Looking for a charming small city with nature, history, and local flair? Head to Attleboro! Conveniently located between Boston and Providence, Attleboro is a historic Massachusetts town known for its jewelry-making legacy, beautiful parks, and friendly community. Whether you’re exploring wildlife sanctuaries, visiting museums, or enjoying seasonal events, Attleboro is a peaceful and enriching destination in southern New England.
Attleboro, MA Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Walk the trails at Capron Park & Zoo – A local favorite with a small zoo, walking paths, playground, and seasonal splash pad.
- For Families: Visit the Attleboro Arts Museum – Offers rotating exhibits, kids’ art classes, and events in the heart of downtown.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Explore the trails at Mass Audubon’s Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary – Peaceful hikes with birdwatching and educational programs.
- For History Buffs: Discover the industrial past at the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum – Highlights the city’s role in jewelry manufacturing and local innovation.
- For Holiday Fans: Visit during the La Salette Festival of Lights – A dazzling religious and holiday display with over 300,000 lights, held every winter.
When I like to visit Attleboro, MA
The best time to visit Attleboro is in spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) for comfortable weather and scenic New England foliage. Winter is magical with La Salette’s lights, while summer offers family fun in parks and local events.
Tips for getting to Attleboro, MA
- By Train: The MBTA Commuter Rail’s Providence/Stoughton Line stops at Attleboro Station, with service to both Boston and Providence.
- By Car: Located off I-95, Attleboro is about 50 minutes from Boston and 20 minutes from Providence.
- By Plane: The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Rhode Island, about 25 minutes away. Boston Logan International Airport is about 1 hour away.
Where I like to stay in Attleboro, MA
- Recommended for Families: Holiday Inn Express North Attleboro – Just north of the city with free breakfast, indoor pool, and easy highway access.
- For Budget Travelers: Knights Inn North Attleboro – Basic but affordable option close to major roads and shopping areas.
- For More Options: Stay in nearby Mansfield or Providence – Broader selection of hotels and inns within a short drive.
Best Things to Do in Attleboro, MA
1. Capron Park Zoo
The Capron Park Zoo is a small 8-acre zoo in Attleboro, Massachusetts, opened in 1937. The zoo is home to about 100 animals from 44 species. Exhibits include North and South American habitats with animals that live there, as well as Asian, African, and Australian animals such as emu, agouti, green tree python, lemur, white lion, kangaroo, meerkats, sloth bear, and Amur leopard. The zoo includes a building with a habitat for nocturnal animals, where day and night are reversed. It allows visitors to see animals that are active at night. There is also an indoor rainforest exhibit that provides home to porcupines, a two-toed sloth, fruit bats and many species of birds. An important part of the zoo is the education department for children that opened in 1991, which teaches children how the zoo works and how the animals interact.
201 County St, Attleboro, MA 02703, Phone: 774-203-1840
2. Attleboro Arts Museum
Attleboro Arts Museum was founded in 1923 by a group of Attleboro residents. It is a community arts organization in Attleboro, Massachusets, with the mission to involve audiences of all backgrounds and ages in the visual arts, using diverse art experiences and educational programs. The museum has one of the largest gallery spaces between Boston and Providence and it operates under the credo “Art for Everyone.” The museum supports the artistic development of promising and professional artists, provides excellent visual arts education faculty and programs, organizes regular inspiring exhibitions, and provides leading-edge facilities. The Museum is a non-profit private organization and the access to all museum facilities is free.
86 Park St, Attleboro, MA 02703, Phone: 508-222-2644
3. The Colonel Blackinton Inn
The Colonel Blackinton Inn is a 1850 historic colonial Greek Revival charmer overlooking Bungay River that has been beautifully renovated to host an elegant inn with 11 individually decorated rooms and a popular restaurant known for quality seasonal food that uses local produce. Cozy, homey elegant space is great alternative to large hotels and is a perfect base for exploring the area. The rooms have private or shared bathrooms, have flat-screen TVs and free wifi. Some rooms have sitting areas and others are decorated with beautiful murals. The cuisine in the inn’s restaurant is traditional American with European touches. There are four lovely dining rooms, a bar and a spacious terrace overlooking the lush garden.
203 N Main St, Attleboro, MA 02703, Phone: 508-222-6022
Where I Like to Eat in Attleboro, MA
- Recommended for Families: Morin’s Diner – A beloved local institution since 1911 serving hearty breakfasts and comfort food.
- For a Casual Meal: Wetherlaine’s Restaurant – Relaxed American fare with burgers, seafood, and great daily specials.
- For Italian Food: Canova Italian Bar & Grill – Modern Italian cuisine in an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere downtown.
My favorite local events:
- For Holiday Cheer: La Salette Festival of Lights (Late Nov–Early Jan) – One of the most beautiful light displays in New England, attracting visitors from across the region.
- For Art & Community: Attleboro Expo for the Senses (Summer) – Combines food, music, art, and performances in downtown Attleboro.
- For History Lovers: Attleboro Industrial Museum Open House (Various dates) – Hands-on exhibits, local artifacts, and free community days.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Attleboro, MA:
- For Urban Culture: Providence, RI (20–25 min) – Visit RISD Museum, WaterFire, and Federal Hill’s Little Italy district.
- For Family Fun: Roger Williams Park Zoo (30 min) – One of the oldest zoos in the country with over 150 species.
- For Nature: Borderland State Park (25 min) – Hike wooded trails, visit a historic mansion, or enjoy a lakeside picnic.
- For Shopping: Wrentham Village Premium Outlets (20–25 min) – Over 170 stores in a walkable outlet center.
- For Beach Days: Colt State Park (Bristol, RI) (30–35 min) – Coastal walking paths, picnic areas, and Narragansett Bay views.
Plan Your Trip