Route 127 passes Endicott College and the Prides Crossing and Beverly Farms MBTA stations before continuing eastward into Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Once in Gloucester, the route passes the Magnolia section of town before passing Ravenswood Park and Stage Fort Park, site of a large marker commemorating the city's founding.

It then re-enters Gloucester, heading southward along Rowley Shore and along the banks of the Annisquam and Mill Rivers before finally ending at Route 128, at Grant Circle.

Overall, it is noted for being a scenic road with a good view along much of Essex County’s coast.

Here, Route 127A takes the name of Bass Avenue, which it retains for half a mile before coming to an intersection with Atlantic and Thatcher Roads.

At this point, Route 127A turns north onto Thatcher Road, bending northeast and east again, while passing Good Harbor Beach.

Route 127A veers northwards onto South Street, eventually bending to the west.