Summer’s right around the corner, and everyone’s itching to hit the road. Road trips are always a popular choice, and Florida is right at the top of the list for Southern states. The Sunshine State has been a magnet for vacationers for years, and according to a new study, it still ranks among the very best for road travelers.
A recent study released by law firm Steel Adams Hosman looks at which states offer the best road trip experiences in the summer. Florida snagged the third spot nationwide, just as Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer.
What pushed Florida so high? The state’s roads are in great shape, with 87% getting the “acceptable” rating, according to the report. Good infrastructure makes for smoother drives, and Florida has clearly invested in keeping its highways and byways ready for travelers.
To score each state, analysts weighed several factors: road quality, the number of auto repair shops along every 1,000 kilometers of road, road fatalities per 100,000 vehicles, and a few other odds and ends.
Florida landed a total score of 70.45, just a couple of points behind Maryland at 74.13, and well behind New Jersey’s top score of 83.
No other Southern state scored higher. Tennessee and Virginia followed close behind, earning the fourth and fifth spots, but Florida led the region.
Analysts described Florida’s roads as welcoming, almost a playground for anyone traveling by car. There’s plenty of support along the way. The state offers nearly 80 auto repair shops and over 42 gas stations per 1,000 kilometers. You’re not likely to get stranded without help. For those who want to spend time outdoors, Florida packs in over one National Park Service campground for every 10,000 kilometers.
At the other end of the spectrum, New Mexico finished last, earning a road travel score of just 17.02. Alaska and Mississippi fell within the bottom three in the study.
