Embarking on a road trip with your significant other is a great way to create unforgettable memories and explore the beauty of the United States. With so many scenic routes to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go. Whether you’re looking for fall foliage or historic landmarks, we’ve got you covered with the top five romantic road trips in the USA. From the iconic Route 66 to the stunning autumn colours of the northeast, these road trips offer the perfect opportunity to bond with your partner and discover America’s most beautiful attractions. So pack your bags, grab your love, and hit the road for an unforgettable honeymoon adventure!
Route 66
Route 66 is an iconic American road trip that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, covering 2,400 miles of diverse landscapes and cultures. Known as the “Mother Road,” it offers a glimpse into the heart of the USA, with all-American diners, truck stops, and cacti dotting the route. Starting in Chicago, you can explore the city’s famous deep dish pizza and art scene before heading to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to experience the trendy Blue Dome Entertainment District.
Along the way, you can stop at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and soak in Albuquerque’s vintage shops and historic Route 66 neon sign. While in Arizona, don’t miss the Petrified Forest National Park before ending your journey at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. Make sure to stop at quintessential USA roadside diners for a classic soda pop experience with your loved one.
The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
If you’re searching for an adventure that showcases the West Coast’s stunning beauty, a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is a must-do. This route spans from California to Washington State and takes you through iconic cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, as well as breathtaking natural landscapes. You’ll be able to take in dramatic beaches, rugged cliffsides, lush forests, and more.
The Pacific Coast Highway is famous worldwide as one of the most scenic drives, and you’ll see why as you cruise Highway 1. You’ll have the chance to indulge in delicious cuisine, explore charming towns, and marvel at sweeping ocean views from designated vista points. Animal enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Elephant Seal Rookery at San Piedras Beach in San Simeon, where thousands of these magnificent creatures gather every year. With so much to see and do, a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is an unforgettable bucket list experience.
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3. The Appalachian Trail
This east coast wonder travels from Maine, past Boston and New York, all the way down to the southern state of Georgia. Its a route that passes by many of America’s historical wonders, stunning mountains and gorgeous forests and is the longest continuously-marked trail in the world. Since the 1920s, the trail has been an integral part of America’s hiking heritage and although it is primarily a hiking trail, completing it can take up to seven months, and only 20% of hikers finish it.
However, driving it is now an option, divided into three major sections: New England, Mid-Atlantic, and the Southern Appalachians. The New England stretch takes you through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut. The Mid-Atlantic states include New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. Finally, the Southern Appalachians include Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. For the best experience, it is recommended that you drive the trail during autumn when the trees are a breathtaking shade of gold.
4. The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail is a historic route that stretches from Portland, Oregon to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, offering a coast-to-coast adventure. Along the way, travellers can explore stunning states like Idaho, where natural wonders such as Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore await.
Starting in Oregon, take a scenic drive up Route 101 and stop at the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, where 12 miles of forest meet untouched beaches, jagged rocks, and crystal-clear water. Don’t miss the Arch Rock Picnic Area and Natural Bridges, or the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Spend the night at the Hallmark Resort in Newport, where oceanfront balconies provide breathtaking views and a public path leads directly to the beach.
Continue your journey with a drive along the Three Capes Scenic Loop, taking in the impressive 235-foot Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach and visiting Ecola State Park. End your adventure in Seaside, where you can enjoy classic arcade games, bumper cars, and indoor miniature golf. And don’t forget to try some signature Seaside saltwater taffy – the loser of your friendly competition buys!
5. The Great River Road
Have you always wanted to visit Elvis’ Graceland home, the jazz bars of New Orleans and the Mississippi River? Then follow the Great River Road all the way from the Mississippi Headwaters to Cajun Country and the Gulf of Mexico.
See it all – from small towns, abandoned shacks and industrial areas to thriving riverside wildlife, gorgeous vast open plains, lakes and farmlands. There’s a bit of everything involved, and you’ll come away with a sense of the “real” authentic America you don’t often see in the movies.
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