Dallas has made significant strides in its entertainment reputation, securing the 26th position in WalletHub’s newly released ranking of America’s most fun cities for 2025. This marks an improvement from its previous ranking of 31st in 2024, showcasing the city’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.
According to WalletHub’s “Most Fun Cities in America (2025)” study, which evaluated 182 U.S. cities across 65 metrics, Dallas excelled particularly in nightlife and party scenes, earning a rank of 23rd in that category. The study assessed various factors, including the number of sports and music venues, shopping centers per capita, and the average cost of dining out. These metrics were categorized into three main areas: entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and cost.
Texas Cities Shine in Fun Rankings
The overall ranking for Dallas highlights its potential as a fun destination, though there remains room for improvement in entertainment and recreation (ranked 35th) and cost (ranked 99th). In comparison to other cities in North Texas, Fort Worth ranked 60th, while Arlington and Plano followed at 71st and 78th, respectively.
Interestingly, Houston has surpassed Austin to become the most fun city in Texas, claiming the 6th position nationally. Austin, which held the 6th position last year, has dropped two spots to 8th. Other Texas cities making the top 100 include San Antonio at 23rd, El Paso at 62nd, and Corpus Christi at 94th.
The report’s author emphasized the importance of variety in city offerings, stating, “In a city with enough variety, you won’t have to compromise with your friends, family, or even yourself about the next fun activity to do alone or together.”
Shifts in the Top 10 Most Fun Cities
Surprisingly, both Chicago and New York City have slipped out of the top 10 fun cities. Chicago now ranks 11th, while New York City holds the 14th spot. The top ten cities for 2025, according to WalletHub, are:
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Orlando, Florida
3. Miami, Florida
4. Atlanta, Georgia
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
6. Houston, Texas
7. San Francisco, California
8. Austin, Texas
9. Portland, Oregon
10. Cincinnati, Ohio
This year’s ranking underscores the dynamic nature of urban entertainment, with Dallas emerging as a city with considerable potential for fun, appealing to both residents and visitors alike. The continued evolution of its nightlife and recreational offerings suggests that Dallas will remain a key player in future rankings, reflecting its growing reputation as a vibrant urban center.
