Exploring Vintage New Bedford in 4 Days

  • Day 1: Visit Seamen's Bethel and New Bedford Whaling Museum
    15 minutes by car (5.5 miles) from New Bedford Airport

    Start your trip with a visit to Seamen's Bethel, a chapel made famous by Herman Melville's novel 'Moby-Dick.' Then head over to the New Bedford Whaling Museum to learn about the city's rich history in the whaling industry.

  • Day 2: Hike the Acushnet Cedar Swamp Trail and Explore Downtown
    20 minutes by car (10 miles) from Day 1's last location

    Begin your day with a hike on the Acushnet Cedar Swamp Trail. With 1.5 miles of picturesque natural scenery, it's perfect for adventurers. Finish the day exploring Downtown New Bedford-the Historic District has numerous creative studios, unique museums, and art galleries.

  • Day 3: Go on a Whale Watching Tour and Explore Fort Phoenix State Reservation
    25 minutes by car (10 miles) from Day 2's last location

    Board a whale watching tour and experience the thrill of watching these magnificent creatures up close. Then make your way to Fort Phoenix State Reservation and discover this historical monument's fascinating history.

  • Day 4: Visit Buttonwood Park Zoo and Tour the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
    20 minutes by car (6 miles) from Day 3's last location

    Spend a fun-filled day with the animals at Buttonwood Park Zoo, featuring more than 200 species from the Asian elephant to the Venezuelan red howler monkey. Afterward, move to Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum to explore the historic mansion and its exquisite gardens.

Time and Costs Estimate

  • Seamen's Bethel (1 hour, $10)
  • New Bedford Whaling Museum (2 hours, $18)
  • Acushnet Cedar Swamp Trail (2 hours, free)
  • Downtown New Bedford (3 hours, cost varies)
  • Whale Watching Tour (4 hours, $50)
  • Fort Phoenix State Reservation (2 hours, free)
  • Buttonwood Park Zoo (3 hours, $10)
  • Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum (2 hours, $10)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $116

Transportation

Consider renting a car for this trip, allowing you the flexibility to explore more areas on your own time. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services or hire a taxi. The estimated transportation cost in total for the trip is $350.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting one of the largest protected areas in Southeastern Massachusetts-the Cornell Farm Wildlife Refuge, which is a 40-minute drive from Day 1's last location. If you have less time and prefer to shorten the itinerary, consider combining Day 3 and Day 4's activities.

Airports

New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB) is the primary airport in New Bedford. It is a relatively small airport located about 5.5 miles from downtown New Bedford. The nearest international airport is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) located 57 miles from New Bedford.

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