Are you planning a road trip this summer? New rankings have just revealed the top five best U.S. states for a road trip.
Road trips are expected to be a popular form of travel this year, with nearly 80% of Americans planning to take some sort of road trip this summer.
According to a new study from WalletHub, these are the best states for a memorable summer road trip. Their methodology is based on more than 30 factors, including things to do, value for money, safety, and more.
Here are the top states to consider for your next road trip:
1. Texas
The Lone Star State comes in at number one on this list of the best U.S. road trip destinations because of its good value and abundance of things to do.
A great Texas road trip would start out in the quirky and cool city of Austin before heading south to historic San Antonio. From there, you can make your way west to Big Bend National Park. Although it’s remote, it’s worth visiting this national park due to its stunning scenery.
Another option for a Texas road trip would be heading south from San Antonio to South Padre Island, the top beach destination in Texas.
2. New York
Although it’s pricier than other states on this list, New York is an amazing destination for a road trip this summer. There’s so much more to the state than just New York City.
On Long Island, the Hamptons are a classic summer beach getaway.
Further upstate, the Catskill Mountains are another quintessential summer destination with a variety of outdoor activities. Some other great places to check out in upstate New York include the picturesque Finger Lakes region and iconic Niagara Falls.
3. North Carolina
Another one of the best states to visit on a road trip this summer is North Carolina. This picturesque Southern state offers good value for money and has no shortage of things to do.
If you’re after a beach vacation, the Outer Banks are a must-visit destination. These remote barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina are perfect for a laidback getaway.
On the other side of the state, you can enjoy road-tripping through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Blue Ridge Parkway is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the country. Be sure to stop in hip and artistic Asheville and step back in time at the sprawling Biltmore Estate.
4. Ohio
Ohio is another great state for a road trip this summer. This underrated state flies under the radar for tourism, yet it’s packed with awesome summer destinations.
When you think of Ohio, beaches may not be the first thing to come to mind, but the state actually has beautiful beaches along the shores of Lake Erie. Places like Sandusky or Geneva-on-the-Lake are perfect stops on your road trip this summer.
Ohio is also home to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, home to several waterfalls, great hiking trails, and a scenic railway.
5. Idaho
Finally, Idaho is one of the best destinations for your summer road trip. This Northwestern state is packed full of incredible things to do.
One of the biggest highlights of Idaho is its natural beauty.
You can enjoy road-tripping to breathtaking Shoshone Falls or see the otherworldly landscapes of Craters of the Moon National Monument. A small part of Yellowstone National Park is in Idaho, although most of it is contained in neighboring Wyoming and Montana.
Idaho also boasts incredible natural hot springs and a cool capital city, Boise, which has been exploding in popularity in recent years.
