The 5 Best Scenic Drives for a Valentine’s Day Road Trip

America was built for roaming the countryside. Road tripping is one of the greatest American pastimes, and whether you do it in your RV, your family sedan, or a legit grand touring car, you’re participating in a distinctly American tradition when you hit the road.  

Where you drive, however, makes all the difference, especially if you want to treat your special someone to an unforgettable experience this Valentine’s Day. So, with that in mind, I’d like to invite you to take your valentine for a drive down one of the many scenic drives you can find in this great country of ours.  

Below you’ll find the very best of the scenic routes in America. All of them have plenty of places for you to stop and stay, and the drive is only the first part of the adventure; you’re encouraged to take in as many experiences as you can along the way.  

Highway 101, Oregon 

Shooting up the coast of Oregon, this scenic highway often plays second fiddle to California’s more famous stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, and I get it. The California PCH is a bonafide beautiful road, but it’s also often crowded. Highway 101 in Oregon can often be a better option, especially for a romantic trip for two. 

It’s just as scenic as California’s famous highway, and it continues up into the Olympic Peninsula in Washington if you’d like to go that far.

While California’s PCH might get more press, Highway 101 in Oregon is arguably the better scenic highway. (Image from Getty)

February in Oregon might not sound the most inviting, but you’ll find plenty of amazing places to explore along the highway, including state parks, scenic lighthouse viewpoints, hiking in the Siuslaw National Forest, and charming coastal towns like Yachats and Holiday Beach. You can shop, get good food, and find a romantic place to stay. 

If you do choose to do the drive in your RV, you can stay at any number of RV resorts along the coast including Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort, Sea Perch RV Resort, and Heceta Beach RV Park.  

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina 

When you think of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you likely think of fall and amazing views of the trees as their leaves change colors. However, the Blue Ridge Parkway can be a stunning winter wonderland during February—perfect for a Valentine’s Day getaway.  

The Parkway winds up through North Carolina and into Virginia. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views the mountainous area provides, do some hiking in the Shenandoah National Park, stop at various wineries along the way, and enjoy some of the best cultural sites Appalachia has to offer. There are also plenty of resorts and lodging accommodations fitting for a Valentine’s Day road trip along the way. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most gorgeous roads in the U.S. anytime of year. (Image from Getty)

If you choose to do this drive in your RV, there are plenty of places to stop, including the Asheville Bear Creek RV Park in North Carolina or the Misty Mountain Camp Resort in Virginia. Between these two spots are numerous other campgrounds and resorts to stay at, too.  

Kancamagus Scenic Byway, New Hampshire 

The Kanc, as it’s known by those familiar with it, is a stunning 34.5 mile stretch of Route 112 in northern New Hampshire. Again, this area is best known for its fall foliage, but when blanketed in snow, it’s arguably more breathtaking, and a perfect backdrop for a romantic time away from home. 

View the White Mountain National Forest and hike some of the trails if you want. There’s also the Swift River and Sabbaday Falls to take in as well as numerous other scenic points and overlooks. You can snowshoe this area when the snow is deep enough and cross country skiing is a common activity, too. If you and your valentine are winter sports lovers, this area of the country is a delight in February.  

The Kancamagus Scenic Byway winds right through the White Mountain National Forest. (Image from Getty)

If you choose to do the drive in your RV, you’ll need a good place to stay, and there are plenty in this neck of New Hampshire. There are numerous campgrounds along the route run by the Forest Service, but if you want to enjoy more amenities, then Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort is a fantastic option. Another good option is The Bluffs RV Resort. Both will feature fantastic amenities.  

The Overseas Highway, Florida 

The Florida Keys are a must-see romantic getaway, and The Overseas Highway out to the Keys is one of the most impressive scenic highways in the country. Stretching 113 miles out from the southern tip of Florida, this unique highway is like no other. Once in the Keys, you’ll be able to enjoy all that a seaside resort can offer and you and your valentine can relax and enjoy yourselves.  

The drive from Miami on the mainland to the end of the highway at Key West is one every American should do at some point in their lifetime. While all of the Keys offer beautiful beaches and places to stay, Key West is probably the most famous due in part to the fact that it’s the place the writer Ernest Hemingway called home for much of his life.

Few routes are as amazing as the Overseas Highway in Florida. (Image from Getty)

That’s just one of the many places to stop during your trip to The Keys. There’s also amazing seafood, fishing opportunities, snorkel and diving areas, and so much more.   

If you choose to do this drive in your RV, there are campgrounds to stay at in the Florida Keys. Two of the best resorts include Boyd’s Key West Campground and the Jolly Roger RV Resort, though there are other places to stay, too.  

Scenic Byway 12, Utah 

If snowy mountains or beaches aren’t your ideas of a romantic getaway, then you should head to Utah. Specifically, you should drive Scenic Byway 12 in Utah. The 120-plus stretch of road has been designated an “All-American Road.” It’s a unique drive unlike any other and takes you to heights of 9,000 square feet through the Henry Mountains, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park.  

There are plenty of hiking opportunities, too. The weather won’t be super warm in February, rather it can actually be downright cold along much of this route, but visiting this area in February allows you to see it without the usual tourist crowd, which routinely come in the spring and fall. The communities along this route are fun and interesting and people are as friendly as can be. 

Utah has some truly amazing landscapes, and Route 12 displays them perfectly. (Image from Getty)

Camping here is possible, so if you’re doing the drive in your RV, you’ll be in luck. Many of the campgrounds are congregated around the town of Escalante, so that’s the best place to look. Yonder Escalante is a common spot, but there are others including Canyons of Escalante RV Park and Escalante Cabins & RV Park.