It’s no secret that Massachusetts is a gorgeous state. In fact, beauty can be found within every town and around every corner of the Bay State. We decided to put together this road trip that leads to some of the most scenic places in Massachusetts. These are places you can visit any time of year. Of course, there are far too many places to add, but we think these are a great start for a scenic road trip.
This road trip is 231 miles and 6.5 hours of drive time. For your convenience, use this interactive map as your guide, and feel free to add or remove any stops along the way.
Google Maps
- Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury
Hagen Cramer/Google This scenic road trip in Massachusetts begins at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newbury. This 4,700-acre coastal refuge offers numerous habitats, much of which is salt marsh, for a variety of wildlife. It is also home to Plum Island, a barrier island, and is quite a scenic place to explore, hike, and go birdwatching.
Visit the website to learn more about the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Refuge Road, Refuge Rd, Newburyport, MA 01951, USA
- Marblehead
Oceanhistory/Wikimedia Commons The next stop is the quaint coastal town of Marblehead. Here you’ll find historic homes that date back to the 17th century when the colonists arrived, a charming downtown with shops and restaurants, and a stunning rocky coastline.
Visit the Discover Marblehead website for more information. Marblehead, MA, USA
- The Boston Common and the Public Garden
DenisTangneyJr/ E+ via Getty Images The Common was established in 1634 as the country’s first public park. Over 200 years later in 1837, the Public Garden became the first public botanical garden in the country. The Common and the Public Garden are located across Charles Street from one another. Each is an oasis in the middle of an urban environment.
Visit the City of Boston website to learn more. Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Borderland State Park, North Easton
Dirk Varelmann/Google There’s a bit of a fairytale feel as you walk around the 1,843-acre Borderland State Park. Found on the park’s ground is the enchanting Ames Mansion that was built in 1910 as well as ponds, woodlands, and plenty of trails to explore it all.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Borderland State Park. 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton, MA 02356, USA
- Optional Stop: Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury
VandyJo/TripAdvisor Whether you’re looking for a place to eat, a place to spend the night, or both, a stop at the historic Longfellow’s Wayside Inn is worthwhile. Established in 1716, Longfellow’s is the country’s oldest operating inn, which is reason enough to stop. However, you can stay overnight in one of the well-appointed rooms here or dine on New England fare in one of the historic dining rooms. Whatever you decide, it’s certainly worth stopping at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about dining at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn. 72 Wayside Inn Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA
- Concord
KenWiedemann/ E+ via Getty Images Concord is a gorgeous historic town that’s just full of historic sites and natural beauty. From Walden Pond to Minute Man National Historic Park, the Battle Road Trail, the Old Manse, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and more, there’s so much to see you could spend an entire day here.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the historic town of Concord. Concord, MA, USA
- Quabbin Reservoir
Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon/ Moment via Getty Images Quabbin Reservoir is the largest inland body of water in the state. And while it is man-made, built between 1930 and 1939, it offers 181 miles of shoreline and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. It’s also one of the most scenic places in Massachusetts.
Visit the webpage to learn more about Quabbin Reservoir. Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts, USA
- Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, South Deerfield
davidpinter/Wikimedia Commons If you can get to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf, you’ll be treated to come of the most spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley. You can hike to the top or take a drive up the summit road which is open between mid-May and mid-October.
Read our previous coverage to learn about hiking at Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation. 300 Sugarloaf St, South Deerfield, MA 01373, USA
- French King Bridge, Millers Falls
Francisco Urena/Google Built between 1931-1932, the French King Bridge spans across the Connecticut River gorge. This dramatic bridge just adds to the stunning landscape that surrounds it.
Visit the Western Massachusetts Scenic Byways website to learn more about French King Bridge. Millers Falls Road, Millers Falls Rd, Millers Falls, MA, USA
Google Maps
Google Maps
Hagen Cramer/Google
This scenic road trip in Massachusetts begins at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newbury. This 4,700-acre coastal refuge offers numerous habitats, much of which is salt marsh, for a variety of wildlife. It is also home to Plum Island, a barrier island, and is quite a scenic place to explore, hike, and go birdwatching.
Visit the website to learn more about the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
Refuge Road, Refuge Rd, Newburyport, MA 01951, USA
Oceanhistory/Wikimedia Commons
The next stop is the quaint coastal town of Marblehead. Here you’ll find historic homes that date back to the 17th century when the colonists arrived, a charming downtown with shops and restaurants, and a stunning rocky coastline.
Visit the Discover Marblehead website for more information.
Marblehead, MA, USA
DenisTangneyJr/ E+ via Getty Images
The Common was established in 1634 as the country’s first public park. Over 200 years later in 1837, the Public Garden became the first public botanical garden in the country. The Common and the Public Garden are located across Charles Street from one another. Each is an oasis in the middle of an urban environment.
Visit the City of Boston website to learn more.
Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
Dirk Varelmann/Google
There’s a bit of a fairytale feel as you walk around the 1,843-acre Borderland State Park. Found on the park’s ground is the enchanting Ames Mansion that was built in 1910 as well as ponds, woodlands, and plenty of trails to explore it all.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about Borderland State Park.
259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton, MA 02356, USA
VandyJo/TripAdvisor
Whether you’re looking for a place to eat, a place to spend the night, or both, a stop at the historic Longfellow’s Wayside Inn is worthwhile. Established in 1716, Longfellow’s is the country’s oldest operating inn, which is reason enough to stop. However, you can stay overnight in one of the well-appointed rooms here or dine on New England fare in one of the historic dining rooms. Whatever you decide, it’s certainly worth stopping at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about dining at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn.
72 Wayside Inn Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA
KenWiedemann/ E+ via Getty Images
Concord is a gorgeous historic town that’s just full of historic sites and natural beauty. From Walden Pond to Minute Man National Historic Park, the Battle Road Trail, the Old Manse, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and more, there’s so much to see you could spend an entire day here.
Read our previous coverage to learn more about the historic town of Concord.
Concord, MA, USA
Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon/ Moment via Getty Images
Quabbin Reservoir is the largest inland body of water in the state. And while it is man-made, built between 1930 and 1939, it offers 181 miles of shoreline and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. It’s also one of the most scenic places in Massachusetts.
Visit the webpage to learn more about Quabbin Reservoir.
Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts, USA
davidpinter/Wikimedia Commons
If you can get to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf, you’ll be treated to come of the most spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley. You can hike to the top or take a drive up the summit road which is open between mid-May and mid-October.
Read our previous coverage to learn about hiking at Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation.
300 Sugarloaf St, South Deerfield, MA 01373, USA
Francisco Urena/Google
Built between 1931-1932, the French King Bridge spans across the Connecticut River gorge. This dramatic bridge just adds to the stunning landscape that surrounds it.
Visit the Western Massachusetts Scenic Byways website to learn more about French King Bridge.
Millers Falls Road, Millers Falls Rd, Millers Falls, MA, USA
What are some of the most scenic places in Massachusetts in your opinion? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
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