With nearly 72% of U.S. adults planning a road trip this summer, a new study from personal finance website WalletHub ranks Texas among the nation’s top destinations for travelers looking to hit the road.
The report, which compared all 50 states across 32 metrics related to affordability, safety and attractions, placed Texas sixth overall among the best states for summer road trips in 2026.
Texas Scores High In Attractions And Affordability
Texas earned the top ranking in the nation for the number of attractions available to travelers, helping propel the state into the top 10 overall.
The Lone Star State also performed well in several affordability categories, ranking fifth for average gas prices and ninth for the lowest cost of a three-star hotel room. Texas also ranked fifth for nightlife options per capita and 12th for access to scenic byways.
The state received lower marks in some areas, including a 30th-place ranking for camping costs and a 30th-place ranking for driving laws.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said affordability and access to attractions are among the most important factors for travelers planning summer road trips.
“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 still impacted by inflation, you’ll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable,” Lupo said. “Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the road.”
Minnesota Tops National Rankings
While Texas placed sixth, Minnesota earned the top overall ranking in the study.
According to WalletHub, Minnesota’s combination of outdoor recreation opportunities, fairs and festivals, road safety, and relatively affordable lodging helped secure the No. 1 spot.
Utah ranked second, followed by Louisiana and Florida to round out the top five.
Texas finished ahead of states including Maine, Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio.
Gas Prices Remain A Key Factor
One area where Texas stood out was fuel affordability.
The study ranked Texas fifth nationally for average gas prices, trailing only Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. By comparison, California ranked last in the category, followed by Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, and Alaska.
WalletHub noted that lower fuel prices can make a significant difference for travelers covering long distances during summer vacations.
Experts Offer Money-Saving Tips
Travel experts interviewed by WalletHub encouraged motorists to plan ahead and seek out ways to cut costs before leaving home.
Wooyang Kim, a professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead, recommended searching for local deals, purchasing snacks and drinks at grocery stores, and refueling at lower-cost gas stations along travel routes.
Andrew Burnstine, an associate professor at Lynn University, suggested avoiding tourist traps, using apps to locate cheaper gas stations, and considering public lands, state parks, and campgrounds instead of more expensive attractions and accommodations.
“Travel costs are absolutely brutal right now, with everything from gas to hotels eating through your savings before you even pack a bag,” Burnstine said.
Road Trips Expected To Remain Popular
Despite higher travel costs, experts believe road trips will remain a popular vacation option this summer.
Many travelers continue to view driving as a more flexible and affordable alternative to air travel, allowing families and groups to better control expenses while exploring destinations closer to home.
For Texans, the combination of abundant attractions, relatively low fuel costs, and affordable lodging options appears to make the state one of the country’s strongest choices for summer road-trippers in 2026.
