Everyone likes to have fun, but we all have our own unique way of enjoying ourselves. Some people are thrill-seekers, trying new restaurants, traveling the world, or hitting up bars and clubs. Others may prefer the simplicity of outdoor sports, roller coasters, movie nights, or even diving into video games. Regardless of how we spend our leisure time, there’s one thing that’s undeniable: having fun can come with a price tag. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends nearly $3,000 a year on entertainment. And while it’s easy to see how this money adds up, there are some places in the world that seem to turn having fun into an art form.
One such place is Miami. “Party in the city where the heat is on. All night, on the beach till the break of dawn. Welcome to Miami. Bienvenidos a Miami.” These iconic lyrics from Will Smith’s 1997 hit still resonate with anyone who’s ever visited the Magic City, and for good reason. Nearly two decades later, Miami continues to live up to the reputation established by that song. The city’s party scene remains one of the most vibrant in the world, and it’s clear that Miami knows how to have a good time.
Miami’s party scene has been recognized internationally, with the city consistently ranked among the best party destinations in the world. Thrillist, a popular travel and lifestyle website, placed Miami in the Top 10 party cities globally, ranking it No. 8. This ranking is not just a testament to Miami’s nightlife, but to its unique vibe and culture, which brings people together from all corners of the world to dance, drink, and enjoy life.
Only in Miami, you might hear a story like this: Imagine standing in the lobby of a luxury hotel at 8 p.m. on a Monday evening, and suddenly, a 65-year-old man in a yarmulke comes up to you and says, “My wife’s pissed at me because I’ve been partying at E11EVEN since 9 o’clock last night.” It’s moments like these that make Miami a one-of-a-kind destination for those looking to party and have a good time—no matter the day of the week or your age. Miami’s party scene is unlike any other, where the fun never stops and the city’s energy is always high.
In addition to its global recognition for nightlife, Miami also shines nationally. In 2016, the city secured the No. 3 spot in WalletHub’s “Most Fun Cities in America” ranking, just behind Las Vegas and Orlando. This ranking was based on an extensive methodology that looked at 51 relevant metrics, ranging from the number of ice cream shops, beaches, and movie theaters per capita to more obvious factors like the concentration of bars and casinos. Miami stood out not just for its legendary parties but for its overall fun factor.
Miami ranked second in restaurants per capita, showcasing its status as a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, a late-night taco, or a world-class fine dining experience, the city has it all. Additionally, Miami tied for first place in fitness centers per capita, which is a bit surprising for those of us who don’t typically associate working out with fun, but hey, who’s to judge? Miami offers a little bit of everything, and it’s clear that the city has mastered the art of balancing leisure and enjoyment with an active, health-conscious lifestyle.
Though Miami ranks highly, it’s interesting to see that Orlando came in at No. 2 in the national ranking. Disney World clearly plays a big part in making Orlando one of the most fun cities in the U.S. Whether it’s visiting the iconic theme parks or enjoying a night out in downtown Orlando, the city certainly knows how to deliver fun for all ages.
The full list of the top 10 most fun cities in the U.S. is as follows:
- Las Vegas
- Orlando
- Miami
- New Orleans
- Salt Lake City
- Cincinnati
- Fort Lauderdale
- St. Louis
- Atlanta
- Scottsdale
Miami, standing proudly at No. 3, continues to attract people from all over the globe, offering a dynamic mix of entertainment options, world-class nightlife, beautiful beaches, and a diverse cultural scene. The city has long been a hotspot for those seeking fun, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s dancing at the hottest clubs, enjoying gourmet meals, or simply relaxing on the beach, Miami proves that it’s a city that truly knows how to have a good time.
Sources for this ranking include data from the U.S. Census Bureau, The Trust for Public Land, Council for Community and Economic Research, Numbeo, Kayak, Public Courses, TripAdvisor, Yelp, Thumbtack, Eventbrite, TheHuffingtonPost.com, Wikipedia, Music Festival Wizard, and WalletHub research.