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New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center on a bright fall day.
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

MA
state
3
things to do
6
parks within a day
OVERVIEW

About New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. One and all, they were harpooned and dragged up hither from the bottom of the sea." H. Melville, "Moby-Dick"

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Driving times from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

Mon
Sunrise to Sunset
Tue
Sunrise to Sunset
Wed
Sunrise to Sunset
Thu
Sunrise to Sunset
Fri
Sunrise to Sunset
Sat
Sunrise to Sunset
Sun
Sunrise to Sunset
THINGS TO DO

Activities

Bookstore and Park StoreJunior Ranger ProgramShopping
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, you’ll experience all four seasons in their full glory! Summers are warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 56°F to 83°F, perfect for enjoying the coastal breeze. As the year turns, fall brings crisp, cool weather, with temperatures between 30°F and 70°F, offering the ideal backdrop for stunning autumn foliage. Winters are chilly, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 45°F, occasionally bringing snow to the scenic city. By spring, the weather begins to warm up again

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park?
Popular activities include Bookstore and Park Store, Junior Ranger Program, Shopping.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park?
Within about a day's drive you can reach Roger Williams National Memorial (38 min), Touro Synagogue National Historic Site (41 min), Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park (43 min), Adams National Historical Park (59 min), Boston National Historical Park (1 h 4 min), Boston African American National Historic Site (1 h 5 min).