If you are like us, you love to travel and see the world. While we often travel by airplane or cruise ship to faraway places, we also love to take Road Trips for Couples whenever possible. We are always trying to find the “Best Road Trips in the World.” In 2020, still in the throes of the COVID Pandemic, we were tired of being quarantined to our condominium. You can only do so many puzzles, so we undertook the best Road Trip of our lives, a 5000+ mile tour of the USA National Parks, including Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and many more, including the Southern Utah National Park Circuit which provided us with unforgettable memories and moved them into our “Best USA Road Trips Top 8.” Please enjoy our post and visit some of our recommended Best Road Trips for Couples.
Contents
- 1 Our Methodology for Selecting The Best Road Trips for Couples in the World
- 2 USA Road Trips:
- 2.1 Best Road Trips for Couples #1: Road Trips from San Francisco – South to San Luis Obispo (The Pacific Coast Highway)
- 2.2 Best Road Trips for Couples #2: Road Trips from San Francisco – North to Highway 101, Oregon
- 2.3 Best Road Trips for Couples #3: Florida Road Trips
- 2.4 Best Road Trips for Couples #4: Hawaii Road Trips
- 2.5 Best Road Trips for Couples #5: New England Road Trips
- 2.6 Best Road Trips for Couples #6: Road Trips in North Carolina & Virginia
- 2.7 Best Road Trips for Couples #7 USA Road Trip West Coast – Route 66
- 2.8 Best Road Trips for Couples #8: USA Road Trips – Southern Utah National Park Circuit
- 3 Best Road Trips in the World Outside of the USA
- 3.1 Best Road Trips for Couples #9 – Slovenia
- 3.2 Best Road Trips for Couples #10 – Yucatan Peninsula
- 3.3 Best Road Trips for Couples #11 – Ireland
- 3.4 Best Road Trips for Couples #12 – Iceland
- 3.5 Best Road Trips for Couples #13 – Germany
- 3.6 Best Road Trips for Couples #14 – Tuscany
- 3.7 Best Road Trips for Couples #15: Ultimate Road Trips Australia
- 4 Road Trips That Are on The Bucket List
- 5 Road Trips to Avoid: Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway
- 6 High-Quality Driver Shoes
Our Methodology for Selecting The Best Road Trips for Couples in the World
When we first published this post two years ago, we focused on our “Top Five Best Road Trips in the World.” This year, 2025, we have expanded our list to the “Top 15 Best Road Trips in the World.” We have traveled more than 365 days since we first published the post, and have been exposed to many more of the “Best Road Trips in the World.” In addition, one of our primary sources for developing our list of “Top 15 Best Road Trips in the World,” Condé Nast Traveler Magazine expanded their list from the Top Ten Best Road Trips in the World, to the Top Thirteen Best in the world.
We included eleven of the thirteen best road trips in the world selected by Condé Nast. The two left out are in Africa, where we have never traveled. For all eleven of Condé Nast’s “Best Road Trips in the World,” we have traveled at least part way on the road trip, and four of them we have traveled the full way. The additional four that we added are all Road Trips for Couples where we traveled the full way, at least one time. We have grouped the “Top 15 Best Road Trips in the World,” into the following sections:
- USA Road Trips:
- California/Oregon: Road Trips from San Francisco
- Florida Road Trips
- Hawaii Road Trips
- New England Road Trips
- Road Trips in North Carolina/Virginia
- USA Road Trip West Coast
- Best Road Trips in the World (non-USA)
- Ultimate Road Trips Australia
Here goes, our 15 Best Road Trips for Couples:
USA Road Trips:
In our opinion, based on input from Condé Nast and own experience, here are the top 8 best USA road trips.
Best Road Trips for Couples #1: Road Trips from San Francisco – South to San Luis Obispo (The Pacific Coast Highway)
The Pacific Coast Highway is a stunning road trip that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged California coastline. Driving along this winding road, you’ll pass through charming coastal towns, majestic redwood forests, and iconic landmarks like Pebble Beach as shown in our opening picture. Along the way, you can stop to enjoy fresh seafood, go whale watching, or simply relax on one of the many beautiful beaches. With its stunning scenery and endless opportunities for adventure, the Pacific Coast Highway is a must-do road trip for anyone looking to experience the beauty of California’s coastline. So grab your sunglasses, hit the open road, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Best Road Trips for Couples #2: Road Trips from San Francisco – North to Highway 101, Oregon
Condé Nast recommends taking the snaking shoreline from Washington State to the California Redwoods, as Oregon’s Highway 101 puts on a show, from broad Cannon Beach to dozens of outstanding state parks with even better names (see: Devils Punchbowl, Cape Perpetua). Each detour is distinctive, and the drive is—dare we say it—as lovely as California’s Highway 1. One of the most famous landmarks on the Oregon coast is Haystack Rock, forever known as Goonies Rock, thanks to its appearance at the end of the 1981 kid adventure flick The Goonies. The sea stack rises 235 feet above sea level, and is a visible beacon calling you to Cannon Beach. – CNT Editors
Having previously traveled the Pacific Coast Highway in California and having the most romantic stay at Half Moon Bay just south of San Francisco, we plan to work backwards from Condé Nast’s recommendations. In 2026, we will travel up the California Coast from Los Angeles all the way north to Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington following these two most scenic drives: the Pacific Coast Highway and the Oregon Coast Highway 101. If you have lots of time, like us, perhaps we will see you there?
Best Road Trips for Couples #3: Florida Road Trips
One of the great places for a couples road trip, is the Florida Keys Scenic Highway: Florida City to Key West.
I have driven the road from Miami to Key Largo, out to Key West and back on two separate occasions. It is one of our favorite long drives, at 165 miles from Miami to Key West. It will take between 3 1/2 to 4 hours to make the one-way trip. There are parts of the trip that make for an incredibly scenic route, particularly the 7-mile bridge between Marathon and Big Pine Key. It was a close call to put the Florida Keys Scenic Highway on the “Best Road Trips for Couples” list. Primarily because the drive is a two-lane road and if you get behind a slow driver it will make you nuts. At least that is my excuse for how I act sometimes. Anyway, if you want to learn more about Key West and the Scenic Highway please see our post Key West for Couples.
Best Road Trips for Couples #4: Hawaii Road Trips
With tropical rainforests, year-round balmy temperatures, and jagged cliffs straight out of Jurassic Park, taking a road trip around Hawaii is a completely different experience from what you’ll find on the mainland US. Each of the major Hawaiian Islands offers romantic destinations and fabulous scenic road trip routes. However, we limited our selection to our favorite, “The Road to Hana.”
If you’re planning a trip to Maui, make sure to add The Road to Hana to your itinerary! This scenic drive is a must-see for any nature lover or adventure seeker. The road winds through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along stunning ocean vistas. With over 600 turns and 59 bridges, it can be a bit of a wild ride, but it’s definitely worth it. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop and explore, from hidden beaches to hiking trails. Just make sure to pack some snacks and plenty of water, because you’ll want to take your time and soak it all in. So buckle up and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on The Road to Hana! For more information about Maui and Hawaii, please go to our Hawaii Post.
Car Gadgets for Road Trips
While many people like to put an audio book on their car radio as they travel on some of these recommended long drives, that would be a big mistake here in Hawaii as there is so much to see in such a short period of time. The best way to make sure that you don’t miss any of the important highlights on Hawaii’s road trips is to check out our favorite audio tour guide. We found Shaka Guide to be an invaluable tool as it uses GPS to help you find all the tricky turns on the most scenic route on each of Hawaii’s beautiful islands. It is also available in some of the mainland’s national parks.
Shaka Guides are very helpful "Car Gadget for Road Trips" to help you find what to do in Hawaii. They have guides for four different trips on the island.of Kauai as well as many trips on the other islands. They also have guides for select places in the USA mainland.
Best Road Trips for Couples #5: New England Road Trips
New England has a number of wonderful USA Road Trips. We have taken them in Vermont and the Green Mountains, and in New Hampshire, on the Kancamagus Highway leading to the White Mountains, including climbing to the top of Mt. Washington.
However, of all the New England Road Trips, our favorite is to start in Boston and travel up the East Coast through Portsmouth, and all the way up the coast to Acadia National Park in Maine. You will pass many historic landmarks, small towns and romantic destinations. On this historic route, you will find some great food, please see our post 19 Best Restaurants in Mid-Coast Maine, and gain some unforgettable memories. There are great places to stay and some beautiful lighthouses that you will want to visit. The following map highlights our favorite places as described in our Maine in August Post.
Best Road Trips for Couples #6: Road Trips in North Carolina & Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that spans 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. It is considered one of the best road trips in the world because of its breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. Along the way, visitors can stop at numerous overlooks to take in the stunning landscapes, hike through lush forests, and explore charming mountain towns. The parkway also offers a glimpse into the region’s past, with historic sites and museums showcasing the area’s Native American, Civil War, and Appalachian heritage. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the Blue Ridge Parkway deserves to be listed on Condé Nast’s top ten list. For more information about North Carolina, and our road trip around the southeast USA please see our post on the Deep South.
Best Road Trips for Couples #7 USA Road Trip West Coast – Route 66
According to the editors at Condé Nast Route 66 is still one of the great USA Road Trips as it still maintains its nostalgic draw. Here is what they have to say:
“No other highway has inspired so many classic rock songs, stories, and poems, and no wonder: The 2,200-mile-long Route 66 was one of the original highways built in America. Running from Chicago to California, there’s a sense of nostalgia (mingling with a little loneliness), and curios stops abound. Make sure to stop for some St. Louis-style barbecue ribs—grilled and sauced, rather than dry-rubbed and slow-smoked—at any roadside dive.” –CNT Editors
Photo by Getty
While we have never traveled the entire route, we have driven it in Arizona, New Mexico, and Missouri. Unfortunately much of the route has been replaced in sections of the Interstate Highway system, but there are still segments left that retain the old charm.
Looking for a great way to learn about Route 66. Find out about the historic Route 66 by purchasing a Guide book on Amazon
Best Road Trips for Couples #8: USA Road Trips – Southern Utah National Park Circuit
The Southern Utah National Park Circuit connects the “Big 5” National Parks (Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands and Arches). Driving between these five national parks is truly a best road trip experience. Because, the scenic views from the highways might even top the views from the National Parks themselves. The whole southern area of Utah is actually an esplanade that feeds into the Grand Canyon. It doesn’t get more beautiful than this fantastic road trip along Utah’s scenic Byway. To see more about the National Parks, please visit our Utah Post.
Best Road Trips in the World Outside of the USA
Best Road Trips for Couples #9 – Slovenia
We have traveled twice, once in 2022 and a second visit in 2024 on or way to the Paris Olympics. During the visit we toured the western part of the country as we entered by car from the Italian City of Trieste. During this restaurant we stayed at the Hisa Franco Casa, one of the best restaurants in the world (see our Trieste to Slovenia Post for More Details). The second visit we entered by car from Zagreb in Croatia. On the second visit we got to visit all the places that Condé Nast describes below in their article to support Slovenia as one of the “Best Road Trips in the World.”
“What Slovenia lacks in size, it makes up for in medieval architecture, stylish alfresco cafes, and hit-the-brakes-pretty scenery. The charm begins in the romantic capital of Ljubljana, where riverside wine bars bring the centuries-old cobbled streets and baroque architecture to life. From there, it’s all glassy mountain lakes, rolling vineyards, mountains of prosciutto, fresh cheese, and castles—so many castles. No matter which way you turn, there’s a fifteenth-century village or a craggy karst canyon begging for a pitstop. Southwest of Ljubljana, the UNESCO-inscribed Skocjan Caves wind underground for 3.8 miles, while the Renaissance-era Predjama Castle dramatically hovers over the mouth of a cave.” –Kate Springer
Best Road Trips for Couples #10 – Yucatan Peninsula
Cos visited Cancun many years ago. Back then, the area was still pretty undeveloped and nobody had heard of a place called Tulum. However, since that time, the Yucatan Peninsula has really developed into a major resort area stretching down the coast. We hope to visit again in either 2006 or 2007 and will follow the path laid out below by Condé Nast.
“Tooling around in the Crown Vic for a week used to feel like consolation for the exotic vacation we couldn’t take. But now better roads and rentals in many countries—and the hack that is GPS—are putting travelers back in the driver’s seat. On a recent trip to the Yucatán, my husband and I drove from Cancún to Playa del Carmen to discover it’s hardly the cute town it was 20 years ago. So we floored it south to perpetually eco-chic Tulum, stopping for Mayan ruins and a dip in a cenote, even scoring a table at Hartwood. We could have stayed all week, but the peninsula’s well-maintained network of roads made it easy to keep going—to colonial Valladolid with its arty expat crowd (there’s a gorgeous Coqui Coqui hotel there) and through the jungle to the design-and-food mecca of Mérida. All a needed reminder that sometimes the end point is beside the point.” –Rebecca Misner
Best Road Trips for Couples #11 – Ireland
Both Cos and Robin have visited Ireland many times. They both love the Dingle Peninsula. However, neither has been back since 2013, when the 1,600-mile Wild Atlantic Way coastal highway opened. This allowed road-trippers to explore Ireland’s West Coast once remote cliffs, castles, and cottages. We hope to visit in 2006 and take the five-day drive from Dingle (stop for seafood at Global Village) to Mizen Head, with a night at cozy Dromcloc House near a shingle beach.
Best Road Trips for Couples #12 – Iceland
Robin and Cos visited Iceland in 2021 towards the end of the Covid pandemic. However, Iceland was insistent on giving the harshest Covid tests both on arrival and before we left. Consequently while we saw some incredible scenery and volcanic action, we didn’t get a chance to drive the entire 800-plus-mile Ring Road (Route 1). Give yourself a week (at least) to circle the country so you can explore Thingvellir National Park and the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, weave in and out of the eastern fjords, look for whales and Northern Lights, and pull over every ten minutes for ceaseless photo ops. We plan to return and do the entire trip, hopefully in 2026, before we head to Ireland.
Best Road Trips for Couples #13 – Germany
Robin and Cos have visited Germany a number of times, but mostly have toured the country by River Cruise. They have traveled both the Rhine and the Danube River, and find Bavaria to be their favorite region in the country. Below are pictures from the Linderhof Castle.
Condé Nast recommends a Road Trip for Couples to “Follow the throngs of tourists south out of Munich to King Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, known as the real-life inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty palace, to mark the beginning of your drive up Germany’s Romantic Road. Now, that’s some bold billing, to be sure. But the nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival up on the hills does set the fairy-tale tone for this 285-mile ride. Day two, walk the outer wall of the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a real Games of Thrones feel. Wind slowly through Bavarian villages with all their flowerbox charm and end in Würzburg outside Frankfurt, where the wine impresses as much as the Residenz, an eighteenth-century Baroque palace that caps off a drive that lives up to the hype.” –Laura Dannen Redman
Best Road Trips for Couples #14 – Tuscany
Tuscany is one of Robin and Cos’s favorite places to visit in Europe. They like to start in Florence and recommend that you cruise south on the SS22 for 30 minutes until you reach the heart of the Chianti wine region. Take your time winding through Strada and Greve towards Siena, stopping at Panzano for lunch or dinner at Robin’s favorite Italian Steak Restaurant where she took a picture with the chef. Depending on how much time you have, spend the night in Panzano before circling back up to Florence the next day, or head further south to Montalcino, Montepulciano, and the spectacular Val d’Orcia—arguably the most beautiful stretch of countryside in Tuscany. In 2019, when they last visited, they extended their tour all the way to Porto Santo Stefano for some a delicious fish lunch and further exploration of the Western Tuscany Wine Country.
Best Road Trips for Couples #15: Ultimate Road Trips Australia
After the USA, we are biased, we suggest that Australia has the second best collection of Classic Road Trip Routes. If you want to learn about the best ones according to Australia.com please click here. However, here is our favorite, primarily because, honestly, it is the only one that we have driven.
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is one of Condé Nest’s top ten toad trips. Spanning 243 kilometers of rugged coastline, it is the world’s largest war memorial, dedicated to the thousands of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who lost their lives during World War I.
The Great Ocean Road was built between 1919 and 1932 by returned soldiers and volunteers, and it is now one of the most iconic roads in Australia. The road winds its way through breathtaking coastal scenery, taking in the rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches of the Shipwreck Coast. Along the way, visitors can take in the sights of some of Australia’s most famous landmarks, including the Twelve Apostles, Gibson’s Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and the Otway Ranges. Here are some pictures of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
A tour of the Great Ocean Road generally begins in the town of Torquay, one hundred kilometers from Melbourne. The Road ends in Port Campbell, two hundred kilometers further west, where some of the most famous landmarks are found. You are already on the road for a good half hour when you see the welcome sign below:
The Great Ocean Road is a great place to explore on foot, by car, or even by bike. There are plenty of walking tracks, cycling routes, and scenic drives to enjoy. Visitors can also take in the sights from the Great Ocean Road Lookout, where they can take in the spectacular views of the coastline.
Along the road there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from. Also, plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy, such as surfing, fishing, and whale watching. One of our favorite places is Dooley’s ice cream parlor in Apollo Bay. Delicious Ice Cream, definitely worth a stop. However, before the ice cream we tried the scallop pie at the bakery. Very good and unique. To learn more about our favorite restaurants please see our Restaurants Post.
The Great Ocean Road is a must-see destination in Australia. With its stunning scenery, wildlife, and activities, it is a great place to explore and enjoy. Here are one of our favorite pictures of the Loch Ard Gorge. For more information and pictures from Australia, please see our Australia Post.
Interested in traveling and taking a tour? Get Your Guide is the best place to find the best tours and the best guides in most places around the world. Find out for yourself, click below.
Road Trips That Are on The Bucket List
We’ve taken many road trips. Whether they are in the US or in another country, a road trip is the best way to really see the country. Here are two trips that we’ve added to our bucket list, and likely will make the “Best Road Trips for Couples List,” perhaps as early as 2026.
Road Trips in Norway
Robin and Cos are taking a cruise up the Norway Coast in the later half of 2025 and will consider an excursion when they visit Trollstigen. In 1997, the government repurposed 18 defunct country roads as culture and nature drives, inviting top architects to design hotels along the way. You can check it out by taking the Geiranger-to-Trollstigen route to marvel at the Geirangerfjord and stay in one of the seven glass cubes at Jensen & Skodvin–designed Juvet Landscape Hotel.
Road Trips in Texas
As part of their 5000+ mile tour of the USA National Parks in 2020, Cos and Robin visited San Antonio, Austin and the Hill Country. They plan to return in 2006 or 2007 and search out other great “Road Trips in Texas.” As the saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas.”
Road Trips to Avoid: Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic and adventurous road that runs between Silverton and Ouray in Colorado, USA. It is part of the San Juan Skyway, a 236-mile loop that passes through the San Juan Mountains. The highway is famous for its stunning views, steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and hairpin curves.
We took the highway in October, 2020 as part of our journey around the country and visit as many national parks as possible. It was a wonderful way to escape the Covid pandemic quarantine. The road was getting wet and somewhat icy even in October. This made the trip truly scary as hell. If you want to hear more about our journey please visit our Utah, Colorado, South Dakota and Arizona posts.
There are different stories about how the highway got its name. Some say it was because of the gold and silver tailings that were used to build the road, others say it was because of the cost of construction, and some say it was because of the priceless views or the fear of driving on it. We heard there was a saying “I’ll bet you a million dollars if you take the highway”. No one knows for sure, but the name has stuck for almost a century
High-Quality Driver Shoes
For men, nothing is better than having a high-quality pair of driver shoes on a long road trip. We recommend Cole Haan.
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