Boston is a city that captures the hearts of residents and tourists alike with historic charm, and vibrant culture. And indeed, beyond the city lines is a whole wide world of natural beauty and hidden gems to find. Now, whether you are a local or visiting and want to make the most of Boston weekend getaways it is as easy as renting a car for two days! With views ranging from diverse to stunning, here is a guide on some of the scenic drives and destinations you can make exploring Boston with car hire.
1. From the Freedom Trail to Coastal Massachusetts
Take a drive along the Freedom Trail in Boston, which follows some of this city’s most important sites. Once you’ve had your fill of Revolutionary War history in the city, pick up a car rental in Boston and head to the coast. A beautiful drive to the Cape Ann peninsula is a mere hour from Boston, where you can also find breathtaking ocean views and quaint towns. Visit the picturesque fishing village of Rockport to browse unique shops, boutiques, and galleries (and see Motif No. 1: The Most Often Painted Building in America). This is where your sightseeing continues, with breathtaking rocky shores that meet the tranquility of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. White Mountain Leaf-peep by Mark H Blanchette
The fall foliage of New England is world-renowned, and when it comes to those iconic autumn colors no other place fits the bill quite like New Hampshire’s White Mountains. This area also provides one of the most stunning landscapes in New England, all less than a two-hour drive from Boston. But do rent a car and slowly cruise along the Kancamagus Highway, a 34.5-mile path weaving crisscrossing through the White Mountains National Forest. The mountainous Oberon Plateau offers excellent views steeped in autumn hue, as the Turkeyland Scenic Circuit leads to two lookouts at either end of the drive. Make sure to take advantage of the viewpoints and trailheads before you arrive to truly explore all the beauty that autumn has to offer.
In winter, the White Mountains are a snowy paradise where you can ski and snowboard to your heart’s content before retiring back to your mountain lodge. The drive to Niseko through snow-covered trees and untouched landscapes is quite interesting.
3. THE COAST
For the ultimate New England escape, it’s hard to top a weekend at Cape Cod filled with stunning beaches and charming towns serving fresh seafood. While in Boston, rent a car and drive along Route 6A – the Old King’s Highway. The byway navigates around some of the Cape’s oldest villages, through salt marshes and cranberry bogs; passes in front of centuries-old homes.
Get off at Sandwich, the Cape’s oldest town with its charming old buildings, and also see the glassblowers in action at Marston Mills (Marphraim Road) or take a walk around Heritage Museums & Gardens. Move on up to the Cape Cod National Seashore, where you can enjoy long walks along pristine beaches, weaving in and out of dunes right down to catch a view of frolicking seals amid the waves. Finally, relax at the tip of the cape in Provincetown and grab a seafood dinner while watching the sunset over the water.
4. The Berkshires: Art, Culture and Nature
If you are looking for a more cultural and art experience as well as some nature – head to the west of Massachusetts in The Berkshires. Open fields and woods are a short walk from the house, which is more than two hours away by car from Boston as well as an attraction for artists, outdoor enthusiasts, or simply peace. The drive out to the Berkshires is a beautiful journey through rolling hills, farmlands, and quaint towns.
The sooner you land, the more to discover. Stockbridge is also home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of original works created by America’s most beloved illustrator during his time in The Berkshires and tour Edith Wharton’s historic mansion –The Mount. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are 70 miles of trails on Mount Greylock (the highest peak in Massachusetts), bike paths, and beautiful alpine vistas from the summit.
The Berkshires are also famed for their arts scene, with a plethora of theaters, galleries, and music venues helping set the cultural pace. In the summer, try to take in a concert at Tanglewood, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
5. Mystic and the Coast of Connecticut
For a seaside getaway with some maritime history nearby, head south from Boston to Mystic, Conn. As a bonus, this charming town is less than two hours away and boasts both rich maritime heritage as well ancient waterfront glory. Start your trip with a visit to Mystic Seaport, the largest maritime museum in the United States where you can take out original ships dating back over 100 years for sailing excursions.
Afterward, slow things down with a scenic drive along the Connecticut coast that passes through many charming towns such as Stonington or Old Lyme. Perfect for a relaxing holiday, these smaller coastal towns and villages boast stunning beaches, quaint historic houses, and plenty of outdoor activities including kayaking, sailing, or hiking. If seafood is your thing, be sure to stop for some oysters and lobster at the waterfront restaurant on any one of these exits.
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To get closer to nature, opt for a weekend trip to the Green Mountains of Vermont. This rural area—three hours from Boston—is best known for its mountains and dense woods bordering another of Vermont’s postcard-fair villages. Even the way there is a delight, its serpentine roads presenting plenty of vantage points to explore; with mountains and valleys as far as the eye can see.
Towns in Vermont include places like Brattleboro, which has become a hotspot for tourists who come to enjoy the town’s unique arts scene or see shows at the theatre companies based there. Or you can wander beautiful country towns such as Stowe with its ski resorts and cute downtown area or Woodstock – often cited as one of ‘America’s prettiest towns’. Summer hiking, biking, and winter skiing/snowshoeing in the Green Mountains near Stowe keep us busy with endless outdoor fun. Be sure to stop at one of the local farms or farmers markets for a taste of Vermont’s famous cheeses, maple syrup, and many other great products from our artisans.
Conclusion
What better way to discover the exquisite natural beauty, vibrant history, and quaint little villages peppered throughout New England than a Boston Weekend Getaway? When you have a car rental in Boston, the road that lies before opens wide for you to take off and make memories that will last forever. From driving along the rocky shores of Cape Cod to experiencing autumn leaves fall in The White Mountains to exploring local culture and history within The Berkshires, getting from Point A will always be a part of your Massachusetts destination. Therefore, stuff your bag and rent a car to embark on a scenic adventure to revive your soul as well as love with the road.
Also read: The Best Road Trips in Turkey: Scenic Routes Through Breathtaking Landscapes
