21 Best Things to Do in New Bern, North Carolina

© Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Gallery

Carolina Creations is an art gallery overlooking the Neuse River that focuses on artworks from over 300 local and international artists. Owned by Virginia Spencer, Carolina Creations features artworks across an array of mediums, ranging from paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures to glass items, jewelry, pewter and bronze pieces, furniture, and home decor. Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery presents an annual Valentine card sale as well as a benefit for the Craven County School to raise funds for their art programs.

317 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-633-4369

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Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park is a public nature park located in a quiet eastern section of the town of New Bern and is a popular destination for recreational activities and outdoor adventures, ranging from hiking, biking, and kayaking to fishing and birdwatching. The park boasts a wealth of amenities, including a 2,000-foot boardwalk that winds its way through the park and offers lovely views of wild Broad Creek, an on-site dock with a fishing area, and a canoe and kayak launch. There are more than 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic shelters with tables and benches, and spectacular natural scenery along the banks of Broad Creek.

1095 Broad Creek Rd, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-636-6606

© New Bern Academy Museum

The New Bern Academy Museum is dedicated to the history of New Bern and features an array of outstanding exhibits that tell the rich story of the city. Located in a historic building that was once a schoolhouse dating back to 1809 in the heart of New Bern’s historic residential district, the New Bern Academy Museum served as a hospital during the Civil War and later became a school where classes were given until 1971. Today, the New Bern Academy Museum houses four significant exhibitions that are managed by the staff from the nearby Tryon Palace, including Face to Face: Civil War Sketches & Stories, the Architecture Exhibit, the Civil War Military Occupation Exhibit, and the History of Education Exhibit.

508 New St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-639-3524

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The New Bern Farmers Market is a weekly farmers market that sells a variety of fresh produce, fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread and sweet treats, handmade arts and crafts, and other specialty items. Established in 1984, the New Bern Farmers Market consists of a diverse group of vendor-members and offers a creative outlet for artisans and producers in the region, who gather to sell their wares ranging from fresh eggs, dairy products, and grass-fed beef to handmade clothing, artworks, and fresh flowers. The New Bern Farmers Market is the only year-round farmers market in the area.

421 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-633-0043

© New Bern Firemen's Museum

The New Bern Firemen’s Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of firefighting in New Bern. Established in 1955, the museum tells the story of the oldest fire company in the state and houses an array of hands-on exhibits and an impressive collection of authentic memorabilia. The museum highlights the history of the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company and the New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 and offers a fascinating insight into the Great Fire of 1922, which destroyed more than 1,000 buildings, leaving much of the city in ruins.

420 Broad St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-636-4087

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Shackleford Banks Shelling & Wild Horse Expedition offers eco-tours of the pristine Shackleford Banks, the 9-mile-long southernmost barrier island of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, which is home to the famous wild horses of Shackleford Banks. The free-roaming herd of horses is thought to have descended from Spanish horses that were shipwrecked here over 400 years ago and continue to survive as one of the last isolated groups of wild horses in the United States. The beautiful barrier island on which the horses live is an ecological jewel of natural beauty and wind-shaped dunes, which naturalist guides lead visitors around, sharing their knowledge of and passion for the remote islands.

600 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, 252-838-1167, Phone: 252-504-2628

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Stand Up Outfitters is a paddler-powered SUP specialty shop that offers a variety of stand-up paddling equipment to buy and rent, along with lessons, workshops, events, and tours. Established in 2011, Stand Up Outfitters is based on the banks of Lawson Creek with a premier waterfront location and easy access to the Neuse and Trent Rivers and blackwater, downwind, and flatwater paddling. Stand Up Outfitters also houses a SUP club with storage facilities for members, a SIC Maui Glide Center, and a fully stocked retail center for stand-up paddling, surfing, skating, and kayaking equipment.

1305 Country Club Rd, New Bern, NC 28562, Phone: 252-638-3000

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Visitors to New Bern in North Carolina can look forward to visiting the place where one of America’s favorite beverages originated. When you visit the Pepsi Store, you can stand on the very spot where Caleb Bradham originally invented Pepsi Cola (then called Brad’s Drink) in his pharmacy in 1898. The attraction is now owned and operated by Minges Bottling Group who takes great pride in welcoming visitors to come and learn all about the history of Pepsi Cola and other world-famous drinks. After your tour of the birthplace you can enjoy a classic soda-fountain Pepsi and browse all the interesting stock in the store.

256 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560, 252 636 5898

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Tryon Palace, also known as the Governor's Palace, is an historic building that was once the administrative headquarters and official residence of the colonial governors of North Carolina in the 18th century. Today, the building is known as Tryon Palace and is renowned for being North Carolina’s first permanent state capitol. Surrounded by 16 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, it represents three centuries of landscape and gardening heritage, which can be seen by visitors on guided tours. Tryon Palace is a state historic site and the magnificent building, annexes, and gardens can be explored Monday through Sunday throughout the year.

529 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562, Phone: 800-767-1560

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Owned and maintained by the New Bern Historical Society, the New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park stands on the site of the Civil War Battle of New Bern, which took place on March 14 1862. The site has been preserved in pristine condition and even the original redans (fighting positions) remain in place. The park covers around 30 acres and contains 36 interpretive panels where visitors can learn about the historic battle. To help you get your bearings there is a self-guided tour brochure and a large ground map and signage which give an overview of the battle. Guided tours can be arranged if you apply in advance of your visit.

300 Battlefield Trail, New Bern, NC 28560, 252 638 8558

© Bear City Fudge Company

Bear City Fudge Company is a neighborhood confectionary store that produces and sells a variety of cakes and sweets, including gourmet fudge, pralines, and homemade ice cream. Founded in 2003, Bear City Fudge Company is located along Middle Street in the downtown area and is a prime destination for all things tasty in the heart of the town. Visitors can tuck into a range of colorful goodies ranging from sweet Southern pralines to decadent fudge of all varieties, stunning truffles and caramels, and a selection of mouthwatering flavors of ice cream.

236 Middle St C, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-636-1360

© Beer Army Burger Company

The Beer Army Burger Company is a friendly tavern-style restaurant and craft brewery taproom that serves a menu of 16 rotating draft beers and two house-brews, handcrafted cocktails, and other libations along with a small menu of pub grub such as juicy burgers and chicken wings. The mellow gathering place features a 25-foot solid mahogany bar and comfortable seating where guests can sample some of Coastal Carolina's premier craft beers. The Beer Army Burger Company is open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week, and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

313 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-288-5814

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Cruise the Neuse Pontoon Boat Tours offers three daytime cruises and a sunset cruise on the Neuse River. Cruises are provided on a 24-foot pontoon boat that departs from the DoubleTree Hilton in downtown New Bern and cruises up and down the river for a scenic 1 to 1.5-hour trip. Tours are led by expert guides who share their passion for the river and the city with guests, along with the history and essential facts of the area. Cruises pass beautiful historical homes and scenic riverside landscapes en route and guests can bring drinks and snacks to enjoy on the journey. Cruise the Neuse Pontoon Boat Tours also offers sunset cruises, which head due west up the Trent River to catch the sun sinking below the horizon against a backdrop of soft music.

101 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560, USA, Phone: 252-876-7232

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Crystal Coast Lady Cruises offers a variety of cruises, trips, and tours on the Neuse and Trent Rivers in Craven County. Cruises are operated on a 100-foot all-aluminum custom-designed motor yacht called the Crystal Coast Lady, which features a fully enclosed large upper deck and a climate-controlled cabin on the main deck. The boat also boasts two restrooms on each level, two full service bars and serving stations, a well-stocked gallery, a kids’ steering station, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for up to 265 guests, and state-of-the-art electronics and safety equipment. Cruises and trips include scenic brunch and lunch cruises, family fishing trips, sunset dinner cruises, educational tours, and special events such as weddings.

600 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, Phone: 252-728-8687

© Cow Cafe

Cow Café is a friendly neighborhood café that is decorated in a cow theme and serves a variety of light meals such as gourmet sandwich baskets, freshly prepared salads, healthy wraps, and a selection of sweet treats, desserts, and more than 40 flavors of homemade ice cream. The farm-style dining area is surrounded by murals of farm scenes and features a barnyard play area complete with rocking cows, farm equipment, and tractors to keep the little ones busy, while the front dining room has a “moo choo train” that rides around the room and the exclusive Bovine Boutique, which sells more than 500 different kinds of cow gifts. The Cow Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, 7 days a week.

319 Middle St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-672-9269

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New Bern Tours offers guided tours of historic New Bern. Founded in 1994, New Bern Tours provides a full fleet of transportation that includes trolleys and motor coaches as well as professional guides who share their knowledge of and passion for North Carolina’s first capital. Journeys through the city include visiting historical homes and buildings, museums, galleries, and urban parks along with soaking up the scenic views of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Tours can be custom-made for special occasions, and other services are also available such as boat cruises, nostalgic trolley tours through the downtown district, and walking tours. New Bern Tours can also assist visitors with hotel and dinner reservations.

610 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 800-849-7316 or 252-637-7316

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Located close to historic downtown New Bern, at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers, the Union Point Park covers six acres. Almost surrounded by water, the park is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are large grassy areas dotted with benches and picnic tables, which invite visitors to sit and watch the passing parade or meet up with friends for a barbecue. The park is bordered by a waterfront boardwalk which continues beyond Union Point Part to meet the adjoining Bicentennial Park. There are plenty of facilities on offer including a children’s playground, a boat launch for kayak, canoes and small boats, restrooms and a brand new gazebo.

210 E. Front Street, New Bern, NC 28560, 252 639 2001

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Surrounded by Lawson Creek and the Trent River, Lawson Creek Park covers a massive 140 acres of outdoor recreational green space. The park is home to an eclectic mix of attractions which are suitable for the whole family to enjoy. If you are into kayaking, canoeing or SUP you will find plenty of spots where you can enter the water including 2 dedicated boat launches. There are two fishing piers for everyone to enjoy and youngsters can have fun doing some crabbing. Other facilities include a perimeter boardwalk for walking and running, 2 large covered picnic pavilions, sports fields, restrooms and a very scenic hiking trail.

1309 Country Club Road, New Bern, NC 28560, 252 639 2901

© New Bern Civic Theatre

The New Bern Civic Theatre (aka NBCT) operates out of an historic old theatre which was built back in 1910, when it was known at the Athens Theatre. At that time it hosted silent movies, vaudeville shows and travelling theatre groups. After many years of neglect during the 70’s, the NBCT bought the old building and set about restoring it so that it could once again bring the joys of theatre to New Bern. Today the theatre hosts a full calendar of entertainment including live drama performances, musicals, junior theatre and much more. Aspiring young actors can also enroll for performing arts workshops.

414 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 25860, 252 634 9057

© Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing Co.

At Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing Co., you and your friends can learn a new sport and enjoy a fun night out in the heart of downtown New Bern. Over the last decade hatchet throwing has become a popular new sport which attracts a wide variety of people who would otherwise probably never even think of tossing an axe. Even if you have never held an axe in your hand before, the profession team at Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing Co. will explain all the fundamentals and ensure that you learn how to enjoy axe throwing in a fun and responsible way. Perfect for group get-togethers and parties, you and your team can book single or multiple lanes online.

504 S. Front Street, New Bern, NC 25860, 252 634 2933

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In recent years the escape room craze has swept through the US, and New Bern is no exception. If you feel the need for a dose of escape room action, you will find everything you need at Bear Towne Escape Room in Middle Street. The facility is home to three compelling indoor escape rooms as well as an all-new indoor/outdoor hybrid game called Spy Hunter, which combines elements of an escape room, a scavenger hunt and role play,. If this sound like fun you can round up for friends and family and book right now online. The 3 traditional escape rooms include The Witches Brew, the Legacy Heist and Secrets of the Pharaoh.

233 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560, 919 440 7150