Old King's Highway

Route 6A on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, also known as Old King’s Highway, is one of America’s most iconic byways and comprises the largest contiguous historic district in the United States. Route 6A has been described by National Geographic as one of the World’s Most Scenic Drives; Yankee Magazine has declared it iconic and timeless, and Smithsonian Magazine described it as the most appealing stretch of highway in America. In 2021, Old King’s Highway achieved National Scenic Byway Status, This designation makes it one of only four in Massachusetts!

Most people consider Old King's Highway the section of east-west roadway on the northern side of Cape Cod between the towns of Bourne (just east of the Sagamore Bridge) and Orleans (ending at the Orleans Rotary). Route 6A also extends all the way to Provincetown, however, it does not exist as a standalone roadway in the towns of Eastham and Wellfleet and the village of South Truro, where it vanishes within US Route 6. Route 6A re-emerges in North Truro at Shore Road and extends all the way to Provincetown, where it ends at the US Route 6 junction at Herring Cove.

In all, Route 6A traverses about 62 spectacularly scenic miles from end to end, passing by cranberry bogs, salt marshes, preserved farmlands, conservation areas and coastline. Travelers can expect to see four centuries of architecture reflected in the buildings they pass along the roadway, including historic sites, sea captains’ homes, restored inns, churches and antique shops. Click here for some great points of interest along the byway.