I have a deep appreciation for places where community meets the beauty of our natural surroundings. As people, we are deeply connected with and part of nature. Its so important that we appreciate all the beauty that is right here in our community. As a photographer, I find so much joy in capturing that beauty for others to enjoy as they view the image but also to be motivated to visit it too. Here’s 5 of my favorite places in and around New Bedford, Massachusetts as a Wareham based photographer.
Mattapoisett Rail Trail
Mattapoisett Rail Trail, part of the Southcoast Bikeway, is a gorgeous asset to this area! The “Shining Tides Mile” is stunning, featuring a boardwalk that travels over salt marshes and highlights the unique beauty of our Southcoast, Massachusetts landscape. It’s great for biking and walking and connects to the larger Phoenix Rail Trail. You can visit to get some exercise, enjoy the scenery, or admire the wildlife.
Find more information from Buzzards Bay Coalition and Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.
Acushnet Sawmill
Driving through this area, you might never expect a haven of wildflowers just a few steps away. But Acushnet Sawmill is right there to explore just a couple miles east of New Bedford Regional Airport. It features a short, flat trail that has no shortage of beautiful flora.
Find more information from Buzzards Bay Coalition
The Bogs
This area is restored cranberry bogs which is an interesting and beautiful display of this area’s unique tradition. The Bogs were temporarily closed in 2024 to be further restored and have reopened with renewed lushness including freshwater wetlands and native grasslands. There is 2 miles of trails that are great to explore any time of year and connect to 8 additional miles of trails at Mattapoisett River Reserve.
Find more information from Buzzards Bay Coalition
Haskell Public Gardens
Haskell Gardens is another Trustees of the Reservations property and an unexpected botanical space nestled in central New Bedford. It offers options for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts – you could stroll through the gardens, sit and read in the open grass, enjoy a meal at the tables and benches under the shade of various trees, learn about both native and rare and unusual plants, or attend a horticultural workshop. You can even go for snowy hikes and adventures on the 6-acre grounds in the winter!
Find more information from the Trustees of Reservations
Fort Taber Park
Fort Taber Park is a pillar in New Bedford, holding space for community members to enjoy the beach, bike paths, a playground, and more. It’s inviting for so many reasons and especially stunning on a beautiful sunny day. My personal favorite is to bike along the trails by the hurricane barrier over to Fort Taber, and then spend some time on the beach too!
Find more information from Buzzards Bay Coalition and The City of New Bedford
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