10 Best Places in New Bedford, Massachusetts To Visit By Charter Bus

With its deep maritime roots, thriving arts scene, and rich cultural heritage, New Bedford is an excellent destination for group trips of all kinds. Whether you’re planning a day out with students, a private sightseeing tour, or a special event with friends, there’s no better way to explore the “Whaling City” than with a charter bus rental. Charter Bus Rental New Bedford makes it easy to find the perfect ride for your group, from compact minibuses ideal for navigating downtown streets to spacious full-size coaches equipped with premium amenities for long-distance journeys across Massachusetts. Call 774-425-8550 anytime to get started—our reservation team will be happy to help you build the perfect itinerary and offer a free instant quote.

New Bedford Whaling Museum

18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740

No visit to New Bedford is complete without a stop at the world-renowned Whaling Museum, the heart of the city’s historic district. This exceptional museum chronicles America’s whaling heritage and showcases the industry that made New Bedford one of the wealthiest cities in the 19th century. See the massive skeletons of sperm whales, step aboard the Lagoda—a half-scale replica of a whaling ship—and explore exhibits on global maritime history, local art, and the ongoing efforts to conserve marine life. Groups can reserve guided tours or participate in hands-on educational programs tailored to all ages, making this an ideal destination for school field trips or cultural excursions. Your charter bus can drop everyone off right by the entrance, ensuring easy access for all visitors.

Buttonwood Park Zoo

425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740

One of the oldest zoos in the United States, Buttonwood Park Zoo delights families and animal lovers with more than 200 species from around the globe. Highlights include Asian elephants, red pandas, cougars, river otters, and a working farm where kids can interact with goats and sheep. The zoo’s manageable size and shaded pathways make it perfect for groups with young children or seniors. Charter Bus Rental New Bedford can help arrange transportation for summer camps, birthday parties, or scout troops, ensuring everyone arrives together and on time. Don’t forget to check the zoo’s calendar for daily animal encounters and seasonal events like Boo at the Zoo or Zoo Lights during the holidays!

New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks!

608 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Located in the heart of downtown New Bedford, the Art Museum/ArtWorks! offers a dynamic showcase of contemporary visual art from regional and national artists. Rotating exhibitions feature everything from paintings and photography to sculpture and mixed media, while the museum’s community gallery often highlights work by local students and emerging talent. Groups can book docent-led tours or participate in creative workshops designed to engage all skill levels. If you’re planning an afternoon of culture hopping, pair your visit here with stops at nearby galleries and studios in the Seaport Cultural District. With a minibus or charter bus handling parking and navigation, your group can focus on enjoying the vibrant arts scene.

Fort Taber Park/Fort Rodman

1000 Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744

For history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Fort Taber Park offers a unique blend of military history, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities. Overlooking Buzzards Bay, the park encompasses the Civil War-era Fort Rodman, several military memorials, and miles of walking and biking trails along the shoreline. Groups can explore the small but informative Fort Taber Military Museum, picnic on the grassy lawns, or simply enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and distant islands. The park’s ample parking lot can easily accommodate larger buses, making it a popular spot for veterans’ reunions, history tours, or just a relaxing day by the sea.

The Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum

396 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Step back into the opulent lifestyle of New Bedford’s whaling elite with a visit to the Rotch-Jones-Duff House, a beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansion set amidst four acres of formal gardens. Guided tours reveal elegant parlors, period furnishings, and fascinating stories about the families who lived here from 1834 to 1981. Outside, stroll through rose beds, herb gardens, and shady arboretums—perfect for group photos or a quiet moment of reflection. The museum frequently hosts garden tours, lectures, and seasonal events like Victorian teas or holiday candlelight evenings. Arriving by charter bus ensures your group can enjoy the house and grounds without worrying about limited street parking in this residential neighborhood.

Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

684 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Catch a show at “The Z,” New Bedford’s premier venue for live entertainment. This historic 1,200-seat theater presents a diverse lineup throughout the year, including Broadway tours, concerts, dance performances, comedy acts, and family-friendly programming. Group discounts are often available for select shows, making it affordable to bring students, colleagues, or club members for an evening of world-class culture. If you’re organizing a night out, let your charter bus handle the busy downtown traffic and post-show pickup. The Zeiterion is also within walking distance of many restaurants and bars, so your group can easily enjoy dinner and a show without moving vehicles.

Seamen’s Bethel

15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740

Fans of literature and maritime history will want to visit Seamen’s Bethel, the 1832 chapel immortalized in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Still an active place of worship and remembrance, the Bethel honors generations of seafarers lost at sea with plaques lining its wooden walls. Guided tours delve into the building’s architecture, Melville’s connection to New Bedford, and the enduring traditions of the fishing and whaling communities. The chapel’s central location next to the Whaling Museum makes it a convenient stop on a walking tour of the historic district. If accessibility is a concern for your group, a sprinter van or minibus can provide door-to-door service up the hill.

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center

38 Bethel St, New Bedford, MA 02740

New Bedford remains America’s top-grossing commercial fishing port, and the Fishing Heritage Center celebrates this living legacy with engaging exhibits, oral histories, and hands-on activities. Step inside to learn about the daily lives of fishermen, the evolution of gear and vessels, and the diverse immigrant communities that sustain the industry today. Try knot-tying, listen to traditional sea shanties, or watch demonstrations of net-mending and shellfish shucking. The center regularly hosts film screenings, author talks, and festivals like the Working Waterfront Festival each September. A visit here pairs well with a guided harbor tour or seafood lunch downtown—all easily coordinated with group transportation from Charter Bus Rental New Bedford.

CoveWalk & HarborWalk

West Rodney French Blvd & East Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744

Get some fresh air and take in stunning water views along New Bedford’s two signature walking trails. CoveWalk runs atop the hurricane barrier along Clark’s Cove, offering a wide, paved path for walkers, runners, and cyclists. On the opposite side of the peninsula, HarborWalk stretches along the outer harbor, connecting beaches, parks, and fishing piers. Both walks are wheelchair-accessible and feature interpretive signs about local wildlife, harbor defenses, and the city’s role in coastal protection. These paths are ideal for wellness outings, photography clubs, or eco-tours focused on coastal ecology. Your charter bus can drop off and pick up at multiple trailheads, allowing your group to customize the length and pace of their excursion.

Custom House Square & Downtown New Bedford

Intersection of William St & Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA 02740

Make Custom House Square your starting point for exploring downtown’s shops, restaurants, and public art. This lively plaza hosts farmers’ markets, food truck festivals, and free concerts during the warmer months, drawing locals and visitors alike. From here, it’s a short walk to everything downtown has to offer: browse indie bookstores and boutiques, sample Portuguese pastries, or admire murals and sculptures scattered throughout the Seaport Cultural District. If your group plans to dine or shop in multiple locations, a minibus or charter bus allows everyone to store their purchases securely between stops. Downtown New Bedford’s compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to see and do more in a single outing.

Book a New Bedford Charter Bus Today

Ready to plan your group trip to New Bedford? Charter Bus Rental New Bedford can help you find the perfect charter bus, minibus, or sprinter van for your itinerary—whether you’re visiting museums, parks, theaters, or anything else this historic city has to offer. Our statewide services cover all of Massachusetts, so we can easily coordinate pickups from Boston, Providence, Cape Cod, or anywhere your journey begins. Start your reservation online or call 774-425-8550 anytime to speak with our team. We’ll answer your questions, suggest the best vehicle for your group size and needs, and provide an instant price quote. Enjoy comfortable, reliable, and fully customizable transportation on your next New Bedford adventure!