14 Coastal Drive Routes with Pit Stops for Romantic Photo Ops

Few journeys stir the soul like a coastal drive—windows down, waves glinting in the sun, and a loved one beside you. These 14 scenic routes across the globe not only offer spectacular landscapes but also picture-perfect stops where couples can steal a kiss, frame a memory, or simply pause and soak in the moment. From cliffside highways to secret bays, every turn offers a new photo-worthy surprise—and a chance to celebrate love on the road.

Pacific Coast Highway, USA – Big Sur Bends and Ocean Views

One of the most iconic coastal drives in the world, California’s Highway 1 between Monterey and San Simeon dazzles with jagged cliffs, endless ocean views, and epic sunset backdrops. Couples can stop at Bixby Creek Bridge, picnic at Pfeiffer Beach, or hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The winding road, dramatic drop-offs, and Pacific panoramas make it a favorite for road trip romance and unforgettable selfies with a wild backdrop. Early mornings offer fog-kissed vistas, while evenings glow with pink and gold light—perfect for memory-making.

Great Ocean Road, Australia – Twelve Apostles and Hidden Beaches

Stretching along Victoria’s southern coast, the Great Ocean Road combines rugged seascapes with rainforests and surf towns. Romantic stops include the Twelve Apostles at dusk, Erskine Falls near Lorne, and Loch Ard Gorge for sunset walks. With every curve revealing a new photo op—crashing waves, arching rock formations, and sweeping ocean views—it’s a slow drive designed for scenic pauses and love-filled pit stops. Wildlife encounters, oceanfront cafés, and seaside trails turn this drive into an unforgettable journey for two.

Amalfi Coast Road, Italy – Clifftop Charm and Lemon Groves

Italy’s Amalfi Coast winds through pastel towns perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea. The SS163 road connects Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello with hairpin turns and sweeping views. Couples can stop for limoncello tastings, capture Positano’s hillside beauty, or pose beside classic Vespas on terraced lanes. It’s romance on a cinematic scale—with ancient churches, sea views, and blooming bougainvillea at every curve.

Garden Route, South Africa – Lagoons, Cliffs, and Elephant Encounters

South Africa’s Garden Route stretches over 190 miles from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Couples can pause for romantic boat rides in Knysna Lagoon, stroll the beaches of Plettenberg Bay, or zipline through the Tsitsikamma Forest. With dramatic cliffs, wildlife parks, and cozy coastal cafes, it offers both thrill and tranquility—plus plenty of scenic stops to snap a memory or two in this biodiverse paradise. Nature reserves, elephant sanctuaries, and mountain passes turn this route into a vibrant love story.

Atlantic Road, Norway – Arctic Romance Above the Sea

This short but jaw-dropping drive skips across eight bridges connecting tiny islets off Norway’s coast. Known for its wild weather and sleek design, the Atlantic Road is ideal for couples chasing raw beauty. Stop at the viewing platforms for stormy sea shots, or wait for a clear day to capture its curving asphalt snaking above the ocean. Rugged, surreal, and unforgettable—it’s a romance in motion at the edge of the Arctic.

Ring of Kerry, Ireland – Castles, Cliffs, and Celtic Magic

The Ring of Kerry loops through Ireland’s emerald coastlines, ancient ruins, and quaint villages. Couples can detour to Rossbeigh Beach for windswept photos, visit Muckross House in Killarney, or climb Valentia Island for panoramic sea views. Between stone fences, mossy hills, and old-world charm, the route is dotted with moments perfect for cozy snapshots and misty-eyed kisses in Ireland’s timeless beauty. Add in charming pubs, traditional music, and castle ruins, and you’ve got a road trip straight out of folklore.

Cabot Trail, Canada – Cape Breton’s Clifftop Coast

The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is a Canadian gem, weaving through forested highlands and dramatic coastal cliffs. Drive it in autumn for vibrant colors, or in summer for coastal breezes. Couples can stop at lookout points in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, hike Skyline Trail for epic photos, or sip coffee in coastal fishing villages. The quiet beauty and winding views make it a dream route for camera-happy romantics. Whale watching, seafood shacks, and peaceful coves give this trail a sense of magic and intimacy.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland – Myths and Coastlines

Running from Belfast to Derry, the Causeway Coastal Route is filled with legendary stops—like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Dunluce Castle ruins. The mix of volcanic rock formations, rugged cliffs, and Irish lore gives the route an ethereal vibe. Couples can pause for windswept portraits or trace Game of Thrones filming spots for cinematic charm. It’s a moody, mystical backdrop for meaningful moments.

Basque Coastal Road, Spain – Hidden Bays and Cliff Walks

Spain’s Basque coast between Bilbao and San Sebastián is full of surprises. Quiet beaches, green cliffs, and fishing villages give couples a blend of seclusion and charm. Stop at Gaztelugatxe, a rocky islet with a winding staircase and breathtaking views, or Zarautz Beach for a sunset walk. The region’s Basque architecture and seafood cuisine pair perfectly with photo stops that feel intimate, dramatic, and beautifully European.

Hana Highway, Hawaii – Waterfalls and Jungle Roads

Maui’s Hana Highway is a lush, 64-mile journey through tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Couples can stop at Wailua Falls, pose beneath bamboo groves, or picnic by the sea at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. With over 600 turns and 50 bridges, it’s a slow drive filled with romantic detours and a camera roll that fills fast—ideal for nature lovers looking to document their island escape together.

The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland – 1600 Miles of Coastal Magic

One of the longest defined coastal routes in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way offers endless moments for romance and photography. Stretching from Donegal to Cork, couples can explore sea cliffs, lighthouses, and tidal pools. Stop at Cliffs of Moher, drive through Connemara, or enjoy a beach sunset in Sligo. With its misty drama and untamed beauty, this route is a poetic adventure full of shared memories and windswept kisses.

Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand – Beaches and Hot Springs

Just a few hours from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula offers a quieter slice of New Zealand with scenic coastlines, native forests, and mineral-rich beaches. Visit Cathedral Cove for iconic arch photos, dig a private spa at Hot Water Beach, or hike up to The Pinnacles for views over misty hills. The road itself winds through native bush and turquoise shores, offering couples a peaceful, picture-perfect retreat.

Coastal Oregon Highway, USA – Fog, Forest, and Sea

Highway 101 along Oregon’s coastline is often cloaked in fog and framed by rocky cliffs, tide pools, and pine forests. Couples can stop at Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock, explore sea caves in Cape Kiwanda, or watch storms roll in from cozy inns. The moody light, hidden coves, and artistic towns make it a favorite for those seeking quiet romance and striking photo ops that feel like film stills. Art galleries, driftwood beaches, and lighthouse stops make every mile more magical.

Esperance to Albany, Australia – Pink Lakes and White Sands

In Western Australia, this lesser-known stretch from Esperance to Albany dazzles with surreal sights. Couples can visit Lucky Bay to snap kangaroos on white sand, capture the pink hues of Lake Hillier, or enjoy windswept beaches with barely another soul around. Stop at Twilight Beach for aquamarine photo ops or walk the granite domes of Cape Le Grand. This route is remote but rich in natural drama, ideal for road-tripping lovers seeking beauty, solitude, and the occasional wild surprise.