Road Trips from New Bedford, MA
Planning a quick escape from New Bedford? You've got options for short, scenic drives, mostly within a two-hour radius, featuring predominantly flat terrain. The proximity to several National Historical Parks makes these trips ideal for history buffs or anyone looking for a dose of nature and heritage. Whether you're after a brief half-day excursion or a slightly longer jaunt, these routes offer a convenient way to break away without a major time commitment.
Total Routes
27
Shortest
1.2h
With Parks Nearby
27
Under 2 hours
13 total in this range
Danvers, MA
1h 45m78.2 mi one way
This 1.8-hour, 78.2-mile drive offers access to Boston National Historical Park, Adams National Historical Park, and of course, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. It's a good option if you want to explore multiple historical sites, with a drive profile that mixes highway and surface roads on mostly flat terrain.
Whitinsville, MA
1h 14m58.4 mi one way
At 1.2 hours and 58.4 miles, this is one of the shortest trips available from New Bedford. It puts you near New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. The drive is rated a 9 for its mixed highway and surface roads, all on mostly flat terrain.
Sunderland, MA
1h 28m68.5 mi one way
This 1.5-hour, 68.5-mile route is a solid choice for accessing historical parks. You'll be within reach of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and Minute Man National Historical Park. The drive is rated a 9 and travels through mostly flat terrain.
North Andover, MA
1h 49m84.6 mi one way
Covering 84.6 miles and taking 1.8 hours, this drive offers convenient access to Boston National Historical Park and Adams National Historical Park, in addition to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. It’s a mixed highway and surface road route with a drive score of 9, traversing mostly flat terrain.
South Lancaster, MA
1h 45m83.2 mi one way
This 83.2-mile trip takes 1.8 hours and features a 'Mostly highway' profile with a drive score of 9. It provides access to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and Minute Man National Historical Park, all on mostly flat terrain.
Full-day getaway
14 total in this range
Palmer, MA
2h 5m100 mi one way
A 2.1-hour, 100-mile drive that leans towards 'Mostly highway' with a drive score of 9. This route gets you to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and the New England National Scenic Trail. The terrain is gently rolling.
Chicopee, MA
2h 25m114.2 mi one way
This 114.2-mile drive will take about 2.4 hours and is primarily 'Mostly highway' with a drive score of 9. Along the way, you can access New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and the New England National Scenic Trail, on mostly flat terrain.
Housatonic, MA
3h 19m160 mi one way
At 160 miles and 3.3 hours, this is a longer 'Mostly highway' option with a drive score of 9. It includes access to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and the New England National Scenic Trail, with gently rolling terrain.
Becket, MA
3h 21m151.6 mi one way
This 151.6-mile drive takes 3.4 hours and features a 'Mixed highway & surface' profile with a drive score of 9. You can visit New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and the New England National Scenic Trail, with gently rolling terrain.
Holland, MA
2h 1m91.5 mi one way
This 91.5-mile drive takes 2 hours and is a 'Mixed highway & surface' route with a drive score of 9. It offers access to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and the New England National Scenic Trail, with gently rolling terrain.
Browse by Mood
Palmer, MA
2h 5m100 mi one way
Danvers, MA
1h 45m78.2 mi one way
Whitinsville, MA
1h 14m58.4 mi one way
Sunderland, MA
1h 28m68.5 mi one way
Palmer, MA
2h 5m100 mi one way
Danvers, MA
1h 45m78.2 mi one way
North Andover, MA
1h 49m84.6 mi one way
Shirley, MA
1h 58m90.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers access to historical parks and scenic trails with mostly flat terrain, ideal for day trips as the weather warms.
Summer
Summer drives provide opportunities to explore multiple national parks, with routes featuring mixed highway and surface roads on generally flat terrain.
Fall
Fall trips can take you through gently rolling terrain to national parks, offering a comfortable 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
Winter
Winter travel is feasible on these routes, with mostly flat terrain and drive scores of 9, allowing access to historical parks within a few hours.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the New Bedford, MA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.