12-Day Romantic Honeymoon Road Trip Itinerary through the Mountains and Beaches

Day 1: Arrive in Asheville

Asheville, USA

10:00AM

Explore the Biltmore Estate

Start your honeymoon by visiting the stunning Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately-owned home, adorned with beautiful gardens.
Take I-240 E to US-25 N.
USD 70, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Rhubarb

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Rhubarb, known for its seasonal dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Located downtown Asheville, just a short drive.
USD 40, 1 hour

3:00PM

Wander through Downtown Asheville

Stroll hand-in-hand amidst vibrant street art, quirky shops, and local galleries.
Walk around downtown.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Market Place

Dine at The Market Place, where local and organic ingredients take center stage in innovative dishes.
Still in downtown Asheville.
USD 100, 2 hours
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Day 2: Scenic Drive on Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

Enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast before hitting the road.
Short drive to the restaurant.
USD 30, 1 hour

10:30AM

Drive along Blue Ridge Parkway

Take in breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains along this famous scenic route.
Enter Blue Ridge Parkway from downtown Asheville.
Free, 5 hours (with stops)

3:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Craggy Gardens

Pack a picnic to savor the beautiful landscapes at Craggy Gardens.
Follow Blue Ridge Parkway to Craggy Gardens.
USD 20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at 12 Bones Smokehouse

Relish BBQ at this local favorite known for its smoked ribs and sides.
Back in Asheville.
USD 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Donuts & Company

Start your day with delicious donuts and coffee.
Drive to Gatlinburg, about 1 hour.
USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take a scenic chairlift ride for panoramic views, and walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
Located in downtown Gatlinburg.
USD 25, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Peddler Steakhouse

Enjoy a delicious steak lunch overlooking the Little Pigeon River.
Short walk from SkyLift Park.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Browse local art and crafts at this eight-mile loop of studios and shops.
Drive to the Arts & Crafts Community, about 15 mins.
Free (just browsing), 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Anakeesta

Unwind in this treetop adventure park, with beautiful gardens and zip-lining options.
Back to downtown Gatlinburg.
USD 30, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Smoky Mountain Brewery

Have a casual dinner, with local brews and pub fare to cap off your day.
Located in Gatlinburg.
USD 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Hiking in the Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

7:30AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Indulge in fluffy pancakes at this Gatlinburg favorite before a day of adventures.
Short walk from your accommodation.
USD 25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike to Laurel Falls

Take a scenic 2.6-mile hike to the beautiful cascading Laurel Falls.
Drive 15 minutes to the trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cades Cove Picnic Area

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by natural beauty at this scenic area.
Drive 30 minutes to Cades Cove.
USD 15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Wildlife Viewing at Cades Cove

Keep an eye out for black bears and deer while you drive through this historical valley.
Stay within Cades Cove.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Gatlinburg

Head back and relax before dinner.
Drive back to Gatlinburg.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Cherokee Grill

Experience the woodsy ambiance and enjoy a classic steak or seafood dinner.
Located in Gatlinburg.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Fun in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Flapjack's Pancake Cabin

Enjoy a classic diner breakfast with pancakes and hearty meals to fuel your day.
Short drive to Pigeon Forge.
USD 25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Dollywood Theme Park

Spend a thrilling day at Dollywood, packed with rides and live entertainment.
5-minute drive from breakfast.
USD 80, 6 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Old Mill

Savor classic Southern comfort food at this landmark restaurant by the waterside.
Short drive from Dollywood.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Stroll through The Island in Pigeon Forge

After dinner, enjoy the shops and attractions, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.
15-minute walk from The Old Mill.
Free (shopping expenses not included), 2.5 hours
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Day 6: Music City Vibes

Nashville, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Biscuit Love

Start your Nashville journey with locally famous Southern biscuits and brunch options.
Drive to Nashville, about 3 hours.
USD 30, 1 hour

10:30AM

Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame

Explore the rich history of country music through exhibits and memorabilia.
Located in downtown Nashville.
USD 25, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Taste Nashville’s famous hot chicken served with Southern sides.
Short walk from the Hall of Fame.
USD 25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Johnny Cash Museum

Delve into the life of the legendary Johnny Cash through his artifacts and music.
Located a short walk away.
USD 20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Palm Nashville

Indulge in fine dining with steak and seafood while enjoying views of the city.
Close to the museum.
USD 120, 2 hours

6:30PM

Live Music at The Grand Ole Opry

Experience the world-famous Grand Ole Opry with a live show in the evening.
Short drive to the venue.
USD 75, 3 hours
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Day 7: Scenic Chattanooga

Chattanooga, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Dust

Enjoy a unique breakfast with sustainable ingredients and creative dishes.
Drive to Chattanooga, about 2 hours.
USD 25, 1 hour

10:30AM

Lookout Mountain via Incline Railway

Ride the historic incline railway for stunning views and hiking opportunities atop Lookout Mountain.
Located in Chattanooga.
USD 15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Diner

Savor comfort food with a twist at this local diner.
Located close to the Incline Railway.
USD 30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Tennessee Aquarium

Explore both freshwater and saltwater exhibits at this award-winning aquarium.
Drive downtown, about 20 minutes.
USD 30, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at St. John's Restaurant

Indulge in fine dining showcasing locally sourced ingredients with a contemporary twist.
Located downtown Chattanooga.
USD 90, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Urban Exploration

Atlanta, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Cafe

Kickstart your day with a cozy breakfast at this local favorite known for its comfort food.
Drive to Atlanta, about 2 hours.
USD 20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Georgia Aquarium

Marvel at the largest aquarium in the world, featuring thousands of marine animals.
Located downtown Atlanta.
USD 40, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Savor traditional Southern cuisine in a vintage dining atmosphere.
Short drive from the aquarium.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Piedmont Park

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Atlanta's favorite park, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic.
Close to the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at South City Kitchen

Enjoy upscale Southern cuisine within a charming setting.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 75, 2 hours
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Day 9: Romantic Savannah

Savannah, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Clary's Cafe

Enjoy a classic Southern breakfast at this popular diner with a charming feel.
Drive to Savannah, about 4 hours.
USD 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Forsyth Park

Walk hand in hand through the iconic Forsyth Park and enjoy its historic fountain.
Located in Savannah.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room

Dine family-style with classic Southern dishes in a historic setting.
Short drive from Forsyth Park.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Savannah Historic District

Stroll through the beautiful squares and historic buildings of this charming district.
Walk around the district.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Grey

Indulge in upscale dining in a restored Greyhound bus station, focusing on regional cuisine.
In the historic district.
USD 100, 2 hours
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Day 10: Charming Charleston

Charleston, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Feast upon freshly baked biscuits and unique fillings to start your day.
Drive to Charleston, about 2 hours.
USD 15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Fort Sumter National Monument

Take a ferry to the historic fort for a glimpse into the Civil War history.
Ferry departure from downtown Charleston.
USD 28, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Fleet Landing Restaurant

Dine with waterfront views and southerly delights including fresh seafood.
Back to downtown Charleston.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Wander the Charleston City Market

Explore local crafts and foods at this vibrant and historic market.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free (shopping expenses not included), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Husk

Experience innovative Southern cuisine focused on local ingredients.
Short walk from the City Market.
USD 120, 2 hours
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Day 11: Beach Bliss

Myrtle Beach, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Blueberry's Grill

Delight in a delicious breakfast with a variety of options to choose from.
Drive to Myrtle Beach, about 2 hours.
USD 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Beach Day at Myrtle Beach State Park

Spend your day soaking up the sun and enjoying the soft sand and warm waters.
Quick drive to the state park.
USD 5, 6 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Sea Captain’s House

Savor fresh seafood while enjoying oceanfront views as the sun sets.
Nearby the park.
USD 80, 2 hours
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Day 12: Historic Wilmington

Wilmington, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Daily Brew

Start your last day with a cozy breakfast in this popular café before departing for Wilmington.
Drive to Wilmington, about 1 hour.
USD 15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Wilmington Riverwalk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk, dotted with shops and restaurants.
Walk along the waterfront.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Caprice Bistro

Dine at this charming bistro serving French dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Short walk from the Riverwalk.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Tour the Bellamy Mansion Museum

Delve into history with a guided tour of this antebellum home and gardens.
Short drive from the bistro.
USD 15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Copper Penny

End your honeymoon journey with a farewell dinner at a lively pub offering great food and drinks.
Located downtown Wilmington.
USD 60, 2 hours
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