10 Breathtaking US Road Trips Every Couple Should Drive

ByRachna Chandira

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A couple cruises down New Mexico’s Historic Route 66, surrounded by open desert and distant mountains—classic Americana
Marcin Wichary, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

There’s no better way to connect with your partner than by hitting the open road together. From coastal cliffs to colorful forests and mountain peaks, the U.S. is filled with scenic routes perfect for couples seeking adventure, romance, and lasting memories. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or sharing quiet moments in nature, these ten breathtaking road trips promise unforgettable experiences for two.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Scenic view of the Pacific Coast Highway in California, with winding roads hugging the rocky shoreline beside the ocean
Constantine Kulikovsky, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Pacific Coast Highway is a dream route for couples seeking a scenic escape. Winding along Highway 1, this iconic drive hugs California’s rugged coastline, offering ocean views, cliffside curves, and charming stops along the way. Explore the peaceful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, walk along the sands of Pfeiffer Beach, and take in the breathtaking sights of Big Sur and McWay Falls. With golden sunsets, fresh sea air, and endless photo-worthy moments, every mile feels like a romantic adventure waiting to happen.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway winds through glowing autumn trees under a colorful sky
Chrishash1991, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a peaceful retreat into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. This 469-mile route takes couples through rolling hills, forested peaks, and quiet mountain towns. In the fall, the foliage transforms into a vivid tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, perfect for scenic stops and cozy drives. Walk hand-in-hand along hiking trails, enjoy picnic spots with mountain views, and unwind in charming places like Asheville. It’s a laid-back, nature-filled journey ideal for deep conversations and shared silence alike.

Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica

A classic stretch of Route 66 cuts through the desert, inviting adventure westward
Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Route 66, often called the Mother Road, is a road trip packed with nostalgia and charm. Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, this iconic route stretches across eight states and countless memories. Along the way, couples can enjoy quirky roadside diners, vintage motels, and fun photo stops like Cadillac Ranch and the Wigwam Motel. It’s a mix of history, Americana, and wide-open skies. Perfect for couples who love to explore together, this drive is a love letter to the old-school road trip experience.

Florida Keys Overseas Highway

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway stretches across turquoise waters, offering a breathtaking drive above the sea
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

The Overseas Highway takes you on a 113-mile journey over turquoise waters, connecting the Florida mainland to the laid-back world of the Keys. With coral reefs, sandy beaches, and breezy bridges, this tropical road trip is perfect for couples craving sun and sea. Stop in Key Largo for snorkeling, take in ocean views from the Seven Mile Bridge, and end your trip with a romantic sunset in Key West. With its island vibes and dreamy views, this drive feels like a vacation in motion.

Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii

The Hana Highway in Maui winds through lush rainforests and past dramatic ocean cliffs, offering a scenic and thrilling drive
Jet Lowe, Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

The Hana Highway is a lush, winding road that showcases Maui’s wild beauty. Stretching over 50 miles of coastal rainforest, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches, this journey is ideal for couples who love slow travel and stunning views. Along the way, stop at roadside fruit stands, take a dip in jungle pools, and walk through bamboo forests. Highlights like the Pools of Oheo and the quiet red-sand beach in Hana make this drive unforgettable. It’s more than a route—it’s a romantic, tropical adventure.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana cuts through Glacier National Park, offering epic views of towering peaks, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls
MPSharwood, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a breathtaking drive through the heart of Glacier National Park. This 50-mile route takes couples past towering peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, offering views you’ll never forget. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and soaring eagles along the way. Stop at Logan Pass for a hike or simply take in the incredible landscape from one of the many overlooks. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring journey perfect for couples who love nature and mountain air.

Grand Circle Road Trip, Southwest U.S.

The Grand Circle Road Trip winds through Utah and Arizona’s most iconic national parks, showcasing epic red rock canyons, arches, and desert beauty
Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Grand Circle road trip links some of the most stunning national parks in the American Southwest. Couples can explore the red rocks of Zion, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and the vast beauty of the Grand Canyon. Add stops at Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and Mesa Verde for a trip that blends natural wonder with rich cultural history. Whether hiking through canyons or stargazing in desert skies, this route is full of once-in-a-lifetime moments made for sharing.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Kancamagus Highway offers stunning fall foliage and peaceful mountain views, perfect for a scenic drive
Polaron, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Kancamagus Highway is a short but stunning drive through the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Especially beautiful in the fall, this 34.5-mile road offers glowing foliage, mountain views, and peaceful forest scenes. Couples can stop to explore covered bridges, waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls, and scenic picnic spots. Whether you’re chasing fall colors or enjoying the quiet charm of the forest, this road trip offers the perfect mix of adventure and intimacy for two.

Silverado Trail, Napa Valley, California

Silverado Trail winds through Napa Valley’s vineyards and oak trees, offering a peaceful wine country escape
Musant, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

For couples who enjoy wine and scenic countryside, the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley is pure romance. This route runs along the eastern edge of the valley, passing vineyards, rolling hills, and elegant tasting rooms. Stop for a glass of cabernet at a cozy winery, enjoy a gourmet lunch at a vineyard restaurant, or simply admire the endless views of grapevines and golden light. With its relaxed pace and refined charm, this drive is a toast to love and luxury.

New England Fall Road Trip

A winding road cuts through golden New England forests at sunset, perfect for a cozy fall road trip
Mohammad Abbasi/Pexels

A fall road trip through New England is like stepping into a postcard. From Vermont’s Route 100 to Maine’s Acadia National Park, the landscape lights up with reds, golds, and oranges. Couples can explore quaint villages, pick apples from roadside orchards, and sip cider by the fire. Walk hand-in-hand through colorful trails or watch the leaves fall from a cozy inn porch. With every twist in the road, autumn brings fresh beauty and quiet romance, perfect for two.

Rachna Chandira is a travel writer and communications professional known for her culturally rich and emotionally resonant storytelling.
With a background in development journalism, she brings a nuanced perspective to her writing, focusing on people, place, and purpose. Her work spans India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, often exploring slow travel, solo adventures, and underrepresented local narratives.
From crafting immersive city guides to curating thoughtful itineraries, Rachna combines journalistic depth with a storyteller’s heart. She views travel as a way to connect cultures, inspire empathy, and leave a meaningful impression on readers seeking more than just destinations.