Bristol Massachusetts Map

About Bristol, Massachusetts

Bristol is a locality in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. With a population of 548,000, Bristol is a major urban centre in Massachusetts. The population density is 750.0 people per km². Bristol is located at 41.7938°N, 71.1449°W. It observes the Eastern Time (America/New_York) timezone. ZIP code: 2301.

Bristol rests on a peninsula, its edges softened by the embrace of Narragansett Bay. It lies 6.4 miles north of Fall River, MA (from Fall River, MA: bearing 5°T), and is situated 7.9 miles south-south-west of Taunton. The land itself is a gentle slope towards the water, a tapestry of rolling hills and sheltered coves that have long invited settlement. Salt air, carrying the faint, briny tang of the sea, often mingles with the scent of pine and damp earth, especially in the early mornings when a soft mist can still cling to the low-lying areas. The character of Bristol is one of quiet resilience, a place where the rhythms of nature and the tides of human endeavor have shaped a distinctive, unhurried pace of life. Bristol's story is deeply intertwined with the sea and the ambitious spirit of its founders. Originally settled as part of Plymouth Colony, it quickly grew into a bustling port, a hub for shipbuilding and maritime trade that echoed with the sounds of hammers and the creak of timbers. The wealth generated from whaling and commerce in centuries past can still be glimpsed in the grand architecture of its historic homes. Today, Bristol's economy, while still connected to its maritime heritage through marine industries and fishing, has diversified to include manufacturing, technology, and a growing tourism sector drawn to its charm and history. This blend of old and new gives Bristol a unique economic texture, a careful balancing of tradition and forward-looking enterprise. The cultural heartbeat of Bristol is a vibrant mix of historical reverence and contemporary energy. While Bristol does not host major league professional sports teams, its spirit thrives in community leagues and a deep appreciation for athletic endeavors. The annual Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, a tradition stretching back centuries, is a national landmark in its own right, drawing crowds with its parades and fireworks, a testament to enduring civic pride. The town boasts beautiful waterfront parks and access to the shimmering waters of Narragansett Bay, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy its natural beauty. Though not home to world-famous universities, the proximity to esteemed institutions in nearby Providence allows for intellectual exchange. Bristol has been the birthplace and home to notable figures, including acclaimed musicians whose melodies have echoed far beyond the bay, and actors whose performances have graced stages and screens, leaving their mark on the broader cultural landscape.

About This Bristol Map Page

This page provides an interactive Google map of Bristol, Massachusetts with street, satellite and terrain views and integrated Street View imagery. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Bristol and Bristol County.

Detailed location data for Bristol includes the ZIP code (02715), telephone area code (339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978), county seat of Bristol County (Taunton), and school district assignment. These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Bristol is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.