Prepare that playlist because romantic road trips are accelerating in popularity, and taking the scenic route just might be the best way to honeymoon with your significant other.
According to a recent survey, 65 percent of Canadians were planning a summer road trip in 2024 and the motivation driving these plans was largely human connection rather than a particular destination. After all, romantic road trips are the ultimate bonding experience.
Road travel also offers the unique opportunity to become better immersed in the area you’re exploring. Making impromptu stops at breathtaking viewpoints and discovering roadside attractions, accommodations and eateries is half the fun.
Only the most bucket-list-worthy driving destinations will do for your honeymoon so we scoured the globe for car-commercial-worthy places that offer a unique blend of jaw-dropping views, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and cool places to pull over and stay along the way. You may have heard of many of these iconic roadways, but you’ve never seen them like this. We’ve reimagined five of the world’s most scenic car journeys to help you rev up the romance on your post-wedding getaway.
United States
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
When Hollywood hits the road, it’s often along this glorious stretch of coastal highway, which runs along the Pacific Ocean from north to south and made famous for its snaking turns and cliffside ocean views.
Begin your journey in San Francisco with a stay (and a mai tai) at the Fairmont San Francisco in the Nob Hill neighbourhood. In the morning, head towards Half Moon Bay and stop for a beginner surf lesson at Surfers’ Beach. Next up is a hike through Point Lobos National Reserve in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a cliffside village where Clint Eastwood once served as mayor.
Proceed to Big Sur, taking in what’s often regarded as this stretch of the drive’s most dramatic views. Splash out on a stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, choosing between a tent cabin or a refined, rustic guestroom, then reserve a day to enjoy spa treatments, complimentary movement classes and guided hikes.
Refreshed after your stay, head towards San Simeon, setting Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Viewing Area as the destination in your GPS. At this elephant seal rookery you’ll have the chance to observe the second largest seal in the world from a series of viewing platforms. Afterwards, embark on a guided tour of Hearst Castle, which recalls the opulence of California in the early 20th century, then check in at nearby White Water, a beautiful lodge on the shores of Moonstone Beach.
Santa Barbara is a great next stop. Pause here for a day to visit the botanical garden and then The Funk Zone, a vibrant neighbourhood with great wine-tasting rooms, boutiques and some of the city’s best eateries.
And for an A-list finish to your trip, book a stay at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel for some star-gazing before flying out of Los Angeles.
Good to know: Portions of the PCH sometimes close for repairs following heavy rainfall. Be sure to check weather and road conditions before beginning your drive.
Canada
Traversing Vancouver Island
With old-growth rainforests, rich Indigenous culture and some of Canada’s most stunning beaches, Vancouver Island is a world-class honeymoon destination close to home that perfectly balances relaxation and adventure.
Start your trip at Victoria’s Inner Harbour, staying the night at The Magnolia Hotel and Spa, a boutique property recently awarded one Michelin key.
In the morning, head towards the town of Sooke for a dip at Sooke Potholes Regional Park before popping into Sheringham Distillery for a taste of Island-made spirits. Continue to Port Renfrew, which offers access to some of Vancouver Island’s best beaches, including China and Mystic Beaches. Afterwards, settle in at Wild Renfrew, a lovely set of seaside cottages.
Back on the road, head inland toward Lake Cowichan for lunch and river tubing before proceeding towards Parksville, known for its vast stretches of white sand beach. Check in at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and soak your road-weary bones in the mineral pools at the on-site Grotto Spa before heading to Treetop Tapas & Grill, where you can dine in your spa robe and slippers.
The following day, begin the stunning drive to Ucluelet, making time to stop and smell the cedar at Cathedral Grove, a section of lush old-growth forest with an 80-metre-high canopy. In Ucluelet, check in at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort and make this your homebase for exploring the area, including nearby Tofino. You can fill the final days of your honeymoon with rainforest hikes, surf lessons, whale-watching exclusions and sunset beach strolls.
Good to know: Before you start out on this romantic road trip, always fill up when you see a gas station as certain stretches of this route are devoid of both fuel stops and cell service.
Australia
The Great Ocean Road
Driving this iconic stretch of highway along the state of Victoria’s southwestern coast is the perfect way to experience some of the best Australia has to offer, including secluded beaches, ancient rainforest and, of course, the jaw-dropping Twelve Apostles.
Start your journey in Melbourne with a stay at Zagame’s House in the chilled-out Carlton neighbourhood. Heading southwest out of the city, your first destination will be the coastal village of Lorne for a stop at Teddy’s Lookout, which provides stunning views of the Bass Straight. Spend the night at Brae’s Guest Suites, an adults-only farm stay experience complete with stargazing skylights and homemade pastries delivered to your door.
Back on the road, head to Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, the perfect place to stretch your legs. Next up, explore nearby Great Otway National Park where, if you’re lucky, you can see koalas in the wild. Continue along the coast to Port Campbell and book a villa at Anchors Port Campbell for sunset views of the famed Twelve Apostles.
Your next destination will be Mount Gambier in South Australia, home to the Umpherston Sinkhole and Blue Lake, a sapphire pool inside a volcanic crater. Stay the night at The Barn, a boutique hotel with a fantastic on-site steakhouse.
Wrap up your romantic road trip in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Explore the city’s Central Market then head out of town to stay at Mount Lofty House, where you’ll be spoiled with five-star service and views of the Piccadilly Valley.
Good to know: Remember that Australians drive on the left side of the road. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk, as kangaroos, koalas and other animals may be near the road.
Germany
The romantic road
For a fairytale honeymoon worthy of a Disney princess, consider this 460-kilometre network of country roads connecting the Bavarian towns of Würzburg and Füssen.
Fly into Frankfurt and proceed directly to Würzburg, known for its Baroque architecture and surrounding wine region. Get acclimatized in storybook fashion by staying the night at Schlosshotel Steinburg, a castle hotel perched above the city.
The following day, hop on the Romantic Road. Your first stop will be Wertheim, a beautifully preserved medieval town. Next up, pull over at the Bad Mergentheim spa for a soothing soak in thermal waters. Stop for the night in picturesque Weikersheim, where you can book in at Hotel Laurentius, a charming property with a wonderful gourmet restaurant.
In the morning, continue to Röttingen for a tour of the wine museum at Burg Brattenstein Castle. Fans of seasonal kitsch will also want to stop at Käthe Wohlfahrt in Rothenburg, a Christmas village open year-round. Overnight in Dinkelsbühl and check in at the postcard-perfect Hotel Deutsches Haus.
Continue on to Nördlingen, a town nestled inside a meteorite crater, and take in panoramic views from the observation deck of St. George’s Church. Afterwards, make a quick stop at Harburg Castle, which Michael Jackson once tried to purchase, before stopping for the night in Donauwörth, a historic town with great cycling paths.
Proceed to Bavaria’s crown jewel, Neuschwanstein Castle, in the foothills of the Alps, then cap off your honeymoon with a stay at the nearby Ameron Resort & Spa.
Good to know: Leave your GPS at home and instead follow the brown tourist signs for the Romantic Road (or else you’ll end up on the Autobahn).
Japan
Circumnavigating The Izu Peninsula
Though the Izu Peninsula sits just 100 kilometres southwest of Tokyo, its pace is completely different. In fact, many big city residents head to this idyllic area – known for its waterfalls and natural hot springs – to escape.
Atami, a seaside city at the top of the peninsula, is a great place to begin your trip. Rest up for a night at Hotel Kan-ichi, boasting rooftop open-air onsen baths.
After Atami, make a detour inland to Joren Falls. Here, you’ll find a 25-metre-tall cascade as well as a wasabi farm (don’t leave without trying the wasabi soft serve). Afterwards, head back to the coast to the hot spring resort town of Ito, stopping at the famous Izu Shaboten Zoo to see capybaras bathing in yuzu-filled pools. Check-in at Hoshino Resorts KAI Anjin for your own soak at its rooftop onsen.
In the morning, pay a visit to Mount Omuro, a grass-covered volcanic crater, then continue down the coast to Shimoda where you’ll find white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife. Check-in at Seiryuso Ryokan with traditional tea-house-style rooms.
Thirty minutes from Shimoda you’ll come to the tip of the peninsula at Cape Irozaki. Pull over to take in the views then continue up the western side of the peninsula with your sights set on Mount Fuji. Check out Shiraito Falls in the foothills of Fuji then wrap up your adventure with a stay at Hoshinoya Fuji, Japan’s first glamping resort.
Good to know: In order to rent a car in Japan, Canadian drivers need to obtain an International Driver’s License in Canada before departure.
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