Best States for Summer Vacation

The summer season is here and vacation enthusiasts across the United States are eager to plan their ideal summer trip. With an abundance of options, deciding on the perfect destination can be overwhelming. To help travelers make an informed decision, Scholaroo has embarked on an extensive analysis to determine the best states to spend your summer vacation in.

This report aims to highlight the key factors that make certain states stand out as the best places for summer vacations, providing valuable information for people seeking a memorable and enjoyable experience. By examining a range of factors from weather, and attractions, to the cost of accommodations, Scholaroo’s analysis will help travelers make well-informed choices and maximize their summer vacation experience.

#1 Wyoming

Average Accommodation Cost: $167.95

Average Menu Price: $8.98

Wyoming is the ultimate summer vacation destination, offering an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. From the breathtaking peaks of the Grand Tetons to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park, the state boasts an abundance of scenic landscapes and wildlife. Whether hiking through pristine wilderness, rafting down exhilarating rivers, or witnessing the awe-inspiring Old Faithful geyser, Wyoming provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

#2 Hawaii

Average Accommodation Cost: $248.03

Average Menu Price: $13

Hawaii is widely regarded as the second-best state to spend a summer vacation due to its unparalleled natural beauty, diverse outdoor activities, and unique cultural experiences. With its stunning beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and crystal-clear waters, Hawaii offers an idyllic setting for relaxation and adventure. Visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, hiking through breathtaking trails, and exploring volcanic wonders. Moreover, the vibrant Hawaiian culture, including traditional music, hula dancing, and delicious local cuisine, adds an enriching and immersive dimension to the vacation experience.

#3 Florida

Average Accommodation Cost: $207.87

Average Menu Price $11.10

Florida is the third best state to spend the summer in due to its abundant sunshine and stunning beaches, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation amidst a tropical paradise. Additionally, the state boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with diverse attractions, theme parks, and lively nightlife that contribute to a memorable summer experience.

#4 North Dakota

Average Accommodation Cost: $126.39

Average Menu Price: $9.74

North Dakota is one of the best states to spend the summer because it offers breathtaking natural beauty with its picturesque landscapes, including the stunning Badlands and the serene Lake Sakakawea, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Additionally, the state’s warm and inviting communities, renowned for their friendly hospitality and vibrant festivals, create a welcoming atmosphere that guarantees an unforgettable summer experience.

#5 Tennessee

Average Accommodation Cost: $209.85

Average Menu Price: $10.03

Tennessee is an exceptional state to spend a summer vacation due to its diverse range of attractions and activities that cater to every traveler’s interests. The picturesque Great Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking hiking trails and stunning vistas, while the vibrant cities of Nashville and Memphis provide unrivaled music scenes, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural experiences. 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.

#6 Arkansas

Average Accommodation Cost: $150.90

Average Menu Price: $9.47

Arkansas offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural beauty, with its abundant lakes, rivers, and national parks, making it a haven for hiking, fishing, camping, and water sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the state’s warm and sunny climate during the summer months creates the perfect setting for enjoying the vibrant festivals, exploring charming small towns, and indulging in the delicious local cuisine, making Arkansas an ideal destination for a memorable summer experience.

#7 South Dakota

Average Accommodation Cost: $162.90

Average Menu Price: $10.23

South Dakota offers a diverse range of outdoor attractions, from the stunning landscapes of Badlands National Park to the majestic Mount Rushmore, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, the state’s warm and sunny summers, coupled with its welcoming communities and rich cultural heritage, provide a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for summer vacationers.

#8 Montana

Average Accommodation Cost: $194.49

Average Menu Price: $10.42

Montana is a captivating destination for a summer vacation due to its breathtaking natural beauty. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the crystal-clear waters of Glacier National Park, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Moreover, the state’s warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with its charming small towns and welcoming locals, make Montana an ideal place to unwind and create unforgettable summer memories.

#9 Texas

Average Accommodation Cost: $175.03

Average Menu Price: $10.78

Texas is an ideal summer vacation destination, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities. 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. The state’s warm climate, friendly hospitality, and renowned Tex-Mex cuisine further enhance the appeal, making Texas a top choice for an unforgettable summer vacation.

#10 Kansas

Average Accommodation Cost: $127.80

Average Menu Price: $10.04

Kansas closes out the top 10 due to its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including scenic lakes, hiking trails, and camping sites, as well as its vibrant local festivals and events that showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, Kansas’s moderate summer temperatures and stunning sunsets provide a serene and enjoyable environment for visitors seeking a relaxing summer getaway.

FAQs

What is the best place to go on vacation?

The best place to go on vacation in the US is the state of Wyoming. This state offers an abundance of entertainment options tailored for the summer season, making it an ideal destination with excellent cost-benefit value.

How many days in summer vacation?

Summer vacation can last from 42 to 98 days, depending on each school district.

How is Florida in the summer? 

Due to its abundant leisure activity options and exceptional environmental quality, Florida is recognized as one of the top states to enjoy your summer vacation.

Methodology

In order to determine what are the best places to spend the Summer Vacation in the U.S., Scholaroo compared the 50 states across seven key dimensions:
1. Infrastructure
2. Summer Entertainment
3. Crime & Safety
4. Affordability

We evaluated those dimensions using 21 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 being the max.

Finally, we determined each state’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.

Infrastructure: (18 Points)

Road conditions: Regular Weight (4.5 Points) 
The percentage of roads in good travel conditions

Number of Major Airports: Half Weight (2.25 Points)
The number of major airports per capita.

Hospitals: Half Weight (2.25 Points)
Number of hospitals available per capita.

Hotels and Motels: Double Weight (9 Points)
The frequency of people visiting hotels and motels per capita.

Summer Entertainment: (55 Points)

Weather: Regular Weight (7.86 Points)
The average temperature during the summer season.

Parks Maintenance: Regular Weight (7.86 Points)
The amount of resources allocated to park maintenance per capita.

Lakes and Beaches: Double Weight (15.75 Points)
The number of beaches and lakes per 100K people in each state.

Restaurant Operators: Half Weight (3.93 Points)
The number of people employed in restaurants and related food services per 100K people.

Bicycle-Friendly States: Half Weight (3.93 Points)
The ranking of the states based on their bicycle-related infrastructure.

National Parks: Regular Weight (7.86 Points)
The total percentage of the state covered in state and national parks.

Entertainment Venue Visits: Half Weight (3.93 Points)
 The frequency of people visiting entertainment establishments per capita.

Movie Theater Visits: Half Weight (3.93 Points) 
The frequency of people visiting movie theaters per capita.

Crime & Safety: (7 Points)

Police officers: Half Weight (1.17 Points)
The number of police officers per capita

Credit card fraud: Half Weight (1.17 Points)
The number of cases of credit card fraud per capita.

Sexual assault rate: Half Weight (1.17 Points)
The number of registered rape crimes per capita. (Self-reported rapes, number of victims of rape, forcible rapes).

Robbery: Regular Weight (2.33 Points)
The number of cases of taking or attempting to take anything of value by force or threat of force per capita.

Motor Vehicular Theft and Damage: Half Weight (1.17 Points)
The reported motor vehicular theft and damage cases per 100K people.

Affordability: (20 Points)

Transportation Cost: Half Weight (6.67 Points) 
 The transportation cost index in Q3 2021.

Accommodation Cost: Half Weight (6.67 Points)
Average accommodation cost for 3 nights for one person.

Average Menu Price: Half Weight (6.67 Points)
The average price of a meal from the menu in restaurants in the state.