Winding 34 miles along Cape Cod’s northern shore, the Old Kings Highway offers one of New England’s most enchanting drives. This National Scenic Byway traces the original colonial route from Bourne to Orleans, passing through quintessential Cape Cod villages that seem frozen in time.

As you travel this historic corridor, you’ll encounter white-steepled churches, antique shops tucked into weathered shingled buildings, and cranberry bogs glowing crimson in autumn. The route weaves past salt marshes teeming with shorebirds, pristine beaches along Cape Cod Bay, and centuries-old sea captains’ homes with widow’s walks still scanning the horizon.

Notable stops include the Sandwich Glass Museum, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster, and countless farm stands offering local honey, jams, and fresh produce. Art galleries dot the route, and historic cemeteries tell stories of the Cape’s seafaring past.

Allow three to four hours for a leisurely drive with stops, though you could easily spend a full day exploring. Late September through mid-October brings spectacular fall foliage and fewer crowds, while summer offers beach access and vibrant village life. Early morning drives reward travelers with soft golden light and peaceful roads before day-trippers arrive.

Explore Nearby

• Shawme-Crowell State Forest — State Park in Massachusetts
• Scusset Beach State Reservation — State Park in Massachusetts
• Dumpling Rocks Light — Lighthouse in Massachusetts
• Sandy Neck Light — Lighthouse in Massachusetts
• Swamp Meadow Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina