50 Free Things to Do on the South Coast

Living on the South Coast doesn't have to break the bank. From the shores of Buzzards Bay to the forests of Freetown, our 20 towns are packed with incredible experiences that won't cost you a penny. Whether you're new to the area or a lifelong resident, this guide will help you discover (or rediscover) the best free things to do on the South Coast of Massachusetts.

Free Outdoor Activities

Beaches & Waterfront

The South Coast's greatest asset is its coastline, and many beaches offer free access or free parking in the off-season.

• Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation (Fairhaven) - Free parking year-round at this historic fort with stunning views, a protected beach, and picnic areas. The fort itself is fascinating to explore.
• Demarest Lloyd State Park (Dartmouth) - Free admission and parking in the off-season (Labor Day to Memorial Day). Gorgeous salt marsh views and peaceful walking trails.
• East Beach (Westport) - Limited free parking available; arrive early for one of the most beautiful, undeveloped beaches on the South Coast.
• Salter's Point (Dartmouth) - Free boat launch and shoreline access with incredible sunset views over Apponaug Harbor.
• Cove Street Landing (Mattapoisett) - Free parking at this charming village beach with picnic tables and harbor views.

Hiking & Nature Trails

The South Coast has hundreds of miles of free trails through forests, along rivers, and across conservation land.

• Freetown-Fall River State Forest - 5,441 acres of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Multiple free parking areas off Route 24 and Slab Bridge Road.
• Destruction Brook Woods (Dartmouth) - 557 acres of conservation land with well-marked trails, boardwalks over wetlands, and abundant wildlife.
• Copicut Woods (Fall River/Freetown) - Remote hiking through 4,000+ acres. Bring a trail map—it's easy to get turned around.
• Acushnet Sawmill (Acushnet) - Easy walking trails around a historic sawmill site with river views and picnic areas.
• Lloyd Center Trails (Dartmouth) - Free access to nature trails behind the environmental center, through salt marshes and forests.
• Mattapoisett River Reserve (Mattapoisett/Rochester) - Beautiful riverside trails with interpretive signs about local ecology.
• Slocum's River Reserve (Dartmouth) - Coastal trails with salt marsh views and birdwatching opportunities.

Parks & Playgrounds

• Buttonwood Park (New Bedford) - 97-acre park with walking paths, a pond, playgrounds, and frequent free concerts and events in summer.
• Kennedy Park (Fall River) - Waterfront park with free splash pad, playgrounds, and incredible views of the Braga Bridge.
• Cushing Park (Rochester) - Historic bandstand hosts free summer concerts; great playground and open fields.
• Fort Taber Park (New Bedford) - Explore Civil War-era fortifications with panoramic harbor views. Free and fascinating.
• Cushman Park (Fairhaven) - Town common with bandstand, perfect for picnics and people-watching.

Free Indoor Activities

Libraries

South Coast libraries are community hubs offering way more than books. All are free to visit (card required for borrowing).

• New Bedford Free Public Library - Stunning architecture, free WiFi, exhibits, and daily programs. The third floor reading room is breathtaking.
• Millicent Library (Fairhaven) - A literal mansion filled with books. The Mark Twain room and Gothic Revival architecture are worth the visit alone.
• Fall River Public Library - Beautiful historic building with extensive local history collections and free cultural programs.
• Marion Public Library - Cozy library with excellent children's programs and a welcoming community vibe.

Free library programs across the region: Story times, book clubs, craft workshops, movie screenings, homework help, computer classes, museum passes (free to borrow!), and genealogy resources.

Museums & Historic Sites

• New Bedford Whaling Museum - Free admission on second Sundays. World's finest whaling museum, absolutely worth visiting.
• Lizzie Borden House (Fall River) - You can't go inside for free, but walking past this infamous house on Second Street is a local rite of passage.
• Rotch-Jones-Duff House Gardens (New Bedford) - Grounds are free to walk; beautiful formal gardens and historic estate setting.
• Marine Museum at Fall River - Free on certain days; call ahead. Maritime history of the region.
• Working Waterfront Festival (New Bedford) - Completely free annual September event celebrating the city's fishing heritage.

Free Seasonal Activities

Spring

• Herring Runs - Watch herring migrate upstream at Acushnet Sawmill, Mattapoisett, and Fairhaven. Peak viewing: late April to mid-May.
• Wildflower Walks - Destruction Brook and Lloyd Center trails come alive with spring wildflowers in April and May.
• Opening Day of Fishing Season - Free fishing days in Massachusetts (typically mid-April and early June—no license required).

Summer

• Fort Taber Concert Series (New Bedford) - Free Thursday night concerts with harbor views, July and August.
• Fairhaven Farmers Market - Free to browse; live music, local vendors, community atmosphere every Sunday.
• New Bedford Folk Festival - Free multi-day music festival downtown every July. One of the best in New England.
• Mattapoisett Harbor Days - Free community festival with boat parade, fireworks, and family activities.
• Sunrise Watching at Horseneck Beach (Westport) - Park for free before 8 AM and watch the sunrise over the Atlantic.
• Free Outdoor Movies - Various towns host free movie nights in parks throughout summer. Check local event calendars.

Fall

• Freetown-Fall River State Forest - Incredible fall foliage hikes, peak color typically early-to-mid October.
• Apple Picking Alternatives - Many farms let you pick drops for free or very cheap. Ask around in Dartmouth and Westport.
• Cranberry Harvest Viewing (Rochester, Carver) - Watch the harvest from roadside bogs, typically late September to October.
• Harvest Festivals - Many South Coast towns host free fall festivals with music, crafts, and community fun.

Winter

• Holiday Lights at Blount Marine (Warren) - Drive or walk through spectacular waterfront light displays (some years).
• First Night Celebrations - Several South Coast towns host free or low-cost New Year's Eve celebrations.
• Winter Beach Walks - Horseneck, Demarest Lloyd, and Fort Phoenix are magical and free in winter.
• Sledding Hills - Buttonwood Park (New Bedford), various school fields—free when it snows!

Free Family Activities

• Splash Pads - Free at Kennedy Park (Fall River) and other locations during summer.
• Library Story Times - Free across all towns, usually weekly. Great for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Fishing - Free saltwater fishing (no license needed). Try Fort Phoenix, Fort Taber, or any public shore access.
• Geocaching - Hundreds of free geocaches hidden across South Coast towns. Download the app and start hunting.
• Bird Watching - Allens Pond (Westport/South Dartmouth), Slocum's River, and Lloyd Center are excellent birding spots.
• Tide Pooling - Low tide at rocky areas of Westport and Dartmouth beaches reveals crabs, snails, and sea stars.
• Free Zoo Days - Buttonwood Park Zoo (New Bedford) occasionally offers free admission days—follow their social media.

Free Community Events

• Farmers Markets - Free to browse in Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, and other towns. Great atmosphere and local finds.
• Art Walks - New Bedford's gallery district hosts free AHA! nights with galleries open late and street performances.
• Community Theater Rehearsals - Some local theaters offer free open rehearsals before shows.
• Historical Society Programs - Most town historical societies host free talks and programs throughout the year.
• Church Suppers & Community Dinners - Many are free or donation-based. Check community bulletin boards.

Pro Tips for Free Fun

• Get a library card - Borrow museum passes for free admission to attractions across New England.
• Follow town social media - Free events are often announced last-minute on town Facebook pages.
• Visit in the shoulder season - Many beaches with paid parking in summer are free in fall, winter, and spring.
• Bring your own food - Most parks and beaches allow picnics, saving money on meals out.
• Check for free days - Many museums and attractions offer free admission days monthly or annually.

Final Thoughts

The South Coast is proof that the best things in life really are free. You don't need a fat wallet to enjoy our region's stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community culture. Whether you're watching the sunset at Fort Phoenix, hiking through Freetown State Forest, or browsing the stacks at Millicent Library, there's always something free and wonderful to do.

This list just scratches the surface. Every South Coast town has hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So grab your walking shoes, pack a picnic, and get out there. Your next adventure costs exactly zero dollars.