Pack your bags!
Summer is finally in full swing, which means road trip season has officially arrived. A beloved American tradition, road trips have long shaped our culture—serving as the backdrop for classic comedies, filling generations of family photo albums, and fueling an entire season of travel and tourism.
With so many points of interest across the country, choosing a destination can feel overwhelming. Luckily, WalletHub has ranked the 10 best states for a summer road trip—and your group chat won't believe which Midwestern state took the number-one spot.
Ohio
Known as the birthplace of aviation, Ohio also boasts the title for roller coaster capital of the world, thanks to the famous Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky. The state offers plenty of one-of-a-kind attractions that have steeped a legacy into pop culture history, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the railroads of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the scenic sandstone cliffs and caves of Hocking Hills.
North Carolina
Outer Banks isn’t just a Netflix show. North Carolina is famous for the stretch of barrier islands boasting wild horses, lighthouses, and some of the best waves of the summer season. If waterworks aren’t quite your vibe, the state is also home to NASCAR’s Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in the country, and is brimming with trails in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain range for hiking, camping, and getting a good dose of mountain air. The state is also home to EatingWell’s best wellness town in the U.S.
Georgia
The Peach State is also the home state of Coca-Cola. The fan-favored soft drink was invented by pharmacist John Pemberton in Atlanta in 1886, and the capital city is now home to the interactive World of Coca-Cola. The Stone Mountain Park boasts the world's largest exposed granite dome, and Savannah is known for the stunning cobblestone and oak-lined streets of the state’s famous historic district.
Maine
Arguably the most famous destination on the East Coast, Maine is known for its classic New England charm, historic lighthouses, and whale watching. Vacationing here means embracing beach-town living with world-class lobster rolls and views of Cape Elizabeth, which boasts a lighthouse so gorgeous that it's one of the most photographed in the country.
For those looking to pack a little heat into the travel plan, the Arcadia dessert has just what you’re looking for. Located on Mount Desert Island, the park is ripe for hiking, featuring granite peaks and the perfect sunset view over the Atlantic.
The summer months may be the very best time to visit. Passing through, you’ll catch blueberry season. Maine is the largest producer of wild blueberries in the nation. Get ready for some perfect popovers!
Texas
The Lone Star State might be known for rodeos, barbecue, and the pop-culture beloved Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, but the state has MUCH more to offer than just lassos and pom-poms. The state’s capital is home to the historic Alamo building, while Houston boasts a NASA-trusted space center, and Austin holds the title of Live Music Capital of the World. Even more, Dallas’s Dealey Plaza is known for the Sixth Floor Museum, which explores the events around JFK's assassination.
Florida
The Sunshine State is home to sprawling orange groves, thousands of miles of coastline, bustling nightlife, and, of course, some of the country’s most beloved theme parks. While Miami’s beaches and Disney’s castles may be some of the most famous attractions in the Southern state, Cape Canaveral houses the Kennedy Space Center, the primary base for NASA space launches, and the archipelago of the Florida Keys extends through the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
New York
While the skyline is the most iconic in the nation, there’s more to New York than just the city, which offers internationally renowned theater performances on the Broadway strip, castle and waterfall views in Central Park, and, of course, rooftop decks on nearly all of the most famous skyscrapers. Further upstate, you can catch the American views of the famous Niagara Falls, hike through the Adirondack Park, and enjoy the premier wine scene while overlooking the famed Finger Lakes.
Louisiana
A beacon for Creole and Cajun culture, the French Quarter boasts a vibrant, spicy food scene through world-famous gumbo, crawfish boils, and iconic Café du Monde beignets. The state is also the birthplace of jazz music, with world-renowned venues lining the streets of New Orleans. If you’d rather spend your time on the water, you’re in luck! Also known as "Sportsman's Paradise," the Louisiana waterways and marshes provide the perfect backdrop for boating and fishing.
Utah
Home to the “Mighty Five” national parks, Utah boasts the iconic Delicate Arch in addition to over 2,000 natural stone arches, bright red sandstone cliffs, and wild desert landscapes. This destination is not only an outdoor lover's dream, but film fans will also want to try to hit Park City, the annual venue of the famed Sundance Film Festival, and food lovers will definitely want to grab a “dirty soda” before getting back on the road!
Minnesota
The “Land of 10,000 Lakes” takes the top spot. Better known for its Twin Cities, this Midwestern state is packed with opportunities to get off the road and on the water, offering some of the best boating and fishing scenes in the country. The parks surrounding the famous waters are ripe for biking and hiking. After you get your heart rate up, you might want to check out the booming craft breweries. Visitors should plan on at least trying their hand at rollerblades; you’ll be in their home state after all!
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