Americans planning a summer road trip may want to think carefully before choosing their route, according to a new ranking of the best and worst states for road travel.
The ranking compared all 50 U.S. states using factors such as travel costs, road safety, scenic routes, attractions, camping prices, hotel rates and summer activities.
Minnesota was ranked the best state for a summer road trip, while Rhode Island was named the worst.
The list comes as many families are preparing to travel between June and September. With gas, hotels, food and entertainment still expensive, road-trippers are looking for destinations that offer fun without putting too much pressure on their budgets.
According to the analysis, Minnesota earned the number one overall spot because it offers a strong mix of outdoor recreation, safe roads and reasonable travel costs. The state ranked highly for road safety and also performed well for parks, recreation spending, summer festivals and camping affordability.
For travelers who enjoy lakes, scenic drives, parks and family-friendly stops, Minnesota may be one of the strongest choices this summer.
Utah ranked second overall. The state is known for its dramatic landscapes, national parks and scenic byways. While Utah was not one of the cheapest states in the ranking, it performed strongly for activities and road safety. Travelers looking for red-rock views, hiking routes and outdoor adventure may find Utah especially appealing.
Louisiana came in third. It ranked as the cheapest state for road-trippers and scored well for activities, nightlife and scenic routes. The state offers a strong mix of food, music, culture and historic cities, making it a good option for travelers who want a lively road trip experience. However, Louisiana ranked lower for safety, meaning drivers should plan carefully and stay alert on the road.
New York and Florida rounded out the top five. Both states ranked highly for activities, attractions and things to do, though they may be more expensive than some other destinations.
At the bottom of the ranking was Rhode Island. The state was rated the worst overall for a summer road trip because it scored poorly for affordability and activities. While Rhode Island has beaches, coastal towns and historic charm, the analysis found that it offers fewer road-trip advantages compared with larger states.
Delaware ranked second-worst. It was not among the most expensive states, but it placed last for activities and also ranked low for safety. Connecticut followed as the third-worst state, scoring poorly for affordability and available activities.
California, despite ranking first for activities, landed near the bottom overall because it was the most expensive state for road-trippers. High gas prices, camping costs, hotel rates and general travel expenses hurt its overall score.
Maryland also ranked among the bottom five.
The ranking does not mean that the lowest-scoring states are bad places to visit. Instead, it shows which states may be less ideal for a traditional summer road trip based on cost, driving conditions and the number of road-trip-friendly attractions.
For travelers, the results offer a useful reminder: the best road trip is not always about the most famous destination. A state with safer roads, cheaper lodging and more affordable attractions may provide a better overall experience than a more popular but expensive location.
Budget-conscious travelers may want to look closely at states such as Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and Oklahoma, which performed well in cost-related categories.
Those focused on activities may prefer California, Florida, New York, Texas and Washington, which scored strongly for attractions, national parks, nightlife, shoreline and scenic travel options.
For families, the safest and most balanced destinations may be the most practical choices. States like Minnesota, Maine, Utah and Idaho offer strong safety rankings while still giving travelers plenty to see and do.
As summer travel season continues, the ranking highlights one simple lesson: planning matters. Choosing the right state can help travelers save money, reduce stress and create a more enjoyable road trip.
Whether the goal is camping, sightseeing, beaches, food, music or national parks, road-trippers should compare costs, safety and activities before loading up the car.
For 2026, Minnesota stands out as the best overall pick, while Rhode Island may be one to avoid for travelers looking for the most affordable and activity-packed summer road trip.
Image Alt Text: A car drives along a scenic U.S. highway during a summer road trip across America.
Tags: Summer Road Trip, US Travel, Minnesota, Utah, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Travel News, Road Trip Tips, WalletHub, Vacation
