New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Massachusetts.

In the park service’s words

"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 (public domain).

Things to do

• Nathan & Polly Johnson Virtual Tour (10 to 30 Minutes): Nathan and Polly Johnson House Virtual Tour You will learn about the important history of this house and the role it played in many African Americans’ lives in New Bedford and far beyond.
• Become a New Bedford Junior Ranger: Welcome to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s Junior Ranger program! The park is excited to have you become a steward and help continue to preserve and protect your national parks. At this park, you have two options for how to become an official Junior Ranger as well as earn other types of badges.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee. Parking: While the park does not have designated parking areas, paid street and garage parking are available through the City of New Bedford.

Hours: Daily, 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.

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.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Visitor Center & Park Garden: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. The operating hours for the Visitor Center and Garden vary from other local businesses within the park boundary and surrounding city. The Visitor Center operates seasonally, please see active exceptions to ensure that the Visitor Center is open during your visit.

Weather

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

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Acadia, about 232 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.