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National Historical Park

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

  • Northeast

Plan a New Bedford Whaling trip

About New Bedford Whaling

"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"

From the National Park Service.

Region
Northeast
State
Massachusetts
Designation
National Historical Park
Entrance fee
None listed
  • Trail data for this park is still being added.
  • Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to New Bedford Whaling.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

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

Welcome to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park! The Visitor Center and Garden provide a distinctive urban park experience. Operating hours vary seasonally and may differ from those of our local partners/businesses within the park boundary and throughout the city. Please refer to the Visitor Center hours listed below for access and note that park grounds remain open year-round. Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Weather and when to go

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

Getting there

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center is centrally located in downtown New Bedford at 33 William Street. If you're arriving by car, take I-195 and use Exit 25, following signs for Downtown New Bedford. Parking is available in nearby garage or street parking around the visitor center. If you’re traveling by public transportation, the local SRTA buses service the downtown area, with stops close to the visitor center. Once in the area, the Visitor Center is a short walk.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address
33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Official site
nps.gov/nebe

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for New Bedford Whaling

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

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What to pack for New Bedford Whaling

Gear & Essentials

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The basics

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For this trip

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