Within driving distance from the densely populated city of Boston, you’ll find many fantastic weekend getaways! From lush green woods to gorgeous mountain routes - as well as historic landmarks and stunning natural beauty - the options are endless. On these top 5 routes, instead of focusing on the bumper of the car in front of you in the crowded city, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the scenery. Do note that although estimated driving times are given for each route, plan for your trip to take a bit longer if you wish to take in the sights. Fall in love with driving all over again as you explore these beautiful roads in and around Boston.
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
Distance: 90 miles | Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway visitors get to see the finest of New England's shore. Over a span of 90 miles, this tranquil journey links the picturesque settlements on the North Shore of Long Island. If you didn’t already know, Boston's famed North Shore is one of the country's most spectacular and historically important locations. Attractions include miles of spectacular views; thriving ports; picturesque towns; world-class art; local cuisine; unique shopping; and a wide range of guest services. There are various parks, paths, streams and beaches along the byway where you may go hiking, bicycling, kayaking, and swimming.
If you like adventure sports, there are several coves, beaches, salt marshes, and other natural treasures to explore. This route may take longer than expected, as no doubt you’ll be tempted to stop off at one or more of the cute beach towns and villages along the way. Perched along this picturesque byway are the four lovely towns of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport.
Fall River Expressway (also known as Route 24)
Distance: 40 miles | Driving time: 40 minutes
Located between Boston and Fall River, Rhode Island, the Fall River Expressway is a north-south route that connects the two cities. The Fall River Expressway leads to Aquidneck Island, which is off the coast of Rhode Island and is home to the city of Newport. What Newport is all about is summarized by its two nicknames: Sailing Capital of the World and Summer Resorts King. If you're driving from Boston, take Route 24 for a more scenic drive. Along the way, you’ll see classical architecture, sprawling estates, and dramatic cliff faces. If you have a penchant for architecture, going on a mansion tour in the area south of downtown Newport is an option, as is strolling along Cliff Walk from Easton Beach to Bailey Beach, where you'll pass by several such residences.
A quirky fact about the drive down here is that many of the town names in New England's Narragansett Bay region have a distinct British flavor, including Warwick, Bristol, Exeter, Portsmouth, Swansea, and Somerset, to name a few. Do note that Rhode Island's RI 24 and Massachusetts's MA 24 both refer to the same route.
The Mohawk Trail
Distance: 70 miles | Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes
The Mohawk Trail, which winds through woodlands, ancient villages, and waterfront vistas, is one of the most picturesque roads in Massachusetts. Officially known as The Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway, this road is ideal for those who like both natural beauty and history. In 1914, the most rugged sections of the Mohawk Trail were paved and designated for automobile use. North Adams is the starting point for this journey, which zigzags its way up the Hairpin Turn to Hoosac Mountain's western top. A series of densely forested slopes lead to the long-established Deerfield Valley, from which the Connecticut River Valley emerges. Along the way, you’ll see deep woods, waterfront views, and ancient villages along the roughly 70-mile-long path. Five significant rivers are crossed or paralleled by the byway.
In Shelburne Falls, a small hamlet in Vermont, take a break to view the Bridge of Flowers firsthand. There are tens of thousands of flowers and bushes adorning this ancient Deerfield River bridge. More than 100 more sites may be found along the highway, including historic Pilgrim churches and public parks. Slow down and soak in the scenery, or spend days exploring the side roads and communities and trekking the wide public areas.
Mount Greylock Scenic Byway
Distance: 70 miles | Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Mount Greylock is the highest peak in Massachusetts and southern New England at 3,491 feet above sea level. The mountain's peak may be reached through the 16-mile paved Scenic Byway road, which offers spectacular views over five states and a distance of up to 70 miles. The picturesque route will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery and woodlands in the northeast. In the autumn, the foliage along this path is especially beautiful.
An interesting fact about Mount Greylock State Reservation is that it is one of the few remaining examples of this forest type in North America. It provides a unique home for unusual flora and animals that are seldom seen elsewhere in Massachusetts. The good news is, despite its untamed appearance, it is accessible to hikers, campers, and those looking for overnight accomodation. A visitors center with educational displays, a breathtaking view of the Berkshires, and hiking trails can be found near the entrance to the reserve in Lanesborough.
Old King’s Highway (also known as Route 6A)
Distance: 62 miles | Driving time: 1 hour
Route 6A on Cape Cod, commonly known as Old King's Highway, is a well-known highway in the United States and is home to the country's biggest continuous historic district. Old King's Highway is recognised as a National Scenic Byway, one of just four in the state to get this distinction! Route 6A has a total distance of about 62 miles from end to end, and it passes through some of America's oldest settlements, including Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, and Orleans.
Many of the houses and churches along this tree-lined street are on the National Register of Historic Places. The 2 miles of Route 6A in Yarmouth Port are especially lovely, as they’re lined by an unusual mix of buildings containing private homes, bed-and-breakfasts, antique stores and galleries — none of which was constructed in the 20th or 21st centuries! Along this road, you'll see historic buildings dating back four centuries or more, as well as ancient stone walls and cemeteries, antique shops, boutiques, and more.