New Bern is a quiet little city on the North Carolina coast, and another one of our girls’ weekend trip locations. Here’s what we loved and would recommend while spending a day in New Bern NC.
Where to Stay in New Bern NC
You’ll find both cute bed and breakfasts and nice hotels in New Bern NC. Two of the most popular New Bern Hotels are the Doubletree Riverfront and the Courtyard Marriot. And The Harvey is an excellent choice for someone wanting the charm of a historic building paired with the luxury of boutique New Bern hotels. Or if you like to camp, the KOA New Bern is close by.
Where to Start: The New Bern Visitor Center
Stopping by the New Bern Visitor Center is one of the first things to do in New Bern NC. Grab a map. Ask for a restaurant recommendation. Ask about the painted bears (see below!)
What to Eat Here: Seafood Restaurants in New Bern NC
Coastal towns are all about their seafood and when you visit New Bern, you’ll find a wide assortment here from catfish to she-crab soup to sea bass. A couple of the top seafood restaurants in New Bern NC are Front Street Fish, MJ’s Raw Bar & Grille, Persimmon Waterfront Restaurant, and Morgan’s Tavern & Grill. Other popular New Bern restaurants include The Chelsea, Cypress Hall and The Old Pinnix. And if you eat at The Chelsea, stop by the small sculpture park across the street.
Things to do in New Bern NC:
The Birthplace of Pepsi – On the corner of Middle St and Pollock St, you’ll find the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, the pharmacy where Caleb Bradham created ‘Brad’s Drink.’ The store has old ads painted on the walls, an old-fashioned soda fountain counter, and history of the Pepsi company, as well as a selection of souvenirs. It’s a fun little stop.
Tryon Palace – Tryon Palace is a replica of the 1760’s mansion where the British governors of North Carolina worked and lived from 1770 to 1775. You can purchase a 1 day pass (which includes a palace tour), a galleries and gardens pass, or a pass just to view the gardens. All options include the military encampment area.
Painted Bear Statues – Look for painted bear statues placed throughout the downtown area. The visitor’s center has a map if you want to find them all. Taking pictures at the bear statues is one of the most unique things to do in New Bern NC.
Coffee Shops – Enjoy a coffee and a sweet treat at Mayte Sweets or Crema Brew, two very popular coffee restaurants New Bern NC.
Historic Homes – Ask at the Visitor Center about historic homes that may be open for touring or take a walk past some of New Bern’s beautiful and historic bed and breakfasts.
Shopping – Check out Midtown Olive Oil, Blue Magnolia, Bear City Fudge Company, Carolina Creations, Anchored in New Bern, Calypso Cottage, and Bern Bear Gifts. We also got to enjoy the Gardens at Isaac Taylor, a beautiful downtown wedding and event venue.
Union Point Park – Watching the sunset from the boardwalk at Union Point park is a beautiful way to end your day in New Bern NC.
Visit a NC Coastal Town – New Bern is just an hour drive from North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Add a stop in Emerald Isle or Beaufort to your New Bern NC trip.
I hope this helps you enjoy a day trip to New Bern NC!
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