These Are The Most Fun Cities In CA In 2025: Report

It's no surprise that California has some of the most fun cities in the country, according to a new report.

The Golden State shines in WalletHub's 2025 "Most Fun Cities in America" list. California cities earned several top spots in the ranking, highlighting the state's strong performance in entertainment, recreation and nightlife.

Researchers at the personal finance website compared 182 cities, including 150 of the most populated cities, using three metrics: entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and costs.

Las Vegas took the top spot. The city, which happens to be a big destination for Californians, ranked No. 1 for entertainment and recreation, as well as No. 1 for nightlife and parties.

San Francisco ranked as the most fun city in the state and the seventh overall.

"San Francisco's No. 7 ranking shows that the city delivers an exceptional mix of fun and variety, even if it comes with a high price tag," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo told Patch.

"It ranks among the best in the country for entertainment and recreation (No. 4) and nightlife (No. 5), thanks in part to its extremely high access to festivals and restaurants, where the city is tied for No. 1 nationally in both categories. That means new food, culture and community events are readily available to city residents and visitors."

San Francisco, like most California cities, ranked low for affordability.

"The challenge, however, is the cost: San Francisco ranks No. 178 in affordability, which pulls down its overall score," Lupo said. "Still, for people who prioritize access to diverse experiences and year-round activities, San Francisco remains one of the most vibrant cities for fun in the U.S."

Three other places in California ranked among the top 50 most fun cities. Los Angeles ranked 17th, San Diego ranked 21st, and Sacramento 30th, according to WalletHub.

Here's the full ranking of cities in California:

• San Francisco - No. 7
• Los Angeles - No. 17
• San Diego - No. 21
• Sacramento - No. 30
• Oakland - No. 73
• Long Beach - No. 83
• Huntington Beach - No. 97
• Bakersfield - No. 99
• Garden Grove - No. 105
• Anaheim - No. 106
• Irvine - No. 108
• San Jose - No. 118
• Glendale - No. 129
• Riverside - No. 134
• San Bernardino - No. 136
• Modesto - No. 146
• Santa Ana - No. 151
• Oceanside - No. 152
• Fresno - No. 154
• Santa Clarita - No. 155
• Stockton - No. 162
• Rancho Cucamonga - No. 165
• Fontana - No. 166
• Chula Vista - No. 167
• Santa Rosa - No. 170
• Ontario - No. 172
• Fremont - No. 174
• Moreno Valley - No. 176
• Oxnard - No. 178

Read the full report here.