The Lone Star State has been named the best state for summer road trips, according to a new study from WalletHub.
This summer, 75% of Americans plan on taking some sort of road trip, with around 33% planning on traveling over 250 miles from their home, according to the study.
“Taking a summer road trip can be a very exciting way to experience a new place, but with the prices of gas, food, and accommodations heavily impacted by inflation, you’ll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable,” Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst said.
“Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the road. The best states for summer road trips, therefore, are those that keep costs low while providing the best driving experience and most fun activities.”
The study ranked the 50 states based on 32 key metrics, such as the number of attractions, road conditions, costs, safety, and more. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for summer road trips.
Texas received a total score of 58.59, ranking No.11 for costs, No.39 for safety, and No.5 for activities. Texas just edged out Minnesota, which received a total score of 58.48, and New York, which received a total score of 58.44.
Delaware finished last, with an overall score of 36.67, ranking No.41 for costs, No.36 for safety, and No.48 for activities.
Texas’ available attractions include zoos, botanical gardens, and amusement parks.
“Even in between activities, the act of being on the road in Texas can be very enjoyable since the state has over 9,500 miles of scenic byways,” the study reads.
Texas was found to have the second-cheapest three-star hotel room prices within a 10-mile radius of city centers during mid-July. It was also the top for accommodations and restaurants per capita, where many seek out the state’s famous Tex-Mex cuisine.
Louisiana finished first for costs, while Maine finished first for safety, and California finished first for activities.