are we there yet?

Texas rides along as a top summer road trip destination in America

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo is a popular pit stop for road trippers heading out of state.

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

travel vacation wallethub reports texas summer road trip

Home Away from Home

Luxury hotel coming to Austin aims for private residence feel

Credit: Flick Mars

Hotel Trinity opens in Fall 2026 at 311 E. 5th Street.

Downtown Austin is getting a new luxury hotel with a coastal restaurant and a home-like feel, to set it apart from the the city's existing offerings. Hotel Trinity, an Autograph Collection Hotel, is set to open at 311 E. 5th St. in late 2026.

Hotel Trinity will be the only Autograph Collection property in downtown Austin. The city's other Autograph Collection hotel, The Otis, is near the University of Texas campus.

The 14-floor, 258-room Hotel Trinity — developed by White Lodging, which now has 13 Austin properties in its portfolio — is positioning itself around a philosophy of "residential intimacy," according to a recent press release, rather than the more transient feel of a typical hotel stay.

That residential feeling isn't about chintz curtains and tchotchkes; it's less like a cozy home and more well-appointed private residence. The rooms are finished with hardwood floors, custom millwork, and mini bars stocked with locally sourced goods. The same ethos carries throughout hotel's public spaces, where layered materials and a rich color palette are meant to make guests feel genuinely at home — it's just a very expensive one.

Model room at Hotel Trinity A model room at the new Hotel Trinity, showcasing the variety of textures and colors that make this place feel distinctly homey. Rendering by Flick Mars

The Yacht Club, a signature fine-dining seafood restaurant, will serve a tasting menu alongside signature dishes such as fresh oysters, caviar service, and a bar program leaning heavily on sparkling wines, coastal pours, aperitivos, and spritzes. The offerings are about as beachy as a landlocked city in Central Texas can get.

On the roof, Sundeck Social is reserved for registered hotel guests, with a strict "no outside visitors" rule, making it feel more like an exclusive club than a hotel pool. There, guests will also find a lounge, daily rotating programming like DJs and musicians, and all sorts of curated amenities under what the hotel is dubbing a "Reserved for the Checked-in" philosophy.

Sundeck Social Lounge Hotel Trinity The Sundeck Social lounge is set to look more like a rooftop oasis than hotel pool. Rendering by Flick Mars

This luxurious service model also comes with a dedicated house car for guests, in-room grocery service, and a resident text line for "anything guest needs," says the press release.

"There's a certain magic that happens when a hotel starts to feel lived-in rather than lived-through," said general manager Ebrahim Ansari in the press release. "Hotel Trinity offers a heightened level of personalization, delivered through intuitive service and thoughtful residential touches. All that's left for you to do is arrive and make yourself at home."

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