Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

State: Massachusetts
Length: 85 mi / 136.8 km
Time to Allow: 4 to 5 hours

The Massachusetts coast is not only a gorgeous area to visit, but it is also home to an important facet of American history. If you’re looking to travel your way up this coast and experience 14 different coastal communities, from Salisbury to Lynn and everything in between, you are going to love traveling the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. This byway is nearly 90 miles long and takes between four to five hours to drive, depending on how much you plan to stop along the way. Not only does this roadway allow you to experience the beauty that makes up the coast, but it also takes you through quaint New England towns that feature historic architecture and gorgeous tourism opportunities.

This byway is unique in that it combines a desire to preserve the natural views that abound in the area, while also offering tourism and entertainment opportunities along the way. While this byway can be driven in a single day, it’s best explored over several days, as the trip allows you to explore a wide variety of towns, including the infamous Salem, Massachusetts. Those who are fans of history will find themselves falling in love with the incredible architecture and historic landmarks along the way, and those looking to go full tourist and explore some of the small shops that are indispensable in coastal towns will find themselves more than supplied. Of course, there are plenty of lodging options and food options along the way, including fresh seafood that is sure to get your mouth watering.

While the best time of year to travel this road is arguably the summertime, due to the proximity to beach locations and water features, those looking to travel late in the year shouldn’t count out this scenic road. not only is Massachusetts gorgeous during the fall months, but a majority of people will miss out on the height of tourist season, meaning that the road will be less crowded, and the shops will likely be having their end-of-year sales. If you’re not a fan of crowds, or can’t resist a great deal, that may be the best time to explore this gorgeous area.

Those looking to explore the surrounding areas will be excited to learn there at the heart of Massachusetts historical areas and can make a quick trip over to conquered if they’re feeling adventurous and want to visit the site of one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War. Those who aren’t as interested in history will be pleased to know that there are plenty of shopping and tourism opportunities along the way, as well as various entertainment options including movie theaters, music venues, and more that make up the surrounding area.

While this area may not be as camping and hiking based as some of the other scenic byways available in Massachusetts, there are plenty of walking trails and beach destinations along the way that makes this scenic byway well worth the visit. Whether you’re looking to enjoy history, explore coastal towns, or simply are hoping to dive into the ocean, the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is an incredible trip that’s well worth driving and may find itself on your “must-visit list” the next time you’re planning a road trip.