Coastal Adventure: Travel Time between Andover and Gloucester
Are you planning a road trip to the seaside and wondering about the best way to get from Andover to Gloucester? Don't worry, we've got you covered! This article will provide you with several options for the route, distance, and travel time, as well as some recommendations for places to stop along the way.
Route 1: I-95 N and MA-128 N
The fastest route from Andover to Gloucester is taking I-95 North towards Peabody, and then switching onto MA-128 North for about 10 miles. This route has a total distance of approximately 30 miles and takes around 40 minutes to drive if the traffic is light.
Route 2: MA-114 E through Salem
If you want to avoid the highway and explore an historic coastal town, take MA-114 East towards Salem. This route goes through the charming Salem downtown, where you can visit the Witch Museum or the Peabody Essex Museum. From there, you can keep driving East towards Beverly, and then take MA-127A North to Gloucester. This scenic route has a total distance of around 25 miles and takes about 45-50 minutes to drive.
Route 3: Shortest option through Topsfield and Ipswich
For the shortest distance route, you can take MA-133 East towards West Boxford, then switch onto MA-1A North towards Topsfield. From there, take the Ipswich Road towards Ipswich and continue onto MA-133 East, which leads to Gloucester. This route is around 20 miles long and should take roughly 40 minutes to drive.
Places to Stop and Explore
If you have more time, we highly recommend stopping by some of these fantastic places on your way to Gloucester:
Crane Beach in Ipswich: This breathtaking beach is part of the Crane Estate and has miles of white sand and beautiful views. It's an ideal spot for a beach picnic or a swim during warm weather.
Newburyport: This historic town on the coast is full of lovely boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Walk around the harborfront and enjoy the local architecture.
Rockport: This charming coastal village next to Gloucester is famous for its art galleries, rocky coastline, and fresh seafood. It's an ideal place for a lazy afternoon or a sunset stroll.
Gloucester Harborwalk: As the oldest seaport in the country, Gloucester has a rich maritime history that you can explore on foot. The Harborwalk is a scenic trail that runs along the harborfront with many restaurants, shops, and landmarks to visit.
We hope this article helped you plan your New England coastal adventure. Whether you choose the fast route or the scenic one, there's plenty to see, do, and enjoy along the way. So hit the road, soak up the sea air, and have a whale of a time!