Top 10 Things To Do In New Bedford, Massachusetts

1. Spend an enriching afternoon at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was constructed on a vast expanse of land spreading across 34 acres (13.8 hectares). The park includes several sections such as Garden Museum and a gift shop. Not only does it display a fantastic collection chronicling the whaling industry and its impacts but it also informs visitors about the rich history of the region.

Situated just by the bay, this is a great place to start your trip and immerse yourself in the rich culture of New Bedford.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

Address: 33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States

Website: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Up to 19 USD

2. Explore the art of firefighting at New Bedford Fire Museum

New Bedford Fire Museum is an amazing place devoted to the development of firefighting technology and equipment in an urban scenario. At Old Station No. 4, you’ll find a well-preserved display of antique pieces and memorabilia. There are also some fire poles that kids will love sliding down. Try on original firefighting equipment and admire vintage fire trucks in one of the oldest active fire stations in the state.

New Bedford Fire Museum

Address: 51 Bedford St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States

Website: New Bedford Fire Museum

Opening hours: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Up to 3 USD

3. Take your kids for an engaging experience at Buttonwood Park Zoo

Buttonwood Park Zoo is the 12th oldest zoo in the entire country and first opened its doors way back in 1894. Dedicated to providing meaningful and engaging opportunities, it hopes to spread awareness about the importance of animals. For an enriching experience, guests are introduced to some of the cute rescues. Highlights here include gorgeous red pandas and friendly black bears, and visitors can closely watch Asian elephants moving around elegantly.

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Address: 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States

Website: Buttonwood Park Zoo

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily - April to October), 9am - 4pm (daily - November to March)

Price: Up to 10 USD

4. Enjoy the sea breeze at New Bedford Covewalk

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

New Bedford Covewalk is part of a greater recreational path called The Blue Lane, which stretches through the length of the peninsula. This waterfront pathway is 5,550 feet (1691.7 meters) long and was constructed atop a hurricane barrier. Overlooking Clark’s Cove, it is a great place to visit any time of the day. You can also bring your dog for a stroll on this stretch as it is pet-friendly.

New Bedford Covewalk

Address: New Bedford, MA 02744, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

5. Gorge on juicy burgers at Red Heat Tavern

Red Heat Tavern is an incredibly popular dining location in New Bedford. Despite its many booths and a huge bar, it is almost always packed. With a friendly and warm atmosphere, this place equally welcomes locals and tourists. According to them, they focus on friends and have a great passion for fire and flavour. Thus, they cook all the dishes delicately and plate them with attention. Also, they use a coal oven that sears the food and renders a smokey flavour that perfectly complements the fresh craft beers.

With juicy burgers and meatloaves, this is a must-visit place for all meat lovers.

Red Heat Tavern

Address: 152 Great Rd, Bedford, MA 01730, United States

Website: Red Heat Tavern

Opening hours: 11:30am - 10pm (Mon - Thu), 11:30am - 11pm (Fri - Sat), 11:30am - 9pm (Sun)

6. Go for a walk among flowers in Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens

Allen C. Haskell was a famed horticulturalist from New Bedford who got the property together over three decades ago. It houses gorgeous historic gardens as well as one of the oldest buildings in the entire city, making it a rather charming place. Today, it serves as an oasis right in the middle of the city where you can go for a respite among flowering plants.

Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens

Address: 787 Shawmut Ave, New Bedford, MA 02746, United States

Website: Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens

Opening hours: sunrise to sunset (daily)

Price: Free

7. Revisit history at Fort Rodman

Originally known as Fort Taber, this fort was constructed to defend any possible invasions through the Acushnet River and Clarks Cove. It was renamed in 1898 in the honour of Lt. Col. William Logan Rodman, a resident of the city who was killed during the Civil War.

Today, this historical site is well-loved and respected by many across New Bedford and Massachusetts. Besides educating yourself about the rich history of the area, you can check out the military museum for a better understanding of wars. Here, you will also find memorabilia that belonged to veterans of several wars.

Fort Rodman

Address: 1000 Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744, United States

Website: Fort Rodman

Opening hours: 1pm - 4pm (Wed - Sun)

Price: Free

8. Click memorable photos of Palmer's Island Lighthouse

Palmer’s Island Lighthouse is a historic site that started operating in 1849. However, operations were discontinued in the 1960s after the construction of the hurricane barrier. Fortunately, the city authorities claimed ownership in 1978 and it was restored in 1999 for its 150th anniversary. This beautiful structure still commands a dominating presence and is occasionally open to the public on special occasions.

Palmer's Island Lighthouse

Address: Palmer Island, New Bedford, MA 02744, United States

Website: Palmer’s Island Lighthouse

Opening hours: Special events

Price: Free

9. Get lost in a colourful world at New Bedford Art Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

New Bedford Art Museum is a gorgeous space that invites guests to experience the beauty of different types of arts. Walk slowly while examining and admiring and each artist’s creative expression, indulging in a feast for the eyes. This place gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a vast variety of subjects and artistic mediums, ranging from contemporary to historic art produced by local, national and even international artists.

Filled with interactive and dynamic educational opportunities, this museum is a great place for people of all ages to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of art.

New Bedford Art Museum

Address: 608 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States

Website: New Bedford Art Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (Thu - Sun)

Price: Up to 5 USD

10. Appreciate the architecture at Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum

Step through a portal and get whisked away into old Massachusetts. Named after three of the most prominent and influential families that once lived in New Bedford, this estate bore witness to significant happenings as the city grew in cultural and economic importance. Built in the Greek Revival style, the building itself is a great specimen of exemplary architecture.

If you want to get some fresh air, you can step out to the beautifully landscaped garden that is full of flowers in the season.

Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum

Address: 396 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States

Website: Rotch-Jones-Duff House

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (Wed - Sat), 12pm - 4pm (Sun) (Memorial Day through Indigenous People’s Day)

Price: Up to 8 USD

Discover the past in New Bedford

As a leader of the movement towards sustainable whaling, it not only has a rich history but also bright future. With a warm ambience, historical monuments and unbeatable seafood, New Bedford can be the destination for your next vacation. When in town, don’t forget to check out these top attractions.