10 Best Road Trips in Massachusetts
Experience the Best of Massachusetts on the Open Road
Discover the best road trips in Massachusetts, where scenic drives lead to charming towns, historic landmarks and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re cruising along the stunning coastline of Cape Cod, winding through the rolling hills of the Berkshires or exploring the vibrant autumn leaves in the heart of New England, Massachusetts offers wonderful landscapes and experiences.
You could visit historic destinations like Plymouth, known as the landing place for the Mayflower Pilgrims, or explore the seaports of North Shore. On your drive, you could stop at local farms, fresh seafood shacks and picturesque lighthouses. With its blend of history, culture and nature, Massachusetts offers some amazing and unforgettable road trips.
1. Massachusetts North Shore
Historic coastal charm
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Famílias
Massachusetts’ North Shore stretches from Boston to the New Hampshire border, taking in scenic farmland, historic seaports and maritime heritage. On a drive along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, you’ll cover about 145 km and wind past nature reserves and rocky coastline.
If you’d like to make a stop or 2 on your travels, you’ll have a wide choice of picturesque towns to explore. You could pause at Salem to find out about its witch trials history, admire the collection of 17th- and 18th-century buildings at Ipswich, or discover the shipbuilding heritage of Newburyport. Enjoy fresh seafood in Gloucester, a Cape Ann city that’s famous for its fishing port and beautiful beaches.
Massachusetts North Shore
2. Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway
Beautiful scenery and fascinating art
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Casais
The Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway is a 111 km route through deep forests, pretty towns and dramatic scenery. Your drive will take you across several major rivers, and you could stop for a kayaking adventure on the Deerfield River or the Millers River. If you prefer hiking, you could tackle the challenging Mahican-Mohawk Trail.
This is a wonderful road trip to take if you’re a fan of art. When you stop at Williamstown to explore the creative collections at the Williams College Museum of Art, you can also view the exhibitions at the nearby Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. For smaller galleries and spectacular glass art, stop at Shelburne Falls near the midpoint of your journey.
Localização: 2438 MA-2, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway
3. Old King’s Highway
Picturesque towns with historic architecture
Ideal para: História, Casais, Foto
Old King’s Highway, also known as Historic Route 6A, is a 100 km scenic road along the northern side of Cape Cod. The road meanders through some of the oldest towns in the USA, including Bourne, Yarmouth, Sandwich, Dennis and Brewster. You could make time for a leisurely stroll on a beautiful sandy beach, or shop at a farm that sells fresh organic vegetables.
As you travel along the coastline, traversing salt marshes and farmland, you’ll see some amazing architecture and ancient churches. Make a stop at Old King’s Highway Historic District of Barnstable to view fascinating buildings, including the 17th-century Allyn House and the wooden Old Jail, built in 1690.
Old King's Highway
4. Central Hills Loop
Charming stops among rolling hills
Ideal para: Aventura, Econômico, Foto
The Central Hills Loop is a 92-km circular route around the middle of Massachusetts, passing beautiful scenery and attractive towns. Consider a stop at New Salem to explore its wildlife sanctuaries, Ware for its vineyards and antique shops or Pelham for its hilltop museum. At Hardwick, you’ll find family-owned wineries and fresh farm-to-table cuisine, as well as a restored covered bridge, originally built in 1886. The picturesque Quabbin Reservoir is just a few minutes away.
You can drive on the Central Hills Loop throughout the year, but autumn is a particularly lovely season for the journey. Admire the multi-coloured foliage and consider sampling a flight of cider made with local apples at New Salem Preserves & Heritage Cider.
Central Hills Loop
5. Boston to Plymouth
Coastal drive through history
Ideal para: História, Famílias, Foto
The drive from Boston to Plymouth covers about 64 km and takes you through the South Shore coastal region of Massachusetts. You’ll pass a fascinating mix of attractions on your drive, including the cities of Braintree and Quincy, each the birthplace of more than one US president.
Once you reach Plymouth, you’ll have a wealth of history to explore. At Plymouth Memorial State Park, you can view Plymouth Rock and enjoy fantastic views of Plymouth Harbor. The Plimoth Patuxet Museum provides a full recreation of a 17th-century village, complete with activities and costumed actors. Climb aboard the Mayflower II to step back in time to 1620 and the voyage of the Pilgrims to the New World.
Boston to Plymouth
6. Connecticut River Byway
Scenic and historic river valley
Ideal para: Aventura, Econômico, Foto
The Connecticut River Byway runs north to south through the Connecticut River Valley, covering 60 km through Franklin County and Hampshire County. You’ll journey into early American history as you pass sites, monuments and nationally recognized historic districts like Montague Center, North Hadley and Hockanum.
At Northfield, stop at the drive-in cinema that sits across the border with New Hampshire. Fans of hiking and nature will love Mount Toby, east of Sunderland, where the state forest contrasts with the charming farmland of the valley, and Old Saybrook, with its pretty coastline and lighthouses. Don’t miss the fascinating rail museum at Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, where you could reserve a table for a meal aboard a restored 1920s Pullman diner.
Connecticut River Byway
7. Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway
Nature at the foothills of the Berkshires
Ideal para: História, Compras, Foto
The 56 km stretch of US Route 20 that crosses the Berkshire Hills is known as Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway. This rural roadway is one of the country’s earliest roads, and it’s a joy to explore. You’ll wind through small towns, lush forests and state parks, with plenty of places to pause and capture some pictures or admire the view.
Great stops on your journey include Lee for its 19th-century architecture and modern outlet mall, and the historic community of Becket, where you could see Jacob’s Pillow, a renowned dance centre. Visit in autumn to admire the foliage on your relaxing drive.
Jacob's Ladder Scenic Byway
8. Mount Greylock Scenic Byway
Stunning mountain views
Ideal para: Aventura, Econômico, Foto
Mount Greylock Scenic Byway offers a 26 km route to the highest point in Massachusetts. As you drive up Mount Greylock, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the mountain landscape. From the summit, the views are incredible. On a clear day, you can see parts of 5 different states.
This is a great route for adventurers, with miles of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. Nature lovers will be happy, too, as the area is a haven for rare plants and animals. Look up to admire the birds overhead, you might catch a glimpse of a blackpoll warbler, a golden eagle or a red-tailed hawk.
Mount Greylock Scenic Byway
9. Battle Road Scenic Byway
Revolutionary history through scenic landscapes
Ideal para: História, Famílias, Foto
The Battle Road Scenic Byway traces the path of the soldiers who fought in the first battles of the American Revolution in 1775. The route begins in leafy Concord and continues for 24 km through Lincoln and Lexington before coming to an end in Arlington, in the bustling Boston suburbs.
On the way, you’ll pass Revolutionary War landmarks like the iconic Minute Man National Historical Park and Lexington Battle Green. You’ll also make your way through scenic landscapes, with fields, forests and colonial-era architecture to admire. Make a stop at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House to view the home where the author wrote Little Women in 1868.
Battle Road Scenic Byway
10. Lexington to Concord
Birthplace of American independence
Ideal para: História, Famílias, Foto
The drive from Lexington to Concord is an 11 km trip and should only take about 15 minutes, but it’s packed with history and cultural significance. Both of these pretty towns in the Boston suburbs are famous for their roles in the first battles of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.
Highlights on this route include the Minute Man National Historical Park, which brings to life the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War. You can explore battlefields and historical structures, hike the Battle Road Trail, watch multimedia presentations and visit a restored 18th-century tavern. At the end of your journey, stop at Concord Museum to view the lantern held by Paul Revere, Henry Thoreau’s snowshoes and other fascinating artifacts.
Lexington to Concord
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