are we there yet?

Texas coasts as 6th best summer road trip destination in America

Set up a good playlist, find your destination, and let's get cruising.

Courtesy photo

Those planning a good old-fashioned road trip this summer will be happy to know that the Lone Star State is cruising as one of the 10 best road trip destinations in the U.S. this year.

Texas ranks 6th in WalletHub's latest study, "Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips," which compared all 50 states based on their affordability, scenery, safety, and fun. The survey analyzed factors that road trippers prioritize for their vacation plans, such as the average price for gas, traffic congestion, the type of attractions in each state, among others.

Minnesota reigned as the No. 1 best road trip destination for 2026, followed by Utah (No. 2) and Louisiana (No. 3).

Nearly three quarters of Americans are planning a road trip this year, and traveling affordably is a big priority no matter where the destination, the report found.

"While deciding to travel is easy, choosing the right destination — and staying within budget — can be more challenging," the report said. "Gas prices remain a concern, with the national average still above $4.50 per gallon."

Gas prices will vary depending on the city, but AAA reports the statewide average price for gas is $3.42 for regular, $4.26 for premium, and $4.42 for diesel in June.

This is how Texas performed across the three main categories in the study:

No. 5 – Activities
No. 15 – Costs
No. 39 – Safety

There's no shortage of things to do around the state this summer, from going camping, indulging in as many food festivals as you can handle, taking the kids to a new theme park, or taking a trip down to the coast for a sun-filled getaway.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said the best destinations for road trips are the places that similarly value affordability while "providing the best driving experience and most fun activities."

"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."

The top 10 best states for road trips in 2026 are:

No. 1 – Minnesota
No. 2 – Utah
No. 3 – Louisiana
No. 4 – New York
No. 5 – Florida
No. 6 – Texas
No. 7 – Maine
No. 8 – Georgia
No. 9 – North Carolina
No. 10 – Ohio

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dine by the vines

Exclusive Texas Hill Country winery restaurant named best in the world

Stout's Signature restaurant at Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg

Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's Signature is Grape Creek's members-only restaurant, but a small number of reservations will be offered to non-members.

The Hill Country has no shortage of vineyards and wineries that serve bites with their vintages, but only one Fredericksburg vineyard boasts a restaurant that measures up against the best in the world.

The industry experts at Wine Enthusiast have declared Stout's Signature at Grape Creek Vineyards one of the 57 best destination restaurants in the world. It's the only Texas restaurant to make the cut.

The new honor also elevates Grape Creek Vineyards' reputation as one of the best wineries in the Hill Country region, and its tasting tours are also recognized among the best in the country.

Stout's is a hidden gem restaurant where patrons can enjoy Hill Country-inspired cuisine with their wine tastings, from light bites to a hearty meal, all while the sprawling Grape Creek vineyard beckons from beyond the tables.

Signature dinner dishes like the tenderloin bolognese and meatballs made with veal, pork, and ground beef are must-try picks, but Wine Enthusiast reserves the most praise for its weekend brunch.

"[Stout's] boasts the region’s best Sunday brunch, with tables laden with dishes like Bourbon shrimp and grits with homemade andouille sausage and a breakfast burger with egg, bacon, and avocado," Wine Enthusiast wrote. "A mini pancake stack for the table is a must. Pair it with their Cabernet Trois, a bold blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Ruby Cabernet."

Wine tasting at Grape Creek Vineyards Pair a pour with an app or an entree.Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's has traditionally been a members-only institution for the Grape Creek Wine Club, but non-members now have a chance to dine at the exclusive restaurant. A limited number of Friday and Saturday evening dinner reservations will be offered to the public after the winery's regular closing at 5:30 pm.

"Stout's Signature has always felt like one of our best-kept secrets, and we wanted to give more people the chance to experience it, especially after being named one of the best winery restaurants in the world by Wine Enthusiast this summer," said Heath Family Brands CEO and founder Brian Heath.

Stout's Signature is located at 10587 US-290 in Fredericksburg. Non-member reservation availability is limited, and can be booked by calling 830-644-2710, opt. 3, or online via heathfamilybrands.com.

winery hill country fredericksburg grape creek vineyard restaurants wine enthusiast

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dine by the vines

Exclusive Texas Hill Country winery restaurant named best in the world