School is out for the summer, which means vacation time. And whether you’re going with your kids, a group of friends, or even on your own, there are practically limitless alternatives for a warm-weather vacation. That’s why we curved out the best states for a summer vacation from a new study at Scholaroo. However, if you were planning a beach vacation in California or a camping trip in rural Vermont, you might want to reconsider and visit the Northwest. Continue reading to find out the best states for a summer vacation and which states have received the highest ratings.
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1. Montana
If you’re looking for natural beauty on your summer vacation, Montana could be the place. The state is home to the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park, and if you stay near the Wyoming border, you can easily access Yellowstone National Park.
Expect any green space to be lovely, as Montana ranks second in the nation for park maintenance. It is also the fourth-most bicycle-friendly state, owing to its abundance of open space.
2. Kansas
According to Scholaroo, Kansas ranks tenth because of its abundance of outdoor recreational possibilities, such as gorgeous lakes, hiking trails, and camping spots, as well as its dynamic local festivals and events that highlight the state’s rich cultural past.
The state scored third in terms of affordability, with the third lowest accommodation costs in the country.
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3. Texas
“From the vibrant cities of Austin and Houston to the stunning Gulf Coast beaches, visitors can enjoy a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and relaxing beach getaways,” Scholaroo states about Texas’s ninth-place finish.
The Lonestar State ranks sixth in terms of entertainment venue visits and transportation expenditures, so you may plan a multi-city vacation with confidence. Texas also ranks second for weather, taking into consideration the average summer temperature.
4. South Dakota
South Dakota also ranks eighth in park maintenance, which is understandable given that it is home to Black Hills National Forest (where Mount Rushmore is located), Badlands National Park, and Wind Cave National Park.
It’s also an excellent state for reliving the Wild West. Small communities such as Custer and Deadwood are former mining towns with old-time saloons and historical reenactments. In addition, South Dakota ranks eighth for affordability.
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5. Arkansas
If you prefer outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and water sports, Scholaroo recommends Arkansas. One of the most popular attractions is Hot Springs National Park, which features a nearly 4,000-year-old thermal spring. Chena Hot Springs boasts the second-blushest water in the United States.
Need more convincing? Arkansas is the cheapest state in the US for summer vacations. It boasts the sixth-lowest accommodation costs and the fourth-lowest average menu prices.
6. Florida
Is a summer vacation list complete without including Florida? Whether you favor the East Coast or the Gulf Coast, the beaches here are among the best in the country. And let us not forget about Disney World.
Unsurprisingly, Florida comes sixth in terms of hotel and motel accommodations, with options ranging from luxurious Miami penthouses to quiet seaside cottages. It also ranks sixth in national park access, with sites such as Everglades National Park, the country’s largest tropical wilderness, and Dry Tortugas National Park, a group of seven islands where you can snorkel among coral reefs.
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7. Tennessee
“Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a music lover, or a history buff, Tennessee’s charm, and hospitality, coupled with its abundance of outdoor adventures, make it an ideal destination for an unforgettable summer getaway,” Scholaroo adds.
You can visit Nashville for country music and hot chicken, or you can go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most popular national park.
Tennessee is ranked eighth for entertainment venues, third for hotels and motels, and first for transportation costs.
8. North Dakota
Scholaroo mentions North Dakota as another state with “breathtaking natural beauty” and “picturesque landscapes.” This includes Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Badlands, where you may even see some wildlife.
The state ranks seventh in overall affordability, with the most reasonable lodging rates and the sixth-lowest average menu pricing. It is also recognized as the fifth most bike-friendly state and seventh best for hotels and motels.
