Welcome to the Southcoast

Situated 60 miles south of Boston, 33 miles from Providence, RI, a short drive from Cape Cod, and a ferry ride away from Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, UMass Dartmouth is ideally situated in the Southcoast region of Massachusetts. This guide will help you discover some great local spots near campus and the surrounding areas.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Round Hill Beach, located in South Dartmouth, is a perfect summer destination spot, with beautiful views and calm waters. Please note that you have to be a Dartmouth resident to gain access to the beach.
  • The Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) preserves wildlife habitats and historic sites throughout Dartmouth. DNRT invites locals to hike the over 40 miles of trails they maintain.
  • Davoll’s General Store has been a staple in Dartmouth for over 200 years. This historic spot features a market with local produce, a bookstore, and a café.
  • Looking for places to take the kids? Alderbrook Farm and the Lloyd Center offer outdoor activities for children. Kids can enjoy watching and petting the farm animals at Alderbrook, while adults can browse the locally made products. The Lloyd center welcomes families to walk the free trails where you can walk through estuaries and view local marine life.
  • Just a short drive outside of Dartmouth, you’ll find Horseneck Beach in Westport. Looking to spend your summer at the beach? You can purchase a season pass or pay by the day. Either way, you’ll enjoy the beautiful views and 2-mile long beach.

Dining

  • Only minutes from campus you’ll find Mirasol’s Café, a unique breakfast and lunch spot. Their Latin inspired menu features plenty of vegan and vegetarian options and make sure to try their famous drink, the Chippi, while you’re there.
  • A quick drive down Route 6 will take you to Cask and Pig and Brick Pizzeria. Cask and Pig is one of the only places in Dartmouth where you can find a southern barbeque inspired menu. Brick offers a wide variety of wood fired pizza options as well as fresh and delicious salads.
  • Joe’s Original, only a few miles from campus, is a great place for after work cocktails with coworkers. With funky paintings and artwork lining the walls, Joe’s Original is a restaurant with a cool and comfortable vibe.

Shopping

  • Make sure to visit Padanaram Village, in South Dartmouth, where you will be met with beautiful harbor views and an array of restaurants and shops. Farm and Coast Market doubles as a market and restaurant. You can browse their selections of local produce and cheeses, beer and wine, and breakfast and lunch menus. There are plenty of unique shops to meander through while visiting, such as Flora, Folia, and Strawberry Moon.
  • For a wider array of shopping, with over 50 stores, an AMC movie theatre, and a food court, the Dartmouth Mall is located about a mile from campus.
  • If you need to pick something up on your way home from campus, don’t forget the Target located just around the corner on State Road. 

Arts & Entertainment

  • New Bedford, a city with a rich and vibrant history, is only a short drive from campus. Downtown New Bedford, located near the waterfront, is the hub of the city. Take a stroll through the quaint cobblestone streets where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and museums that highlight the city’s history.
  • Delve into the city’s rich whaling history by visiting the New Bedford Whaling Museum, which is also offers great activities for children.
  • The New Bedford Art Museum showcases an extensive collection from artists in surrounding areas. They also offer educational programming for all ages.
  • The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, a historic New Bedford theatre, offers movie nights, play performances, concerts and more. Visit their website if you’re interested in catching a show.
  • On the outskirts of Downtown, you’ll find another staple of New Bedford, the Buttonwood Park Zoo. With over 240 species the Buttonwood Park Zoo is a perfect place to take the kids to explore.

 Dining

  • Enjoy a fine array of restaurants downtown such as, Carmines at Candleworks, No Problemo, Ming Sushi, The Black Whale, and many more.
  • Outside of downtown you’ll find some other great places to eat. If you’re craving classic Portuguese food, the Roasted Pig is the place to go. Cisco Brewery, with stunning views of the harbor, is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon playing cornhole and listening to live music in the summer.

 Shopping

  • In the heart of Downtown, browse new clothing collections at Calico and Carter’s.
  • Downtown features an extensive array of shops within walking distance from one another. From jewelery stores to gift shops, you are sure to find what you're looking for. 

Arts & Entertainment

  • Rich in art and culture, Providence is an ideal place to shop, dine, and explore. Looking to watch a Broadway production locally? Catch a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC). In the heart of Providence, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center is the place to go for concerts, sporting events, and more.
  • With over 160 different species, the Roger Williams Park Zoo offers a range of fun activities throughout the year for children of all ages.

 Universities & Libraries

Dining

  • With some of the best restaurants around, Federal Hill should be at the top of your list to visit when exploring Providence. From Japanese to Italian, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy. While you’re there, make sure to visit Andino’s, Constantino’s, Nami, and Los Andes.
  • When you’re done eating, make sure to take a trip for some dessert at Pastiche, a quaint European-style café.

 Shopping