A U.S road trip with a loved one is the perfect romantic adventure this Valentine’s Day. Driving along some of the world’s most spectacular coastlines, lazy days on sun-kissed beaches, nights snuggled up in cosy cabins in the heart of awe-inspiring forests and enjoying a taste of old-world Americana, will make for a truly unique, romantic break.
To help find some inspiration, Hertz has collated its top five most romantic routes in the U.S.
1. Where Love Lives – Loveland, Colorado
Explore the Southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado and head to the town of Loveland which plays host to the nation’s biggest Valentine’s festival. Dubbed the Sweetheart City, Valentine’s Day is more than just a day in Loveland – it’s a way of life. Heart-shaped love notes dot the streets, art and sculpture take on romantic forms and local craft brews are transformed into love potions, culminating in the huge Fire and Ice Festival; a giant celebration of love, life and the arts.
A short drive east is the tiny town of Romance, Arkansas, which could be the perfect place to make some romantic memories – just be sure to avoid a trip to Bad Luck Creek which happens to flow by the side of the town.
Getting There: Fly with Delta from London to Denver via Detroit from £562 per person return www.delta.com. Hertz car rental from £145 for one week for an economy group car. Prices include unlimited free miles and tax. Visit www.hertz.co.uk for more information and to book.
Hertz Top Pit-Stop: www.mccreeryhouse.com from £50 per person, per night. A 19th century redbrick residential building which serves as a bed and breakfast and intimate venue space for local events such as craft fares.
2. Sun-Kissed Pacific Coast, California
The iconic Big Sur on the Pacific Coast of California is the stuff romantic road trips are made of. Kick off in star-spangled Los Angeles, before making your way up the rugged rocky coastline towards San Francisco on Highway 101.
Getting There: Fly with United Airlines from London Heathrow to Los Angeles from £550 return per person www.united.com. Hertz car hire from £120 for one week for economy group car. Prices include unlimited free miles and tax. Visit www.hertz.co.uk for more information and to book.
Hertz Top Pit-Stop: www.spanishgardeninn.com Santa Barbara, from £145 per person, per night. Originally the site of the Santa Barbara School of Arts this authentic Spanish influenced, luxury hotel still has all its original features including a pretty courtyard, graceful arches and heaps of charm.
3. Snuggle up under the Stars – Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills, in the mountainous Midwest, boasts large open grasslands and beautiful pine forests, with countless hiking trails, campsites and cabins in which to spend a cosy evening or two cuddling up under the stars. The area is also home to some of the country’s most popular attractions including Mount Rushmore, with its iconic carved presidential figures of the past and the city of Hot Springs, with its array of luscious spas.
Getting There: Fly with Virgin Atlantic from London to Rapid City via Minneapolis from £620 per person return www.virginatlantic.com. Hertz car rental from £425 for one week for an economy group car. Prices include unlimited free miles and tax. Visit www.hertz.co.uk for more information and to book.
Hertz Top Pit-Stop: www.townhallinn.com from £35 per person per night. The Town Hall Inn was constructed in 1912 and served as the local Town Hall until 1938. Today, visitors can stay in the comfortable and ornate rooms which once formed the gallery, library and the mayor’s office.
4. New England Nights – Boston to Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Combine a city break in culturally diverse Boston with an 80-mile coastal drive to Cape Cod. Experience the seaside splendour of Provincetown on Cape Cod’s northern tip, along the way you’ll find out just what gives Cape Cod its standout scenic reputation, with the likes of Hawksnest State Park, which offers great walking trails and miles of dune beaches.
Getting There: Fly direct with Virgin Atlantic from London to Boston tic from £900 per person www.virginatlantic.com. Hertz car rental from £170 for one week in an economy group car. Prices include unlimited free miles and tax. Visit www.hertz.co.uk for more information and to book.
Hertz Top Pit Stop: www.359main.com from £95 per person per night. Chatham Inn is a gorgeous 5 star, luxury, boutique hotel located minutes from Lighthouse Beach on Cape Cod.
5. Island Paradise – Hawaii
Go island-hopping or explore just one. A drive around the main island of Hawaii itself is the stuff dreams are made of with its spectacular scenery. While a trip to the dormant Mauna Kea volcano is sure to heat things up in the love stakes.
Getting There: Fly with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Honolulu via New York from £738 return per person www.virginatlantic.com. Hertz car hire from £215 for one week for economy or £356 for a premium group car. Visit www.hertz.co.uk for more information and to book.
Hertz Top Pit Stop: www.themodernhonolulu.com from £150 per person per night. Voted the best boutique hotel in Hawaii by online magazine Thrillist, this hotel offers a stylish and contemporary luxury experience and stunning ocean views. With a library that rotates its bookshelves at 6pm to reveal a sophisticated bar.
All Prices are based on travel 11 February and returning 18 February 2017.
For more information on the Hertz Top 5 Best Valentine’s Drives in the USA visit https://www.hertz.co.uk/p/