Overview
New Bern is a city of 31,000 people (2020) in the coastal region of the state of North Carolina. New Bern has three historic districts with homes, stores, and churches dating as far back as the early 18th century.
5 sights · 7 things to do · 7 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about New Bern
Tryon Palace and North Carolina History Center
A reproduction of Governor Tryon's mansion. New Bern was the capitol city of the Colony of North Carolina before the Revolutionary War. The original palace burned at the end of the 18th century. The Palace that stands to…
Bank of the Arts
Home of the Craven County Arts Council, the Bank of the Arts is an art gallery in an old bank building. The Arts Council sponsors performances, festivals and other events and is a good starting place to find out what the…
Birthplace of Pepsi
In 1898 Caleb Bradham invented Pepsi Cola in his pharmacy at this location. Enjoy a Pepsi at a recreation of the original soda fountain.
New Bern Fireman's Museum
A museum with fire fighting equipment and other historical items. The New Bern Fire Department has an unusual history of rivalry between the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company and the Button Company; vestiges of this good-…
Union Point Park
A waterfront park at the "union point" of two rivers, the Trent River and the Neuse River. With a boardwalk, gazebo, boat ramp, and small beach area. Duck food dispenser is located next to water to feed ducks.
The Accidental Artist
Paint your own pottery. Choose a pottery item and paint it. The staff will coat it with a clear glaze, fire it and you can pick it up 4 days later.
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.
- EWN Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, New Bern — 3 mi away. Directions
- OAJ Albert J Ellis Airport, Richlands — 36 mi away. Directions
- RDU Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Raleigh/Durham — 110 mi away (major hub). Directions
Generally, those who come to New Bern come in from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) via rental car or through the local airport, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), with flights on Delta and American Airlines. I-40 and I-95 are interstate highways that run relatively close to New Bern, which is located on US Highway 70, NC 17, and US Highway 17.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $92–$92 a night (typical $119), from 2 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $16 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$240.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Tryon Palace and North Carolina History Center, Bank of the Arts
- Lunch El Cerro Grande
- Afternoon Down East Folk Arts Society, Rivertowne Players
- Dinner The Chelsea
- Evening Harvey's Mansion
Day 2
- Morning Union Point Park, Birthplace of Pepsi
- Lunch Cow Cafe
- Afternoon Ghosts of New Bern, Trolley Tours
- Dinner The Flame
- Evening The Hilton
Day 3
- Morning New Bern Fireman's Museum, The Accidental Artist
- Lunch Morgan's Tavern
- Afternoon New Bern Civic Theatre, Latham Whitehurst Nature Park
- Dinner Outback Steakhouse
- Evening Mickey Milligan's
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.
Understand
New Bern was founded in 1710 by Swiss and German adventurers led by Baron Christoph von Graffenried from Bern, Switzerland. The coat of arms of the Swiss city included a bear, which lead to the New Bern city mascot being a bear. Bears are a recurring motif within the city - from names of businesses, to statues found throughout, to the "Bear City" nickname for the city itself. Royal Governor William Tryon made New Bern the colonial capital. His restored 18th-century capitol and residence, Tryon Palace, dominates a thirteen-acre garden complex that includes several historical landmarks in the heart of the city.
A major port and trading center in the 1800s, New Bern was captured and occupied by the Union Army after a fierce battle on March 14, 1862. In 1898, the pharmacist Caleb Bradham invented Pepsi Cola in his pharmacy at the intersection Middle and Pollock Street. The building still exists.
Get in
Generally, those who come to New Bern come in from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) via rental car or through the local airport, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), with flights on Delta and American Airlines. I-40 and I-95 are interstate highways that run relatively close to New Bern, which is located on US Highway 70, NC 17, and US Highway 17.
Bus service is provided by Greyhound. Buses stop at 4010 Martin Luther King Blvd, nowhere near downtown, so you'll have to figure out some way to get into town from the bus stop.
Get around
The downtown shopping district is walkable. Elsewhere in town a car is necessary. There is no public transportation and taxis are rare and expensive.
See
See Tryon Palace and North Carolina History Center
A reproduction of Governor Tryon's mansion. New Bern was the capitol city of the Colony of North Carolina before the Revolutionary War. The original palace burned at the end of the 18th century. The Palace that stands today was rebuilt on the original site with North Carolina state funds during the 1950s. There are tours, special events, lectures and re-enactments.
Do
Do Ghosts of New Bern
A one-hour walking tour of downtown historic New Bern. Learn about strange occurrences and unusual happenings, including paranormal investigations, and ghosts that haunt many of New Bern’s homes and buildings. Based on the book, Ghosts of New Bern by Joseph and Joyce O'Callahan.
Do Latham Whitehurst Nature Park
The 133 acres that the park spans offers a popular destination for wildlife fans and hikers. There are many benches and a few viewing areas along the trails, and descriptions of the flora and fauna that one might expect to see at vantage points within the park. A 2000 ft boardwalk that goes over Broad Creek offers a good view of the creek and the wild life that thrives in the area.
Buy
There are lots of quirky little shops in downtown New Bern. A thriving artist's community in town and the surrounding area support a variety of art galleries.
Eat
Eat El Cerro Grande
Mexican restaurant with surprisingly cheap beer and margaritas.
Eat The Chelsea
A well-established dining institution with an innovative menu. It is rather expensive, yet very good.
Eat Cow Cafe
A landmark in New Bern. A great lunch place, fun for the kids, with ice cream and fountain drinks.
Eat The Flame
One of the better eating establishments in uptown New Bern, featuring upscale buffets. It has a wonderful Sunday brunch each week from 11:30am - 3:00pm.
Eat Morgan's Tavern
A fine dining restaurant located in downtown New Bern. Excellent for families. Has a variety of beers on tap and an extensive wine list. Has covered, outdoor seating.
Eat Outback Steakhouse
Locally considered the best chain dining establishment around. Make reservations well prior to when you intend to go; business is fast and waits can be over two hours.
Drink
Drink Harvey's Mansion
This bar is in the basement of the inn of the same name. Although the bar is small, it has a comfortable atmosphere. This is the bar where the locals like to go.
Drink The Hilton
Has two main bars. Both are good hangout places during the weekends. One bar features dance music and the other bar is a classic tavern. During the summer months, the Sheraton is famous for its "Deck Parties" on Fridays and Sundays from 6-10 pm. Friday deck parties usually feature rock, pop, and blues live music. Sunday's usually feature jazz.
Drink Mickey Milligan's
A great place to play billiards. Milligan's features a large bar with several beverages on tap in addition to eight pool tables. Some nights, there is also live music.
Sleep
Stay Antebellum Meadows Inn B&B (Bed & Breakfast Inn)
An Antebellum Inn Built in 1847 as a private residence, renovated in 1900 and again in 1980 as the first B&B in New Bern. There are 7 rooms with a full breakfast each morning. Off street parking behind the Inn. Park your car and walk to all the Historic downtown restaurants, shops, two riverfronts and the Tryon Palace & Gardens/NC History Center.
Nearby
Havelock
City / town · 4 listings · 18 mi away
Newport
City / town · 6 listings · 25 mi away
Cape Carteret
City / town · 6 listings · 29 mi away
Swansboro
City / town · 17 listings · 29 mi away
Bath
City / town · 6 listings · 29 mi away
Emerald Isle
City / town · 6 listings · 31 mi away
Washington
City / town · 13 listings · 31 mi away
Jacksonville
City / town · 13 listings · 31 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.