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Summer is the perfect time to hit the open road. With school out and the weather warm, it's no wonder that three out of five American adults plan to take a road trip this season, according to WalletHub. With more than 9,500 miles of scenic byways, vibrant cities and natural landscapes, the financial services company has named Texas the Best State For Summer Road Trips this year.
To find the best road trip destinations for summer, WalletHub compared the 50 states across three main areas: costs of gas and lodging, safety and activities.
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Texas topped all other states in the survey with good reason. The Lone Star State excels in key areas such as costs and safety while also providing a wide variety of attractions, from the scenic Hill Country to the bustling city life of Austin and DFW. Nature enthusiasts can explore Big Bend National Park, while history buffs can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Alamo or even take a drive along the fabled Route 66.
“Taking a summer road trip can be a very exciting way to experience a new place, but with the prices of gas, food and accommodations heavily impacted by inflation, you’ll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable. Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the road. The best states for summer road trips, therefore, are those that keep costs low while providing the best driving experience and most fun activities,” says WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe.
Minnesota came in second thanks to its many highly-acclaimed parks and recreation facilities, family-friendly festivals and overall low costs. New York rounded out the top three with the largest number of attractions and many national historic landmarks.