Unleash Your Inner Athlete in New Bedford, MA: Best Places to Workout and Explore the Citys Whaling, Industrial, and Artistic

New Bedford, Massachusetts may be a small city on the southern coast of the state but it has a rich history that harks back to its whaling days. Its also known for its industrial and artistic heritage which provides an interesting mix of gritty grittiness meets creative flair. There are several places where one can enjoy outdoor workouts while exploring this citys varied roots.

First up is Fort Taber Park (1000 C Rodney French Blvd). While originally built as part of Americas coastal defense system during World War II, today it boasts plenty of open space with a picturesque view overlooking Buzzards Bay. Visitors who prefer intense workouts will find plenty to do herethe grassy hill leading down to Clark Cove Beach makes for some challenging sprints or hill runs.

Another great spot is Buttonwood Park Zoo (425 Hawthorn St), which sits adjacent to aforementioned park. The zoo itself remains firmly rooted in its 19thcentury origins that reflect those early years when animal specimens were brought back from exotic ports by sailors involved in the whaling industry. A jog through this verdant oasis is perfect for nature lovers looking for a more peaceful workout session.

Those seeking something more extreme should head over to East Beach at West Island Reservation (1547 West Island Rd). This beach caters mostly towards experienced surfers and kiteboarders due to strong winds that blow across Buzzards Bay creating choppy swells ideal for jumping waves or getting towed across them with kitesurfing gear!

For those preferring indoor options, look no further than New Bedford YMCA (25 S Water St). Formerly housed in classic building left behind by Standard Oil Company at turnofthe20th century; now houses modern facilities including fitness studio packed with stateoftheart equipment and a fullsized swimming pool.

Lastly, visitors who want to delve deeper into the citys history should head over to Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill). Here youll learn about New Bedfords early whaling industry days. But aside from learning fascinating tidbits such as how whale oil used in lamp burning was an essential commodity that fueled Americas economic growth for decades; also find several galleries rich in art exhibits and artifacts that capture bygone era of this oncethriving seafaring community.

All these places are easily accessible and offer fantastic workout options while still reflecting what makes New Bedford, MA unique: its whaling, historic, industrial, gritty, artistic, diverse nautical heritage. Go aheadunleash your inner athlete on this little gem of a city!

Websites:

Buttonwood Park Zoo: https://www.bpzoo.org/

East Beach at West Island Reservation: https://www.mass.gov/locations/westislandreservation

Fort Taber Park: http://www.newbedfordma.gov/parksrecreationbeaches/forttaberpark/

New Bedford YMCA: https://ymcasouthcoast.org/newbedford/

Whaling Museum: https://www.whalingmuseum.org/

Twitter:

New Bedford YMCA @ymcasouthcoast

Whaling Museum @whaleandheritage