Road Trippin' from Boston to Peabody: The Ultimate Guide

If you're planning a trip from Boston to Peabody, Massachusetts, you're in for a treat! Whether you're heading to the North Shore for some sun and sand or to catch a show at the historic Peabody Opera House, there are several different travel routes to choose from. Here's a breakdown of each option, the distance of each route, and the time it takes to get there, along with some recommendations of places to stop along the way.

Route 1: Highway 1

Distance: 19 miles

Travel Time: 30 minutes

If you want to get to Peabody fast, hop on Highway 1. This route will take you directly from Boston to Peabody, providing a relatively quick and straightforward drive. You'll cross over the Tobin Bridge, pass through East Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Lynn before arriving in Peabody. During the drive, keep your eyes peeled for Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, a great spot for bird watching, or grab a quick bite to eat in the vibrant town center of Lynn.

Route 2: I-93N and MA-1A

Distance: 21 miles

Travel Time: 35 minutes

For a scenic route, take I-93N and MA-1A. You'll take a detour through the charming coastal towns of Swampscott and Marblehead before arriving in Peabody. This drive may take a bit longer, but the views of the Atlantic Ocean are well worth it. Stop in Swampscott for a walk along the beach or grab a bite to eat at The Landing, a local seafood joint. In Marblehead, visit Crocker Park to get a fantastic view of the coastline.

Route 3: MA-99N and MA-1A

Distance: 23 miles

Travel Time: 45 minutes

If you're up for a longer and more leisurely drive, take MA-99N and MA-1A. This route will take you through the town of Lynn and Nahant, a skinny peninsula just north of Lynn with stunning ocean views. Once you're in Nahant, take a swim at the Nahant Beach Reservation or go for a bike ride in Lynn Woods Reservation. After that, continue on to Marblehead and follow MA-1A until you reach Peabody.

Route 4: I-95N

Distance: 17 miles

Travel Time: 25 minutes

If you're traveling during rush hour, consider taking I-95N to avoid traffic on other routes. It's a direct route, which means you won't have to worry about navigating through any side streets or small towns. However, there isn't much to see along the way, so you may want to break up the drive with a stop at the Lynn Woods Reservation, where you can hike, bike, or go fishing.

Route 5: The Scenic Route

Distance: Varies

Travel Time: Varies

Of course, you could always take the scenic route to Peabody and make several stops along the way. From the North End of Boston, hop on the Salem Ferry to Salem, where you can spend a few hours exploring the Witch City's rich history. Then take a leisurely coastal drive through Marblehead and Swampscott before arriving in Peabody.

No matter which route you take, there are plenty of places to stop along the way. For a quick bite to eat, try the Clam Shack in Swampscott or the White Farms Ice Cream in Ipswich. For a scenic photo opportunity, visit the Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich or the Salem Witch Trials Memorial in Salem. All in all, the trip from Boston to Peabody can be an entertaining and scenic drive that's sure to make your journey a little more enjoyable.