Overview
Goldsboro is a rapidly growing town in Wayne County, on the North Carolina Coastal Plain, near the Research Triangle. The city has nearly 36,000 residents (2016) with a growing commercial and suburban lifestyle. This city is home to F-15E fighter wing housed at Seymour Johnson AFB, and is the hometown of Andy Griffith.
2 sights · 2 places to eat · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Goldsboro
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is a park area featuring a vivid overlook of the nearby Neuse River, along with several hiking trails and campground facilities. Visitors can also tour the museum present that sheds light o…
Old Waynesborough Park
Reconstructed village that preceded and contested Goldsboro for prominence until the railroad made the latter the opportune choice.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Sep and Aug. (climate data from nearby North Carolina Coastal Plain)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PGV Pitt-Greenville Airport, Greenville — 38 mi away. Directions
- OAJ Albert J Ellis Airport, Richlands — 43 mi away. Directions
- RDU Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Raleigh/Durham — 57 mi away (major hub). Directions
Goldsboro is served by Greyhound buses from New Bern and Raleigh, with connections to many other cities. Buses stop at 2600 US 117 S, which is far from the main part of Goldsboro and isn't served by local buses, so unless you know someone who can pick you up, you'll have a hard time getting into town.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
- Lunch Wilbur's Barbecue
- Afternoon Old Waynesborough Park
- Dinner Chef & The Farmer
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
By bus
Goldsboro is served by Greyhound buses from New Bern and Raleigh, with connections to many other cities. Buses stop at 2600 US 117 S, which is far from the main part of Goldsboro and isn't served by local buses, so unless you know someone who can pick you up, you'll have a hard time getting into town.
Amtrak operates a Thruway bus from Wilson, North Carolina. It stops at a much more convenient location, the GWTA Transfer Center at 103 North Carolina Street.
By plane
Get around
By bus
Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority (GWTA) operates local buses. The fare is $1.
See
Eat
Eat Wilbur's Barbecue
A well-known southern barbecue restaurant that has some of the best gravy around. In addition, all of their barbecue is cooked over oak wood. This was the site of one of Sandra Pinckney's visits to small town restaurants in the Food Network TV show Food Finds.
Eat Chef & The Farmer
Upscale restaurant with a modern take on Southern food. During the summer, get the tomato pie.
Sleep
Nearby
Princeton
City / town · 12 mi away
Smithfield-Selma
City / town · 10 listings · 23 mi away
Kinston
City / town · 9 listings · 23 mi away
Wilson
City / town · 4 listings · 24 mi away
Benson
City / town · 7 listings · 32 mi away
Greenville
City / town · 17 listings · 37 mi away
Rocky Mount
City / town · 7 listings · 40 mi away
Tarboro
City / town · 4 listings · 43 mi away
My experience
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