Location: New Bedford
Top Things to do in New Bedford
- 1. New Bedford Whaling Museum
- 2. Fort Phoenix State Reservation
- 3. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
- 4. Seamen's Bethel
- 5. Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
- 6. St. Anthony of Padua Church
- 7. Fort Taber Park
- 8. Buttonwood Park Zoo
- 9. Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
- 10. The new Bedford Museum of Glass
The 10 Best Things to Do in New Bedford, United States
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 based on 615 reviews
The largest museum in America devoted to human interaction with whales, 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 Susan P - New York City, New York
We loved this museum. Even if you have been to other Whaling Museums, this one is great! Come and take the kids. They will love the exhibits. We loved it also and even came back another day!
2. Fort Phoenix State Reservation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Rita S - Brevard County, Florida
Although not much remains of the actual fortress itself, the exhibits, memorial plaques, cannons, & staffed flag pole make for an interesting and exciting day trip and provide an overview of the historical significance of this area. Walk the grounds, examine the architectural style, the rocks & terrain. Nice view of bay.
3. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 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 pearlyww - Westport MA USA
Scrimshaw, coachwhipping, an original whaleboat, pairpoint glass, a scale model replica of a whaling ship, whale info. Much history an original equipment from this formerly vibrant whaing capitol of America. There are activities for children 4 and older by my estimate . We spent 2 hrs, and then had to add a quarter to the meter to see the scrimshaw.
4. Seamen's Bethel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
A historic church dedicated to sailors.
Reviewed By advisorj - washington, dc
Well preserved and full of history right out of Moby Dick. Look at the Seaman's home and the other whaling sights in the area as well.
5. Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By MelYoken - New Bedford, MA
There is nothing quite like the Zeiterion, as it has everything the visitor or native New Bedford resident would want in plays, concerts, spectacles of all types. Diehard fans and first-timers alike depart sated with enjoyment, and, at the same time, already eager to return for more.
6. St. Anthony of Padua Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Liam p - Youghal, Ireland
Thank you Fr O Rourke for the guided tour of this magnificent church.What a gem awaits you after visiting St Anthony's.It is almost impossible to describe the churches interior,but rest assured any visitor who enters this church will remember it for a lifetime.Stunning is the easiest way to describe it.Put this building on your itinerary and you wont be disappointed.
7. Fort Taber Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By jandlUk - Chesterfield, United Kingdom
Nic place to visit for a walk on a Sunny day, but the Military Museum is quite special. Our visit wouldn't have been the same without the input from Stephen, a veteran himself, who is a volunteer and explained a lot about the facility to us. A great abundance of exhibits, mostly donated and extremely interesting. You could spend all day here and not have enough time to see everything.
8. Buttonwood Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By Andy L - London, United Kingdom
It's a small zoo with lots to see and plenty of animals not for really for big kids but great for the under 10s there's black bears, elephants, monkeys, cattle, horse's, they have a great aquarium, plus lots more.
The paths make it easy walking there's also a little train that runs around the zoo.
9. Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By zubill - Belleville, Canada
We were amazed at how well preserved the building, its interior and furnishings, and the gardens were maintained. In particular, the partnerships used to establish and maintain the gardens were evident everywhere.
10. The new Bedford Museum of Glass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By orcasgal - Washington
I think this may be the best glass experience of my life, and I have viewed about a dozen Dale Chihuly offerings, besides Corning, Sandwich, and all my other experiences.
The director elevated this experience to far more interesting. He took us through the back storage area, and pointed out marvelous aspects of unusual forms of glass.
The organization is obviously composed of lovers of glass who want to preserve its heritage, but suffer from lack of luxury money to build a facility to appropriately house their beloved collection.
This museum reminds me of the __Little Engine That Could__. Lovers of glass will delight in the extensive exhibits the likes of which are rarely seen even in large, famous museums.
It is unfortunately, in a warehouse area of New Bedford, behind an antique-sales area in the same building.
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