Six Adventurous and Romantic Road Trips Couples Will Love This Valentines Day
Jenn Mitchell
|
You do remember romance, don’t you?
Some road trips can be a drag. There’s traffic, long hours on highways, and little to see along the way. Don’t make your next road trip just about getting from point A to point B. Select a highway that gives you a sense of romance throughout your journey. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday like Valentine’s Day or a milestone like an anniversary, or just as an excuse to get away with your partner, try one of the adventures we recommend on our romantic road trips for couples.
(Before departing on any of these road trips, please check for road closures. Some of the most beautiful natural vistas are subject to weather and other disruptions.)
California’s Pacific Coast Highway
This road trip is one of the most romantic there is. The coastal scenery is outstanding. Rent a convertible if you can so you can feel the breeze with you twist and turn along the curvy road that hugs the coast down almost the entire state of California. Smell the sea air and watch the waves crash over the rocks in the ocean below. Pullover to take a couple’s selfie with the iconic Bixby Bridge in the background. Bring a picnic lunch and cheers to love!
Smell the fresh sea air and watch the waves crash along the shore. Photo: Canva
Points of Interest
- Big Sur
- Point Dume
- Half Moon Bay
- Mendocino Bay Viewpoint
- McWay Waterfall
- Greyhound Rock Beach
- Alexander – Best Views of Golden Gate Bridge
Where to Stay
When taking a couples road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, It’s hard to beat the stunning views and romantic touches of the Hotel Ventana Big Sur. The resort is nestled within 160 forested acres for walking, running, or just sitting on a blanket. The rooms have terraces or balconies facing the redwoods or the ocean. The decor includes luxurious textiles on enormous beds, fireplaces, and Artisan-curated minibars. Guests can also rent specialty homes on-site and even give glamping a try. The entire resort is dog-friendly if you’d like to bring your furry best friend too.
Related: A Girl’s Guide to Road Trip Safety
The hole in the rock portion of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12A. Photo: Canva
Utah’s Route 12A
This is one epic road trip couples will remember for the rest of their lives. Car and Driver Magazine rates Utah’s Route 12A among the top ten Scenic Byways in America. The road travels through red rock cliffs, slick rock canyons, aspen forests, alpine mountains, national parks, and more. This route is often referred to as A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway. Why? The sights along the way have been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years.
Contributing writer Terri Marshall says, “Route 12 is 122 miles of jaw-dropping beauty. This little slice of heaven on earth passes through Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park. From there it climbs Boulder Mountain in the Dixie National Forest before ending at the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. Highlights along the way include ancient Native American settlements and the abandoned Western movie sets at Grand Staircase-Escalante.”
Points of Interest
- Bryce Canyon
- Drive-thru Arches
- Grand Escalante National Monument
- Escalante Natural Bridge
- Lower Calf Creek Falls
- Larb Hollow Overlook
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Dixie National Forest
The entire trip is only 3 hours if you are just passing through, but why would anyone do that? The places to visit and make lasting memories are at every turn. You may say WOW hundreds of times over the 122-mile trip. Add some variety with words like awesome, amazing, spectacular, outstanding. There will be moments where you’ll be speechless as well. And what better way to enjoy this drive than with your loving partner. Romantic tip: A Picnic and Sunset.
Related: Can’t Hop on a Plane Just Yet? 10 Road Trip Destinations Tha’ll Wow You
Where to Stay
This is an area to really take advantage of being in the great outdoors. Surround yourself with peace and solitude in the beauty and nature nestled in the trees and hollows of beautiful red rock country. Try sleeping in a yurt under the stars. Don’t worry, The Escalante Yurts will not make you feel like you’re camping. Most come with luxurious bathrooms, canopy beds, kitchens, and more. Think glamorous camping meets bed and breakfast. The resort also rents out Jeeps and electric E-bikes to explore the rugged terrain. You can take a romantic stroll or an adventurous hike in the area. One reviewer says, “Our biggest complaint: we wish we could have stayed longer!”
The Flume Gorge is one of our favorite stops along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway. Photo: Jenn Mitchell
The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Route 112 in Northern New Hampshire may be best known for the foliage in the fall, but it’s also a place for an idyllic romantic road trip couples are sure to love year-round. Living near Boston, my husband and I have visited the area in summer and also winter. The best part of the drive spans 35 miles that will blow you away by its natural beauty, covered bridges, waterfalls, and endless rolling hills. One of our favorite stops is the Flume Gorge.
Points of Interest
- White Mountains National Forest
- Frankonia Notch State Park
- Flume Gorge
- Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
- Arethusa Falls
- Cannon Mountain Gondola Ride
- Seven Birches Winery
Where to Stay
Start your trip in Conway and pick up a map of points of interest at the ranger station just west of town. Use your map to plan your points of interest. Key attractions include the Albany Covered Bridge, built back in 1858, and picturesque Sabbaday Falls. The route will end in Lincoln, where you can stay overnight at The Mountain Club on Loon, which is open year-round and perfect for ski season. Looking for something a bit more quaint? Try a bed and breakfast like the Red Sleigh Inn in Lincoln.
Related: Best Road Trips to See Fall Foliage
The spectacular views of the Road to Hana Photo: Canva
The Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
If you ever find yourself in Hawaii, the Road to Hana on Maui is not to be missed. According to RoadtoHana.com, “Most visitors tend to zip to and from Hana with a checklist of sights to photograph. This is the wrong way to do it.” My husband and I drove the route on our own, which we loved, Make a few stops to ask locals about secret gems to see. Stopping at well-known sites is still a spectacular experience. On this side of the island be prepared for heavy rain. Pack extra clothes and/or a good rain poncho. My husband and I found ourselves soaked after a rainstorm hit during a waterfall hike. If you want to continue your adventure, rather than return on the same route, continue past Hana and come up the back road toward the Back Side of Haleakala.
Points of Interest
- Ho’okipa Beach Park
- Twin Falls
- Maui Garden of Eden
- Keanae Peninsula
- Pua’a Ka’a Falls
- Hanawi Falls
- Wai’anapanapa State Park – Black Sand Beach
Where to Stay
I recommend staying in Hana to give yourself a much-needed break. Driving the long route, hiking, swimming, etc., will leave you run down. Book far in advance as the area books up quickly. For a luxury stay, the Hana-Maui resort is spectacular. Want something a bit more low-key? There’s a wide variety of bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals available. If you don’t want to spend money on a stay in Hana, I recommend turning around at the halfway point and you’ll still see some of the best views, beaches, and waterfalls in Hawaii.
Related: Celebrate the USA With These Great American Road Trips
Rock formations as Kalaloch Beach in Washington State Photo: Canva
Olympic Loop Drive, Washington State
Looking for one of the best road trips for couples in the Pacific Northwest? You can’t miss the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive in Washington. The drive takes you through evergreen forests with trees as tall as the redwoods in California. The loop is also home to the only rainforest in the northern hemisphere. With romantic coastal bluffs, the loop is quite long at 330 miles. I recommend a minimum of 3 to 5 days to explore everything that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer. Not only are there amazing outdoor spaces to visit, but the area has some of the quaintest B&Bs, cabins, and coastal towns for rest, relaxation, and romance.
Points of Interest
- Port Townsend and/or Port Angeles – Ferry Access to Vancouver Island.
- Hoh Rainforest
- Lake Quinault
- Kalaloch Beach
- Ruby Beach
- La Push Beaches
- Sol Duc Hot Springs
- Lake Crescent
Where to Stay
If you go North first and want to kick off your journey with a Romantic Bed and Breakfast, Port Townsend is your best bet. We stayed in the Admiralty Suite at the Ravenscroft Inn. The room, view, and breakfasts were amazing. If you want something a bit more rustic, the cabins at the Log Cabin Lodge on Lake Crescent are quaint and comfortable. The dining room has spectacular views of the lake. On the west coast of the loop is the grand rustic Lake Quinault Lodge was built in 1926. The fireplace rooms with lake views and balconies provide a romantic hideaway after a long day of driving and sightseeing.
Spectacular ocean views along the 7-mile bridge. Photo: Canva
Miami to Key West, Florida
One of the best road trips in the country, you’ll travel along a thin highway for 100 miles through the Florida Keys ending in the ever-quirky city of Key West. On the drive, you’ll pass hundreds of small islands all connected by Highway 1, also known as “The Overseas Highway.” One of the bridges is 7 miles long. You’ll almost feel like you’re on a boat rather than the road. The entire route from Miami is 165 miles. If you didn’t stop, it would take you about 3.5 hours to complete. I recommend taking 2-3 nights to really enjoy everything this road trip has to offer.
Places of Interest
- Key Largo
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Islamorada
- Dolphin Research Center
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Hemmingway House
- Smathers Beach
Where to Stay
I’ve taken this trip twice and highly recommend renting a house if you can find one. Some places are only allowed to rent monthly rather than weekly so double check when using rental sites like VRBO. We stayed at a waterfront bungalow on Marathon Key. Try of a home on the end of a canal and you can snorkel in your backyard. For resorts try Isla Bella Beach Resort. It’s a new contemporary 199 guest room luxury resort in the heart of the Florida Keys. This is one of the most stunning locations in the area.
Well, there you have it. Rent a convertible if you can. An RV is great if you want to stay in campgrounds as well. And enjoy the romance before it’s time to return home to reality!
Car Shopping
Need a new car? Whether shopping for a new car or a used car we recommend using our car shopping service.
Tire Shopping
Need new tires? We recommend Tire Rack.
Car Repair
Need to get your car repaired? We recommend Repair Pal. Exclusively just for Girls Guide to Cars readers, call (877) 323-1708 to speak to RepairPal Car Genius for FREE automotive repair advice and if needed to find the right shop for you!