Sometimes, the most unique and interesting places are the ones you stumble across, and they just…read moregrab you and tell you to stop for a look. Let's cover the basics of the sanctuary with it being free and having nine miles of trails broken up into small pieces with most being 1/3 of a mile here and 6/10 there. www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/allens-pond#guidelines www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/allens-pond/trails I think like most people, we went to the parking lot off of Horseneck Road at the Field Station Entrance. It's a very small lot with maybe 7 legit parking spaces and the rest of us were being squirrely in the grass and along the fence line. We did some of the Quansett Trail before seeing that it was a complete mud bog which equaled a double back to the Beach Loop Trail which did not have such terrain issues. Probably about 7 or 8 people out on the rocks mostly enjoying the sun on an abnormally warm Saturday in mid-March. We probably put in a good two hours watching the spiders on the beach and rocks, looking around the tidal pools (it was low tide) and just enjoying the overall beauty of Buzzards Bay. This was a 100% accidental find and overall, the only regret I have is not knowing about the sanctuary in advance so that more of a plan could have been made to have covered more ground. Next time.

The parking lot here is a small dirt lot. It was full the day we visited, so we drove up the street…read morejust a bit and parked at the beach. We walked down the beach, back toward the Pond. The walk we took along the marsh was on a dirt road, plenty wide and mostly even. There are informational signs along the way including one at the pathway leading to the beach. Once on the beach, is another sign about nesting birds. No pets are allowed in that area. This is a wonderful spot to get outside in nature, listen to the surf, smell the sea, get some exercise and learn a bit about conservation of local flora and fauna.

The Secret Beach…read more That's what we call it. My mother grew up going to South Shore beach. Her aunt had a beach house that was washed away many years ago by a hurricane. Now, its a camp site. I would LOVE to camp here! It's a beach thats nestled away. Off the beaten path. This beach attracts people who want a peaceful beach experience. At night, it's a beach that allows fires in the sand. People are basically tail gaiting at the beach. It's not over populated but space in between each vehicle for people to not be bothered by other groups, and people aren't rowdy. They are just enjoying a night at the beach. Tips: - You have to make it through rocks at the parking to get down to the water - There is a little brewery airstream in the parking lot (hours unknown) - Public bathrooms (open even after lifeguards leave) - Strict rules about parking on premises at night but there is a very small lot down the street

Amazing! We went over today after looking for a beach, and it was awesome. It's a little rocky, but…read morethe kids loved it. There was no life guard though, which was weird.

Amazing example of how quickly nature can reclaim an industrial lot. 13 years ago this was a paved…read morelot with buildings on it- today it's a beautiful patch of woods and scenic waterways loaded with natural beauty. I'm so happy they brought this eyesore back to its natural beauty!

Really nice spot if your looking for some relaxation or to take some pictures of the nature here…read more Really beautiful landscape!

July 4th 2025 First time with Family and Grandchildren. Was…read moreclean, water was warm, could see to the bottom. Grandchildren loved it. Nice to not have ocean waves knock them over while sitting on the shore.

Great for the visiting grandkids. Clean safe place with lifeguards. Will keep going backread more

One of the most beautiful parks in Rhode Island. I love to visit at dawn or early in the morning…read morewhen you pretty much have the entire park to yourself and the deer. Be ready to take plenty of photos. It's a photographers dream in every season, any time of day.

One of my favorite parks ever, truly a beautiful, happy place for me. Here's everything I love…read moreabout it: 1. Easy access to/from Boston, I've never run into bad traffic the way the Cape is perpetually backlogged. Also a convenient location where, if you're coming from the north, you drive through the cute downtown stretch of Bristol by the water filled with cafes and shops. 2. Free entry and parking. I love the state parks in Massachusetts but I don't love the ever-increasing cost of accessing a green space, especially if you're coming from out-of-state. 3. There's so much to do - walk the paved path along the water, bike, check out the small beach, picnic, etc. My favorite spot to park is by the playground/skateboard area and then do a loop around. There's also a forested hiking trail if you want to wander around a forest without any serious elevation gain. 4. The whole place is spotless and lovingly maintained. If you're swinging through Providence and want your fill of nature, definitely recommend this park.

Two caveats: I went in the winter, so the cold air definitely impacted my experience (and gave us…read morethe fort to ourselves) - and the fort wasn't open to look inside that day. So I can't speak to whether, when the fort is open, what you'd see inside is worth the price of admission. What I can speak to is the rest of the park. The various batteries, left for you to poke all around as you please. That one battery on the far west side of the park, where you barely even know it's there until you walk around it. An interesting experience for sure. The #1 thing about this place is that it's something to see in New Bedford. Really not much here besides some older downtown buildings and this park. My cousin and I agreed this was a good way to spend an afternoon, so if you're in the city and trying to pass the time during the day, come on out for a walk! Allow I'd say 90 minutes total without the fort being open, maybe another 60 if it is.

October drive to the fort is peaceful. Amazing the history behind this structure and the times when…read moreenemies were near. For more history, I recommend visiting the museum nearby. Great place to stretch your legs and walk around.

The best playground for younger kids. They have a lot of features that work well with the 2 and…read moreunder age group including a slide that has rubber instead of wood chips. Plenty of climbing features for the older kids as well as trails for walking the stroll. Lots of shade for those hot days so it's perfect

We had some time to kill while waiting for our rental to become available and this place did not…read moredisappoint. This park seemed to have everything. A walking path, picnic area, basketball, racquetball, and a playground. The playground is large and has options for smaller kids and bigger kids. The best part is, it is in the shade! It can be so hot on those summer days, but the shade is everything. Also has a bathroom nearby. Definitely recommend.

This is a must do in the New Bedford area. You can walk or bike around the whole coast. From the…read moretop of the retaining wall around the beaches right up to the stork dike.

Went here for the first time tonight for an evening stroll with my husband. Although it is right in…read morethe city near the hood, the covewalk itself is very nice, well lit, and felt safe. The views are also really pretty. I'm not sure how long it is as we only walked one side of it. We definitely plan on coming back with our bikes. I only took off a star because there was dog poop on some parts of the walk which sucked because you kind of feel like you have to keep your eyes on the ground. It didn't happen often, but still.. I wouldn't want to step on it. People, please pick up after your dogs !

Beautiful place to walk and look for little treasures along the way. Dog friendly so be prepared…read morefor some canine interaction.

Great well manicured trails for some easy hiking. We started from the parking lot at Highfield Hall…read moreand hiked to Icehouse Pond. Trails are fairly well marked and maintained. Not exactly a challenging hike but good if you're just looking to get some steps in and enjoy nature. Don't miss the gardens at Highfield Hall as well: beautiful flowers and grounds.