Location: New Bedford
Top Things to do in New Bedford
The 10 Best Things to do in New Bedford, Massachusetts (MA)
New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 95,072, making it the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts. New Bedford is nicknamed "The Whaling City" because during the 19th century, the city was one of the most important, if not the most important, whaling ports in the world, along with Nantucket, Massachusetts and New London, Connecticut. The city, along with Fall River and Taunton, make up the three largest cities in the South Coast region of Massachusetts.
Restaurants in New Bedford
1. New Bedford Whaling Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 819 reviews
The largest museum in America devoted to human interaction with whales in the world's oceans, the history of whaling and its impact, and the history of Southcoast Massachusetts, the Whaling Museum houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts relating to whaling during the age of sail, socioeconomic history of the region, whale ecology, marine mammal conservation, and ocean health. Visitors can marvel at massive whale skeletons, board the world's largest ship model - the Lagoda - see an exhibit about the world's longest painting, and explore hands-on learning activities in the Casa dos Botes Discovery Center. The Whaling Museum is a compelling destination that inspires all visitors to reflect on the complex issues that shaped the past, remain critical today, and inform a sustainable future.
Reviewed By 219tiffanyv - Boston, United States
I took my 3 & 9 year old for the day and there was so much to see and learn. I hadn't been here since I was a kid and was surprised at how many more exhibits and rooms there were. You could easily spend the day here. If you have a Sails library card, you can even get a discount. There's a discovery center where the kids can play and use their imagination with the different maritime activities. They also have an observation deck that overlooks the New Bedford waterfront with amazing views of the fishing boats. On the way out you can check out the gift shop. We purchased shark teeth and mini sea shells!
2. CuttyHunk Ferry Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By deborahbO9777RE
Visiting Cuttyhunk Island is only part of the fun. Getting to and from via CuttyHunk Ferry Co. is all part of it. Thanks to the captain and crew for running a tight ship. And the gentleman who played a seafaring ditty on his accordion on the way back to New Bedford gave the end of the day a nice, quirky feel.
3. Seamen's Bethel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
A historic church dedicated to sailors.
Reviewed By FellowTraveler730578
This seaman's church and memorial is lovely and quite moving - there are many plaques and memorials honoring seamen and sailors lost at sea or who died in foreign ports. This is a free museum too. Worth a stop while touring New Bedford.
4. Fort Taber Park
5. Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By LindaB262 - Portsmouth, United States
House and Gardens are well worth the time. The guides are very helpful. They know great detail about history of the families that occupied the house. Rose garden has about 26 different varieties of roses..beautiful!
6. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
New Bedford was the mid 19th century's preeminent whaling port and for a time the richest city in the world. Whaling, a leading 19th century enterprise, contributed to America's economic and political vitality. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park helps to preserve, protect, and interpret certain districts, structures, and artifacts that are associated with the history of whaling and related social, economic, and environmental themes for the benefit and inspiration of this and future generations. The park encompasses 34 acres spread over 13 city blocks and includes the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Seamen's Bethel, the schooner Ernestina, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum. These efforts will be undertaken in partnership with the city of New Bedford, local and regional institutions, and the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska. Address is for the National Park Visitor Center.
Reviewed By 513frederickk - New Bedford, United States
The whaling National Park in New Bedford us a treasure, an urban National Park, anchored by one of the nation's finest specialty museums. The New Bedford Whaling Museum is magnificent, with treasures from whaling days, gorgeous and important art and even the twin to the Resolute desk from the White House! The museum is only the beginning. The cobblestone streets, the wonderful restaurants, the Seamans Bethel all add to a wonderful ambiance that triumphantly conveys the history of the city that lit the world.
7. Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By pamelam848 - Dartmouth, United States
The “Churchill” performance by Randy Otto was outstanding. The historical authenticity and Otto’s performance made us feel as though we were amidst the British in one of their and the world’s darkest hours. Questions for Churchill at the end engaged the audience and demonstrated Otto’s superb command of his subject. Thank you, Mr. Otto and the Zeiterion! The Zeiterion continues to bring outstanding talent, entertainment and enlightening programs to our region. The theatre’s restoration combined with warm hospitality of the staff and volunteers make the Zeiterion a most enjoyable venue.
8. The New Bedford Museum of Glass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
9. Buttonwood Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 207 reviews
As the 12th oldest Zoo in the country, the Buttonwood Park Zoo has delighted and enlightened millions of visitors over its more than a century existence. We are dedicated to preserving the future of wildlife by creating engaging and educational experiences that connect the community to the natural world. The Buttonwood Park Zoo is a local treasure in the community that not only serves to create long-lasting memories, but has become a conservation-based center focused on preserving important species and the habitats they call home. We are open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Stop in for a visit and see why we are the most visited attraction in the SouthCoast.
Reviewed By Grover_Ohio - Dartmouth, United States
Local gem and a wonderful place to visit. They have really done a nice job with this zoo. Varied attractions, in natural settings. The rainforest, bear and seal exhibits were are favorites. The new Charlie Winterhalter dedicated exhibit (Charlie's Nature Play) in the farm animal area is a terrific new exhibit. We are looking forward to the opening of the red panda exhibit soon. Easy to walk, a train ride for the kids, a must visit no matter your age. We were so impressed we become members upon exiting the zoo.
10. Seastreak
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By TimG2382
So quick, so easy and you save an hour in driving time and miss the cape traffic. Perfect. Great views. Easy parking. What more could I ask for.
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