What to do in New Bedford, MA

Activities, attractions and tours

The New Bedford Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District in New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States, west of the community's waterfront. During the 19th century, when the city was
The New Bedford Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District in New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States, west of the community's waterfront. During the 19th century, when the city was
Heading out from the ferry terminal, many fishing vessels docked in the area.
Rich in history, a fantastic place to spend the day. I think they close fairly early but the second Thursday of every month is called Aha! Thursday and a lot of New Bedford is opened late, with discounts offered or even free. On Aha! Thursday, the Whaling Museum is opened till 8pm and is free. No excuse to miss it then!
New Bedford Harbor: Dredge, tugboat and Butler Flats Lighthouse.

New Bedford Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that New Bedford has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to New Bedford, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to New Bedford with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in New Bedford

New Bedford is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in New Bedford, and make it a breeze to explore New Bedford and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in New Bedford to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to New Bedford, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in New Bedford.

New Bedford attractions

New Bedford has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in New Bedford to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of New Bedford.

Looking for things to do in New Bedford can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of New Bedford or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to New Bedford attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in New Bedford

Popular places to visit

Rich in history, a fantastic place to spend the day. I think they close fairly early but the second Thursday of every month is called Aha! Thursday and a lot of New Bedford is opened late, with discounts offered or even free. On Aha! Thursday, the Whaling Museum is opened till 8pm and is free. No excuse to miss it then!

New Bedford Whaling Museum

4/5(1 review)

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
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 trip to New Bedford. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

New Bedford Art Museum
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
Buttonwood Park Zoo animal inhabitants

Buttonwood Park Zoo

4/5(1 review)

Why not visit the animals who live at Buttonwood Park Zoo during your travels in New Bedford? Attend a sporting event while you're in the area or simply enjoy its bars.

Buttonwood Park Zoo
View this amazing collection in back of the antique store! Especially the glow-in-the-dark radon pieces.

New Bedford Museum of Glass

You can spend an afternoon 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

New Bedford Seastreak Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in New Bedford with a trip to New Bedford Seastreak Ferry Terminal. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

New Bedford Seastreak Ferry Terminal

St. Luke's Hospital

If St. Luke's Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of New Bedford.

St. Luke's Hospital

Wonder Bowl

You can enjoy the entertainment at Wonder Bowl during your travels to New Bedford. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

Wonder Bowl

Fort Taber

Find out about the history of New Bedford with a stop at Fort Taber. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

Fort Taber

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from New Bedford

Padanaram harbor summer morning

North Dartmouth

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 neighbourhoods, Bliss Corner is 3 kms (2 miles) away from the city centre.
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 neighbourhoods, 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 travelling adventures.