New Bedford is a quaint seaside fishing town located on the South Coast of Massachusetts. Famous for its great impact on maritime history and culture and its multicultural heritage, you’ll find plenty of museums to transport you back in time. New Bedford is also home to beautiful artistry and a cute little downtown area filled with local shops and restaurants. When you ride the Commuter Rail’s New Bedford branch on the New Bedford/Fall River Line, you’ll discover that there is so much to see, eat, and do here.
History and Culture Come Alive in New Bedford
18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740
A must-see in the area, the New Bedford Whaling Museum shares the diverse culture, history, and stories of this maritime region during the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum was founded in 1903, motivated by a desire to preserve the artifacts and narratives of New Bedford whalers, seafarers, shipbuilders, fishermen, seamstresses, abolitionists, and immigrants.
You’ll find interactive exhibits like the world’s largest ship model, displays of fine and decorative arts, cultural artifacts, and the world’s largest scrimshaw collection. Uncover the dramatic history of human interaction with whales and the science of whales today as the museum continues to champion whale and ecological preservation to protect the area’s heritage and culture.
33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740
The New Bedford National Historical Park is over 34 acres and spread over 13 city blocks offering visitors a look into the history of the city’s past. Throughout your journey, you can explore the park’s Visitor Center, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Seamen’s Bethel, the schooner Ernestina, and the Rotch-Jones Duff House and Garden Museum.
The park is also home to the National Historic Landmark, the Nathan and Polly Johnson House. Nathan and Polly Johnson were African American entrepreneurs and abolitionists during the 19th century heavily involved with the Underground Railroad. This became Frederick Douglas’s first home as a free man after escaping slavery in 1838. Discover more about New Bedford’s role in the abolitionist movement and maritime culture by taking a guided tour.
608 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Offering an eclectic mix of art year-round within four gallery spaces, the New Bedford Art Museum showcases the talent of local artists and community partners. Explore new, rising media, and art practices including sound art, olfactory art, floral art, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and other forms of art.
427 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740
The New Bedford Museum of Glass shares the beauty and history of glass in New England. Here, you’ll discover why New Bedford was once called the “Art Glass Capitol of the Country” through collections of early American blown and pressed glass, Sandwich glass, lighting, marbles, and cup plates, among others. The museum also includes a Virginia Shaw Rockwell Research Library which contains more than 8,000 volumes of glass-related subject matter.
285 Union St, New Bedford, MA 02740
At Delicias de Anita, you’ll find authentic and fresh Mexican, Salvadorian, and Guatemalan food. Try the Carne Asada, Nachos Supreme, or the pupusa (which is the national dish of El Salvador).
780 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA
The Pour Farm Tavern is New Bedford’s premier craft beer tavern that includes a large selection of beer, snacks, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Each week the tavern features live music from various singers and bands, and an Open Jam event, where you have the chance to showcase your talent. The tavern is open on Sunday from 11 am to 2 am, Monday to Tuesday from 4 pm to 2 am, and Wednesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 2 am.
127 West Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02744
The New Bedford Antiques at the Cove is one of the area’s largest multi-dealer stores and features around 260 dealers and 55,000 square feet of books, furniture, clothing, jewelry, toys, collectibles, and more. This is a New Bedford gem where you can find eclectic styles and pieces that were also used in some of Hollywood’s TV shows and films for the production’s set design. Take a quick rideshare as this antiques store is 2.3 miles away from the station by foot.
741 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740
You’ll find an eclectic mix of vintage and pre-loved clothing at The MadLila. Right in the heart of downtown New Bedford, this shop offers jumpsuits, rompers, dresses, tops, swimwear, outerwear, handbags, accessories, shoes, and so much more. Find your next show-stopping outfit when you stop by this hip shop.