Updated: June 30, 2025
While there are , you don't have to fall back on a traditional style of trip. Instead, consider exploring the U.S. via a road trip. There are plenty of, and it can be a unique way to plan a romantic vacation. It also serves as a great way for you to explore the country at your own pace and find things to do that you and your significant other enjoy.
When planning a romantic road trip, it can be difficult to decide where to go and what to see along the way. Your starting location does matter to some extent, as it may influence which destinations are most accessible. Still, the ideas featured in this guide to six romantic road trips for U.S. couples are great options worth considering. No matter where you're starting from, read on to discover road trip destinations that are tried and true.
One of the best romantic road trip locations is along the eastern coast. Start and end at Portsmouth. This trip will take you through the older settlements in New England, from Vermont to New Hampshire. You can stop and head off in various directions along the way. Head along the Kancamagus Highway, which will link you to Lincoln, New Hampshire and explore the natural beauty of this region.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the mountain peaks and the lakes along the way make for the perfect places to stop and explore the wilderness. You can also enjoy one of the winery tours or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, take a kayaking trip along the waterway. Vermont is home to dozens of smaller towns that offer an interesting glimpse into the country’s history. Great food, craft beer and lots of excellent seafood are sure to make this a memorable trip.
For those who enjoy camping, one of the best locations for couples on a road trip to explore together is Highway 12. It is often referred to as “a journey through time” because it takes you on what seems to be one of the most incredible outdoor adventures possible. Much of this area is untouched, with limited development. Yet, there is an incredible amount of history around every corner.
As you explore this 124-mile trip, you will find a wide range of things to do and see along the way. That includes two iconic national parks – Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. If you have a love for geology, there may not be a better way to see it up close than this location. You can also explore the Red Rock Canyons, with their rock formations and then spend some time at Dixie National Forest. Set up camp, stay at one of the area’s hotels or choose a cabin in one of the forested areas. Don’t forget to make a trip to Calf Creek Falls to spend some time watching the water and chatting.
For another option in locations for couples on a road trip, explore the 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s often referred to as “America’s favorite drive” because of its scenic beauty. There are, like most road trips, lots of places to pull over and relax for a type of experience that fits your interests. However, what you will not miss out on is the natural beauty of this area.
You can start at Waynesboro, Virginia and then travel down to Cherokee, North Carolina. Along the way, you’ll find numerous areas to explore, including Shenandoah National Park. The overlooks here are some of the best. You will also be able to explore a few of the smaller towns in this area, including Nellsyford and Woodstock. Many will want to contact Roanoke, Virginia, where wine tasting, golf and mountain climbing are all options. Many of the restaurants offer cocktails outside, overlooking the beauty of the mountains.
Another of the U.S. romantic locations for a road trip is on the West Coast. The Pacific Coast Highway, sometimes just called PCH or Highway 1, is a trip that is like no other as you navigate along the coastline from Dana Point in Orange County through Leggett in Mendocino County. You can start this trip and extend it as far as you like, including locations such as Santa Cruz, Big Sur or even Santa Barbara as part of your trip.
If you want to explore the big cities, consider planning visits to Seattle, Olympia, San Francisco and San Diego, where you can experience the arts and lifestyle throughout these areas. For most, though, a trip down Highway 1 will focus on the coastal views along the waterfront. You can stop at any of the beaches for a romantic walk with your loved one, shop at the numerous seaside towns, enjoy views from the Golden Gate Bridge and take in the lifestyle of Carmel by the Sea. From wine country to the luxuriousness of California’s lifestyle amenities, it’s hard not to find plenty of things to do and see along this trip.
Plan a long weekend exploring the Finger Lakes communities in New York. This area comprises a group of 11 long and narrow lakes situated just to the south of Lake Ontario. It is a year-round destination that offers some exceptional views of the surrounding area. It combines city fun, such as shopping and breweries, with outdoor explorations, including numerous opportunities for sailing, kayaking and hiking.
You can spend your time enjoying activities that interest you both. That could include a fabulous spa trip with French-style dining at Mirbeau or exploring the Gorge Trail with 19 waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park. There are also wine tasting opportunities and lakeside dining options in this area. You can then take a boat tour, tour the Corning Museum of Glass and enjoy some time at one of the bed and breakfasts here.
Route 66 is one of the most iconic roadways through the United States. Many people believe that everyone should plan at least one road trip down this route in their lifetime. It may not be one you thought could be romantic, but there are numerous reasons why it can be the perfect choice. You can jump on and off wherever you like, traveling from Chicago to Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and beyond.
Why is Route 66 such a great choice for romantic excursions? There are numerous reasons. First, you can explore the country’s history at numerous locations along the way, which take you from the Midwest into the Southwest, allowing you to visit both big and small towns, enjoy meals at local diners and interact with the locals. The sunset views, whether along the open prairie or in the mountains, are always a place to relax together. You can stargaze without the city lights. Destinations like the Grand Canyon make it a memorable trip. Consider stops in St. Louis, the historic towns of Cuba and Carthage in Missouri and Arizona’s Seligman and Kingman.
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