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 6 drives, 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.
- Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism This tranquil journey links the picturesque towns of the North Shore into a 90-mile drive. 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.
- Medford to Stoneham via Fellsway West
Flickr/rda 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.
- Cohasset to Fort Revere
Flickr/Doc Searls 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.
- Braintree to Milton via Chickatawbut Road and Unquity Road
Flickr/Ornoth 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.
- Lexington to Concord
Flickr/Amy Meredith 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.
- Route 117
Facebook/Nashoba Valley Winery, Orchard and Restaurant 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.
What’s your favorite scenic drive near Boston?
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
This tranquil journey links the picturesque towns of the North Shore into a 90-mile drive. 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.
Flickr/rda
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.
Flickr/Doc Searls
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.
Flickr/Ornoth
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.
Flickr/Amy Meredith
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.
Facebook/Nashoba Valley Winery, Orchard and Restaurant
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.
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