Road trips can be a lot more romantic than you might imagine, particularly when the destination, and the journey itself, is as spectacular as these.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy is one of the world’s best destinations for a honeymoon, with its beautiful romantic cities, fantastic cuisine, fine wine and spectacular scenery. While there are many incredibly scenic drives that can be enjoyed here, the 37-mile stretch of coastline between Sorrento and Salerno is one of the best. This impressive drive follows the shoreline, leaving just south of Naples and heading through tiny fishing villages and picturesque towns while clinging to sheer cliff faces on one side, and plunging straight down to azure waters on the other. The route connects 13 towns that are set so close to one another that they are rarely considered separately, though they all offer their own distinct charms. You’ll also find many luxury hotels and resorts offering bucket list-worthy romantic settings.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The Ring of Kerry is a breathtaking Emerald Isle route that stretches for about 125 miles, traversing through some of the country’s most impressive scenery. Drawing a circle between steep mountain slopes through lush valleys and across countless rivers and lakes, as well as idyllic beaches and rocky coastlines, you’ll find practically an endless number of ideal moments for stopping and gazing at the scenery together. Enjoy lunch in the pretty village of Steem with its colorful buildings, and spend the night in Portmagee, where during the summer months, weather permitting, you’ll have the chance to take a boat trip out to Skellig Michael. There are many other highlights along the way too, like Torc Waterfall and the Cloghereen Blue Pool Walk in Killarney National Park, which also offers romantic horse and buggy tours.
California's Legendary Highway One
California’s famous Highway One has been traveled by countless honeymooners who go to enjoy the soaring redwoods, dramatic cliffs overlooking the glistening Pacific, a purple sand beach, and oceanfront dining. The 235-mile stretch between Monterey and Santa Barbara is especially unforgettable. Stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and take a cool dip in the cove during the warmer months, or in winter, walk the trails as you watch for the gray whales that migrate past. Heading to Big Sur, you’ll be mesmerized by the jagged mountains that plunge into the wild surf, while wind-sculpted trees on rocky outcrops are washed by cerulean-hued waves. Take a tour of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, marvel at Morro Rock, AKA the “Gibraltar of the Pacific” in Morro Bay, and then head inland at Santa Barbara to explore wine country.
Australia's Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most scenic drives. The three-day route features everything from the surf capital of Torquay to the iconic 12 Apostles and culminates at the historic fishing village of Port Fairy. Torquay, about an hour from Melbourne, marks the official start of the drive. From there, you’ll enjoy everything from magnificent coastal views to whale, kangaroo and koala spotting, or even climbing to the peak of a volcanic crater. Following the road from Apollo Bay, you can explore the lush rainforest of Otway Park before heading to Port Campbell and the magnificent group of wave-sculpted formations that rise up from the sea known as the 12 Apostles.
Vancouver, British Columbia to Calgary, Alberta, Canada
It would be difficult to find anything better for mountain-loving honeymooners than a road trip between Vancouver and Calgary in Canada’s western region. Take your time for this one – it’s a 600-mile-drive, but filled with dazzling turquoise lakes, dramatic snow-capped peaks and dense, enchanting forests. You’ll be mesmerized for every minute of it. Thrill-seekers can stop in Clinton for a heart-pounding whitewater rafting trip, and in spectacular Banff National Park, you can take a scenic hike in the summer, or go ice skating in the winter. Of course, if you want a bit of luxury, you can always enjoy getting cozy at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Overseas Highway, Florida
Considered one of the most beautiful road trips in the U.S., the Overseas Highway runs from the tip of mainland Florida near Miami into the Florida Keys,. It offers an especially unique experience, as well as countless romantic spots and activities for honeymooners. It spans 113 miles as a series of roads and 42 trans-ocean bridges all the way down to America’s southernmost point, Key West. A snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise, beneath the surface of the water lies a breathtaking world of brilliant colored fish and coral reefs, with a number of dive sites to stop at along the way, including the 70-square-mile John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. After a day of playing in the water, toast to your life together on a sunset sailing cruise.
The American West: San Francisco to the Grand Canyon
This trip begins with a popular city for honeymooners (San Francisco), which is home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Stroll the steep hills checking out the sights, take an excursion to the island of Alcatraz, and hang out at Baker Beach where you can capture the perfect selfie with the bridge as your backdrop. Afterward, head inland to the magnificent scenery of Yosemite National Park where you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities together, and then move on to the bright lights of Las Vegas to take in a show and maybe do some gambling. The grand finale is Grand Canyon National Park. Hop on a mule and travel to the bottom of the canyon, or take a hike to Havasu Falls, one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world.
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula’s loop highway is one that will bring you to dramatic mountains and the crashing waves of the Pacific. You’ll pass through lavender farms in Sequim, and by taking a detour up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park you gaze out over the San Juan de Fuca Strait all the way to Vancouver Island in British Columbia and the San Juan Islands. Just a little further west is Lake Crescent, one of the country’s most jaw-dropping lakes, filled with emerald-hued waters surrounded by lush greenery and an abundance of waterfalls. On the west coast, the wild, rugged beaches are ideal for beachcombing and peering into tide pools at low tide to view colorful sea creatures like starfish and hermit crabs.
The Oregon Coast
The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway follows the Oregon coastline along Highway 101 and is one of the most photographed regions in the country. It’s also one of America’s best destinations for honeymooners, with some of the most romantic scenery in the world. As the state of Oregon owns the entire coast, it offers preserved unobstructed natural vistas along the roughly 300 miles of beaches, wind-sculpted dunes, seaside cliffs and marshes. On the south end between Brookings to Port Orford, fierce sea cliffs stand in contrast to pastoral farmlands, while the north end is marked by majestic rain forests and a rugged coastline dotted with beach towns like Cannon Beach. It’s an ideal place to stick around a while, home to the iconic Haystack Rock as well as a number of interesting art galleries, shops and oceanfront restaurants.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
With so much jaw-dropping scenery, Scotland is one of the best countries for a road trip, and the Isle of Skye may be the best of the best. The drive through the Highlands is magnificent on its own, but once you’ve crossed the Skye Bridge onto the Isle, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a fantasy land. The dramatic landscape is absolutely intoxicating, including everything from unique rock formations to emerald covered mountains, sheer sea cliffs, seashell-strewn beaches and waterfalls that plunge down to a turquoise sea below. Don’t miss the beautiful Fairy Pools or taking a hike to the Old Man of Storr, and to cap off your day of exploration, enjoy a tour and a taste at the Talisker Whisky Distillery.
Alpine Road, Germany
If there was ever a true “Romantic Road,” this is it, the grande dame of Germany’s scenic routes. Stretching for about 300 miles through the Alpine foothills of southern Bavaria, it twists and turns through charming villages with baroque churches, passing 21 mountain lakes, 25 castles, palaces and abbeys as well as over 60 spa resorts and hundreds of peaks. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which served as the model for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
