Discover the Rich Maritime History at New Bedford Whaling Museum
Explore the New Bedford Whaling Museum, a gateway to maritime history and the legacy of whaling in Massachusetts.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum offers tourists an immersive experience into the maritime history of New Bedford, Massachusetts. With its extensive exhibits and rich collection, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the whaling industry and its impact on American culture.
A brief summary to New Bedford Whaling Museum
- 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, Massachusetts, 02740, US
- +1508-997-0046
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds and enhance your museum experience.
- Check the museum's website for special events and lectures that may coincide with your visit.
- Allocate at least two to three hours to fully enjoy all exhibits and galleries.
- Don't miss the gift shop for unique maritime-themed souvenirs and books.
Getting There
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Bus
From Narragansett, head to the nearest bus stop and take the RIPTA Route 14 bus towards Kingston. Ride the bus until you reach the Kingston Train Station. From there, transfer to the MBTA train service heading towards Boston and get off at the New Bedford station. Once in New Bedford, you can take a local bus (RIPTA Route 1) or walk approximately 15 minutes to 18 Johnny Cake Hill, where the New Bedford Whaling Museum is located.
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Bicycle
If you enjoy cycling, you can rent a bike in Narragansett. Start by heading north on Ocean Road towards Narragansett Avenue. Continue to follow the bike path along the scenic coastline until you reach Point Judith Road. Follow Point Judith Road to Route 1 and then take a left onto Route 1. There should be bike lanes available. Continue on Route 1 until you reach New Bedford. The museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, about a mile from the city center.
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Walking
If you prefer to walk, you can take a scenic route along the coast. Begin at Narragansett Town Beach and follow the shoreline path towards the Narragansett Pier. From there, head north on Ocean Road until you reach the intersection with Route 1. Cross safely and continue walking north along the road until you reach the bus terminal. From the bus terminal, you can catch a RIPTA bus heading towards New Bedford. Once you arrive in New Bedford, it's a short walk to 18 Johnny Cake Hill where the museum is located.
Discover more about New Bedford Whaling Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE
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Custom House Square
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Merrill's Wharf Historic District
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New Bedford Tourism Office
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Abolition Row Park
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New Bedford Historical Society
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New Bedford Preservation Society
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Prince Henry the Navigator Monument
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North Bedford Historic District
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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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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 National Historical Park Visitor Center
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New Bedford Port Society: Seamen’s Bethel and Mariner’s Home
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Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey
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New Bedford Art Museum
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New Bedford Waterfront
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New Bedford Museum of Glass
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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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New Bedford Covewalk
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Harbor Walk
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Buttonwood Park Zoo
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Essential places to dine
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Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern
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Cork Wine and Tapas
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Freestone's City Grill
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The Whale's Tail
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The Black Whale
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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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No Problemo
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222 Union Restaurant and Bar
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Back Door Burgers & More
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Merrill's on the Waterfront
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Izzy's
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Conversational Arts
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Salt and Sole
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The Drawing Room
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be jeweled
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Moby Dick Nauticals
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The Bedford Merchant
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Hewn
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Calico
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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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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