With these routes, the journey is just as important as the destination. We’ve uncovered the most scenic train and car rides in Massachusetts from Boston that’ll take you past evergreen forests, vast Atlantic waters, and stunning foliage in the fall to snow encrusted mountains in the winter. It’s a way to appreciate the all too extreme seasons of New England which can change on you in a matter of minutes. The beauty in it, is that they make for some spectacular views.
One of the most scenic train rides in Massachusetts in particular is so widely praised, it made the top 10 in America, ranking at number 8 according to USA Today. And the best part, you leave the driving up to the train conductor, so you can really sit back and enjoy the views! The Cape Cod Central Railroad in Hyannis, Massachusetts stretches 27 beautiful miles of cranberry bogs and saltwater marshes. It also conveniently stops in many popular Cape towns, so you can easily make your way around the Cape.
Peer into cranberry bogs, salt marshes and other landscapes seldom seen by Cape visitors on sightseeing and dinner excursions aboard this scenic railroad. Operating over 27 miles of track, itineraries include departures in popular towns like Hyannis and Buzzards Bay and a traversal of the iconic Cape Cod Canal. “This beautiful 2-1/2-hour train around Cape Cod is fun for families, but I personally like it as a romantic day date, especially boarding the train right before noon and enjoying a Sunday Jazz brunch in the middle of the summer,” says expert Shea Peters.
The Cape Cod Central Railroad also serves brunch on board! Sundays include an extra special Jazz brunch, with round-trip tickets at $69.99 for the 3-course meal and train. In the winter, the train transforms into a real-life Polar Express!
More scenic train rides near Boston
Beyond the Cape Cod Central Railroad, there are a few other train rides in New England you can’t afford to miss. They’ll take you through sweeping views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains or foliage in the fall.
The North Conway train aptly named the Conway Scenic Railroad is one of the most beautiful train rides, akin to the Hogwarts express. The high elevation and winding routes through the forest are especially breathtaking in the fall and winter, which is also a great time for skiing there!
Scenic drives near Boston for each season
If you prefer to drive from the comfort of your own private vehicle, these are some stunning scenic routes from Boston. In the summertime make sure to take the Old King’s Highway in Sandwich and drive along the Cape Cod National Seashore for some stunning coastline driving. The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway is another beautiful 90-mile stretch showcasing marshes, coves, beaches and more! In the fall take a northern drive up I-93 to New Hampshire to awe at mountains of foliage ablaze! In winter drive through Route 117 for the magical snow dusted evergreen fencing and vast mountain landscapes (just make sure the roads aren’t icy!) Now you have a scenic route in Massachusetts for each season:
- Fall: I-93 from Boston to New Hampshire
- Winter: Route 117
- Spring: Old King’s Highway in Sandwich
- Summer: Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
For even more adventure, check out this seasonal scenic train ride in Massachusetts that travels to New York available now through September 2!