Things that didn’t bother you before, now do. Daily routines have become just that… routine. As travel kicks back into high gear, it’s time to start dreaming and planning a vacation with your better half. What better way to create happy memories than by heading out on a road trip via a summer romantic getaway.
Highway 395
On one side, you have the massive looming mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Look the other way and you’ll see miles and miles of sagebrush desert. No matter which end you start, the natural attractions, obscure activities, and down-home towns are the perfect road trip away from it all. The landscape is dotted with sights like Mono Lake, the ghost town of Bodie, and even open-air hot springs like Keough Hot Springs. For adventurist couples, the Eastern Sierra provides a way to re-charge those batteries.
Highway 49
People nowadays are in such a rush to get to their destination. Road trips, on the other hand, give you a chance to see the country up close and personal. Especially if you take the smaller roads and scenic byways like California Highway 49. Built in 1934, the road is known as the “Golden Chain” highway since it connects the historic mining communities of the 1849 Gold Rush. While the mining is pretty much gone, you can still saddle up and get a sarsaparilla at a saloon, try your luck at gold panning, wine tasting, or just take in the historic charm of towns like Sonora or Angels Camp. This road trip is the perfect romantic getaway for couples that love to dig deep into history and charming towns.
Ebbetts Pass
For those that want to feel the Sierra at its wildest, take a tour of the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway. It may not be the tallest pass, but it rightly earned the moniker the most untamed trans-Sierra route. The tight winding route switch backs its way up and over the mountains. And in some sections, it’s barely wide enough for two cars to pass. This translates to an intimate landscape filled with bald eagles, tall volcanic peaks, deep river canyons, precarious drop-offs, and pristine alpine lakes. Book-ended by the towns of Arnold and Markleeville, both worthy a visit.
Majestic Mountain Loop
Not a singular highway per se but rather a route, the Majestic Mountain Loop connects you to three of California’s largest national parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. Although you could technically see one park on each day, it would be a better idea to spread it out across a long weekend or better yet a week. You’ll get a chance to see the largest trees in the world, roaring waterfalls, and a myriad of other natural beauty like Moro Rock that’s arguably some of the prettiest sights in the world. This itinerary is the perfect one for couples that love nature and want to get a taste of what these parks have to offer.
Tour De Tahoe
At 72 miles around, while you could do the entire Lake Tahoe Basin in a day, the better way to REALLY enjoy the region is by taking it slow. Start your journey with a stop in Truckee. Book a fly-fishing guide on one of the greatest waterways in the nation for trout fishing or a variety of other outdoor adventures. Stroll the charming streets of Truckee and pick up a gift for family or friends. After you’ve gotten your fill, head east and test your mettle on the iconic High Sierra mountain biking adventure – the Flume Trail in North Lake Tahoe. A one-way 14 mile ride that provides some of the best bird’s eye views of the lake. Then it’s time to base yourself in South Lake Tahoe. Right from your hotel room in Stateline, you’re a short minute stroll to the ONLY bi-state park in the country – Van Sickle. Soak up the sun on the many sandy beaches that are on this side of the lake. Sample Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters by exploring the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail. Then it’s time to head off early and hit the most iconic scene – Emerald Bay.
Cruise Your Way To Romance
Finish it off right with a once in a lifetime experience on the Tahoe Gal. Sunsets on the waters of Lake Tahoe are legendary. It’s when you understand why Mark Twain penned the words “…it is the same the angels breathe.” Step up that experience by having dinner ON the lake via the Tahoe Gal. You’ll cruise along the western shore to the Fleur Du Lac, home of The Godfather II movie. During the trip you’ll be served a variety of freshly prepared California cuisine, a wide selection of beverages, including a wine list of over 30 premium California wines.
There’s really nothing that brings couples together better than a romantic road trip getaway. From the planning to the actually going, you’ll come home re-energized and ready to take on the world together!
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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