The 6 Best Backroads Around Boston For A Scenic Drive
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Juliet White
Author
If you commute by car in Boston, you’ve probably spent many hours studying the interior of your vehicle and are sick of it by the weekend; however, on these six scenic drives near Boston, your time will be spent gazing out at gorgeous scenery. From ocean views to wooded landscapes, cruising along these lovely back roads around Boston will make you fall in love with driving again.
Rockport, MA, USA
This tranquil journey links the picturesque towns of the North Shore into a 90-mile drive. One such town is the charming Rockport, MA. Natural highlights include coves, beaches, salt marshes, and more. Paired with the abundant, man-made charm of these coastal towns, this route can take longer than you expect because there is so much to see and do along the way.
Explore the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway with The Map Pinners in the following video:
Explore the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway with The Map Pinners in the following video:
Fellsway West, Fellsway W, Medford, MA, USA
If you’re looking for a super short, but relaxing drive – or to mix up your commute - check out the five miles between Medford and Stoneham. Initially, Fellsway West inspires joy simply because it isn’t I-93 at rush hour! You find yourself lulled into a state of calm by the craggy rocks of Middlesex Fells Reservation. Check out this stunning reservation and, if you have kids in tow, Stone Zoo is nearby too.
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Fort Revere, Hull, MA 02045, USA
This eight-mile drive makes you feel miles away from Boston. The route primarily follows Atlantic Avenue and Nantasket Avenue. From Cohasset, as soon as you spot the lovely bridge across Little Harbor, you know you’re in for a treat. After that, soak in the peaceful sight of Straits Pond, the Atlantic, and Hull. This drive concludes at Fort Revere, where you can stand on top of what remains of this fort and gaze out at the ocean or look back over Hull Bay.
Take a quick peek at the view around Fort Revere Park and the iconic tower in this quick video:
Take a quick peek at the view around Fort Revere Park and the iconic tower in this quick video:
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Blue Hills Reservation, 695 Hillside St, Milton, MA 02186, USA
Blue Hills Reservation is a natural gem that makes you feel that you’ve left city life far behind. This 10-mile jaunt takes you along tree-lined Chickatawbut Road, past Blue Hills Reservoir, and through the heart of the reservation. From there, veer up Unquity Road to the Blue Hills Parkway.
Minute Man National Historical Park, Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
Only 7 miles separate two of the most important towns in U.S. history, where the Revolutionary War began. Since the Minuteman National Historical Park lines the road, the drive is a lush, green one – definitely stop at the park to learn more about this vital chapter in our country’s past. Both towns are utterly charming, especially Concord; it’s a snap to add a visit to Walden Pond State Reservation to this drive, as well.
Massachusetts 117, MA-117, Stow, MA, USA
Follow this route through the charming countryside around Maynard and Stow. In Bolton, make a pit stop at Nashoba Valley Winery (pictured), an award-winning winery and orchard located in a bucolic setting. From here, continue on to Clinton, where the vast Wachusett Reservoir awaits.
Enjoy a flyover of scenic Bolton, MA in this video from Robert Galvin:
Enjoy a flyover of scenic Bolton, MA in this video from Robert Galvin:
With so many scenic drives near Boston to choose from, where do you go when you want a quiet drive? Share a few scenic drives near you in the comments. For a really picturesque adventure, rent an RV and take one of these memorable road trips in Massachusetts.
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More to Explore
More scenic drives in Massachusetts
What are some of the best drives in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts doesn't cover a whole lot of land, but this charming New England state has some of the most beautiful coastal drives. Here are a few of the best drives in Massachusetts:
- Wachusett Reservoir Drive: Another one of our favorite Boston scenic drives is this quiet country road that loops around the Wachusett Reservoir. Simply follow Main Street through the towns of Clinton and West Boylston as it wraps around the 37 miles of shoreline.
- Cranberry Bog Drive: This scenic drive takes you past the largest cranberry grower in the world - right here in Massachusetts! It is only a 15-mile drive but it makes a lovely fall drive when the cranberry harvest begins in October. A. D. Makepeace Company has been growing cranberries for over 160 years. You can stop for a tour or simply enjoy a scenic drive along the bright red cranberry bogs.
- Essex Coastal Scenic Byway: This beautiful drive along the coast of Massachusetts is a 90-mile stretch that takes you through 14 charming neighborhoods and communities between the towns of Salisbury and Lynn. For the ultimate road trip, make sure you stop by some of Massachusett's finest seafood restaurants along the way.
- Old King's Highway: This 62-mile byway also goes by the name Route 6A, but Old King's Highway has a much more charming sound to it doesn't it? You'll pass through nine of the 15 Cape Cod towns along the way in one of the most scenic drives in the state. No matter what time of year you make the journey, you will be treated to amazing views and delightful places to explore.