Taking a spectacular drive in Boston can be an amazing experience that is not to be forgotten. The historic city of Boston is full of beautiful and stunning views.
From the start of the Mystic River into Somerville, breathtaking waterfront and architecture line the way providing memorable scenes as you meander down each street.
Make stops along the way to photograph the beautiful sights such as Beacon Hill row houses, cobblestone streets, parks with sprawling landscapes, and lush foliage, the John F.
Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, the Museum of Science, and much more, there’s always something new around every corner.
After all, has been explored, no one will forget the unforgettable scenic drive in one of America’s historical cities – Boston.
Overview Of Scenic Drive In Boston
Boston is a beautiful city full of history and inviting sites. Visitors and locals alike can witness the beauty of the city from a different perspective by taking a scenic drive through towns and neighborhoods in Boston.
Along the way, you’ll see trend-setting shops, elegant neighborhoods, old-world landmarks, stunning beaches, unique green spaces, peaceful parks, picturesque wetlands, and breathtaking views of the harbor islands.
From Beacon Hill to Dorchester, no matter which route you choose, your time behind the wheel won’t disappoint.
Popular Scenic Drive In Boston
Boston is a vibrant and beautiful city with incredible natural scenic views, making it the perfect destination for a memorable and exciting scenic drive.
There are numerous popular routes that travelers can choose from to truly experience the sights and sounds of Boston.
Popular choices include the Charles River Esplanade, driving along the Atlantic coast into downtown Boston, tracing the historic Freedom Trail, or meandering down the charming South Shore.
Whether you’re looking to relax in nature’s beauty, take in all that the big city has to offer, or explore revolutionary history and art, there’s a stunning route through Boston that will leave you with lasting memories.
Blue Hills Skyline Drive
Boston’s Blue Hills Skyline Drive offers an unforgettable scenic route through a bevy of breathtaking sights, ideal for those looking to explore the city’s natural beauty.
This 18-mile stretch is known for its winding roads and stunning views of the Emerald Necklace, which consists of a chain of outdoor recreation spots and full-service parks situated all around Boston.
There are numerous stops along the drive that feature incredible landscapes, including rolling hills, valleys, forests, wetlands, and Six-Mile Pond in Ponkapoag.
Trekking this path offers nature enthusiasts a chance to discover classic New England sites such as scenic knolls, resplendent riverside meadows, ornate bridges, and verdant pastoral pastures.
Cape Cod National Seashore
The Cape Cod National Seashore in Boston provides one of the most beautiful scenic drives around.
Take a leisurely drive down Route 6A and take in the magnificent vistas. Enjoy watching fishing boats drift past while enjoying views of sand dunes and rolling waves against the shore.
Even if you can’t stay for long, make the most of every minute by savoring the views from lighthouse atops or gazing out at the water from sand beach points.
For those who like adventure with their scenery, try to spot some harbor seals sunning themselves on nearby rocks and even whales migrating up north along this spectacular coastline.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is a one-of-a-kind drive that should be experienced at least once.
Starting out at Lincoln, located just under two and a half hours from Boston, this 32-mile drive winds its way through the White Mountain National Forest between the Pemigewasset River on one side and the Swift River on the other.
Along the way, travelers will see spectacular views of granite cliff faces, clear mountain lakes such as Sabbattus Pond and Lower Falls Pond, covered bridges standing strong over gushing creeks, and even majestic moose grazing in nearby meadows.
Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
Boston is known as a bustling city filled with skyscrapers and history, but just beyond the city limits lies a stunning natural countryside. One should not miss out on the Mohawk Trail scenic drive in Massachusetts.
This stunning route winds through the Berkshire Mountains, offering unparalleled views of sweeping mountain valleys and diverse wildlife.
Along the way, travelers can take advantage of several scenic stops, such as the quiet village of Shelburne Falls, where they will find a bridge spanning two rivers over Minnechaug Gorge that offers unforgettable photo opportunities.
Minuteman Bikeway, Massachusetts
For those who love nature and crave fresh air, the 10-mile Minuteman Bikeway in Massachusetts is definitely worth exploring. It starts in Bedford, runs west to Arlington, travels south through Lexington, and ends in Cambridge.
Along the way, visitors are treated to lovely vistas of open meadows, ponds, gurgling streams, and lush forests. As you cruise along the bike path at a leisurely pace, you will feel miles away from city life even though major urban hubs are never far away.
On top of the fresh air and beautiful sites to behold, there are also historical landmarks to enjoy. The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge features many endangered species.
You can also explore bunkers from America’s Revolutionary War that were used by minutemen as long ago as 1775.
Mount Washington Auto Road, New Hampshire
The Mount Washington Auto Road in New Hampshire is a scenic drive for everyone who loves exploring the outdoors.
Starting from Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, you first ascend an 8-mile stretch of gently winding road with access to numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and lookout points.
After traveling through tree-lined forests, you eventually reach Mount Washington’s summit, which stands at 6,288 feet.
Newport Mansions and Cliff Walk, Rhode Island
A scenic drive in Newport, Rhode Island, offers a beautiful and unique experience. The picturesque views along the coast are breathtaking.
The distinct mansions of the area provide a historical element to the drive that adds to its charm and history. Following the coastline along Easton’s Bay, one can gently drive past oceanfront cliffs, enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and experience several kinds of birds up close.
Along Cliff Walk, visitors will experience breathtaking sea vistas while also learning about the fascinating stories behind some of Newport’s most opulent summer residences. This mix of natural beauty and man-made opulence is quite special.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Situated an hour and a half north of Boston, Acadia National Park winding roads boast some of the best views that you can find along the Eastern seaboard.
From rocky coastlines to crystal-clear lakes, Acadia National Park has something for everyone’s taste – particularly if they are looking for a scenic drive.
Whether craning your neck to catch a glimpse at the verdant hillsides or taking in the salty sea air as you follow cobalt blue curves, every mile is carefully planned out to ensure that each turn reveals a new surprise. With plenty of lookouts available from each road, your camera will never be short on shots!
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Taking a scenic drive through White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire is a great way to explore the beauty of nature close to Boston.
Its majestic forests and open meadows are home to an abundance of wildlife, and the winding roads offer astonishing views of the Appalachian Mountains.
One of the highlights is Lonesome Lake Trail: its moderate 4-mile loop brings adventurers to stunning alpine lakes, where moose roam free in their natural environment.
There are also plenty of hiking trails within the park, offering a convenient way for visitors to spend a day or two away from city life.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires tucked away in a corner of Massachusetts, are an oasis full of natural beauty and wonders. From rolling hills covered with lush forests to picturesque lakes, it’s easy to see why generations have been captivated by this area.
Whether you begin your journey in North Adams or Pittsfield, the Berkshires offer a plethora of routes that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and expansive fields.
Along the way, you can stop at local attractions such as the Norman Rockwell Museum or Tanglewood to take in even more culture and beauty before continuing your journey.
Afterward, indulge in some homegrown eats from local farmers’ markets or cozy up in a bed-and-breakfast for an intimate staycation experience without ever leaving the region.
Tips for Enjoying the Drive
In order to ensure that you fully enjoy your experience, here are some tips to consider.
First, plan out your route ahead of time. Research the best roads to take and make sure to map out points of interest so you know what’s in store for you.
Second, consider starting early in the morning when there’s still a nice cool breeze and when the hustle and bustle of city life haven’t yet fully started.
Third, pay attention to when special events or festivals are taking place as this can help make your drive even more special and enjoyable.
Finally, keep an eye out for local restaurants or cafes along the way so you don’t miss out on any delicious food experiences during your adventure!
All in all, following these simple tips, will make your scenic drive in Boston a truly unforgettable one!
Best Time to Visit
A scenic drive around this amazing city is one of the best ways to do it. The best time to take a scenic drive through Boston would have to be in the spring or fall.
During these seasons, you’ll get to explore the historic downtown area with vibrant foliage, ride around Back Bay and admire Brownstone architecture, and also travel down Commonwealth Avenue lined with famous Harvard Universities.
During these seasons, you’ll also find that the weather isn’t too hot or too cold, which means you can stay cool in a car with an air conditioner, but still open the windows for a fresh breeze!
Preparing for the Drive
Before you embark on your next scenic drive in Boston, there are a few steps you need to take to make sure it is an enjoyable and safe trip.
First, map out your route clearly and plan how much time you think you’ll need for the drive before departing.
Additionally, check with the local authorities and ask what roads are closed or under construction, as this can affect your travel plans significantly. Pack a picnic basket (or two) as well as some snacks for the drive.
And finally, give yourself about 15-20 minutes extra just in case you stumble upon something beautiful that makes you tempted to linger a bit longer during your journey.
Must-Have Supplies
Taking a scenic drive in Boston can be an incredibly enjoyable experience with the right supplies.
It is advisable to bring items that will make the journey easier and less stressful, such as a fully charged smartphone to stay connected, a road map or an honest-to-goodness paper version of GPS for old times’ sake, water, and snacks in case you want to take a break and enjoy Boston’s countryside away from civilization, and a first aid kit just in case.
Remember that some areas may not have cellular signal so if you need it, instead of relying on your phone’s GPS only, it would be best to bring one of those foldable gloves that allow you to use touchscreen surfaces.
If traveling with young children who might get bored during the drive, bringing some fun entertainment such as books and colorful toys might come in handy for both the kids’ entertainment and for their parents’ sanity.
Finally, don’t forget sunscreen if necessary, sunglasses and a good attitude! Your trip around Boston should be nothing but smooth sailing after you take steps to ensure that you have all the essentials.
Road Conditions
Taking a scenic drive in Boston can be a fun and exciting experience. The roads are generally well-maintained, which ensures a smooth ride for travelers.
Depending on the season, driving conditions can vary; streets may require navigation around potholes during the rainy months, while during winter months snow and ice may create additional hazards.
While locals often know shortcuts to avoid such issues, out-of-town travelers may benefit from utilizing GPS navigation applications that have traffic data included.
Even during peak hours of travel when traffic may congest certain routes, most roads can still provide an enjoyable experience regardless of the great views of downtown architecture and attractions along the way.
Despite the occasional potential for unexpected bumps or blocked entrances due to construction work, visitors to Boston can rest assured that these issues generally only occur periodically and don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of taking a scenic drive through one of America’s iconic cities.
Conclusion
Taking a scenic drive around the Boston area is a great way to see the city and all its amazing sights. The beaches, lighthouses, and historic sites are just some of the many wonderful aspects that make this city so special.
Of course, it’s not just about taking in the sights – driving also allows you to truly get a sense of Boston’s culture and history.
Whether you start your drive through the vibrant streets of downtown, explore the quaint houses of the suburbs and neighborhoods, or venture out for a more remote journey along the Atlantic shoreline, there is never a shortage of spectacular views.
A scenic drive in Boston will leave you with lifelong memories, especially if you hit up all the famous hotspots like Fenway Park, Harvard Square, and Newbury Street, each one as unique as they come.