The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving from Boston, Massachusetts to Toms River, New Jersey
The United States is a vast country, with scenic routes linking beautiful towns and landscapes. One of these iconic roads runs from Boston in Massachusetts through to Toms River in New Jersey. This route is packed with many tourist attractions worth visiting, making it one of the beautiful drives to take in America. From historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and culinary wonders, here are the top places to see when driving from Boston, Massachusetts to Toms River, New Jersey.
Explore Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a vibrant city, full of history, beautiful architecture, and lovely waterfronts. On your road trip, start your journey in Boston, a city packed with tourist sites, local cuisine, and historic landmarks. Here are some of the must-see places in Boston:
1. Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walk that takes visitors back in time to the American Revolution. Follow along the red brick line to explore the sixteen unique sites with expert guides or maps. You shall visit historic museums, restored ships, and famous meeting places.
2. Fenway Park
Boston residents are fervent about sports, and Fenway Park home to the Boston Red Sox, is at the heart of the city. Tour the stadium, watch a baseball game, and catch a glimpse of the iconic Green Monster.
3. Quincy Market
Quincy Market is a bustling indoor and outdoor market for higher-end retail shops, dining, and entertainment. Be treated to local seafood, American cuisines, and a variety of unique shops.
4. Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a historic, tranquil neighborhood with picturesque cobblestone streets and charming gas lamps. Take a stroll along the beautiful brick sidewalks, lined with cafes and boutique shops.
5. Harpoon Brewery
Boston's Harpoon Brewery is a family-owned establishment, that beers a variety of the city's craft beers. Take a tour of this famous brewery, learn about the beer-making process, and sample various brews.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is a coastal town in Connecticut and home to many scenic attractions. It is just a short drive from Boston and worth exploring. Here are the most attractive sites to visit in Mystic, Connecticut.
1. Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum is the perfect excursion for maritime lovers. The outdoor museum chronicles New England's maritime history and has the country's largest collection of historic ships, boats, and major artifacts.
2. Olde Mistick Village
Olde Mistick Village is an experimental shopping center with independent shops, boutiques, entertainment, and museums with a classic colonial feel.
3. Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is an award-winning aquarium exhibiting majestic marine life like dolphins, sharks, seals and penguins. Visitors have a chance to learn about endangered species and sample foods that sustain wildlife in the aquarium.
4. Mystic River Bascule Bridge
If you follow Route 1 into downtown Mystic, you can't help but notice the iconic Bascule Bridge. This drawbridge swings open to let boats in and out of the Mystic River, and it's an amazing sight to see.
5. Mystic Pizza
Mystic Pizza, named after the famous 1988 film starring Julia Roberts, is a must-visit spot to savor delicious pizza dishes or get a glimpse of the movie memorabilia.
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is a small city 16 miles outside of Mystic, Connecticut. It is home to Yale University, world-class art museums, and architectural wonders. Here are some of the top spots to visit in New Haven.
1. Yale University
Yale University campus is a must-visit while in New Haven. Take a free student-led tour of the grounds and learn about the prestigious Ivy League.
2. The New Haven Green
The New Haven Green is a historic public park built-in 1638 and surrounded by beautiful ivy-covered buildings. It is a serene environment for a picnic or stroll.
3. East Rock Park
East Rock Park is a favorite destination for hiking enthusiasts, offering the best views of New Haven and 40 miles of scenic hiking trails.
4. Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana
Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana is a New Haven institution, popular for over a century, serving wood-fired pies with delicious toppings.
5. The Yale University Art Gallery
The Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest art museum in America and houses over 200,000 artifacts. They walk through 4,000 years of world art history.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
As you approach your final destination of Toms River, visit Atlantic City that lies 35 miles from Toms River. It is a seaside resort full of attractions, ranging from entertainment venues, casinos, beaches and shopping.
1. Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is the heart and soul of Atlantic City, stretching six miles of beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean with casinos, shops, cafes, and tourist attractions.
2. Tanger Outlets
The Tanger Outlets is a haven for avid shoppers. It's a contemporary shopping center with over 100 leading outlet stores.
3. Absecon Lighthouse
Absecon Lighthouse is 171-foot-tall. Today, it's one of Atlantic City's signature attractions, offering fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding area wherever you'll gaze.
4. The Steel Pier
The Steel Pier is a historic amusement park and entertainment venue, offering old-school excitement with rides and attractions, including a 200-foot observation wheel.
5. Atlantic City Beach
The Atlantic City beach is a long stretch of soft sand with unending views of the Atlantic Ocean, offering water adventures like mini-golf, surfing, and volleyball.
Conclusion
The Boston to Toms River road trip is a great way to explore various places across three amazing states. From Boston, historic New Haven, picturesque Mystic, and seaside Atlantic City, you shall make unforgettable memories across the journey. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of regular life and plan the Ultimate Road Trip with family or friends to appreciate the beautiful delights this country has to offer.