One of the oldest cities in North Carolina and the state’s first capital, New Bern is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a blend of history, nature, and great food in a unique setting. It’s conveniently located just two hours from Raleigh and the coastal town of Wilmington, making it an easy stop on any road trip through the region.
New Bern boasts some standout claims to fame: the 1890s drugstore where Pepsi was born, over 80 life-size bear sculptures scattered throughout the city, and the awe-inspiring Tryon Palace, a sprawling testament to grandeur.
Whether you stick to the walkable waterfront downtown or venture out to explore the waterways and the 157,000-acre Croatan National Forest, there’s plenty to see and do. This article won’t cover it all, but here are the essential experiences to prioritize when you visit New Bern.
Get Out on the Water
You can’t visit New Bern without getting out on the water. Positioned at the meeting point of two rivers, the city is defined by its aquatic surroundings. Paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, fishing — the options are endless, but a guided cruise stands out as an accessible and engaging way to take it all in. It’s straightforward and informative: just show up, and let the captain handle the rest.
Book a two-hour cruise with Anchors Up Marine Solutions to navigate the mighty Neuse River, the quieter Trent River, and even Brices Creek. On one tour, Capt. Matthew Gotz, a USCG Master, shared a wealth of insights, explaining the “Neuse River mustache,” pointing out turtles and wildlife, showcasing multimillion-dollar waterfront properties, and recounting the tale of America’s first registered nurse and her obscure link to “Brad’s Drink.”
The 22-foot covered boat seats up to six and can be enclosed if the weather turns chilly. Morning, afternoon, and sunset tours run daily — opt for the sunset slot for breathtaking wetland views or the morning for serene calm. Bring snacks to enjoy onboard.
Your local captain knows New Bern inside and out, so feel free to ask questions. Booking the whole boat lets you customize the experience. Focus on history, wildlife, boats, or simply relax with music and conversation.
Pro tip: Use the onboard binoculars for birdwatching. Blue jays, ospreys, belted kingfishers, and cardinals are common sights. Or just to zoom in on the scenery.
Go Out on the Town
Here’s a key fact about New Bern: bears. Not the living kind, but the symbolic ones. Named after Bern, Switzerland, where the bear is a heraldic icon, New Bern embraces this connection with over 80 fiberglass bear sculptures around town. Tracking them down is a fun challenge; grab a map from the visitors center if you want a head start.
Spot a bear in a green vest, and you’ve found Mitchell Hardware. Step inside this 1898 general store for a dose of nostalgia. It’s stocked with everything from birdhouses to barbecue sauce to boating gear and doubles as an attraction itself.
Nearby, The Birthplace of Pepsi marks the spot where a local pharmacist concocted the drink in 1898. Check out vintage artifacts like Pepsi lunch boxes, international bottles, even a Mountain Dew hillbilly mural. Then grab a Pepsi float and popcorn at the soda shop.
For a livelier outing, hit Beary The Hatchet, an axe-throwing spot that’s equal parts quirky and thrilling. Axes, ninja stars, knives, even shovels. You can try them all, and the axe coach will guide you through the technique (it’s less about strength, more about finesse).
Reservations are smart, especially on weekends, but walk-ins are welcome. Snacks and drinks are available, and they’ve got close-toed shoes to rent if you need them.
Tip: Swing by on “Broke Axe Mondays” for 40% off an hour of throwing.
Stop in at the Palace
If a road trip can include a palace, you don’t skip it. Tryon Palace, with its 16 acres of gardens, is a showstopper worth the detour.
This three-in-one attraction features historic buildings, meticulously designed gardens, and the 60,000-square-foot North Carolina History Center. Wander at your leisure, though the palace itself requires a timed guided tour. Your period-dressed guide will explain how the original 1770 structure, built for the royal colonial governor, burned down in 1798. Today’s version is a faithful recreation based on historical records.
Gov. William Tryon’s lavish “palace,” funded by steep taxes, didn’t win him many fans back then, and its opulence still impresses. Tour the replica ballroom where George Washington danced or the surprisingly modern kitchen, where 18th-century cooking demos still happen.
Don’t miss:
- The guided Dixon House tour, showcasing an early 1830s merchant’s home
- The stables, the last remnant of the original palace
- The palace gardens, with clipped hedges, statues, and scenic pathways
- Backyard gardens at historic homes like the Stanly House, featuring heirloom camellias and a fountain with water lilies
Plan for at least three hours, or two, if you move quickly through the gardens and museum.
Where To Eat in New Bern
Downtown New Bern’s dining scene is solid across the board, but here are standout picks for every meal, plus a snack stop.
Breakfast
Baker’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery draws crowds, especially on weekends during brunch hours. Known for fresh cinnamon rolls and their famous Butter Syrup (shipped nationwide), they nail the classics: eggs any way you like, plus Southern staples like country fried steak and biscuits with gravy. Order à la carte to customize your plate; the “Twigs & Berries” yogurt with granola is a lighter gem.
Service is quick and friendly, and the bright, welcoming vibe sets you up for the day.
Tip: Save space for the pastry case. Muffins, cookies, and more await.
Lunch
If you’re at Tryon Palace, Lawson’s On The Creek at the North Carolina History Center is a convenient waterfront option. Soups, salads, and sandwiches dominate the menu, alongside craft beer, wine, and desserts. Expect crowd-pleasers like grilled cheese and hot dogs, plus elevated picks like Reubens or shrimp salad. The patio views are a bonus. It’s worth stepping out for even if you eat inside.
Dinner
Morgan’s Tavern & Grill might steal the show with its steakburgers, a juicy blend of chuck roast, short rib, and brisket, paired perfectly with creamy mac and cheese. Complimentary honey-drizzled croissants kick things off right, and the menu spans salads, seafood, pasta, ribs, and more, all with a local, seasonal twist.
Sit on the patio (with heaters or fans as needed) or inside the 1911 brick-walled space, adorned with art and lanterns. Snap a pic with the bear statue for a shot at free food. Ask your server for details.
Dessert is a must, even if just to admire the platter.
Coffee and Snack
Bella’s Cafe & Catering has drinks for every taste — smoothies, cappuccinos, Italian sodas — plus breakfast and lunch options like a solid gyro. The baked goods look tempting, prices are fair, and the atmosphere is pure relaxation: Wi-Fi, warm woodsy decor, comfy seats, and a mellow playlist. It’s a spot to linger.
