USA, a village filled with historic buildings and log cabins, or head to the Hjemkomst Center in nearby Moorhead, which displays a replica Viking ship that was sailed to Norway. Productions of Broadway musicals, concerts, dance performances, sporting events and fairs are also routinely held at the Fargodome indoor stadium.

Ohio – Cleveland
With strong theater and vaudeville traditions, Cleveland boasts the nation’s second-largest performing arts center, Playhouse Square, located in the Cleveland Theater District. There’s also the resident Cleveland Ballet and Cleveland Orchestra, considered one of the five major orchestras in the U.S. Other key attractions include the Cleveland Museum of Art, which houses more than 61,000 pieces of artwork spanning 6,000 years; and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, with a permanent collection of artifacts dating from the dinosaur age onward, plus a wildlife center, observatory and planetarium. Also worth a visit are the 10-acre Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which houses 600 different species and 6,000 individual animals.

Oklahoma – Tulsa
Tulsa’s top attractions include the Blue Dome District, which encompasses nine square blocks of the historic downtown, and now houses everything from trendy bars, restaurants and breweries to arcades, bowling alleys and retail venues. Tulsa is also recognized as having one of the nation’s top 10 music scenes, so enthusiasts will want to check out historic Cain’s Ballroom, a top venue since the 1920s, Tulsa Theater, a 2,800-seat former vaudeville house, for concerts from both big-name and local artists. Visitors will also find the city has several renowned museums and resident performing arts groups, including the Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, the Heller Theatre and American Theatre Company.

Oregon – Portland
Known for its eclectic mix of establishments and high concentration of hipsters, Portland has a lot to offer visitors. It’s home to numerous museums—ranging from fine art museums to scientific institutes, and eco-focused educational centers and exhibits—as well as performing arts institutions and a vibrant music scene. The city is also renowned for having one of North America’s best street food scenes, with over 600 food carts serving cuisines from around the world. Portland is also well-known for its coffee and tea houses, and abundant craft breweries, besides being one of the top wine-producing states.

Pennsylvania – Philadelphia
Philly is home to plenty of landmarks and points of interest to explore, including many with ties to early U.S. history, such as the iconic Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. Visitors will also find some of the city’s most important museums and cultural institutions along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest museums, and its film-famous outdoor staircase. There’s even an oversized bronze statue of ‘Rocky’ at the bottom where you can snap a selfie. Philadelphia also boasts more public artworks and murals than any other U.S. city.

Rhode Island – Newport
During the Gilded Age, Newport was the summer playground of America’s wealthiest families, and you can still visit more than a dozen of their well-preserved mansions. Situated at the mouth of Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park encompasses the Museum of Yachting and hosts the Atlantic Cup Race, Newport Folk Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, and more. Newport is also an ideal destination for patrons of the arts, having a rich artistic heritage and vibrant arts community. Here, you’ll find numerous galleries; theater, dance and comedy companies; film festivals; and live music venues and festivals.

South Carolina – Charleston
Once the American South’s wealthiest city, Charleston still retains much of its antebellum-era charm. The city’s rich and varied offerings include dozens of historic landmarks, plantation tours, landscaped gardens, museums, art galleries, weekly markets and annual festivals. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the peninsular Historic District to see the city’s unrivaled collection of 18th- and 19th-century buildings, or visit Charleston’s French Quarter to see more fine historic architecture. The area is famous for its art galleries, dining and shopping scene; and is also home to the picturesque Waterfront Park, located along a half-mile stretch of the Cooper River overlooking the Charleston Harbor. Military history enthusiasts can venture offshore to see Fort Sumter, the island fort where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

South Dakota – Rapid City
Rapid City entertains in a wide variety of ways. It’s located near the Black Hills National Forest and is the closest large city to the Mount Rushmore National Landmark, making it a great place to begin an outdoor adventure. Rapid City itself is home to The Journey Museum and Learning Center, which teaches children and adults alike about the region’s geology, history and more, as well as Storybook Island and Reptile Gardens, which make for great kid-friendly attractions. For adults, the city offers plenty of fun shopping and dining experiences as well as some more unique-to-Rapid-City attractions, like 7th Street’s Art Alley, which is filled with street art, or Racing Magpie, a Lakota arts initiative. Music-lovers can enjoy listening to a concert at The Monument or a performance by the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra.

Tennessee – Knoxville
Tennessee is home to so many cities with claims to fame in the world of entertainment, like Nashville, Chattanooga and Memphis, but according to Motovo’s state-specific guide, Knoxville takes first place for entertainment. It ranks second in nightlife in the state per capita and tenth for number of music venues per capita, plus it’s home to the Knoxville Museum of Art, the iconic Sunsphere, the historic Tennessee Theatre and some awesome restaurants and bars featuring, you guessed it, live music.

Texas – Austin
Austin was recently ranked ninth as one of the best cities in the world for listening to live music. It’s home to three major music festivals and will offer about 1,000 live concerts across its 115 music venues. Besides its multi-cultural and genre-spanning music scene, Austin is home to more than a handful of designated entertainment districts, which offer the best in restaurants, shopping, bars and even dancing venues ranging from traditional honky-tonks to salsa clubs. The arts and culture lover can also enjoy romping through the city’s many art galleries, museums and architectural marvels, like the Texas State Capitol building or the vibrant and fun Museum of Ice Cream.

Utah – Provo
Provo, Utah is the home of the historic Brigham Young University and offers a more youthful, energetic entertainment scene in Utah. Home to plenty of skiing and outdoor recreation opportunities as many of the state’s other popular destinations, it’s also home to the Covey Center for the Arts, Velour Live Music Gallery, the North American Museum of Ancient Life (one of the largest dinosaur museums), the Museum of Natural Curiosities and so many locally-owned shops, restaurants and bars that you’ll have difficulty choosing which ones to enjoy during a stay in Provo.

Vermont – Burlington
Motovo ranks Burlington as the most entertaining city in Vermont due to its number of nightlife venues per capita (third-highest in the state) and its large population of younger people, being the home of several large colleges, like the University of Vermont. Located on the scenic coast of Lake Champlain, this scenic Northeastern city offers so much to see and do, whether that be exploring the historic downtown, photographing or even sailing on one of the harbor’s sailboats, trying out the area’s locally owned bars and restaurants, dive bars and clubs or taking a wander through the Shelburne Museum!

Virginia – Charlottesville
Home to the University of Virginia, this smaller city offers some of the best restaurants in the state, with plenty of eateries, bars and other nightlife experiences to choose from. It’s also home to The Rotunda, Monticello and plenty of wineries to try your hand at wine tastings. Art lovers can enjoy a wide variety of musical and artistic entertainment, too, like the Charlottesville Opera, the IX Art Park, The Jefferson Theater and The Hive, a female and Black-owned arts and crafts bar.