Things to do & places to visit in New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States

New Bedford city in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 22:35.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 New Bedford Whaling Museum (850 reviews) from $19.00
- Don't Miss the Gem of New Bedford
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Anchored in the story of New Bedford’s whaling industry, NBWM shares the art, science, history, and culture of this vibrant maritime region and its people. We're a champion for whale conservation, and a keeper of the region's collective memory. Surrounded by cobblestone streets once strolled by Frederick Douglass and Herman Melville, the Museum is conveniently located within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Dive into whale biology, ecology and behavior, and marine mammal conservation. Marvel at massive whale skeletons and the world’s largest ship model, the Lagoda – a half-scale model of a 19th century whaling vessel. See a digital replica of America's longest painting in motion - the incredible “Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage ‘Round the World.” The original 1848 painting is longer than the Empire State Building is tall! Enjoy exhibitions focused on the museum's impressive art collections, and changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Wheelchair accessible. See more..
5.0 CuttyHunk Ferry Co. (84 reviews)
- Smooth running business!
Ferries

The MV Cuttyhunk is clean and well run. The signage is clear to the pier. The online ticket service is convenient and easily done. The crew are very professional and all wearing masks. Super on time - well run ship!! See more..
5.0 Mass Escape (67 reviews)
- Outstanding Escape Room
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

Mass Escape is New Bedfords first escape room, newly opened as of July this year. It is a hands-on mental adventure game in which players must use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles to escape within a set time limit or complete a mission. The business was put together by four friends who had a vision to bring an immersive and exciting escape game experience to the area. It's a great activity for family, friends and coworkers as everyone needs to work together to accomplish the goals and "escape the room". See more..
5.0 St. Anthony of Padua Church (55 reviews)
- Simply gorgeous
Churches & Cathedrals

This is an absolutely beautiful church. Built by the French Canadian immigrants that settled in New Bedford, this church is a tribute to that local heritage and a gift to those who visit. See more..
5.0 Arthur Moniz Art Gallery (15 reviews)
- excellent
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

Fabuluous gallery with fine paintings and prints of seaside scenes around New Bedford. I belive it has been at this location since 2003. In the New Bedford National Park. See more..
5.0 New Bedford Fire Museum (11 reviews)
- New Bedford Fire Museum
Speciality Museums

I was happy to find this. My kids loved it. For a small donation (I was embarrassed to pay such a small fee) .. you kids can walk through this old fire station and climb on the fire trucks ... pretend to drive them, ring the bell. There is a fire pole to slide down and fire hats and cloths to try on. It's a lot of fun for kids and a historic interest for parents. Don't miss it. See more..
5.0 Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum (7 reviews)
- talk with the experts
Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums

The volunteers provide excellent and expert guidance through the mueum with has so many exhibits that it would be hard to take them in without guidance.. In any event you can only take in so much on one visit and fortunately it is in a beautiful location on Buzzards Bay that you will want to make several return visits. See more..
5.0 New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center (5 reviews)
- Educational, fun, and free!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Located in New Bedford, the nation’s most valuable fishing port, New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the fishing industry past, present and future through exhibits, programs, and archives. The Center features a replica working deck, scallop dredge, galley table, bunks, historic and contemporary images and footage, and more than sixty audio clips sharing the many voices of the fishing community. See more..
4.5 New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (187 reviews)
- Unique & expansion park site
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • National Parks

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. See more..
4.5 Seamen's Bethel (164 reviews)
- Quiet moment with history
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

A historic church dedicated to sailors. See more..
4.5 Fort Taber Park (142 reviews)
- Visited in the Fall
Military Museums

Unfortunately, the Fort itself was closed when we visited but the stroll in the park was worth the time. Great views and the environment evokes tranquil and somewhat isolated feelings when visitors are sparse on the peninsula during the fall. Obviously chilly and super windy on the ocean front. Also not much shade so dress accordingly. See more..
4.5 Zeiterion Performing Arts Center (97 reviews)
- Comfy air conditioned venue with great sound
Theaters

We were in New Bedford for their annual music festival formerly known as Summerfest. It was our first time attending this particular festival and we are accustomed to the camp out & sit outside on a hillside in the hot sun & pouring rain kind of festival. Having the main-stage in a comfy air conditioned venue (& on 2 very hot days) was a new experience for us. Its my understanding that this is the first year that the Ziterion was used for this purpose and that the main-stage had been under a canopy in the park in previous years. See more..
4.5 The New Bedford Museum of Glass (45 reviews)
- More to glass than color and cut!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The New Bedford Museum of Glass is an art museum both historic and modern, with a unique collection gathered from around the world and spanning the millennia! See more..
4.5 Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum (42 reviews)
- lovely home, lots of roses
Historic Sites

In New Bedford you hear a lot about whaling--at this house, you can see how a leader of the industry lived. Mr. Rotch, a Quaker, built quite a place! The rooms are richly furnished, right down to the bathrooms. You can take your time or go through quickly--the tour is self-guided. Stories about the home and its owners are well told in a short introductory video. The extensive garden includes many varieties of roses. See more..
4.5 Hurricane Barrier Harbor Walk (25 reviews)
- Great Views & Easy Walk
Spent < 1 hour Piers & Boardwalks

Great Walk atop the Hurricane Barrier with sweeping ocean views. Not crowded. Easy parking on Gifford Street. We were rewarded when we found that the walkway ended at Cisco Brewery where we could have beer and snacks before walking back. See more..
4.5 New England Fast Ferry (19 reviews)
- Quick, Convenient and comfortable
Ferries

We used the Martha’s Vineyard FAST FERRY from New Bedford the other day for a day trip to the Vineyard it was a very pleasant ride: smooth, comfortable and Scenic as it went along the coast of Hyannis, Cape Cod. We made reservations ahead of time so there was no waiting and we were at the Vineyard before we knew it. Parking is very reasonable only $10 for 24 hours. You don’t need a car on the Vineyard public transportation is available for $1 you can go to a gorgeous beach or Edgertown. The ferry ports in the Victorian Village of Oak Bluffs with lots to do wonderful restaurants, shops and a beach. The best thing about leaving from New Bedford is it was only 40 minutes from Providence to the Ferry terminal as apposed to 90 to Woods Hole. The FAST FERRY ride is less than one hour the same company has a traditional ferry which is a longer ride which cost less and you still save on the drive but who wouldn’t rather be on a nice boat ride rather than fighting traffic. See more..
4.5 New Bedford Antiques (13 reviews)
- Antiques! Antiques! Antiques!
Spent 2-3 hours Antique Shops

Love Antiques? Of course you do! New Bedford Antiques has it all. Old, rare, out of print, cool, interesting, fun, nostalgic...you name it, they have it. It's a great place to just walk around and check out, or to find a gift for that person who has it all. Give them a look! See more..
4.5 New Bedford Free Public Library (11 reviews)
- Beautiful
Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

Go and see the wonderful paintings that are priceless...we often go just to look at them and wonder around this beautiful building See more..
4.5 Acushnet River Antiques, LLC (9 reviews)
- give yourself some time
Spent 2-3 hours Antique Shops

Lots to look at- fun to wander around and see all the treasures. Could easily spend hours, so plan accordingly. See more..
4.5 Museum of Madeirian Heritage (8 reviews)
- Old World journey
Spent < 1 hour Natural History Museums • History Museums

What a wonderful treat ! Visited the Museum during the Madeira Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. Beautiful garden cafe area with attention to detail in the preservation of the heritage of the Madeiran culture. A bit off the beaten track, hours are limited. Call ahead to check times / go online. Would be a nice addition following a Whaling Museum visit, then dinner at one of the many Portuguese restaurants in the area. See more..
4.5 Richard C. Wheeler Bay Learning Center (8 reviews)
- Public Exhibit of Buzzards Bay Coalition's Multifaceted Visioning for the South Coast
Speciality Museums

Discover your Buzzards Bay at the Richard C. Wheeler Bay Learning Center, a free environmental exploration center located in downtown New Bedford’s Historic District. The Bay Learning Center is your destination to learn more about our local waters and how you can protect and enjoy them. Explore our 3-D Buzzards Bay map, fish tanks, and more. Open weekdays 9-5. See more..
4.5 Gallery X (7 reviews)
- Excellent Contemporary Art
Art Galleries

Interesting and fun contemporary art, this gallery is a cornerstone in New Bedford's burgeoning art scene. See more..
4.5 Gallery65 on William (5 reviews)
- Delightful discovery.
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We came across this gallery when attending the New Bedford Folk Festival recently. What a lovely shop full of wonderful creations by local artists and craftsmen. Nicole the owner was very helpful and showed us around her store. We bought several things including one of her wool hats. There are many different types of artists represented and the space is full of their treasures. Something for everyone from cards, prints, photographs, textiles, paintings and jewelry to quirky birdhouses and other one of a kind original pieces. Nice to find this gem of a place in the new and improved downtown New Bedford area. Stop in and visit if you are in town. See more..
4.5 New Bedford Seaport Cultural District (4 reviews)
- New Bedford
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods

Located along the working waterfront in downtown New Bedford, The Seaport Cultural District boasts the historic charm, inspiration & dynamic creativity.Laced with art galleries and art studios, the Seaport Cultural District stands out for its appreciation of everything arts. The vibrant artist community & cultural institutions, within short walking distance, are bound to awaken your imagination. See more..
4.5 Judith Klein Art Gallery (3 reviews)
- Art on Display
Sunday: Art Galleries
The Judith Klein Art Gallery shows original printmaking by Judith Klein and work by regional artists. Visitors can find paintings, drawing, hand crafted furniture and jewelry for purchase at the gallery. See more..
4.0 Buttonwood Park Zoo (213 reviews)
- Such a nice zoo
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos

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. See more..
4.0 New Bedford Art Museum (25 reviews)
- A great little museum with wonderful exhibits
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

This is a hidden gem. The exhibits change but they are always enjoyable. This past summer the main focus was Audubon prints. This fall it is painter and photographers focused on the four seasons. The museum represents artists from around the world but specializes in many of the local artists in this burgeoning artist community. It is worth the trip. Don't miss the bank vault and the exhibits downstairs. See more..
4.0 New Bedford Waterfront Visitors Center (14 reviews)
- Attractive historic brick building, clean and pleasant.
Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

The staff of the Waterfront Visitors Center are always super friendly and helpful. Ready to explain how to get to places to visit in New Bedford, plenty of maps and brochures. See more..
3.5 Seastreak (82 reviews)
- Good- but beware valet parking charge
Spent < 1 hour Ferries

The ferry experience is fine- easy to get to the terminal, nice terminal facility with clean bathrooms, loading procedures, smooth fast ride, quick debarking. A little pricier than the Woods Hole ferries but a nice experience. However, the thing that left a bad taste was the cost of valet parking, which I was led to believe would be lower...then i got the bill at the end. Just be aware that they charge PER DAY, so e.g. Fri-Sun is 3 days, not 2. I was led to believe that Fri to Sat was 1 day & Sat to Sun was a 2d day, but actually they count it as 3 days. So your cost can go up quickly. See more..
3.5 New Bedford Antiques at the Cove (8 reviews)
- Huge Antique "Playground"
Spent More than 3 hours Antique Shops

My husband and I are always looking for interesting antique pieces. We visited the New Bedford Antiques at the Cove on a whim and were pleasantly surprised. First the size is mind boggling. On our first trip we spent 90 minutes there and only made it approximately 1/3 of the way through. On our second trip we were more focused on the area we wanted to peruse and spent an additional 2 hours there selecting a high back oak bed from the 1880s, (4) aqua leather chairs from 1910, and a peacock upholstered desk chair from 1890 or so. The prices were reasonable and offers were accepted. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. The place itself is a treasure trove with items in every nook and cranny! It has become one of our favorite places to browse if we have time as stock rotates quickly. See more..