Last year, we left our small coastal town in Northern California to meet up with some friends and watch some polo matches in Rhode Island.
We began the week by flying into Boston, then driving to our other favorite coastal town, New Bedford, Massachusetts—our home away from home, about an hour south of Boston. We stayed downtown at the Harbor Hotel in New Bedford, perfectly located for easy access to shops, restaurants, and the whaling museum. The cost of visiting here is a lot more affordable than where we live and so we usually are able to budget staying here for a week at a time and have a slower paced trip.
Here’s a quick overview of everything I enjoyed during our week in New Bedford:
Food Recommendations:
The Black Whale (Dog-Friendly Patio & Great Seafood) We dined here a few times because it’s our top choice—everything on the menu is delightful. Our favorites include the lobster, and the boom-boom shrimp is a standout appetizer we always enjoy. The service is consistently stellar, and the patio is charming and welcoming, especially since we could have our dog with us.
Mi Antojo Mexican Restaurant (Casual Tacos) My taco cravings are well satisfied here; the verde taco salsa is a highlight, and the staff is always warm and inviting.
Moby Dick Brewing Co. (Welcoming Outdoor Patio & Dog-Friendly) This is my usual spot for a lunchtime clam chowder, enjoyed on their pleasant outdoor patio.
Cisco Brewers Just a 25-minute drive from our hotel, Cisco Brewers offers more ocean views and a vibrant atmosphere with food, lawn games, live music, and more. It’s a fantastic place to unwind and soak in the coastal vibe.
Shops:
Thallo – Home & Garden An inviting shop with an appealing atmosphere that I’d definitely visit again.
Salt and Sole An appealing ocean-themed shop located in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center.
Circa Vintage Wear This was on my bucket list for a while, and it’s about a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Sanctum Folklorica Witchcraft Store This shop has a unique charm that makes me want to explore more on a future visit.
Things to Do:
Whaling Museum Tickets are $27 per adult and it’s also a short walk from the New Harbor hotel. This museum is a must-visit and easily accessible.
Walk to the Pier & Downtown New Bedford Near the pier, you’ll find a delightful coffee shop (Mirasol). The historic streets of downtown New Bedford are a treasure to explore. At the pier, you can also catch a ferry to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, perfect for a day trip or exploring further afield.
Farmers Market:
- Winter/Indoor Season 📍 Buttonwood Warming House, 1 Oneida St. 🕑 10am-2pm
- Summer/Outdoor Season 📍 Buttonwood St., on the lawn behind the Lawler Library 🕑 2pm- 6pm
Zoo and Loop: The Buttonwood Park Zoo is a great spot for a stroll. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the New Bedford Harbor Hotel.
Come Saturday, we drove to Rhode Island to watch polo matches with friends. It was our first time enjoying the sport here, with the drive taking about 20 minutes from our hotel.
We had a tent set up with a table full of snacks like mini sandwiches, delicious cupcakes, and plenty of coolers filled with ice-cold beverages.
Tickets for the Newport International Polo Series are available online, with options like Lawn & Pavilion seats or Tailgate Parking. On match days, you can also buy additional lawn and standby tickets right at the gate from 1 PM onwards. It’s a good idea to secure your tickets in advance, especially for high-demand matches, to ensure you don’t miss out. For more information, visit their official website: Newport International Polo Series.
Come Saturday, we drove to Rhode Island to watch polo matches with friends. It was our first time enjoying the sport here, with the drive taking about 20 minutes from our hotel.
We had a tent set up with a table full of snacks like mini sandwiches, delicious cupcakes, and plenty of coolers filled with ice-cold beverages.
Tickets for the Newport International Polo Series are available online, with options like Lawn & Pavilion seats or Tailgate Parking. On match days, you can also buy additional lawn and standby tickets right at the gate from 1 PM onwards. It’s a good idea to secure your tickets in advance, especially for high-demand matches, to ensure you don’t miss out. For more information, visit their official website: Newport International Polo Series.
The series has a rich history, is located at the beautiful Glen Farm in Portsmouth, RI, and the series also supports many charitable causes.
I really hope to come back again and do this again with more friends!
Let me know what you think if you go and make sure to tag me if you go!
Instagram: @California_Coasties
Tik Tok: @CaliforniaxCoasties
