Image via Complex Original
Intro
There's something about the astounding beauty and variety of natural wonders on a really good driving route that gets most people all tingly. Take advantage of what Mother Nature is offering you on a silver platter by driving one of these routes with the love of your life (or the love of right now) as soon as you can. These are the best romantic drives in America.
Mountains don't get much more majestic than Blue Ridge.
10. Blue Ridge Parkway
Location: North Carolina
Known For: Gorgeous scenery, challenging bicycling
Complex Says: Set to the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway features several national and state parks, Linville Falls, and Pisqah National Forest. Museums, spas, and the Spruce Pine Gem and Gold Mine round out the attractions along the way. You can enjoy your time alone together, or you can get out of the car and explore. Either way, you'll experience something you never have before--unless you know the area and are immune to its many charms.
There's more to Utah than the Great Salt Lake.
9. Utah Highway 12
Location: Utah, between the Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Known For: Southwestern scenic charm
Complex Says: If you want to see canyons, forest, a desert, and stunning colors wherever you go, Utah's Highway 12 is the place. In addition to the national parks at both ends, you can visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Boulder Mountain, and Petrified Forest State Park, either on or easily accessible from Highway 12. This is especially great if you live in a drab town, like when everything bursts into insanely bright color in the movie Pleasantville.
Mexico wanted California back with good reason. Here's part of it.
8. Pacific Coast Highway
Location: Highway 1, California
Known For: Wine, ocean view
Complex Says: The PCH meanders along the California coastline, including Big Sur and Sonoma's famous wine country. Stop along the way and experience some California cuisine at its finest with your honey.
"Kankamagus" isn't something from Harry Potter, we swear.
7. Kancamagus Scenic Byway
Location: New Hampshire
Known For: Fall color, easy access to skiing
Complex Says: No matter how many times you see it, there's something magical about autumn leaves as they change color. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway is one of the best places to experience this particular glory of fall, but it also has beautiful color year-round. If you visit during colder months, Attitash Bear Park is easily accessible from the byway and is a great place to go skiing. During warmer weather, pull the car off the road and go exploring. Remember, romance is where you find it. A byway like this only offers inspiration.
One lake; a world of possibilities.
6. Lake Superior Circle Tour
Location: Roughly 1,200 miles across Ontario, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin
Known For: Lighthouses
Complex Says: From stunning waterfalls to charming lighthouses, from Native American lodges to sweeping canyons, the Lake Superior Circle Tour has a wide variety of visual delights to tempt your senses. Buy some beautiful pottery crafted by local artisans to help remind you and your sweetie in the future of the epic drive you took.
Yukon Denalis need not apply. Take a real SUV if you go.
5. Denali Highway
Location: Alaska Route 8
Known For: Untamed Alaska
Complex Says: If you and your honey are the types who contemplate a less complicated life, the Denali Highway is a fantastic drive to see a portion of Alaska that's still largely wild. It's a gravel road that isn't as traveled as the George Parks Highway, which is paved and was completed long after Denali. At the end, it'll get you to Denali National Park, if you go that far. Along the 135 miles of gravel road, though, you'll find your exploration of vast Alaskan views virtually undisturbed, but for an occasional unobtrusive inn. We can't think of a better place to go to feel like you two are the only ones in the world. Bring spare tires and tools to change, repair, and refill them--you'll probably need them, but it's worth it.
It's Romance Mountain. Duh.
4. Vermont Route 100
Location: Vermont
Known For: Romance Mountain
Complex Says: No, really, it's actually called “Romance Mountain.” You can see the stars at night there, so plan your trip accordingly. Take a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy. Also, there are covered bridges. Lots of them.
Don't worry about pronunciation; just go.
3. Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway
Location: State Highway 141 and 145 in Colorado
Known For: Rugged terrain, sharp turns
Complex Says: Native American buildings, waterfalls, sweeping changes in terrain, and a near-constant view of Utah's massive La Sal mountains offer loads to love as you and your sweetheart meander along. Or take it at speed, which many people like to do. Romance is in what you and your partner like to do together, and if speed gives you thrills, we certainly won't argue.
The Keys to her heart? Maybe.
2. Oversea Highway
Location: Florida Keys
Known For: Unique roadway spanning the Keys
Complex Says: For a completely man-made system of 43 bridges that was originally conceived in 1938, the Overseas Highway sure has held up over time. You aren't going to find another highway like it, both in terms of traveling and scenery. Plus, it's in the Florida Keys. It's romantic enough that it figures heavily in a Beach Boys song. That should count for something.
Hawaii? More like Hawai-oooooh.
1. The Hawaii Belt
Location: Big Island, Hawaii. State routes 11, 19 and 190
Known For: Uh, it's Hawaii
Complex Says: About the only thing better than enjoying this scenic drive around Hawaii's Big Island is taking a helicopter tour of the island. Unfortunately, you can't hear very well when you're in a copter, which doesn't lend itself to romance. Therefore, we have to say the drive is a more romantic idea, and one you should definitely consider if you're in Hawaii. Photo by Donnie McGowan.
