Is Your Relationship Road Trip Ready? 20 Romantic Getaways Worth Driving To

Road trips can often serve as a test for any relationship. Between different driving styles, listening preferences (music vs. podcasts), and just being stuck in a car together, you will likely learn the limits of your relationship. And while road trips can put a strain on relationships, they can also teach you a lot about each other. Spending time together in a small space with virtually no distractions aside from music, podcasts, and road trip games forces you to get to know each other on a whole new level. Road trips are also a super romantic vacation option for couples that are looking to spend lots of time together and explore new places.

While spending endless hours together in a cramped space isn’t everyone’s idea of romantic, there are tons of romantic destinations across the continental U.S. that are totally worth driving to. The U.S. is full of natural wonders, beautiful cities and great beaches, and each corner of the country has a unique appeal. Here is a list of 20 romantic getaways in the U.S. that are worth road tripping to:

1. Willamette Valley, OR

What’s more romantic than driving through Oregon wine country? The Willamette Valley is full of wineries and vineyards dedicated to producing Pinot Noir wines. The area is full of scenic views and plenty of hiking and biking trails to help break up the time in the car. There is even a hot air balloon attraction, if you are interested in seeing wine country from above.

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2. Big Sur, CA

Who doesn’t love the beach?! Big Sur is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of California, which objectively, is home to some of the best beaches in the country. Big Sur is a super romantic spot, where you can soak up the sun together as a couple or try out surfing if you are feeling adventurous. Another big plus of visiting Big Sur is the chance to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. While the PCH can be unnerving at times, the windy highway gives a fantastic view of the beaches below that absolutely cannot be beat!!

3. Lake Tahoe, NV

Whether you are roadtripping during the summertime or during the winter months, you should add Lake Tahoe to your itinerary. Lake Tahoe is one of THE destinations for both skiing and swimming in the country. The town is surprisingly quaint, but is full of resorts, cottages and more low key Airbnbs depending on what you fancy. Whether you are skiing or hiking, the views can’t be beat and you will feel closer to your partner than ever before.

4. Park City, UT

While Park City, Utah is known for its ski slopes, it’s also a great destination for hikers and mountain bikers alike. The Wasatch Mountain Range provides fun outdoor activities year round, that you and your partner can explore together. There’s something super romantic about exploring new places as a couple, and what better place to do that then Park City?!

5. Sante Fe, NM

Sante Fe is a beautiful historic town with plenty of culture. The town, which is also the state’s capital city, is known for its art galleries, pueblo architecture and turquoise jewelry. The traditional plaza layout of Sante Fe makes it super walkable and a perfect stop for a romantic getaway.

6. Sedona, AZ

While you are on the west side of the country, you should definitely check out the hidden gem of Sedona, Arizona. Sedona is tucked into the beautiful red rock landscape that characterizes this part of the country and offers a vibrant arts community as well as plenty of hiking trails through Red Rock State Park. The smaller size of this town makes it a bit more intimate than other spots in the country, which adds to the romance element.

7. Mesa Verde, CO

Mesa Verde, located in southwest Colorado is home to Mesa Verde National Park, known for the Cliff Palace that served as a dwelling for ancestral Pueblans. The national park is absolutely gorgeous, and full of interesting archeological sites and sweeping views of the canyon. Like we said before, there is something really romantic about exploring new parts of the country, especially parts with such an interesting history and landscape.

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8. Missoula, MT

Missoula is another great year-round destination. Between cross-country skiing, skiing and snowboarding in the winter, horseback riding and rafting in the summer and breweries, art galleries and music there’s plenty to do in Missoula at all times. The gorgeous, scenic setting will make anything you end up doing romantic.

9. Omaha, NE

Located on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, Omaha is home to pioneer history museums, art museums and historic cultural centers. The city is home to a fantastic zoo and aquarium in addition to craft breweries, and plenty of dining options offering a little bit of something to everyone that visits.

10. Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls is named after Falls Park, a huge park just north of the city center located right along the Big Sioux River and home to a breathtaking waterfall. What’s more breathtakingly romantic than a waterfall you might ask, probably nothing! This spot is reason enough to make this a spot on your list. While the park is a must see destination, the city has plenty more to offer in the form of bakeries, restaurants, breweries, wineries and historic landmarks.

11. Nashville, TN

Any good road trip across the middle of the U.S. should involve a stop in Nashville, Tennessee the country music capital of the world. Even if you don’t like country music, stopping by the Grand Ole Opry House is an absolute must while visiting this gem of a city. Country music is inherently romantic, which means that it will add some romance to your trip whether you like it or not! In addition to good music, there is plenty of good food and good dance spots to keep you busy.

12. Savannah, GA

Savannah, Georgia is a quintessential southern town with a historic district full of cobblestone street, horse drawn carriages and beautiful old trees covered in spanish moss. Aside from the picturesque setting, there is plenty to do in terms of dining and exploring the historic sites. If you’ve never been to Georgia, this is a great entree into the state. There is plenty of southern charm to go around, and everyone will make you feel right at home!

13. Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina is a must visit on any romantic road trip. Much like Savannah, it’s an iconic southern city with cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages and beautiful architecture that make the city feel quaint and intimate. Charleston is home to awesome southern food as well. What’s a romantic getaway without a good date night dinner spot, afterall?

14. Charlottesville, VA

While visiting Charlottesville, you can check out the stunning Shenandoah National Park or amuse yourself in town with live music, farmers markets, a trip to an orchard, or a stop at one of the many craft breweries. While Virginia isn’t always considered the South, this city has plenty of southern charm that will charm you and your partner and ensure a romantic trip.

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15. Providence, RI

Downtown providence is full of restaurants, shops and art installations that make the heart of the city a super fun place to explore. Providence is located right on the water and has beautiful, romantic spots that you can enjoy as a couple.

16. Poconos Mountains, PA

The Poconos Mountains, located in Northeastern Pennsylvania are a great place to explore and get outside into nature at any time of the year. The mountains are full of ski runs, hiking trails and even some waterfalls, making for a super romantic stop on any road trip.

17. Cape Code, MA

Cape Cod is the perfect summer road trip destination. It has everything from ocean beaches to spots along the bay, lighthouses, seafood restaurants and quaint houses. It’s a super popular destination during the summer months, opening up the possibility for making new friends. Who said you can’t make friends while on a romantic road trip?

18. White Mountains, NH

The White Mountains are a beautiful part of the Appalachian Mountain range that covers the state of New Hampshire. The scenery here is amazing, no matter what time of year it is, but is especially stunning during the fall months when the leaves change color and turn the mountains into a breathtaking spectacle.

19. Catskill Mountains, NY

Another must-see mountain range is the Catskill Mountains in Northeastern New York State. These mountains are in the Hudson valley and home to hiking, biking and skiing. The mountains are also a part of the Catskill Forest Preserve that is home to a rich collection of wildlife.

20. Bar Harbor, ME

Located right next to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a small town on Mount Desert Island in Maine. The quaint town has a beautiful view of the mountains and the ocean and makes for a great destination on any romantic road trip.

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