The 12 Best States for a Road Trip in 2025, Ranked
If you’ve been meaning to plan a road trip, there’s still time. Fall is a great window to travel—crowds start thinning out in popular places, and the weather usually cooperates just long enough to squeeze in one more adventure.
To help narrow down where to go, WalletHub compared all 50 states using a range of data points, including travel costs, road quality, and the number of attractions you might actually want to stop for. Some states you’d expect made the cut. A few others might surprise you.
Here are the 12 states that came out on top, starting with #12 and counting up to the best road trip destination in the country.
12. Georgia
Georgia can be full of surprises. One moment you’re weaving through the traffic of Atlanta, and the next you’re lost in the Spanish moss and historic charm of Savannah. The coastlines are underrated, the barbecue is solid, and the peaches actually live up to the hype.
It also helps that Georgia is easy on the wallet. Gas prices and road trip costs are some of the lowest in the country, which means more money left for roadside boiled peanuts and small-town antique finds.
11. Wisconsin
Full disclosure: I might be a little biased on this one—I live here. But even WalletHub agrees, ranking Wisconsin just outside the top 10 overall thanks to our relatively low costs, excellent road safety, and wide variety of scenic and cultural attractions.
You could spend a week exploring charming small towns and winding back roads in Door County alone—seriously, it’s like the Cape Cod of the Midwest. And don’t sleep on Green Bay, where you’ll find a surprising mix of historic sites, lakefront views, and—you guessed it—Packers fandom everywhere you turn. Shamba Safari is also a great pit stop to make, especially if you’re traveling with kiddos.
Want a closer look? Here’s my video of Green Bay that shows just how much there is to do and see in the area.
Wisconsin also ranks among the five lowest states for car repair costs, which is especially handy if you’re logging serious miles.
10. Pennsylvania
There’s something old-school and satisfying about driving through Pennsylvania. The mix of farmland, rolling hills, and old mining towns creates the kind of scenery that makes you want to roll the windows down. And then you’ve got the historic sites—some big and well-known, some tucked away in places you’d never expect.
Philly and Pittsburgh get a lot of attention, sure, but there’s a lot to see between them, too. If you like road trips with a little history and grit, this one’s a good call.
9. North Carolina
North Carolina doesn’t need to try too hard—it just is what it is. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains, the range of scenery alone makes it worth the miles. The beaches are wide open and easygoing, the mountains feel like a deep breath, and the smaller towns in between are some of the most welcoming you’ll find.
Even with a few dings in the road safety category, it’s the kind of place that feels like a classic American road trip in the best way possible.
8. Texas
Texas isn’t subtle, and that’s what makes it great for a road trip. Everything is big, yes, but it also offers so many weird, wonderful stops that you’ll be pulling over way more than you expected. One day you’re swimming in a spring-fed pool in the desert, the next you’re eating tacos out of a gas station that locals swear by.
It’s also one of the better states for budget travel—accommodations, food, even gas prices are surprisingly manageable given the scale. Just pace yourself. This state eats up time fast.
7. Idaho
Idaho is one of those places that catches you off guard—in the best way. You head in expecting potatoes and come out raving about the mountains, hot springs, and crystal-clear lakes. The drives are peaceful, the towns are friendly, and there’s just something about the pace here that feels good.
It also ranked #1 in the country for road safety, which is no small feat. If you’re looking for long stretches of scenic highway where the stress level stays low, Idaho’s got you.
6. Florida
Florida is basically a road trip playground… assuming you don’t mind a little sweat. You’ll find beaches, theme parks, gator tours, art deco architecture, and key lime pie—all without leaving the state. There’s so much more to do in Florida beyond Disney!
The roads can be hectic (and WalletHub’s safety score reflects that), but you’re never far from something interesting. If your idea of a great trip includes nonstop action, this one’s a no-brainer.
5. Louisiana
Louisiana wins big when it comes to affordability—#1 in the country, actually. But even if it were pricier, it’d still be worth the drive. New Orleans alone can fill a week, but the rest of the state has its own rhythm. The food, the music, the bayous—it all feels like you’ve stepped into a different world.
You do have to be mindful on the roads here. The safety ranking was one of the lowest. But if you plan your route and take it easy, you’re in for one of the most flavorful road trips out there.
4. Utah
Utah looks like it was built for dramatic road trip photo ops. The national parks—Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands—get all the hype, and deservedly so. But what you find between them might end up being your favorite part. Tiny towns, winding canyons, and viewpoints you didn’t even know existed.
The state also ranked high for safety and affordability. It’s not just stunning—it’s a practical choice too.
3. Ohio
Ohio might not scream “fall getaway,” but it punches well above its weight. You’ve got Cedar Point, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and more drive-in diners than you can count. And when you’re not chasing thrill rides or nostalgia, there are wineries, hiking trails, and quiet lakeside towns waiting.
Add in low costs for lodging, food, and car repairs, and Ohio turns out to be a pretty smart choice for a road trip that won’t drain your budget.
2. New York
Yes, there’s NYC. But the real road trip magic in New York happens upstate. You’ll find mountain drives in the Adirondacks, waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, and charming little towns with bookstores, antique shops, and coffee that rivals the big cities.
It’s not the cheapest destination, but the payoff is huge. The state ranked near the top for attractions, historic sites, and overall experience. It’s a place you could spend weeks exploring—and still have more to see next time.
1. Minnesota
Minnesota probably isn’t the first place most people think of for a road trip—and that’s part of the appeal. It’s full of quiet charm and natural beauty, from lakes and forests to quirky roadside stops and big summer fairs. And when it’s warm out, the locals are out enjoying every second of it.
The state ranks near the top in just about every category: affordability, road safety, and fun things to do. It’s calm, it’s easy to navigate, and it leaves a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something that feels both laid-back and full of possibility, Minnesota is it. (And there are some really cool Airbnbs you can stay at along the way.)
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