Explore the Rich Maritime History at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Discover America's whaling heritage at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, a captivating blend of history and nature.
The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is a captivating destination that immerses tourists in the maritime heritage of whaling in America. This historic site offers an engaging visitor center and picturesque parks that celebrate the city's legacy as a whaling hub.
A brief summary to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center
- 33 William St, New Bedford, Massachusetts, 02740, US
- +1508-996-4095
- Visit website
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit during the summer months for special events and guided tours.
- Don't miss the chance to explore the surrounding historic district for a comprehensive experience.
- Check the park's website for any seasonal programs or workshops to enhance your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to walk through the park and explore the exhibits.
Getting There
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Bus
From East Greenwich, head to the nearest bus stop on Main Street. Catch the RIPTA bus #60 towards Newport. Stay on the bus for about 25 minutes until you reach the stop at the Newport Gateway Center. Transfer to bus #67 towards New Bedford. Ride for approximately 50 minutes until you arrive at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center stop. Walk 2 minutes to 33 William St, where the Visitor Center is located.
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Train
Make your way to the East Greenwich train station located at 1 Railroad Ave. Board the MBTA train on the Providence/Stoughton Line heading towards Boston. Get off at the Fall River Station after about 30 minutes. From there, take the local bus #9 towards New Bedford for about 30 minutes. The bus will drop you off at a stop near 33 William St. Walk about 5 minutes to reach the Visitor Center.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, rent a bike from a nearby rental shop in East Greenwich. Head south on Main Street, then take a left onto Division St. Continue to follow the bike path along the waterfront which will take you directly towards New Bedford. The ride should take about 1.5 hours. Once you reach New Bedford, follow signs to downtown, and you’ll find 33 William St. right at the center of the area.
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Walking
If you're feeling adventurous, you can walk from East Greenwich to New Bedford, though it’s quite a distance (approximately 15 miles). Start on Main St, head south, and follow the walking paths alongside Route 1A. It's a scenic route that will take around 4-5 hours, depending on your pace. Once in New Bedford, use local maps to navigate to 33 William St for the Visitor Center.
Discover more about New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE
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Custom House Square
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New Bedford Tourism Office
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Merrill's Wharf Historic District
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Abolition Row Park
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New Bedford Historical Society
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North Bedford Historic District
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New Bedford Preservation Society
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Prince Henry the Navigator Monument
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Acushnet Cedar Swamp State Reservation
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First Indian Reservation in the United States
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Elizabeth Islands
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Lafayette-Durfee House
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Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge
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Fort Barton and Ft. Barton Woods
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Unmissable attractions to see
New Bedford Whaling Museum
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New Bedford Port Society: Seamen’s Bethel and Mariner’s Home
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New Bedford Art Museum
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Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey
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Nathan and Polly Johnson House
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New Bedford Museum of Glass
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New Bedford Waterfront
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Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
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New Bedford Armory
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New Bedford Fire Museum
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Clasky Common Park
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Buttonwood Park
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Harbor Walk
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New Bedford Covewalk
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Buttonwood Park Zoo
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Essential places to dine
Freestone's City Grill
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Carmines at Candleworks
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Tia Maria's European Café
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Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern
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Destination Soups Inc
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Brick Pizzeria Napoletana
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dNB Craft Kitchen
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Cork Wine and Tapas
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No Problemo
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The Black Whale
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The Whale's Tail
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222 Union Restaurant and Bar
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Izzy's
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Miguel's Restaurant
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Back Door Burgers & More
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Moby Dick Nauticals
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The Bedford Merchant
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The Drawing Room
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Conversational Arts
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Salt and Sole
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be jeweled
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Hewn
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Calico
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1st Edition Collectibles
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Capri Fashion & Home Decor
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TL6 the Gallery
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U7
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Cojo's Toy World
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The MadLila
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Shimmer
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Garden
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The Pour Farm Tavern
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Rose Alley Ale House
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The Vault Music Hall & Pub
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Cultivator Shoals
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Sixes & Sevens
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Knuckle Heads
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The Bar
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Redwood Saloon
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Strikers Sports Bar and Grill
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Cove 1606 Bar & Grille
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Ryan's Sports Pub & Billiards
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Legends Sports Pub
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Pub 6T5 Bar and Grille
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Le Beau's Tavern
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