Visit Padanaram
A working harbor village you can walk in an afternoon — galleries and shops on Elm and Bridge Streets, boats on the mooring field, and the bridge swinging open on the hour.
Getting here
Padanaram sits at the mouth of the Apponagansett River in South Dartmouth, on Buzzards Bay. It's about fifteen minutes from New Bedford, an hour from Providence, and roughly an hour and a half from Boston. Gulf Road and Smith Neck Road carry you over the bridge; Elm Street and Bridge Street are the village itself.
The village is compact on purpose. Park once and leave the car — everything below is within a few minutes' walk of the bridge.
The bridge
The Padanaram Bridge is a swing bridge, and in season it opens on a published schedule:
- 6:00am – 9:00am — on the hour and the half hour
- 9:00am – 8:00pm — on the hour
- 8:00pm – 9:00pm — on the hour and the half hour
Seasonal openings began May 1 in 2026. The bridge has also closed at short notice for mechanical repairs more than once — check the Town of Dartmouth's alerts before you drive over.
Check current bridge statusOn the water
Padanaram Harbor has been voted Best Harbor in the United States by USHarbors.com three times — in 2019, 2022 and 2026.
Arthur F. Dias Town Landing
A public boat ramp for powerboats, sailboats and rowboats. Kayaks and paddleboards launch from the shore.
Apponagansett Park
Across the bridge from the village — public boat ramp, picnicking, and a neighboring hiking trail.
Apponagansett Beach
Picnic area, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and a kayak and paddleboard launch. Parking is $10 from July 1 through Labor Day.
Moorings & dockage
South Wharf Yacht Yard & Marina has deep-water slips, fuel and pumpout. The New Bedford Yacht Club has been at this harbor since 1901.
In the village
Independent shops, galleries, and places to eat, nearly all of them within a block or two of the water.
Every business listed is a member of the Padanaram Business Association. See the full directory