New Bedford MA is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate New Bedford MA experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of New Bedford MA you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in New Bedford MA
Buttonwood Park Zoo
- Address: 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2661)
- Phone: +1 508-991-6178
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in New Bedford MA
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
- Address: 33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1798)
- Phone: +1 508-996-4095
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
It was exciting. We love New Bedford for it’s historical downtown to it’s restaurants and beautiful old homes. My daughter lives there with her children and husband. It’s a family vacation spot. ?By Crystal Miles Gauthier (3 weeks ago)This museum has a lot to offer for its viewers. It’s gallery hosts a large collection of whaling related information and artwork. There are life sized whale models, as well as a miniature whaling boat. One of the museum hosts was a Captain in the past and he was kind enough to explain to us a lot of information. Has Japanese, Azorean, and many more whaling related pieces. As well as a section dedicated to slave labor and African American and Native contributions.By Nathaly M. (7 months ago)Very interesting, far more than I had expected . It truly gives you a sense of the life. Including the full size replica whaling ship inside the museum.By Dave Leach (4 months ago)Not a building, museum, or park, New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park is a district of the city, that includes all of those things and much more. For most people it’s a destination for history, arts, food, and entertainment, for many it’s a place to work, and for some it’s home. Everyone is welcome. You’ll be enchanted by the streets, buildings, art, music, cuisine, and people. Old coexists with new, townies and tourists. Don’t ask about the namesake, the magnificent creatures. We really shouldn’t have killed all those whales, but today we strive for redemption. This place is now gifted with vibrancy, grit, beauty, and hope. ‘Love to see you!By Mark Bernardo (a year ago)Great place to visit. Lots of interesting artifacts and history.
Bring your kids but don’t expect to be able to read as much of the info if you do. Lol
By Eric Salamon (8 months ago)
Fort Phoenix State Reservation
- Address: 100 Green St, Fairhaven, MA 02719, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1380)
- Phone: +1 508-992-4524
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
Gorgeous spot! Needed a nice place to sit for a video meeting and was extremely happy to stumble upon this lovely park. Seems a popular spot to stop in your vehicle, take a walk, or play. There are a lot of recreational courts for games like tennis, a playground, a sandy beach, and a walking path.By Maxine Kravitz (10 months ago)Enjoy coming here with my wife and kids. It’s very relaxing and educational (I’m constantly reminding them of this historic places in the area). It’s also well maintained and is a great spot for pictures.By Jeff G (3 months ago)Nice, bigger area now. Picnic tables bbq charcoal thing. Bathrooms, but not sure if open? It’s July. It’s free. And have lifeguards. Rocky, bring shoes if touchy..lolBy Melinda c (4 months ago)Beautiful view, clean water, great place to visit, historic. Great place to visit alone, to eat lunch, or to bring family and friends.By Jessica Giard (4 months ago)Great place for exploring. Beach is nice, lifeguards, but bring surf shoes if going in the water, kind of rocky/lots of shells. Outside shower, Bathrooms close early. Playground, basketball court, old fort, picnic areas and hurricane barrier. Free parking. No food stand but ice cream truck occasionally shows up in the summer. Great family place or just to sit and watch the boats.By Karen Tate (a year ago)
New Bedford Whaling Museum
- Address: 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (1141)
- Phone: +1 508-997-0046
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
I brought a date to the New Bedford Whaling Museum and we had a great time. Lots to look at, some very interesting things and things I won’t post here because unlike my other social media, my guides account is the only one I keep PG-13. I could make some comments about the whale genitalia on display, but I’ll keep my thoughts to myself ? LOL. I took particular interest in the giant whale heart sculpture due to my own heart condition. anything to do with hearts always attracts my attention. Of course there were plenty of model ships and full size boats. There’s also a half scale whaling boat which is the centerpiece of the museum. You can climb on and look around. I saw lots of kids really enjoying it. We were there talking and meandering around for about 2 1/2 hours and didn’t see everything though we were admittedly taking our time admiring everything. My only complaint was the admission price. Not sure how it chocks up comparatively to other museums but it seemed high to me at $19 per adult ticket. Other than that I had a great time and I plan to go back eventually and see what I missed. Saw a lot of reviews saying kids were not so welcome by staff. I did not see any group tours or kids on guided tours, but lots of kids with parents seemed to be enjoying themselves. I regret that I didn’t take more pictures.By Robert Cockerline (2 weeks ago)This is an amazing museum dedicated to whaling. There are skeletons, models, ships, educational displays, and lots of beautiful art. You can easily spend a couple of hours here. Excellent for children and adults alike.By Muriel Rand (2 months ago)This museum looks much smaller from the outside, it is very large! The inside has whale skeletons, many types of boats used in whaling, local artwork, and lots of historical information. Background on how the Portuguese influenced whaling via people from the Azores was very interesting. It is a short walk from the museum to get something to eat and to walk around the harbor.By Richard Clapham (3 months ago)Hands down one of the best museums of New England. Learn about whales, whaling. See art and artifacts of various artists from the whaling era and the mill town that New Bedford is and world’s largest ship model on which you can go on and explore. Had a great time ??
Do catch the film ? which sheds light on the rich history of New Bedford as the world’s whaling capital and as a mill town.
By Seek Nature (8 months ago)A really nice museam. Lots of great information and cool displays. It’s small enough to visit for half a day but covers the history of whaling nicely. The half scale model of a whaling ship is excellent and you get to go on it! Inside tip, there is a few free parking spots right in front. Knocked of a star because the audio tour is very disorganized.By Bill T (2 months ago)
Buttonwood Park
- Address: Rockdale Ave, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1014)
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Reviews:
So, the playground is great. Nice open area, plenty to do. Those black topped things you hop from one to another were loose and wobbly. There were also plenty of mice running around. My daughter loved chasing them, as they ran to hide under the bench. As I am trying to get far far away one ran between my feet. So, yeah good times.By Cbcjvm6 (6 months ago)I came for the farmers market. So happy to find the same farmer who was selling the best Corn on the in New Bedford! I could kick myself for only buying 5 ears of it but I have the farmers market schedule and I know where to find him lol.. I’m sharing some photo’s with you all..By Cor Mango (3 months ago)This zoo was small but so enjoyable. Can see it all in about 2 hours but very clean and animals well provided for. The gift shop had so many reasonably priced items to purchase and the Cafe had great tasting food that was priced fairly. The cost to get in was so affordable. The train ride was short but fun and informative. We enjoyed this zoo very much.By Susan Teddick Graves (2 months ago)This zoo made me sad. The enclosures were fairly small and had limited and mostly worn signage. The water for the otters was completely opaque. The place clearly needs some financial help.By Lauren Lowney (5 months ago)We went to Boo at the Zoo and they did a great job helping everyone stay distant and safe. Everyone was wearing a mask and doing their best to keep 6 ft apart. I love that the park was 1 way. We went earlier in the morning so it wasn’t as crowded as afternoon/evening. The animals were up and eating. One thing that could change was the food counter. The order station and pick up station was at the same window. People were huddled around it trying to order and pay while also getting their food. Wish there was a pick up station that one of the employees could set up a table and run the food to that table and call the name on the pick up slip. Other than that it was a great alternative to trick or treating.By Rachael Weber Ziolo (2 years ago)
Fort Taber Park
- Address: 1000C S Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (774)
Clasky Common Park
- Address: 1359 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (414)
Fort Rodman
- Address: 1000 Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (351)
New Bedford Covewalk
- Address: New Bedford, MA 02744, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (227)
Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens
- Address: 787 Shawmut Ave, New Bedford, MA 02746, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (163)
New Bedford Port Society: Seamen’s Bethel and Mariner’s Home
- Address: 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (93)
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
- Address: 396 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (84)
New Bedford Art Museum
- Address: 608 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (82)
New Bedford Museum of Glass
- Address: 427 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (57)
New Bedford Fire Museum
- Address: 51 Bedford St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (21)
Harbor Walk
- Address: Cove Rd, New Bedford, MA 02744, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (12)
Although New Bedford MA is a large state with many amazing places to visit, these 15 locations stand out as the best according to traveler ratings and reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
Buttonwood Park Zoo
June 5, 2022
I visited the zoo with a free Wareham library pass and it was a beautiful sunny day, I couldn’t of asked YHWH for more beautiful weather. It was the perfect day for a zoo visit. It wasn’t too busy with guests so it wasn’t crowded. There was 2 birthday parties going on in the building when I was there, but at different times. I find that to be a wonderful idea for parents, the kids were having a blast at the zoo. I arrived at 10:30am and some of the animals were still resting, sleeping or not yet active for viewing. Around 11:30am-12:00pm the zookeepers were feeding them so I decided to walk around the zoo a couple more times to see if I could see the animals I missed from walking around the first time around. Luckily I got to see them all. I like this zoo because it’s small and it’s perfect for small children because its not an excessive amount of walking. I do however wish that they had more animals to see. My ultimate favorite is the moon jellyfish located in the tropical building a mask is required to enter. The moon jellyfish are just simply exquisite, unique and amazing. Watching them swim around in a circle together and how they glow and breathe. It’s an amazing feeling being able to see underwater life on the surface of the earth. The other amazing under the sea creature was the orange starfish with the purple background it was artistic and beautiful display. That starfish liked to pose for the perfect picture. The seahorses were adorable clinging to plants and hanging out in their tank. I love opossums and I was hoping that he would be on display, but he doesn’t have his own habitat he is only visable for shows.
Overall I had a wonderful time. I got a cookie ice cream sandwich at the cafe and I stopped by the gift shop on the way out and bought a small opossum and a Buttonwood Park Zoo t-shirt. All the zoo staff is helpful, professional, and friendly.
I definitely will visit this quaint adorable zoo again in the future. Highly recommend for ALL ages!
Go and have a Zoo-Terrific Time!
Nice little zoo, clean and easy to navigate, but hard to find in general as there was only one tiny little sign that a saw pointing in the direction of the zoo. Most animals were visible and active. Nice little zoo for kids. Big playground nearby and a carousel inside the zoo(but apparently you need to buy a token for it, it’s not included with admission which I thought was a little strange)
There’s a nice little cafe with a great kid-friendly menu. All in all it was a nice place to stop on our way home to Connecticut from Cape Cod.
Nice little zoo! I didn’t do any research so I’m hoping that all of these animals are rescues. When I was younger I worked several years with with all types of exotic animals. The enclosures they keep these animals in don’t really seem to be that bad.It looked as though they were well taken care of. I think it’s a good place to take young children to learn about animals.
I was blown away by this place! I’ve lived an hour away my entire life and have never even heard of this place. I could not have been happier with my visit. The animals all looked content in this zoo which is proven by the zoo’s AZA verification. We meet a volunteer at the elephant area and she was a wealth of knowledge, incredibly friendly, and so passionate. You could tell she cared and I feel like that is a common theme throughout the zoo. Go! It’s like ten bucks for a ticket and you won’t regret it.
A very pleasing and relaxing atmosphere all throughout the park. Parking is ample and it’s a short walk to the entrance. The gift shop is stocked with all manner of stuffed animals and souvenirs certain to appease even the most discerning shoppers. The train ride and carousel were specially entertaining or rather fascinating for little ones.
Park staff can be easily located or identified and are glad to assist with any questions. The keepers are very knowledgeable and easy to approach with inquiries about the animals in their care.
Of note, the Bald Eagles are an impressive sight given their overall size and expansive wingspan.
The food court maintains a limited menu and prices are relative compared to other similar places. Restroom facilities are well maintained and stocked.
I did not upload nor take any pictures of actual zoo animals as to not take away from the experience of any future visitor.