Top Romantic Road Trips For Valentine’s Day

Transform your road trip from a tedious journey to a romantic adventure. Avoid traffic and monotonous highways and choose a route that offers scenic beauty and romantic ambiance. Perfect for celebrating special occasions like anniversaries, holidays like Valentine's Day or simply to spend quality time with your partner, check out our top picks for romantic road trips for couples

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(Before departing on any of these road trips, please check for road closures. Some of the most beautiful natural vistas are subject to weather and other disruptions.)

California’s Pacific Coast Highway

Experience romance on the road with a stunning coastal journey. Enjoy the wind as you travel down the winding roads that hug the California coast. Indulge in the fresh sea air and marvel at the ocean's beauty as you witness the waves hitting the rocks. Capture a romantic moment with a couples selfie in front of the famous Bixby Bridge. Pack a picnic lunch and raise a toast to love.

Points of Interest

• Big Sur - is a scenic stretch of coastline along the central coast of California, known for its rugged beauty, and breathtaking vistas.
• Point Dume - a promontory on the coast of Malibu, California, offering panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs, and beaches.
• Half Moon Bay - a coastal community in California, known for its scenic beaches, tide pools, and hiking trails.
• Mendocino Bay Viewpoint - a scenic overlook in Mendocino, California, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, and rocky cliffs.
• McWay Waterfall - a stunning 80-foot waterfall cascading into the Pacific Ocean located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur.
• Greyhound Rock Beach - a secluded beach in Davenport, California, known for its rugged beauty, rock formations, and strong surf.
• Alexander Valley - a wine-growing region in Sonoma County, California, known for its scenic beauty and world-class wineries.

Where to Stay

Make your couples road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway even more special with a stay at Hotel Ventana Big Sur. Enjoy breathtaking views and romantic touches at this idyllic resort nestled in 160 acres of lush forest. Choose from rooms with ocean or redwood views, featuring comfortable beds with luxurious textiles, fireplaces, and minibars curated by artisans. Upgrade your experience by renting a specialty home or try glamping on-site. The resort is also dog-friendly, so bring your furry companion along.

Utah’s Route 12

Embark on a memorable road trip as a couple with Utah's Route 12, rated among the top ten Scenic Byways in America by Car and Driver Magazine. Journey through breathtaking landscapes including red rock cliffs, slick rock canyons, aspen forests, alpine mountains, national parks, and more on this scenic route referred to as A Journey Through Time. Explore the rich history of the area with ancient Native American settlements and abandoned Western movie sets at Grand Staircase-Escalante. This 122-mile stretch of breathtaking beauty will take you through Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park, up Boulder Mountain in the Dixie National Forest, and to the entrance of Capitol Reef National Park.

Points of Interest

• Bryce Canyon - A unique natural wonder with its iconic hoodoos, rock formations and vibrant colors, it offers breathtaking vistas, trails for hiking and horseback riding and stargazing opportunities.
• Drive-thru Arches - This is a scenic drive through Arches National Park, where visitors can witness towering sandstone arches, some of which are accessible by car.
• Grand Escalante National Monument - An expansive wilderness area that offers a diversity of landscapes including red rock formations, slot canyons, and scenic byways. It is ideal for hiking, rock climbing and camping.
• Escalante Natural Bridge - A natural rock bridge that spans over the Escalante River and offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
• Lower Calf Creek Falls - A breathtaking waterfall that tumbles over 126-foot-tall cliffs, it offers a serene escape into the wilderness and is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and swimming.
• Larb Hollow Overlook - A scenic viewpoint that provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding area, including the Grand Staircase-Escalante and the Canyons of the Escalante.
• Capitol Reef National Park - A park with a diverse range of landscapes, including sandstone formations, towering cliffs, and orchards. Visitors can explore the park through hiking, scenic drives and ranger-led programs.
• Dixie National Forest - A vast and diverse forest, spanning across two million acres in Utah, it offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting and scenic drives through beautiful mountain landscapes.
  
  
  Where to Stay

Embrace the great outdoors in the tranquil beauty of red rock country. Immerse yourself in peace and serenity surrounded by nature's splendor. Treat yourself to a unique experience by sleeping in a luxurious yurt under the stars. The Escalante Yurts provide the best of both worlds with amenities like luxurious bathrooms, canopy beds, kitchens and more, combining the feel of glamorous camping and a bed and breakfast. Rent a Jeep or an electric E-bike to explore the rugged terrain and take a romantic walk or an adventurous hike. You won't be disappointed and the only regret will be not staying longer.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Experience a blend of nature and city life in "The Sparkling City by the Bay", Corpus Christi. Situated on the stunning Gulf of Mexico, take a break on one of the many beaches, especially in the Padre Island area. Marvel at a diverse range of aquatic life at the harbor front Texas State Aquarium, and enjoy a romantic dinner at Landry's Seafood House, a premier seafood restaurant located on a boat overlooking the water. Immerse yourselves in the nautical atmosphere and create memories that you and your loved one will cherish forever.

Points of Interest

1.  Padre Island National Seashore - A 70-mile-long barrier island with scenic beaches, birdwatching, and recreational activities.
2.  USS Lexington Museum - An aircraft carrier museum on the Bayfront featuring interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and tours.
3.  Corpus Christi Bay - A scenic bay that offers various water activities like boating, fishing, and windsurfing.
4.  Art Museum of South Texas - A museum that showcases contemporary and modern art, as well as regional and cultural exhibitions.
5.  Texas State Aquarium - A large aquarium showcasing sea life from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond, with interactive exhibits and daily shows.
6.  Selena Memorial Statue - A tribute statue to the late Tejano singer, Selena, who was born in Corpus Christi.
7.  Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens & Nature Center - A nature center and botanical gardens that features a wide variety of plants and wildlife.
8.  South Texas Artesian Belt - A collection of hot springs, parks, and natural attractions that showcase the area's geological beauty.

Where to Stay

Take a trip to Corpus Christi, Texas for a romantic getaway that you won't forget. There are plenty of options for you and your significant other to choose from, whether you're looking for a luxurious stay or something a bit more budget friendly. The Emerald Beach Hotel is a great option for those who want to stay right on the beach. With stunning ocean views and comfortable rooms with balconies or patios, you'll be able to relax in style.

Miami to Key West, Florida

Embark on an unforgettable journey along Florida's scenic Highway 1, also known as "The Overseas Highway." This 100-mile stretch through the Florida Keys is one of the top road trips in the country, and the drive from Miami is 165 miles. From tiny islands to a 7-mile-long bridge, you'll feel like you're on a boat instead of the road. I suggest taking 2-3 nights to fully appreciate the beauty and quirkiness of this route, which ends in the charming city of Key West.

Points of Interest

• Key Largo - Known as the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo is home to the largest living coral reef system in the country, offering world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities.
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - A must-visit for snorkelers and divers, this park offers clear waters and vibrant coral formations, as well as plenty of wildlife like sea turtles and colorful fish.
• Islamorada - A laid-back island town, Islamorada is known for its stunning sunsets and laid-back island vibe.
• Dolphin Research Center - Here, you can learn about and interact with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals in their natural habitats.
• Bahia Honda State Park - This stunning state park is home to pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and a historic bridge, offering a glimpse into Florida's natural beauty.
• Hemmingway House - Visit the former home of American novelist Ernest Hemingway, now a museum that showcases his life and work, complete with his beloved cats.
• Smathers Beach - Key West's largest beach, Smathers Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball.

Where to Stay

Those who have taken this many times highly recommend renting a house if you can find one. Some places are only allowed to rent monthly rather than weekly so double check when using rental sites like VRBO. The waterfront bungalow on Marathon Key is one of many amazing options. Try a home on the end of a canal and you can snorkel in your backyard. For resorts, we recommend Isla Bella Beach Resort. It’s a new contemporary 199 guest room luxury resort in the heart of the Florida Keys. This is one of the most stunning locations in the area.

Whose to say what the best itinerary is for a road trip, as the journey is the real destination when you are on the open road of possibilities. We hope you have enjoyed some of the hand-selected top romantic destinations that are guaranteed to please anyone. Get out there and make those lasting, loving, and romantic memories that are what love is all about. AVR Van Rental, because the Journey should be just as fun as the destination.

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