Things to do in New Bedford

Activities, attractions and tours

Landscape panoramic view of Commercial phishing boats harbor, repair shop
New Bedford harbor panorama aerial view with fishing boats docked at piers and historic downtown of New Bedford at the background, Massachusetts MA, USA.
Landscape panoramic view of Commercial phishing boats harbor, repair shop
fishing boat heading out to sea
Colorful Red Moon Night Pier Padanaram Dartmouth Massachusetts
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What to do in New Bedford

Popular places to visit

New Bedford Whaling Museum

New Bedford Whaling Museum

You can browse the exhibits at New Bedford Whaling Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to New Bedford. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

New Bedford Whaling Museum
Buttonwood Park Zoo animal inhabitants

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Why not see the exotic and native animals who live at Buttonwood Park Zoo during your vacation in New Bedford? Attend a sporting event while you're in the area, or simply enjoy its bars.

Buttonwood Park Zoo
Aerial view of New Bedford Whaling Museum building in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in historic downtown of New Bedford, Massachusetts MA, USA.

New Bedford Art Museum

You can study the exhibits at New Bedford Art Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to New Bedford. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

New Bedford Art Museum
New Bedford Museum of Glass

New Bedford Museum of Glass

You can spend time exploring the galleries in New Bedford Museum of Glass during your travels in New Bedford. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

New Bedford Museum of Glass
St Anthony's of Padua Cath Church, Revere - Massachusetts

St. Anthony of Padua Church

St. Anthony of Padua Church is just one of the places to see in New Bedford, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

St. Anthony of Padua Church

Zeiterion Theatre

Get tickets for a show at Zeiterion Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in New Bedford. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

Zeiterion Theatre

Fort Taber

Find out about the history of New Bedford when you spend time at Fort Taber. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

Fort Taber

New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park

Learn about the local history of New Bedford when you spend time at New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park

Old Third District Courthouse

You can find out about the history of New Bedford with a visit to Old Third District Courthouse. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

Old Third District Courthouse

Frequently asked questions

Is New Bedford worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in New Bedford. Make sure to discover the area's mix of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in New Bedford?
Once you've visited top attractions like Hollywoods Beach and Wonder Bowl, spend the rest of your day enjoying New Bedford's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in New Bedford?
Don't leave without exploring Coastal Vineyards, ranked the top tourist attraction in New Bedford.
Is three days enough to stay in New Bedford?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off the leading city sights, like Coastal Vineyards, Nasketucket Bay State Reservation and Wonder Bowl. The average stay in New Bedford is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Providence isn't far away.
Is New Bedford a walkable city?
That all depends on what you'd like to do and see in New Bedford. Several key attractions, like Wonder Bowl, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through one of New Bedford's vibrant neighborhoods, Bliss Corner is 3 kilometers away from the city center.
What are some activities to do in New Bedford with kids?
Planning what to do in New Bedford with kids has never been easier. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.
What to do in New Bedford for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in New Bedford, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Coastal Vineyards or Buzzards Bay Brewing.
Are there free things to do in New Bedford?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in New Bedford. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Nasketucket Bay State Reservation is a must for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.

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