Best Road Trips for Couples
Condé Nast Traveller Magazine lists the ten best road trips in the world. We can recommend the five best road trips for couples that we have traveled. Of Conde Nast’s ten, Cos and Robin have travelled three:
In addition, we wish to nominate two more that are not on the list, but we have travelled. We believe they deserve to be on the list:
Okay, so we are biased Americans. Anyway, we include descriptions of all five. As we travel the other seven on Condé Nast’s list we will add them as well. Here goes:
Best Road Trips for Couples 1: Southern Utah National Park Circuit, Utah, USA
The Southern Utah National Park Circuit connects the “Big 5” National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, 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. To see more about the National Parks, please visit our Utah Post.
Best Road Trips for Couples 2: Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina, USA
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.
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Best Road Trips for Couples 3: 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 kilometres 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.
Wildlife
The Great Ocean Road is also home to some of the best wildlife in Australia, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and echidnas. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including the endangered orange-bellied parrot and the wedge-tailed eagle. The animal below on the left is an echidna. Not sure about the one on the right.
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 some of our favorite pictures. For more information and pictures from Australia, please see our Australia Post.
Best Road Trips for Couples 4: The Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii, USA
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.
Best Road Trips for Couples 5: The Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
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 the Golden Gate Bridge. 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 road, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Road Trips That Didn’t Make the Best-5 Cut
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 we have taken that while very scenic, just didn’t make our high standards for making the “Best Road Trips for Couples List.”
Florida Keys Scenic Highway: Florida City to Key West
I have driven the road from Miami, thru Florida City, out to Key West and back on two separate occasions. It is 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 trips that are incredibly scenic. Particularly, the 7 mile bridge between Marathon and Big Pine Key.
It was a close call not to put the Florida Keys Scenic Highway on the “Best Road Trips for Couples” list. However, 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.
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.
