Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Dartmouth, MA

One of the largest towns by land area in Massachusetts, Dartmouth is located on the South Coast of the state, adjacent to the renowned historical whaling port, New Bedford.

Sparsely populated, Dartmouth consists of several historic villages surrounded by farmland, vineyards, marshlands, and woodlands. Toward the south, along Buzzards Bay, the town exhibits a maritime ambiance, characterized by yacht clubs and commercial fishing communities.

A significant portion of Dartmouth’s extensive outdoor areas is publicly accessible and managed by the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT), founded in 1971.

Their initiatives have established Dartmouth as an exceptional destination for walks and birdwatching in mature forests, salt marshes, and converted farmland, all preserved by the trust over the last half-century.

1. Demarest Lloyd State Park

Situated where the Slocums River meets Buzzards Bay, this 200-acre state park was established in 1953.

The main feature of Demarest Lloyd State Park is its 1,800-foot beach, which consists of sand and pebbles and slopes gently into warm, shallow waters, shielded from ocean swells by the headlands at Deepwater Point and Potomska Point.

A distinct environment awaits further north, where tidal marshes provide habitat for terns, egrets, herons, and various birds of prey, such as ospreys and hawks.

The latter species can be observed along the Slocums River Trail, while the George’s Pond Loop Trail encircles a salt pond adjacent to the river and bordered by sand dunes.

2. Lloyd Center for the Environment

This 55-acre reserve of river estuary and maritime forest was donated to the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust in 1978, and the area has offered nature-oriented programs since 1981.

With five miles of trails, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of Buzzards Bay, Slocums River, a larger section of Demarest Lloyd State Park, Mishaum Point, and Cuttyhunk Island.

The visitor center captures the attention of children with interactive displays showcasing Buzzard Bay’s vibrant aquatic life through touch tanks. On the observation deck, panoramic views extend to Martha’s Vineyard on clear days.

3. Apponagansett Park

This delightful waterfront park is nestled within a harbor, offering views across to the village of Padanaram and Little Island. The primary attraction of Apponagansett Park during the summer is its sandy beach, which is surrounded by calm waters, making it ideal for families.

The beach is supervised by lifeguards during the summer months and features an ice cream stand open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Other amenities at the park include a boat launch, picnic area, basketball court, volleyball court, and a playground for children.

Apponagansett Park hosts a summer concert series organized by the Dartmouth Community Band, offering free performances on Tuesday evenings throughout July and August.

4. New Bedford

Dartmouth shares its borders with New Bedford, a city that served as the world’s principal whaling port throughout much of the 19th century.

A notable aspect of New Bedford is the extensive preservation of this maritime heritage at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, which maintains a 34-acre cobbled cityscape just west of the waterfront.

New Bedford features prominently in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick (1851), with the author having firsthand experience as a whaler operating from the port since the late 1830s.

A visit to the New Bedford Whaling Museum is essential, where visitors can explore Melville-related sites within the national park, as well as the wealth generated by the whaling industry showcased in majestic mansions like the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum.

5. Destruction Brook Woods

The largest reserve managed by the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust bears a name that may sound forbidding yet belies its gentle landscape.

Destruction Brook Woods is situated on the watercourse that ultimately leads into the tidal Slocums River and features several footbridges crossing the brook, which adds a serene auditory element to the forest.

With diverse topography, the reserve spans 280 acres and offers ten miles of trails inviting exploration through mature Atlantic white cedar and American beech forests.

Scenic ledges and glacial erratics, adorned with ferns and lichens, provide habitat for owls and hawks. Nearby, visitors may encounter ducks and herons along the water’s edge.

6. Cornell Farm

This 130-acre coastal property has long been renowned as a family-operated salt farm for five generations.

Currently, the Trustees of Reservations and DNRT preserve the delicate salt marsh ecosystem at Cornell Farm, complemented by peaceful pine and oak woodlands teeming with American holly.

A substantial boardwalk extends over the marshlands, providing picturesque views and an excellent vantage point for observing egrets, herons, and deer lingering at the forest’s edge.

7. Parsons Reserve

The ideal time to visit this reserve, located at the head of Slocums River, is late winter or early spring.

This is when the stunning field of daffodils at Parsons Reserve blooms, typically between mid-February and early April, captivating thousands of visitors with an early display of color.

During the rest of the year, Parsons Reserve serves as an excellent location for walking. It features a vernal pool that is home to frogs and salamanders, with trails that wind through rugged woodlands and wetland areas.

8. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary

At this Mass Audubon sanctuary in the far southwest of Dartmouth, one can dedicate an entire day to hiking and birdwatching amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a diverse array of habitats, including beaches, open fields, marshes, ponds, and woodlands—all developed from land generously donated by local families over the years.

The sanctuary offers nine miles of trails across three distinct systems, each showcasing unique features, from vernal pools and bird-rich wetlands to expansive vistas of Allens Pond and Buzzards Bay.

9. Dartmouth Orchards

Located just west of the University of Massachusetts campus, this third-generation family farm features a roadside stand.

Dartmouth Orchards offers a wide selection of local, homemade, and homegrown products, including honey, jams, pies, preserves, and fresh white and yellow peaches available during the harvest season.

However, the main attractions are the apples and pears, with as many as 40 varieties available from late summer through fall.

Visitors can partake in fruit picking and explore a variety of delicious ciders. In late fall, the stand also offers an assortment of Christmas decorations, such as small table trees and centerpieces.

10. Slocum’s River Reserve

This public preserve is situated on former farmland along a picturesque stretch of Slocums River, acquired by The Trustees of Reservations and the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust in 1999.

The two entities jointly manage Slocum’s River Reserve, which comprises mature woodlands, pastures, salt marshes, and farmed fields along approximately 3,000 feet of river frontage.

The tidal nature of Slocums River provides excellent opportunities for canoeing or kayaking. The riverfront features two miles of primarily easy trails, allowing for opportunities to observe ospreys and great blue herons.

At Angelica’s Overlook, visitors can gaze across Slocums River to Buzzards Bay and the Elizabeth Islands on favorable days.

11. Dartmouth Farmers’ Market

The local farmers’ market occurs in the village of Padanaram in South Dartmouth every Friday from early June to late October. The setting is picturesque, situated on the lawn of St. Mary’s Parish Center.

Typically, the market features a diverse array of vendors providing seasonal fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, free-range poultry, herbs, flowers, eggs, honey, and various baked goods. Additionally, handmade crafts ranging from jewelry to artisanal soaps can also be found.

12. Running Brook Vineyard & Winery

Located in the northern part of Dartmouth, this down-to-earth vineyard and winery was established in 1998 and spans nearly 25 acres of vines across two properties.

All wines produced by Running Brook are estate-grown and bottled, utilizing grapes exclusively cultivated in these vineyards.

Generally, one can find varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Vidal Blanc, alongside grape-based liquors like brandy, grappa, and the Portuguese dessert beverage, jeropiga.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, and during summer weekends, live music is often featured.

13. Dartmouth Mall (AMC)

Established in 1971, this mid-sized mall has generally maintained its condition despite the decline of many similar establishments across the nation.

Dartmouth Mall hosts more than 50 stores, including JCPenney, Macy’s, Aldi, and Burlington. Several national and international retailers such as Hollister, American Eagle, H&M, Old Navy, Torrid, Victoria’s Secret, Foot Locker, Yankee Candle, Kay Jewelers, and Hot Topic are also present.

Culinary options include Taco Bell, Panera, Olive Garden, and Buffalo Wild Wings, complemented by an 11-screen AMC multiplex featuring reclining seats in all theaters.

14. Buttonwood Park Zoo

A notable attraction close to Dartmouth is New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park, designed in the 1890s by the esteemed landscape architect Charles Eliot (1859-1897). The park is recognized as a historic district and has housed a zoo since 1894.

Following significant renovations in 2000, the zoo has made a successful recovery, providing an improved experience since it faced criticism for its prior condition.

Buttonwood Park Zoo is home to over 80 species, including North American wildlife such as black bears, cougars, beavers, river otters, wild turkeys, and bison, as well as local aquatic creatures inhabiting New England’s kettle hole ponds, marshes, and streams.

Exotic species are also part of the zoo, including bearded emperor tamarins, red pandas, Goeldi’s monkeys, and poison dart frogs.

15. Round Hill Town Beach

In contrast to other locations on this list, Round Hill Town Beach is exclusively for residents of Dartmouth.

For those fortunate enough to be residents or guests of residents, this beautiful crescent of fine sand facing Buzzards Bay, with views of the Elizabeth Islands, is accessible.

The beach was once part of an estate owned by prominent businessman Edward Howland Robinson Green (1868-1936), son of famed financier Hetty Green.

His mansion, now a gated condominium complex, continues to overlook the beach from the northeast side. Lifeguards patrol the area from mid-June through Labor Day.