NC ranks 9th nationally for summer road trips in new WalletHub analysis

WNCN & WalletHub | 07.08.2026

WNCN reports North Carolina ranked ninth among all 50 states for summer road trips in WalletHub’s 2026 analysis, which compared states across 32 metrics covering cost, safety, and activities. NC’s strongest showing was 4th nationally for access to scenic byways, with top-20 rankings for hotel affordability, attractions, and nightlife per capita.

WNCN reports the results come as 72% of US adults plan road trips this summer. These results also follow a record-setting 2025 for NC tourism spending. Last year, NC generated $37.2 billion in visitor spending, surpassing the prior record despite Hurricane Helene’s impact on western NC travel, supporting nearly 231,000 jobs and generating more than $4.7 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenues. The state also ranked seventh nationally in domestic visitation last year.

With ongoing A250 celebrations across the state, the newly crowned 2026 Stanley Cup Champions the Carolina Hurricanes drawing more national attention to NC, and the vibrant tourism industry from the mountains to the coast, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year to see all that our state has to offer.