Summer road trips remain popular for travelers who want flexibility, predictable costs, and control over their schedules. To understand where driving tends to be smoother or more challenging, WalletHub evaluated all 50 U.S. states using nearly three dozen factors, including attractions, road quality, safety, gas prices, and lodging costs. The rankings are based on 2025 data and still offer useful context for travelers planning trips in 2026.
Below is a closer look at the top 10 and bottom 10 states for summer road trips, providing insight into what each ranking means for planning purposes.
Best U.S. states for a summer road trip
Minnesota (Rank 1)
Minnesota ranked first due to its consistent investment in outdoor recreation and public spaces that are easy to access by car. Parks, lakes, trails, and scenic routes are well distributed across the state, allowing travelers to plan days with frequent stops rather than long stretches of uninterrupted driving.
Minnesota ranked first for summer road trips because its well-maintained roads and access to parks and scenic routes supported smoother, more enjoyable drives.
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Costs also strengthened Minnesota’s position. Camping fees and mid-range hotel prices tend to stay reasonable during peak summer months, and car repair costs trend lower than the national average. These factors support longer trips without quickly increasing expenses.
New York (Rank 2)
New York scored highly because of the variety of experiences available within a single state. Travelers can move between cities, lake regions, mountains, and coastal areas without crossing state lines, which makes it easier to create flexible routes that feel diverse.
New York ranked near the top for summer road trips because its extensive road network connected cities, lakes, mountains, and coastal areas within a single state.
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While distances can be long, the state’s infrastructure supports extended drives. Careful planning helps manage busy corridors, and travelers can adjust routes to balance urban stops with quieter regions.
Ohio (Rank 3)
Ohio performs well largely because of its affordability, which matters for travelers planning multi-day road trips. Average car repair costs are among the lowest in the country, and gas and lodging prices remain relatively stable throughout the summer season.
Ohio ranked among the top states for summer road trips because its relatively low gas, lodging, and car repair costs made longer drives more budget-friendly.
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The state also benefits from a high number of fairs and festivals during the summer. These events help travelers structure routes around specific destinations without adding unnecessary miles or costs.
Utah (Rank 4)
Utah earned its ranking thanks to its scenic byways and concentration of natural landmarks that make the drive itself part of the experience. Designated routes guide travelers through varied landscapes, while national parks and public lands support flexible itineraries.
Utah ranked among the top states for summer road trips because its scenic byways and access to national parks made the drive itself a central part of the travel experience.
(Paola Giannoni via Getty Images)
Because some destinations are remote, preparation plays an important role. Planning fuel stops, lodging, and rest days helps travelers make the most of longer driving segments.
Louisiana (Rank 5)
Louisiana benefits from lower gas prices and a layout that supports shorter driving days. Cultural attractions, food-focused destinations, and music events are accessible without long detours, which helps maintain a relaxed travel pace.
Louisiana ranked among the top states for summer road trips because lower gas prices and closely spaced destinations helped keep driving days shorter and more affordable.
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Summer heat can affect comfort, but timing drives for earlier mornings or evenings can help. Lodging options span a wide range of budgets, allowing travelers to adjust plans as needed.
Other top-ranked states
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Florida (Rank 6): A dense concentration of attractions allows travelers to plan routes around interests rather than distance alone.
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Idaho (Rank 7): Scenic routes and lighter traffic support quieter, less stressful driving days.
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Texas (Rank 8): Size and diversity allow for many road trip styles, though distances require planning.
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North Carolina (Rank 9): Coastal, mountain, and city routes provide variety without leaving the state.
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Pennsylvania (Rank 10): Loop-friendly routes and frequent stopping points support organized itineraries.
Together, these states perform well by offering variety, affordability, or efficient road networks, even if they do not rank at the very top in every category. For travelers, this means road trips here often succeed with basic planning and work best for flexible itineraries that balance driving days with regular stops.
Worst U.S. states for a summer road trip
Delaware (Rank 50)
Delaware ranked last due to limited route variety and lower scores for safety and attractions. Its small size restricts longer itineraries, and many travelers may find fewer reasons to extend a stay beyond a short visit.
Delaware ranked low for summer road trips because its limited route variety and fewer attractions made longer itineraries harder to justify.
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In areas with fewer services, preparation becomes more important. Planning fuel stops and carrying basic supplies can help reduce stress during delays.
Connecticut (Rank 49)
Connecticut struggles with higher travel costs and frequent congestion, particularly during summer weekends. Traffic can significantly affect driving comfort and timing, especially near major cities.
Connecticut ranked near the bottom for summer road trips because higher costs and congestion reduced flexibility and made longer drives less appealing.
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Lodging and dining prices tend to run higher than average. Short, focused trips are often more manageable than extended road itineraries.
Rhode Island (Rank 48)
Rhode Island’s small size limits road trip variety, even though coastal destinations attract visitors. Routes are short, and longer trips can feel repetitive after a few days.
Rhode Island ranked near the bottom for summer road trips because its small size and limited route variety made longer itineraries harder to sustain.
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Summer costs rise quickly, especially for lodging and parking. The state often works best as part of a broader regional trip.
Vermont (Rank 47)
Vermont offers scenic landscapes but ranks lower due to limited infrastructure and activity density. Rural routes can feel repetitive over longer stays, and services are spaced farther apart.
Vermont ranked near the bottom for summer road trips because limited infrastructure and widely spaced services made longer driving itineraries less convenient.
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Planning ahead improves comfort and pacing. Thoughtful routing helps reduce fatigue and makes longer drives more manageable.
Montana (Rank 46)
Montana’s ranking reflects long distances between destinations and limited services along some routes. Scenic drives are plentiful, but driving days can feel demanding without careful planning.
Vermont ranked near the bottom for summer road trips because limited infrastructure and widely spaced services made longer driving itineraries less convenient.
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Fuel, lodging availability, and timing all require attention. Preparation is essential for smoother travel.
Other lower-ranked states
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Hawaii (Rank 45): High costs and limited road length reduce overall road trip value.
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California (Rank 44): Gas prices, lodging costs, and summer congestion increase planning demands.
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New Mexico (Rank 43): Long distances between services affect comfort despite moderate costs.
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Arkansas (Rank 42): Uneven road quality and spaced-out attractions require intentional routing.
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Maryland (Rank 41): Congestion near urban areas limits flexibility and affects travel time.
While these states rank lower overall, that does not mean road trips are impossible or unenjoyable. Instead, they tend to require more planning, realistic pacing, and attention to costs or infrastructure limitations.
Final thoughts
These rankings highlight how factors such as costs, road quality, attractions, and services shape summer road trip experiences. Higher-ranked states tend to support smoother logistics, while lower-ranked states require more preparation and flexibility. Understanding these differences helps travelers plan routes that better match their budget, pace, and priorities.
