New Bedford is a city with a rich past and an even richer present. Get a taste for what makes this city dynamic – cultural diversity, historical charm, and picturesque views. Located just 95 km south of Boston and 50 km east of Providence Rhode Island, New Bedford is uniquely situated on the water providing ferry and air service to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cuttyhunk Islands.
New Bedford is a four-season destination so start planning your visit here…we’ll be expecting you!
Come explore our working waterfront, America’s #1 fishing port. Our authentic New England Seaport supports a unique blend of commercial and recreational boats. The beautiful New Bedford Harbor is at the mouth of the Acushnet River, which flows south into Buzzards Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The Blue Lane, the city’s waterfront path atop the hurricane barrier from the CoveWalk to HarborWalk, creates a contiguous set of recreational pathways that allows travel along the entire New Bedford waterfront. The city’s three boat launches accommodate fishing, sailing, rowing, kayaking, and motor boating. But wait, there is more! Bring your bathing suit, swim at one of our beaches or take along your climbing shoes, ice skates, bowling ball, golf equipment, or bicycle and enjoy the city on land!
See history come to life here in New Bedford!
The heart of the historical heritage of the city is located within the Seaport Cultural District and is filled with stories of whaling days, the Underground Railroad, and the legendary white whale, which inspired Herman Melville to sail from New Bedford and to write Moby Dick. The downtown’s old cobblestone-lined streets lead you to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Fishing Heritage Center, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Seamen’s Bethel and the Mariner’s Home. Here you can also learn out about the famous orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass by visiting the Nathan and Polly Johnson House, the first free home of Douglass after he escaped slavery.
One of the most artistic cities in the United States
Once home to great American artists Albert Bierstadt, William Bradford, and Albert Pinkham Ryder, the city continues its love of the arts and is ranked the #7 most artistic city in the United States (based on the number of artists per capita) by Richard Florida, the author of the “Rise of the Creative Class”.
New Bedford’s vibrant artist community and cultural institutions are bound to awaken your imagination. Peppered with art galleries and art studios, the city stands out for its appreciation of everything arts: from AHA!, a year round free monthly celebration of Art, History, and Architecture, to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, also known as the Z, which comes alive night after night with spectacular performances bringing both nationally and internationally acclaimed performing artists to New Bedford. The Z is also home to New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, New Bedford Festival Theatre, New Bedford Ballet and Southcoast Children’s Theatre. The New Bedford Art Museum showcases local Southcoast talent and is home to ArtWorks!.
Savor the Flavors of…
Throughout the city you can discover charming bakeries, international cafés, and fine restaurants with mouth watering dining options, many featuring a variety of from scratch and locally sourced ingredients from the sea and land. New Bedford is also home to a number of taverns featuring craft cocktails, micro breweries, an urban winery, seafood and international cuisine choices, including Portuguese and Cape Verdean flavor. Seaside dining, fresh fish and farmers markets….New Bedford has something for every palate and price range.
The official page of the City of New Bedford's Office of Tourism, Marketing & Film.
