The Lovely 21-Mile Scenic Drive Through Massachusetts For Any Time Of Year

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.

3. Halibut Point State Park is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after sitting in the car.

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.

4. Rockport is the final stop on this scenic tour of Cape Ann.

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.