Summer road trips remain a popular option for travelers who want flexibility and more control over their plans. To help drivers understand where road travel tends to be easier or more challenging, WalletHub compared all 50 U.S. states using nearly three dozen metrics, including the number of attractions, road quality, gas prices, safety, and lodging costs. The rankings are based on data from 2025 and offer a recent snapshot of road trip conditions across the country. While circumstances can shift year to year, the findings still provide useful context for planning in 2026.
Below is a closer look at the top 10 and bottom 10 states for summer road trips. Each entry explains why the state landed where it did and what that means for your planning. Rankings are based on overall scores, not just popularity.
Best U.S. states for a summer road trip
Minnesota (Rank 1)
Minnesota ranked first because of its strong support for outdoor recreation and summer activities. The state invests heavily in parks, trails, and public spaces, making it easy to build nature stops into a driving route. Summer also brings a high number of fairs and festivals, giving travelers frequent reasons to stop and explore. These factors help road trips feel active without requiring constant long drives.
Costs also played a role in Minnesota’s ranking. Camping fees and mid-range hotel prices tend to be lower than in many other states during peak summer weeks. Car repair costs are also relatively affordable, which can matter on longer trips. Together, these details make Minnesota a practical choice for extended road travel.
New York (Rank 2)
New York placed near the top due to the range of experiences available within one state. Travelers can move between cities, lakes, mountains, and coastal areas without crossing state lines. Attractions are spread out enough to support flexible routes rather than rushed itineraries. This variety works well for both short getaways and longer drives.
Because routes can cover long distances, staying organized inside the car helps. A simple car organizer keeps essentials like snacks, charging cables, maps, and water bottles within reach. That setup reduces unnecessary stops and helps travel days run more smoothly. Small adjustments like this can make busy routes easier to manage.
Ohio (Rank 3)
Ohio performs well largely because of its affordability. The state ranks among the lowest for average car repair costs, which can reduce unexpected expenses. Gas and lodging prices also remain more stable compared to many neighboring states. These factors make Ohio appealing for budget-conscious road trips.
Summer events are another strength. Ohio hosts one of the highest numbers of fairs and festivals during the season. Planning a route around these events can add structure without increasing costs. Spending extra days often feels worthwhile rather than excessive.
Utah (Rank 4)
Utah earned its ranking thanks to its scenic byways and concentration of natural landmarks. The state ranks highly for designated scenic routes, making the drive itself part of the experience. National parks and public lands are spread across the state, allowing travelers to create varied itineraries. Utah appeals to road trippers who prioritize views and outdoor stops.
For routes that include parks and remote areas, flexible travel gear can be helpful. Lightweight items like a compact cooler or folding chairs make it easier to enjoy rest stops and scenic pull-offs. These additions allow for spontaneous breaks without changing plans. Preparation helps travelers make the most of longer drives.
Louisiana (Rank 5)
Louisiana benefits from relatively low gas prices, which directly impacts road trip budgets. Cultural attractions, food-focused stops, and music events are easy to reach without long detours. Cities and smaller towns are close enough to support shorter driving days. This layout helps maintain a relaxed pace.
Summer heat can be a factor, but costs help balance the challenge. Lodging options cover a wide range of budgets. Planning early morning or evening drives can improve comfort. Louisiana works well for travelers who pace their schedule.
Florida (Rank 6)
Florida ranked well because of its extensive road network and concentration of attractions. Beaches, parks, and entertainment hubs are spread throughout the state, allowing travelers to customize routes. Trips can be shaped around interests rather than distance alone. Florida supports both short stays and longer loops.
Costs vary widely by region. Some areas remain affordable even during peak season, while others require advance planning. Gas and roadside services are generally easy to find. Flexibility is important when driving through Florida.
Idaho (Rank 7)
Idaho’s strength lies in its balance of scenery and manageable driving conditions. Scenic routes, rivers, and outdoor recreation areas are common throughout the state. Traffic tends to be lighter than in more populated regions. This keeps daily drives less stressful.
Lodging costs remain reasonable in many areas. Campgrounds and small-town hotels offer alternatives to resort pricing. Roads support long-distance travel without excessive congestion. Idaho suits travelers who prefer quieter routes.
Texas (Rank 8)
Texas benefits from its size and diversity. Cities, small towns, and natural attractions support a wide range of road trip styles. Major highways connect regions efficiently, which helps with planning. Texas allows travelers to focus on food, culture, or landscapes.
Long distances mean preparation matters. Clear itineraries help manage full driving days. Breaking trips into regional segments can reduce fatigue. Texas works best with a plan in place.
North Carolina (Rank 9)
North Carolina offers a mix of coastal drives, mountain routes, and mid-sized cities. This variety allows travelers to change scenery without leaving the state. Attractions are spread out enough to support balanced driving days. Summer weather supports outdoor stops.
Costs remain moderate compared to nearby states. Lodging and dining offer good value outside peak tourist areas. Roads provide both scenic and direct options. North Carolina fits travelers seeking flexibility.
Pennsylvania (Rank 10)
Pennsylvania rounds out the top 10 with steady performance across categories. Historic towns, parks, and cities provide frequent stopping points. Routes often work well as loops, reducing the need to backtrack. This supports organized itineraries.
Costs stay manageable for lodging and services. Roads connect regions efficiently. Planning around traffic patterns improves the experience. Pennsylvania works well for multi-day road trips.
Worst U.S. states for a summer road trip
Delaware (Rank 50)
Delaware ranked last due to limited scenic routes and lower scores for safety and activities. The state’s small size restricts route variety for longer trips. Travelers may find fewer reasons to extend their stay. Delaware often works better as a brief stop.
In areas with fewer services, preparation becomes more important. Carrying a basic emergency kit with water, wipes, and first-aid supplies can help during delays. These items offer peace of mind if assistance is not nearby. Planning ahead helps reduce stress.
Connecticut (Rank 49)
Connecticut struggles with higher costs and limited scenic byways. Traffic congestion can affect driving comfort, especially during summer weekends. Attractions are concentrated in fewer areas, which limits flexibility. This reduces appeal for longer road trips.
Lodging and dining costs trend higher. Routes often require careful timing. Connecticut works better for short, focused drives. Extended itineraries may feel constrained.
Rhode Island (Rank 48)
Rhode Island’s small size limits road trip variety. While coastal destinations attract visitors, routes are short. Travelers may quickly run out of new drives. This affects longer itineraries.
Summer costs can rise quickly. Parking and lodging often require advance planning. Rhode Island fits best as part of a multi-state route. Solo road trips may feel limited.
Vermont (Rank 47)
Vermont offers scenic landscapes but ranks lower due to limited infrastructure and activity density. Rural routes can feel repetitive over several days. Services are spaced farther apart. Planning becomes essential.
In states where drives feel longer or less convenient, comfort-focused accessories can help. Simple items like seat cushions or sunshades reduce fatigue on extended drives. These adjustments do not change the destination, but they improve daily comfort. Small details can make a difference.
Montana (Rank 46)
Montana’s ranking reflects long distances and limited services. Scenic drives are plentiful, but driving days can be demanding. Fuel and lodging stops require careful planning. This affects accessibility.
Costs and availability vary widely. Attractions are spread far apart. Montana suits experienced road trippers. Preparation is key.
Hawaii (Rank 45)
Hawaii ranked low mainly because of high costs. Gas, lodging, and services are expensive compared to mainland states. Road trips are also limited by island size. This reduces overall value.
Scenic drives exist but are short. Planning flexibility is limited. Costs can be a barrier for budget travelers. Hawaii works better for localized exploration.
California (Rank 44)
California’s ranking is affected by high travel costs. Gas prices, lodging, and car-related expenses rank among the highest. Summer crowds also impact road conditions. These factors increase planning demands.
While scenic routes are plentiful, preparation is essential. Costs vary widely by region. Without planning, expenses add up quickly. California rewards detailed itineraries.
New Mexico (Rank 43)
New Mexico faces challenges with infrastructure in some regions. Long distances between services affect comfort. Summer heat also plays a role. These factors lower accessibility.
Costs remain moderate overall. Attractions are spread out. Driving days can feel long. New Mexico suits focused routes.
Arkansas (Rank 42)
Arkansas offers natural attractions but ranks lower overall. Road quality varies by region. Services may be spaced apart. Planning helps avoid challenges.
Costs stay reasonable. Attractions require intentional routing. Summer weather affects comfort. Arkansas works best for shorter loops.
Maryland (Rank 41)
Maryland’s ranking reflects congestion and cost concerns. Traffic affects travel time, especially near cities. Scenic routes are limited compared to other states. Flexibility is reduced.
In congested areas, comfort-focused preparation can help. Items like supportive seat cushions or noise-reducing earbuds make stop-and-go traffic easier to manage. These do not solve congestion, but they improve the experience. Thoughtful preparation often offsets logistical challenges.
Final takeaway
These rankings show how costs, road quality, attractions, and services shape summer road trip experiences. Higher-ranked states tend to offer smoother logistics, while lower-ranked states require more preparation. With realistic expectations and careful planning, road trips can still work almost anywhere. Use these insights to choose routes that match your budget, pace, and priorities.