17 Best Honeymoon Road Trips Around the World (2026 Guide)

Best honeymoon road trip ideas

1 Pacific Coast Highway, USA 

If you’re wanting a California honeymoon road trip then you can’t beat the Pacific Coast Highway. This 656-mile (1,056 km) drive is one of the most iconic road trip routes on the planet.

It stretches from Washington state to California and offers endless ocean views on one side, dramatic cliffs on the other and a string of effortlessly glamorous stops along the way.

The most iconic stretch is through Big Sur. Here you can stay in clifftop hideaways, spot sea otters along the coast and watch the sun melt into the Pacific from dramatic viewpoints like Bixby Bridge.

If you do this trip, I recommend booking a sunset dinner overlooking the water at Ventana Big Sur or Post Ranch Inn, where the views are as indulgent as the food!

You’ll also be able to head inland to the Santa Ynez Valley for vineyard lunches and private wine tastings, or stop in Monterey for whale watching and waterfront strolls.

Further south, Santa Barbara offers Mediterranean-style luxury, boutique hotels and beachside cocktails, while Malibu brings ultra-chic oceanfront dining, celebrity spotting and hidden coves that are perfect for quiet and romantic moments.

The Pacific Coast Highway becomes even more unforgettable when you factor in its epic detours into wild, cinematic nature. Just north of the main route, you can extend your journey into Olympic National Park, where you’ll find misty rainforests, alpine lakes and dramatic beaches.

I also recommend taking the time to explore quieter beaches near Pfeiffer Beach or lingering in small coastal towns where time feels slower. This west coast honeymoon road trip isn’t just a drive – it’s a luxury honeymoon in motion!

How long you need: 8-12 days
Best time to go: May-October

2 Garden Route, South Africa

South Africa’s Garden Route could easily be described as one of the best road trip honeymoon options in the world. It’s effortlessly romantic and an absolute dream for luxury honeymooners. 

Stretching along South Africa’s southern coastline, it’s a journey of dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, lush forests and hidden lagoons.

It’s perfect for those wanting a nature-led honeymoon. One day you’re driving dramatic ocean roads, the next you’re kayaking through gorgeous landscapes, spotting wildlife, or sipping wine beneath mountain peaks. 

A classic journey might begin in Mossel Bay with coastal walks and ocean views, before heading to Knysna, famous for its lagoon and the dramatic Knysna Heads.

Further east, Plettenberg Bay brings long golden beaches, whale and dolphin watching in season, and some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country. For a safari twist, you could also add a detour to a private game reserve near Addo for Big Five sightings.

How long you need: 5-8 days
Best time to go: September–April

3 Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy

If you’d love an Italian road trip honeymoon then you can’t get much better than the Amalfi Coast Drive.

The beautiful, winding coastal road links pastel-hued cliffside towns like Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, each one more romantic than the last, with sweeping sea views that turn every bend into a photo opportunity. 

You’ll be able to base yourself in boutique cliffside hotels where balconies spill out over the Mediterranean, then spend your days hopping between beach clubs, hidden coves and lemon-scented villages.

I recommend a stop in Sorrento – it adds a slightly more relaxed, elegant base, with its cobbled streets, artisan shops and some of the best sunset aperitivo spots on the coast.

If you do this road trip, you’ll want to take a private boat to Capri for a swim in turquoise waters, or head inland to the Path of the Gods for a hike with some of the most dramatic views in Europe.

Food-wise, it’s unbeatable; fresh seafood, handmade pasta and everything kissed with Amalfi lemons, from desserts to limoncello.

How long you need: 5-7 days
Best time to go: May–June or September

4 Coastal New England, USA

The Coastal New England route is a dream honeymoon road trip for couples who love seaside charm, understated luxury and a touch of old-world romance.

Winding through historic corners of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond, this is a journey of sailboat-dotted harbours, clapboard inns, wild beaches and lobster shacks balanced with polished coastal glamour.

A classic route might begin in Boston. From there, you’ll head north to Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, where you’ll find dune-backed beaches, bike rides and boutique hotels. 

Further along the coast, Newport, Rhode Island, brings Gilded Age grandeur, oceanfront mansions and the stunning Cliff Walk – it’s one of the most romantic coastal strolls in the country.

There are beautiful detours all along the way, too: sunset sailing excursions, lighthouse stops and slow lunches overlooking quiet marinas. 

In Maine, you can continue on to charming harbour towns and rugged stretches of coast, with luxury inns and fresh lobster dinners by the fire. Trust me when I say this is one of the best honeymoon road trips in the USA!

How long you need: 7-10 days
Best time to go: June–October

5 Great Ocean Road, Australia 

Stretching along Australia’s southern coastline, The Great Ocean Road is truly iconic and delivers endless ocean drama. Picture clifftop views, crashing surf and stretches of road where it’s just you and the sea for miles around!

The main attraction is the Twelve Apostles, but you’ll also want to stop in charming coastal towns like Lorne or Apollo Bay, where you’ll find boutique stays, excellent restaurants and quiet beaches.

For something more secluded, you could detour into the Great Otway National Park, where lush rainforest replaces coastal views. Think waterfall walks, ancient fern gullies and even glow-worm-lit evenings that feel like something out of a fairytale.

You could also elevate the experience with private coastal lodges, helicopter flights or long, lazy lunches featuring local wines and fresh-caught produce overlooking the ocean.

The Great Ocean Road is adventurous but accessible, dramatic but relaxing and endlessly scenic without ever feeling rushed. It’s easy to see why it’s one of my favourites!

How long you need: 3-5 days
Best time to go: November–April

6 Sri Lanka Southern Coast Drive, Sri Lanka

Looking for something unique? The Sri Lanka Southern Coast Drive is both relaxing and adventurous. It’s a stretch of coastline where palm trees lean over golden beaches, fishing boats drift in turquoise water and every stop feels more romantic than the last.

I’ve experienced this road trip first hand and Colombo is a brilliant starting point that adds a cosmopolitan layer to all that coastal scenery.

The city blends colonial elegance, buzzing markets and a fast-evolving food scene, with everything from stylish rooftop bars to incredible Sri Lankan tasting menus. 

From here, you can drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle. This gorgeous little town is famous for its 17th-century Dutch Fort, colonial architecture, cobbled streets and boutique shops.

After this, there’s snorkelling, surfing and a bustling night scene in Hikkaduwa, popular golden beaches in Unawatuna and Dalawella, and whale watching in Mirissa.

What elevates this route into something truly unforgettable are the inland detours. I absolutely recommend going on safari in Yala National Park; spotting elephants, leopards and saltwater crocodiles, before returning to the coast for a candlelit beach dinner.

How long you need: 7-10 days
Best time to go: December–April

7 Route 100 Vermont, USA 

Route 100 is a beautifully understated choice for a luxury honeymoon road trip in the United States. It’s less flashy than some of the world’s big-name coastal drives, but all the more romantic for it. 

This is classic New England charm at its most cinematic: rolling green mountains, covered bridges, maple forests and postcard-perfect small towns.

This is the ideal trip if you want to immerse yourself in nature, spend your days experiencing the great outdoors and not bumping into many other people along the way!

Throughout the trip, you’ll be able to base yourself in boutique inns and luxury lodges tucked into the Green Mountains, where mornings start with misty views and locally sourced breakfasts.

You’ll also find charming stops in towns like Stowe or Waitsfield where you’ll find artisan food, cosy cafés and spa experiences.

In autumn, the route becomes especially magical as the landscape turns into a patchwork of gold, amber and deep red – perfect for scenic drives that don’t need a destination beyond the next beautiful overlook.

How long you need: 4-6 days
Best time to go: September or October

8 Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye, UK

A Scottish road trip is a honeymoon for couples who want luxury wrapped in atmosphere: misty mountains, mirror-like lochs and winding roads make every turn look like a film set. 

If you start in Edinburgh, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to gorgeous architecture, historic landmarks and mouth-watering cuisine.

You can then head out on the open road, towards the Highlands, where luxury castle hotels and boutique lodges offer roaring fires, spa treatments and views over vast, empty landscapes. 

You absolutely have to drive through Glencoe, too. Its towering peaks and deep valleys feel ancient and so romantic.

Depending on the route you take, you could pass through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park or the Cairngorms National Park – both of which offer unrivalled natural beauty.

As you head toward the Isle of Skye, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. The Old Man of Storr and Quiraing are brilliant for unforgettable hikes with sweeping views.

On Skye itself, you could stay in a secluded cottage that’s perfect for slow mornings and total privacy.

How long you need: 7-10 days
Best time to go: May–September

9 Cape Winelands Route, South Africa

The Cape Winelands Route in South Africa is a honeymoon road trip made for couples who love slow luxury, world-class wine and seriously beautiful scenery.

Just outside Cape Town, this is where rolling vineyards meet dramatic mountain backdrops and every stop feels like it was designed for long, indulgent afternoons. 

For this trip, you should base yourselves between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, two of the most romantic wine regions in the world. Think boutique estates with vineyard-view suites, private tastings in historic cellars and slow lunches that stretch into golden evenings.

Franschhoek, in particular, is all fine dining and French-inspired charm, while Stellenbosch blends heritage, oak-lined streets and some of the country’s best wines.

While you’re there, you’ll want to take the wine tram between estates, book a private cellar tour, or enjoy a helicopter hop-in lunch at a remote vineyard for something truly next-level.

Between tastings, you’ll be able to explore art galleries, artisanal chocolate shops and spa retreats set right among the vines.

The Cape Winelands route is not about rushing, it’s about lingering. Long lunches, sunset wine tastings and quiet mornings overlooking the vineyards. It’s effortless, intimate and completely unforgettable!

How long you need: 3-5 days
Best time to go: September–May

10 Banff to Jasper Icefields Parkway, Canada

If you want a nature-led honeymoon where beautiful scenery, wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures can be savoured, then Icefields Parkway (Banff to Jasper) has to be on your list. 

This is the ultimate national park honeymoon road trip – the route is overwhelmingly beautiful. This is the Canadian Rockies at full drama: glacial lakes, towering peaks, waterfalls and endless stretches of untouched wilderness. 

You’ll want to start in Banff National Park, where you can base yourself in a luxury mountain lodge, soak in hot springs and wake up to mirror-like lakes such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

The drive north from there is pure theatre. Every bend reveals something new: hanging glaciers, elk grazing by the roadside and snow-dusted peaks reflected in still water.

Midway highlights like the Columbia Icefield offer unforgettable experiences; from walking on ancient ice, to taking a glacier adventure vehicle across the Athabasca Glacier.

As you continue toward Jasper National Park, the crowds thin and the wilderness deepens, with dark skies perfect for stargazing and quiet luxury lodges tucked deep in nature.

How long you need: 5-7 days
Best time to go: June–September

11 French Riviera Drive, France 

Few road trip honeymoon destinations are as amazing as those on the French Riviera Drive! This route is all about sunshine, superyachts, pastel harbour towns and that effortless sense of European luxury. 

You’ll want to start in Nice, where the Promenade des Anglais sets the tone with sea breezes and stylish cafés, before heading east into the glitz of Monaco, where cliffside luxury hotels, fine dining and marina views make everything feel a little more extravagant.

You’ll then continue along the coast to Èze, a medieval hilltop village with panoramic views and hidden fine-dining restaurants that are perfect for romantic sunset dinners.

Further along, Saint-Tropez brings a playful, glamorous energy. Think beach clubs, designer shopping and candlelit harbour restaurants. For something slightly more relaxed, detours into the Provence countryside offer lavender fields, vineyard estates and quiet boutique stays.

The French Riviera is so versatile and great for those wanting a bit of everything – city culture, beach days and luxury accommodation. One day you’ll be sipping rosé by the sea, the next wandering a medieval village above the clouds. 

How long you need: 5-7 days
Best time to go: May–June or September

12 Route 66, USA

No road trip run-down would be complete without a Route 66 honeymoon. It’s the ultimate cross-country honeymoon adventure – iconic, nostalgic and full of American charm from start to finish!

Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, the 2,400-mile (3,862km) highway crosses eight states and three time zones. It’s definitely about embracing the journey: neon-lit motels, quirky roadside attractions, desert landscapes and classic American diners.

You can begin your trip in Chicago before heading west onto the open road. Along the way, there are endless unique detours: vintage-style diners for milkshakes and pie, antique towns frozen in time and boutique roadside lodges that turn overnight stops into experiences in themselves.

Meramec Caverns, Cadillac Ranch, the Hoover Dam and Petrified Forest National Park are some of the best attractions on the route.

A big highlight for many is the Grand Canyon, but Santa Monica and Los Angeles are also fantastic for luxury touches with golden beaches, rooftop cocktails and lavish hotels.

Route 66 is playful, nostalgic and endlessly varied. It’s easily one of the best honeymoon road trips in the USA – if not the world!

How long you need: 14–21 days
Best time to go: April–June or September–October

13 South Island Scenic Route, New Zealand

I could write an entire essay about the amazing road trip options in New Zealand. This country is full to bursting with beautiful places and while some are best reached via plane, others are very accessible by car, if you have the time.

If I had to pick just one to sing about, the South Island Scenic Route is what I would pick. It’s undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking honeymoon road trips in the world; glass-like lakes, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys.

For this trip, you’ll start in Queenstown. The town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps.

It’s absolutely stunning and filled with boutique shops, lakeside hotels and fantastic adventure opportunities – like boat trips and private helicopter flights. 

From there, the journey unfolds through ever-changing landscapes: the glassy waters of Lake Wānaka, the dramatic mountain passes of the Crown Range and the cinematic beauty of Fiordland National Park, where Milford Sound delivers sheer cliffs and waterfalls.

Detours along the route don’t disappoint either. You could enjoy vineyard lunches in Central Otago, take scenic cruises through fjords, or book secluded luxury lodges with jaw-dropping views.

How long you need: 10–14 days
Best time to go: November–April

14 The Ring Road, Iceland

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Iceland twice and it never disappoints. It’s also the only international destination where I’ve felt genuinely at ease taking on a self-drive adventure.

That’s simply because Iceland has long, straight roads with little to no traffic and incredible scenery everywhere you look. It’s essentially a dream come true for lovers of long, relaxing days behind a wheel.

I tackled the Ring Road route and can genuinely say it is one of the most extraordinary honeymoon road trips in the world.

If you want nature to be the main event, you will be blown away. I’m talking volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, waterfalls, whales and natural thermal pools at the side of the road!

The journey starts in Reykjavík and loops the entire island, offering a constantly changing backdrop. The south coast is iconic – it’s home to world-famous waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and the surreal black sands of Reynisfjara.

You can also tick Iceland’s Golden Circle off your bucket list – Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Further along, Vatnajökull National Park is home to massive glaciers, ice caves and snowy mountain peaks, while Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is unforgettable. Here, icebergs drift slowly toward the sea. It’s almost otherworldly. You can enjoy whale watching in Húsavík and take in the majesty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Luxury here comes in a different form: boutique design hotels, remote glass-roof cabins for Northern Lights viewing and geothermal lagoons. This is not just a road trip; it’s an experience that feels almost spiritual. Trust me!

How long you need: 7–12 days
Best time to go: May–September

15 Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a wonderfully romantic honeymoon road trip for couples drawn to mountain scenery, slow travel and understated luxury. Winding through Virginia and North Carolina, it trades coastal glamour for misty ridgelines, storybook towns and long scenic drives.

The route is packed with unforgettable stops. Shenandoah National Park makes a beautiful northern gateway.

You’ll be able to stop for waterfall hikes, picnic viewpoints and detours to charming mountain towns like Asheville, where luxury boutique hotels, art galleries and a brilliant food scene add a cosmopolitan touch.

The magnificent Biltmore Estate is also a must along the way. You can tour the grand house, wander its formal gardens and linger over wine tastings at the estate vineyard.

Further south, the Great Smoky Mountains are brilliant to experience – especially in autumn when the foliage turns the entire route gold and crimson. Luxury loving couples can pair scenic driving with historic inns, spa resorts farm-to-table dining and cosy fireside evenings.

The Blue Ridge Parkway might not be as iconic as Route 66, but with this journey it’s less about ticking off landmarks and more about beautiful experiences, like mountain sunsets, hidden hiking trails, vineyard lunches and quiet mornings wrapped in mist.

How long you need: 5-7 days
Best time to go: May–June or September–October

16 Andalusia White Villages Route, Spain

Spain is a stunning country and there are some amazing road trip routes to pick from here – including the Basque Coast and Costa Brava to Catalan. But the Andalusia White Villages Route in my opinion is the most honeymoon-friendly option.

This route is one of Europe’s most romantic. Winding through the whitewashed hill towns of southern Spain, the journey incorporates dramatic scenery, Moorish history, incredible food and laid-back luxury.

For this honeymoon, you’ll begin in Seville, where rooftop cocktails, orange-scented courtyards and flamenco nights set the mood, before heading into the Pueblos Blancos.

These storybook villages perched on hillsides are all flower-filled lanes and hidden plazas. Ronda is an absolute highlight. It’s dramatically poised above a gorge and perfect for a few indulgent nights in a boutique hacienda with vineyard views.

Along the route, you’ll be able to detour through olive groves, stop for long lunches in rustic tavernas and explore lesser-known villages like Zahara de la Sierra or Grazalema, where time feels wonderfully slowed down.

You’ll finish in Granada, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and features a unique blend of Moorish history and vibrant tapas culture. Key attractions include the Alhambra, a soaring hilltop fortress, and Albayzín, the old Arab quarter, with narrow streets and the hillside cave houses of Sacromonte.

What makes this route so perfect for luxury honeymooners is its balance of culture, beauty and culinary indulgence. This has got to be one of the best road trip honeymoon options in the world!

How long you need: 5-8 days
Best time to go: March–May or September–October

17 Tuscany, Italy

A road trip through Tuscany is one of those honeymoon experiences that feels almost too perfect to be real. It’s all golden light, winding cypress-lined roads, hilltop towns and long, indulgent lunches that stretch lazily into the afternoon. 

You’ll want to begin in Florence, where Renaissance art, rooftop cocktails and riverside walks set a romantic tone before you venture into the countryside.

Then, you’ll head to the rolling hills of Chianti, stopping at family-run vineyards for private tastings of bold reds paired with pecorino, truffle honey and olive oil still warm from the press.

Continuing south, you’ll find yourself in the cinematic landscapes of the Val d’Orcia, where towns like Pienza and Montepulciano sit perfectly perched above sweeping valleys. The best part is the agriturismos that offer farm-to-table dining, infinity pools overlooking vineyards and the most perfect sunset moments.

Finally, you’ll end your journey in Siena, where candlelit piazzas and honey-coloured streets bring a final flourish of romance.

How long you need: 5-7 days
Best time to go: April–June or September–October

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