Most Scenic Road Trips in Boston, United States
1. Mystic River Parkway
A scenic drive along the Mystic River with views of Boston skyline and historic homes.
- Historic Landmarks: Pass by several historical sites such as The Bunker Hill Monument.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the changing seasons with fall foliage in autumn.
- Boston Skyline Views: Enjoy panoramic views of Boston's skyscrapers from various vantage points.
2. Longfellow Bridge
Drive across the Charles River and take in the cityscape of Boston and Cambridge.
- Iconic Architecture: View the unique design of this suspension bridge, also known as the 'Boston Swing Bridge'.
- Charles River Views: Take in the picturesque views of the Charles River and its surrounding parks.
- Cityscape Experience: Enjoy an unobstructed view of both Boston and Cambridge from the bridge.
3. Ocean Parkway
Drive along the Atlantic Ocean with scenic views of Hull and Nantasket Beaches.
- Coastal Scenery: Experience the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, dunes, and sandy beaches.
- Seasonal Attractions: Visit nearby attractions like the Hull Lighthouse or enjoy summertime festivals.
- Quaint Coastal Towns: Explore the quaint towns of Hingham, Hull, and Scituate.
4. Old Colony Road
Drive through historic Duxbury with scenic views of the South Shore.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like the Myles Standish Monument.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and Duxbury Bay.
- Quaint New England Towns: Explore picturesque Duxbury with its charming architecture and quaint shops.
5. Norfolk Coastal Scenic Byway
Drive along the coast of Cape Ann with stunning views of Gloucester and Rockport.
- Fishing Villages: Visit picturesque fishing villages like Gloucester and Rockport.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky shores, and lighthouses.
- Artistic Heritage: Explore the artistic heritage of Cape Ann, home to many famous American painters.
6. Route 2A: The Old Essex Turnpike
Drive through historic towns with scenic views of the North Shore.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, marshes, and rivers.
- Quaint New England Towns: Explore picturesque towns like Ipswich, Essex, and Hamilton.
7. Blue Hills Skyline Drive
Drive through the Blue Hills Reservation with scenic views of Boston and the surrounding area.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the beauty of the Blue Hills Reservation, including forests, meadows, and ponds.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of Boston, Quincy, and the surrounding area from various vantage points.
- Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of hiking trails, picnic areas, and other recreational activities.
8. Freedom Trail
A scenic drive along the Freedom Trail with historic sites and city views.
- Historical Sites: Visit 16 historical sites, including Paul Revere's House and the USS Constitution.
- Cityscape Experience: Take in the cityscape of Boston, from Beacon Hill to the North End.
- Revolutionary War History: Learn about the American Revolution and its key figures with various historical exhibits.
9. Minuteman Bikeway
A scenic bike ride or drive along a former railroad line with views of historic sites and open spaces.
- Historical Sites: Pass by key Revolutionary War sites such as Lexington Green and Concord Battlefield.
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy the beauty of open spaces, wetlands, and forests.
- Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of opportunities for biking, walking, or in-line skating.
10. Stoneham-Topsfield Road
A scenic drive through rural Massachusetts with views of farms and forests.
- Rural Scenery: Enjoy the beauty of rolling hills, farms, and forests.
- Small New England Towns: Explore picturesque towns like Stoneham, Wenham, and Topsfield.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in scenic vistas from various overlooks along the route.
11. Route 6A: The Old King's Highway
A scenic drive through historic towns with views of colonial architecture and beautiful landscapes.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites such as the Plymouth Colony and Pilgrim Hall Museum.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy scenic coastal views in towns like Sandwich and Falmouth.
- Colonial Architecture: Take in the beauty of colonial architecture and charming villages.
12. North Shore Scenic Byway
A scenic drive along the North Shore with views of coastal towns, lighthouses, and scenic vistas.
- Coastal Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky shores, and lighthouses.
- Fishing Villages: Visit picturesque fishing villages like Rockport and Essex.
- Seasonal Attractions: Experience seasonal attractions such as apple picking in the fall or summer festivals.
13. Moon Island Road
A scenic drive on Moon Island with views of Boston skyline and peaceful waters.
- Urban Scenery: Take in the urban scenery of Boston from a unique perspective.
- Island Experience: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and peaceful waters of Moon Island.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like Fort Warren or the USS Cassin Young Museum.
14. St. John's River Valley Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through rural Massachusetts with views of forests, farms, and rivers.
- Rural Scenery: Enjoy the beauty of rolling hills, farms, and forests.
- Small New England Towns: Explore picturesque towns like Sandwich and Dartmouth.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in scenic vistas from various overlooks along the route.
15. Provincetown-Wellfleet Drive
A scenic drive through Cape Cod with views of dunes, beaches, and coastal towns.
- Coastal Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, sand dunes, and Cape Cod National Seashore.
- Fishing Villages: Visit picturesque fishing villages like Wellfleet and Provincetown.
- Seasonal Attractions: Experience seasonal attractions such as whale watching or art galleries.