The Ultimate Valentine's Road Trip In Northern California

The most romantic road trip for you and that special someone should certainly start in San Francisco. From the city along the bay, a drive through the beautiful Sonoma County is an absolute must. This drive will take you north through some of the most romantic and whimsical (as well as hidden) destinations that will make for the ultimate Valentine’s Day road trip.

Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt in San Francisco

A wonderful way to start out your Valentine’s Day road trip would be in San Francisco. Here you and your valentine can gallivant about the city to soak in its special urban beauty. A great way to spend the day would be to try to find all of the Hearts of San Francisco. These are beautifully made sculptures that are painted every year by varying artists, throughout the city. Each heart is installed at different locations and it makes for a fun and festive Valentine’s outing, almost like a scavenger hunt. A great place to start is none other than Union Square.

North to Point Reyes

Wine Tasting in Bodega Bay

Highway One will take you north up to Bodega Bay. This tiny beach town is a perfect escape for couples. You’ve entered the edge of Sonoma County — better known as wine country — so wine tasting here is an absolute must. Bodega Bay has clusters of wineries and tasting rooms that also serve some of the freshest seafood around. Make sure to try crab or oysters (aphrodisiac, anyone?). There are historically charming inns and hotels all over the town, making Bodega Bay the spot to bunker down with your Valentine after a romantic day of wine tasting.

Highway One North

Continue to drive north on Highway One. This is also one of the most scenic drives in California, perhaps the entire country. Nothing says romance like driving along the countryside with that special someone, soaking in the Redwood groves, sweeping ocean views, and salty air. A quaint town to stop to refuel the car and your bellies is Fort Bragg, about a three hour drive up the Highway One. This coastal cliffside town is as adorable as it is breathtaking. The vintage beach charm practically oozes out from every sandy cliff and ocean breeze here. Grab a bite at one of the restaurants in the main town area, pick up a cute souvenir and get back on the road.

Discover the Lost Coast

As the two of you follow Highway One for a couple of hours, you’ll hop on to the other wonderfully scenic Highway 101. From there, you’ll embark on a romantic journey to find the Lost Coast. This stretch of coastline has an untamed beauty that’s perfect to revel in with your Valentine. Much of this drive is rugged, without many tarmacked roads, but the views and the untouched nature are absolutely worth it. There’s a lot to visit along the Lost Coast but perhaps the most romantic spot for road trippers would be Black Sand Beach. The area is known for its mystically wondrous black sand beaches. So take some time, embark on the gorgeous hike hand-in-hand to Black Sand Beach and experience a sight not many people get to see.

Head South on Highway 101

Beginning your trek back, you and your partner will be able to experience much more of the 101’s beauty. Driving the 101 will take you through the beautiful backcountry of Northern California. This highway stretches through small towns that sit along creeks and rivers, magical forests, and grasslands. A way down the highway, you’ll hop on to Highway 20, which will take you both on a scenic lakefront drive around Clear Lake. Stop here for a bite to eat and a photo or two.

Splurge in Sacramento

The last stop on your Valentine’s road trip is the state capital of Sacramento. This historic city is a great place for couples to explore and discover its rich culture. Exploring Old Town Sacramento with your Valentine is incredibly special, as the two of you can dress up like Old West pioneers, mind for gold, and then splurge on a fine dinner. To keep up the old charm, there’s numerous bed and breakfasts, or if the two of want a little more luxury for your last night, the city is full of luxe hotels that are waiting to indulge you.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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