A Day Trip to New Bedford!

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Summer is officially underway, and what better a time for a day trip than now? In Massachusetts, there are a number of regions and towns to fit your next day trip, and today on MassFinds, we’re focused in on the South Coast — specifically, New Bedford, MA!
Offering a variety of attractions, ranging from museums to beaches, here are just a few of the activities, sights and restaurants to fill up your next New Bedford day trip.
Things to do & sights to see!
One of the most renowned museums in Massachusetts, the New Bedford Whaling Museum features the largest collection of whaling artifacts in the entire country. You’ll get to take a tour through maritime history and have the opportunity to survey the 66-foot long skeleton of a baby blue whale, which is one of only six complete skeletons on display in the word. For hours, directions and admission info, click here.

Additionally, for those interested in local arts and entertainment, on the second Thursday of each month, for more than a decade, AHA New Bedford (Art, History, Architecture) has showcased the city’s vibrant arts community with events, exhibits and galleries in downtown New Bedford. Check out the full AHA New Bedford schedule here.
A truly unique landmark that’s worth checking out is the Schooner Ernestina, a 100-year-old ship designated by the Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. After its immensely successful run as a Grand Banks fishing schooner, the Republic of Cape Verde gave the Ernestina to the people of the United States as a gift. During its various travels, the Ernestina also came within 600 miles of the North Pole.
Another true piece of New Bedford history, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House was built in 1834 for whaling merchant William Rotch, Jr. Nowadays, you can tour the Greek-revival house and walk through its signature gardens, which encompass a full city block. The hours and admissions schedules do change from time to time for the House, so be sure to check before you go.
The New Bedford Harbor provides a lovely backdrop for much of the city scenery, with plenty of space along the waterfront for walking and exploring. You can also hop on a boat tour for a harbor expedition, where whaling history comes alive.
Wine & Dine!
Travessia, an urban micro-winery that’s located in the heart of downtown New Bedford, focuses on making wine in small lots with primarily Massachusetts-grown grapes. Travessia is open for tastings and sales Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. (note: for tastings, please arrive 30 minutes prior to closing time). To view a complete listing of Travessia’s Massachusetts-made wines, click here. For more a more in-depth look into Travessia, check out this YouTube video.

For a unique, cultural dining experience, stop by The Celtic Coffee House. Folks who visit in the morning will find a number of options, from savory morsels to a full Irish breakfast. Those interested in lunch or dinner can choose from soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as the trademark Irish stew. For a look at their full menu, click here.
Some of the area’s best seafood can be enjoyed at downtown New Bedford’s Urban Grille. Rich and plenty with local, ocean fare, the menu boasts a plethora of mussels, scallops, swordfish, just to name a few.
For those looking to stay the night, click here to see a listing of lodging options in the South of Boston region. Make sure to also check out www.newbedfordguide.com to explore all things New Bedford in advance of your next trip.
Have you recently explored all that New Bedford has to offer? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. 🙂

TOPICS: Day Trip, South of Boston, Summer, Things to Do