There are some drives that are so scenic, so epic, you may feel as though you’re dreaming. As you drive, you “ooh” and “aah” over the remarkable vistas along the way. One byway that will drive through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state is the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. And if you’ve ever searched for scenic drives near me, then you’re in luck. This breathtaking coastal drive in Massachusetts is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take.
While scenic byways are rarely ever a direct route to get from point A to point B, they provide an opportunity to explore an area in ways you never thought possible.
This 90-mile stretch of road will take you through 14 communities between the towns of Lynn and Salisbury. You'll see plenty of coastline as well as historic towns with charming downtown areas.
The start of this stunning coastal drive is in Lynn. Spend some time exploring the downtown area before heading to the coastal town of Swampscott. From there, you will drive to Marblehead, a town with plenty of historic sites and scenery.
The bewitching town of Salem is next and there are more than enough attractions to explore here. After you've had your fill, get back onto the byway for the next town, Beverly which is followed by Manchester-by-the-Sea.
The rocky coastline of Gloucester and Rockport are the next destinations along this route before you reach Essex. In Essex, do yourself a favor and stop at Woodman's for some delicious seafood.
To complete the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, you'll also travel through Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, Newburyport, and, finally, Salisbury. Each town along the route offers gorgeous scenery, waterfront areas, and plenty of sites. Stop and explore each town or just enjoy the drive!
Take this road trip with YouTubers The Map Pinners as they journey along the beautiful Essex Coastal Scenic Byway.
https://youtu.be/niVmVsVnJrc?si=kB3wGU09UGhNiU-Z
Have you taken this scenic coastal drive In Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments! Visit the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway official website and follow the Essex Byway Facebook page to learn more about this coastal drive in Massachusetts. You may also want to consider taking a scenic drive between Cape Cod and Cape Ann.
Before you hit the highway, we want to make sure you’re prepared for your road trips. Check out our article about the best road trip snacks to enjoy on your scenic drives.
There are so many incredible sights to see and places to explore in Massachusetts. From corner to corner, this state is packed with more adventures than you probably realize. Check out the experiences you absolutely must have in Massachusetts - the ultimate Massachusetts bucket list!
This place looks like something from a fantasy film, and it's right here in Massachusetts. Take a long walk with a few friends, your hiking boots and a decent camera. The gorgeous foliage and crystal-clear waterfalls will enchant you.
CNN calls this maze the best field maze in the United States, and with good reason. With over three miles of pathways to explore, plenty of hidden surprises, and full-size attractions hidden within, it's an epic adventure close to home.
Lighthouses are beloved Massachusetts icons, and totally worthy day trip destinations. Check out 45-foot-tall Nauset Light, which you may recognize from your nearest bag of Cape Cod Potato Chips.
This is definitely one of the best ways to see the enchanting scenery of Cape Cod. There are plenty of scenic tours to choose from, including fall foliage, ale tasting, brunch and dinner trains.
Between the shows, bars, restaurants and clubs, you're guaranteed to make some awesome memories if you grab your crew and head to the capital city for an evening on the town.
Candlepin bowling might look a little odd to outsiders, but this Massachusetts variant is a ton of fun. It's definitely something every visitor (and native) should be sure to cross off their state bucket list.
Completed in 1777, this fort was instrumental to the country's fight for independence. Nearly 200 French soldiers (who were fighting for the American side during the Revolutionary War) died of smallpox at the fort, and reports of hauntings have plagued this beautiful spot ever since.
Tucked away in an 80-acre forest clearing, this long-running Massachusetts autumn festival offers real jousting matches, fire-breathing displays, live tigers and aerial ribbon dancing.
Salem was the site of the infamous Salem witch trials, but this town has become much more welcoming to the spooky side of life since then. Visit homes from the witch trial period, explore the fabled House of Seven Gables, or just take in seaside charm of this historic town.
The Eastern States Exposition is the largest agricultural festival in the region. This fall festival is known for its delicious fair food (try a double chili and bacon cheeseburger served between two glazed donuts), crazy rides and amazing entertainment.
These dazzling cliffs look totally out of place in Massachusetts, and they're definitely one of the state's top natural wonders. Different clay and soil deposits form the layers of red, orange, yellow, white and even green and blue that make these cliffs so remarkable.
Seafood is a big deal in Massachusetts, and these huge gatherings draw scallop and clam lovers from miles around. They mostly happen during the summer months, so keep an eye out for a festival near you.
You can hike, run, bird watch, fish, bike and picnic at this gorgeous waterfront spot. There really isn't a single part of the Reservoir area that isn't truly lovely, and it's one of New England's best kept secrets.
These geological oddities are actually pretty gorgeous. More than 50 natural wells or "potholes" dot the granite expanse at the bottom of Salmon Falls. The swirling waters are really cool to observe.
This place hosts some of the most beautiful and interesting performances in the state. It's a classic venue for catching a great local or international artist or symphony.
It's Massachusetts' highest peak, and one of the most scenic spots in the state. Hiking to the top is a great experience, but you can also drive most of the way up.
This place is an official National Historic Landmark, and they've had almost 200 years to figure out what makes the perfect oyster. It's a Boston landmark and a seafood lover's dream.
These living history museums give you a taste of what life was like in Massachusetts hundreds of years ago. You can do period crafts, learn about how early settlers lived, and meet historical figures.
Kelly's claims to have invented the roast beef sandwich. With flavors this good, we're ready to believe them. Check out one of their five locations across the state, especially their Revere shop.
This surreal stone chasm is one of the most unique hiking spots in the state. Scramble across boulders with names like Fat Man’s Misery, Corn Crib, and the Devil's Coffin.
This self-guided walk will take you to all the most historic and awe-inspiring sites in our capital city. It's a great way to get a workout in for your brain and body.
There you have it: THE ultimate Massachusetts bucket list. For more Massachusetts beauty during the autumn season, check out our Massachusetts fall foliage road trip across the state. Proud of living in Mass and want to show off a bit? Check out all the offerings from our friends at Wear Your Roots.
There’s no bad time to take a scenic drive near the coast in Massachusetts, but you’re going to want to take this Cape Ann coastline journey as soon as possible. If you’re looking for the perfect drive to give your mood a boost and to fill your phone with gorgeous photos, this one’s a real beauty! It's definitely one of the best coastal drives in the state - if not the nation. Here are the details:
This road trip will take you from the town of Salem to Rockport on the tip of Cape Ann.
It’s filled with stunning ocean views, scenic lighthouses, and plenty of charming spots to pull over for a bite to eat or a bit of shopping. The entire journey will bring you 21 miles up Cape Ann for a total of 42 miles round-trip. It’s long enough that you can make a day (or even a weekend) out of it if you choose, but you can also drive the entire length of the journey in just about an hour if you’re just looking for a beautiful way to pass an afternoon.
1. Start off in the charming town of Salem, best known for its infamous witch trials and sailing history.
If you want to satisfy your appetite before hitting the road, Salem is a great spot to roam around and to grab breakfast. You’ll also find plenty of places to indulge in penny candy, ice cream, or a great bowl of chowder.
2. As you head up the coast to Gloucester, you’ll catch sight of gorgeous sailing ships and sparkling seas.
The town itself has a close connection to the ocean and is a great place to grab a seafood lunch. Try The Blue Collar Lobster, formerly known as The Gloucester House, for yummy lobster prepared in the traditional New England style or nut and honey crusted salmon.
This stunning stretch of land features rocky cliffs, salty sea air, and plenty of trails and tide pools to explore. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Mount Agamenticus in Maine.
This sleepy village is known for its winding streets and the picturesque "Motif #1," a fishing shack that is often cited as the most frequently painted building in America. Grab dinner in town or enjoy a cone of ice cream at the harbor before heading back home.
This scenic drive near the coast in Massachusetts is sure to make you smile. Have you driven this route? Do you have any favorite coastal drives in Massachusetts? Let us know in the comments! If you love exploring, check out this road trip that takes you to all the most fascinating historical sites in Massachusetts.
