posted on August 15, 2026
Are you in the midst of planning a romantic vacation? Maybe you’ve got a milestone anniversary coming up or want to swap the classic romantic dinner for an adventurous romantic trip. Whatever the occasion, there is no shortage of romantic weekend getaways across the US.
The best part? Hitting the open road is one of the best ways to get there. From candlelit dinners to scenic hikes and even beautiful beaches, these handpicked destinations are a perfect romantic escape best accessed by car. Below, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best weekend getaways for couples, along with practical driving tips to make planning a whole lot easier.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- What makes a great romantic weekend getaway
- The best romantic weekend getaways by region
- The most romantic road trips in the US
- Tips for planning a romantic weekend road trip
- Frequently asked questions
What makes a great romantic weekend getaway
There are a few key ingredients that make a couples’ romantic getaway extra special.
A change of scenery helps you both leave the errands, traffic jams, and to-do lists of daily life behind. The goal is to spend quality time together: hopping between coffee shops, sampling incredible food, and soaking in natural beauty (whether that’s hiking trails, national parks, or quaint coastal towns).
Next, it’s important to consider mode of transportation. Flights can get you further, but come with more logistics and potential headaches (like security lines, crowded terminals, and hoping your suitcase arrives at the baggage carousel in one piece). For quick couples trips, driving often works out better than flying; a scenic drive sets the mood in a way that an airport never will.
The right car makes all the difference. Whether you’re zipping between vineyards and restaurants in the Napa Valley, or soaking in the mountain scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway, there’s the perfect car for every itinerary, ready to rent on Turo.
The best romantic weekend getaways by region
Looking for the best vacation spots to try with that special someone? Whether you’re looking for wine country, coastal scenery, mountain retreats, or historic city charm, here are the top romantic weekend getaways across the country, organized by region, with driving details.
East Coast
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s cobblestone streets, gas-lit lanterns, and thriving restaurant scene make it one of the most romantic cities in the US. Head to downtown Charleston’s Historic District for hidden courtyards, a 4-block artisan market, and even horse-drawn carriages. Take a short stroll to The Battery, a waterfront promenade lined with incredible antebellum mansions. Hoping for a beach day? A day trip to Folly Beach promises a relaxed surf-town experience with open-air beach bars.
- Closest major airport: Charleston International (CHS)
- Drive time from Atlanta: ~4.5 hours
- Drive time from Charlotte: ~3.5 hours
- Drive time from Washington, DC: ~8.5 hours
- Best car for this trip: A stylish sedan or convertible suits Charleston’s flat, walkable streets; something comfortable for the highway drive, easy to park in the historic center.
- Best for: Strolling along cobblestone streets, walking past the pastel-colored homes of Rainbow Row, and experiencing top-notch Southern dining.
- Don’t miss: A scenic drive to The Sea Islands; the 500-year-old Angel Oak Tree is ideal for a romantic photo together.
Tip from the author: Arrive on a Thursday evening for the quietest experience of Charleston’s restaurant scene; Friday and Saturday nights in the historic district get very busy. The drive down from Charlotte along I-77 and I-26 is easy, well-lit, and comfortable even arriving after dark.
Experience the best of South Carolina and explore the road trip guide to the Charlotte to Charleston drive.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
From rolling hills to charming inns, The Berkshires captures the best of New England (while feeling worlds away from the city life of Boston or New York). The region punches well above its weight for cultural institutions (Tanglewood and MASS MoCA are two must-see spots for art lovers). Plus, the region is an ideal place to chase fall foliage, with the Route 7 road trip blending New England charm with high-altitude mountain views and incredibly vibrant autumn colors.
- Closest major airport: Albany International (ALB) or Bradley International (BDL)
- Drive time from New York City: ~2.5 hours
- Drive time from Boston: ~2.5 hours
- Best car for this trip: A comfortable sedan or small SUV; the Berkshire roads are easy and well-maintained, with nothing technical required.
- Best for: Scenic winding drives, world-class art museums, and local farm-to-table restaurants.
- Don’t miss: Staying in one of the region’s historic bed-and-breakfasts. The Garden Gables Inn in Lenox is a must-see boutique hotel with just 16 rooms, epitomizing quiet luxury.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
As a narrow barrier island chain off the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks offers wild, windswept beaches, historic lighthouses, and even fine dining spots. The drive itself along NC-12 (aptly called the Outer Banks Scenic Bypass) through the islands is part of the appeal, offering sparkling water views. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, and the wild horses of Corolla are the key stops to add to your itinerary.
Keep in mind that the Outer Banks are accessed by a single road, so traffic can build up in the summer. For a more peaceful trip, schedule your visit in spring and fall.
- Closest major airport: Norfolk International (ORF) or Raleigh-Durham (RDU)
- Drive time from Raleigh: ~3.5 hours
- Drive time from Washington DC: ~5 hours
- Best car for this trip: A comfortable SUV or sedan; flat coastal roads throughout, but some island sections are windswept and exposed.
- Best for: Sunset cruises, historic charm, and romantic dining spots.
- Don’t miss: The northern beaches where you can spot wild horses who have inhabited the region for hundreds of years.
The South
New Orleans, Louisiana
For extraordinary food, endless live music, and beautiful architecture, you can’t beat a weekend getaway to New Orleans. Share sweet beignets from Cafe Du Monde, dine at some of the state’s best restaurants (with hidden outdoor courtyards), or hop between jazz bars after dark. While the French Quarter is highly walkable, having a car helps you to discover the best of Louisiana: explore coastal towns like Bay St. Louis, visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs, or explore protected wetlands at Honey Island Swamp & Slidell.
- Closest major airport: Louis Armstrong International (MSY)
- Drive time from Houston: ~5.5 hours
- Drive time from Atlanta: ~6.5 hours
- Best car for this trip: A spacious SUV or stylish convertible; New Orleans is flat and easy to navigate, and a convertible suits the city’s warm, festive atmosphere.
- Best for: Historic architecture, intimate jazz bars, and strolling hand-in-hand through the historic French Quarter.
- Don’t miss: A ride on the famous St. Charles Streetcar in the Garden District, or spending a night soaking in live jazz on Frenchmen Street.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s famous squares, draped in Spanish moss and flanked by Federal-style townhouses, create one of the most atmospheric settings for a romantic weekend in the country. Enjoy 30 acres of sprawling parkland with a picnic at Forsyth Park, watch the sunset over the Savannah River, or take your pick of Savannah’s outstanding foodie scene (it spans comfort food to global flavors to plenty of upscale spots, too).
Savannah offers a shorter drive than Charleston from most Southeast cities, making it a strong alternative for couples who want similar historic charm with a slightly quieter feel.
- Closest major airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV)
- Drive time from Atlanta: ~4 hours
- Drive time from Jacksonville: ~2 hours
- Best car for this trip: A small luxury vehicle or electric car; Savannah’s cobblestone streets are navigable but compact, and slow-moving traffic makes an EV an efficient choice.
- Best for: Strolling under towering oak trees, enjoying a picnic at Forsyth Park, or enjoying rooftop drinks at the Plant Riverside Precinct.
Tip from the author: Park near Forsyth Park and walk the squares on a slow morning before breakfast. Savannah’s architecture is at its most beautiful in the early light, and the squares are quiet before 9am.
The West
Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur, California
This has to be one of the most romantic driving destinations in the country. Carmel-by-the-Sea offers gallery-lined streets and white-sand beaches, followed by the Big Sur coastline south along Highway 1. The drive through Big Sur (roughly 90 miles from Carmel to San Simeon) is the journey as much as the destination: cliffs, sea stacks, redwoods, and the Pacific Ocean unfolding on one side.
From hiking through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to experiencing the unique purple sand on Pfeiffer Beach, there are endless must-see sights that make this one of the best romantic getaways.
- Closest major airport: Monterey Regional (MRY) or San Jose (SJC)
- Drive time from San Francisco: ~2.5 hours to Carmel
- Drive time from Los Angeles: ~5.5 hours to Carmel (north via Highway 101)
- Driving conditions note: Highway 1 through Big Sur is a two-lane coastal road with steep cliffs and no guardrails in some sections; it’s not difficult, but it does require your full attention.
- Best car for this trip: A convertible is the classic choice for Big Sur. A comfortable compact sedan also works well. Our tip? Avoid large vehicles on the narrower sections of Highway 1.
- Best for: Luxury dining, approachable hiking trails (the easy coastal Cypress Grove Trail is worth trying), and enjoying wine tastings (grab a passport and hop between venues along the Carmel Wine Walk).
Tip from the author: Sunset from the bluffs above Pfeiffer Beach (with the sea stacks silhouetted against the fading light) is one of the most beautiful things you can witness from a roadside pullout in the country. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset and stay until the color has fully faded.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is the benchmark for wine country romance in the US. Just an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley stretches for more than 30 miles, with world-class tasting rooms, farm-to-table restaurants, luxury inns, and hot air balloon rides at dawn.
The valley’s main towns all offer something unique: Calistoga offers natural hot springs and mud baths, St. Helena is ideal for luxury dining and boutique shopping, while downtown Napa is best for bustling riverfront dining and vibrant nightlife.
If you’re looking for a calmer alternative to driving Highway 29, the Silverado Trail is a good option for winery hopping. A car is essential for moving between wineries; a chauffeured wine tour or booking a rental on Turo (and agreeing who will be the designated driver) is the most sensible approach.
- Closest major airport: San Francisco International (SFO) or Oakland (OAK)
- Drive time from San Francisco: ~1.5 hours
- Drive time from Los Angeles: ~7 hours
- Best car for this trip: A comfortable luxury sedan or small SUV; nothing needed for the roads, but something that matches the occasion.
- Best for: Stunning scenery and producing world-famous Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Don’t miss: Taking a hot air balloon ride over the valley, visiting Castello di Amorosa (an authentically styled 14th-century Tuscan castle winery), or enjoying a romantic train ride through the heart of wine country.
Looking for other California road trips? Discover our complete guide to the best day trips from San Francisco.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is set in the heart of red rock canyon country, with a reputation for romance. Expect dramatic desert scenery, luxury spa resorts, stargazing under an exceptionally dark sky, and some of the most striking sunset views in the country.
The drive into Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon (Highway 89A from Flagstaff) is itself one of Arizona’s most beautiful roads: a winding descent through red rock walls. This is a strong alternative to beach or mountain getaways for couples who want something spectacular and slightly unexpected.
- Closest major airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- Drive time from Phoenix: ~2 hours via I-17 and Highway 179
- Drive time from Las Vegas: ~4.5 hours
- Driving conditions note: All paved throughout. The Oak Creek Canyon approach from Flagstaff is winding with a significant descent; so take it slowly and enjoy the scenery.
- Best car for this trip: A comfortable SUV is perfect for straightforward driving.
- Best for: Luxury spas, romantic cliffside dining, and awe-inspiring starry skies.
Tip from the author: Drive into Sedona from the north via Oak Creek Canyon rather than the southern approach from Phoenix. The canyon descent through the red rock walls is one of the great arrival moments on any US road trip.
The most romantic road trips in the US
For couples who want the drive itself to be the experience, these routes combine stunning scenery with natural stopping points along the way:
- Big Sur, California (Highway 1 from Carmel to San Simeon): The ultimate romantic coastal drive, blending dramatic ocean cliffs with rugged natural beauty.
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina: Expect 469 miles of mountain scenery connecting Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains. Visit in mid-October for the best fall foliage colors, and drive as much or as little as you have time for.
- The Florida Keys Overseas Highway (Miami to Key West): This route offers 113 miles of bridges across turquoise water. Stop wherever you want, arrive in Key West for sunset at Mallory Square, and spend the night before driving back in the morning.
- Vermont Route 100 (Stowe to Wilmington): The spine of Vermont passes through covered bridges, ski towns, and maple-lined valleys. This road trip is at its most romantic in fall, and is also surprisingly quiet in May and June.
Tips for planning a romantic weekend road trip
A little planning and preparation is all it takes to guarantee the perfect escape. Here’s how to plan your special occasion road trip:
- Let the drive be part of the weekend: The journey sets the mood. Choose a scenic route over the fastest one, line up a good playlist before you leave, and stop at anything that looks interesting.
- Book accommodations before you go: Popular romantic destinations (think: Napa, Carmel, Charleston, and the Berkshires) book out weeks or months ahead, especially on holiday weekends. Don’t leave this until the last minute.
- Rent something special: A weekend away is a good excuse to rent something a little different from your everyday car. Browse Turo for convertibles, sports cars, and luxury vehicles you won’t find anywhere else; the right car makes the drive part of the romance.
- Check road conditions in advance: Particularly for Big Sur and mountain routes in winter, keep in mind that road closures can happen with little notice. Check conditions before you leave.
Frequently asked questions about romantic weekend getaways
What is the most romantic weekend getaway in the US?
Charleston, South Carolina consistently tops the list for the most romantic weekend getaways in the US. The historic architecture, intimate restaurants, and relaxed pace create a particularly romantic atmosphere. Big Sur and Carmel on the California coast offer a different kind of romance: dramatic coastal scenery and the freedom of an open road. Napa Valley is also the standout choice for wine lovers.
How far should you drive for a romantic weekend getaway?
Two to four hours is the sweet spot for a romantic road trip: close enough to leave Friday evening after work and arrive without exhaustion, far enough to genuinely feel like you’ve gotten away. Under two hours can feel too close to home; over five hours makes the driving itself the bulk of the weekend.
What kind of car should you rent for a romantic getaway?
The kind of car you should rent for a romantic getaway depends on the destination and the vibe. A convertible suits a coastal drive like Big Sur or the Florida Keys. A comfortable luxury sedan works for wine country or a city escape. An SUV makes sense for mountain destinations or fall foliage drives. Browse Turo to find the right vehicle for the occasion, including sports cars and exotic car options for a luxurious couples vacation.
Is it better to fly or drive to a romantic weekend getaway?
For destinations within 4–5 hours, driving is almost always better: no security lines, no waiting, more flexibility, and the journey itself becomes part of the experience. Beyond 5–6 hours, flying is usually more practical. For truly romantic road trips, driving is the only way to experience what makes them special.
When is the best time for a romantic weekend getaway?
Shoulder seasons, such as spring and fall, are often the best windows: better weather than summer, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak season. Fall in particular is excellent for mountain and wine country destinations. For beach getaways, early September offers summer weather with slightly smaller crowds after Labor Day.
Find the perfect car for your romantic getaway on Turo
The best romantic weekends are the ones where the details are right: the destination, the accommodation, the dinner reservation, and yes, the car you arrived in. A well-planned road trip sets the mood before you’ve even checked in.
Browse Turo for cars that match the occasion, from luxury sedans to convertibles. Flexible pick-up options mean you can leave on your own schedule and enjoy every moment of your romantic getaway.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda Starr is a travel and automotive writer with 5+ years of firsthand experience road-tripping across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She writes road trip guides for Turo, drawing on her experience behind the wheel to share practical insights on long-distance drives, destinations, and vehicles. Her travels have taken her across Australia’s East Coast, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and both islands of New Zealand. One of her most memorable journeys was an 11-day, 2,600+ km route from Auckland to Punakaiki and Queenstown. Lucinda has a particular passion for classic, rugged 4WD vehicles and the freedom they bring to exploring new places.
