Things To Do
in New Bern
New Bern is a charming historic town located in North Carolina, United States. It is known for its rich history dating back to colonial times and its beautifully preserved historic district. The town is situated along the Neuse River and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking.
With its quaint shops, restaurants, and welcoming community, New Bern is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Tryon Palace and learn about North Carolina's colonial history. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in the historic architecture.
Head to the New Bern Riverwalk for a leisurely walk along the waterfront. Grab lunch at a local café and sample some Southern cuisine.
Wind down with a sunset cruise on the Neuse River. Enjoy the beautiful views and perhaps spot some local wildlife.
Visit the New Bern Art and Cultural Center to appreciate local artists' work. Participate in a workshop or simply enjoy the exhibits.
Explore the North Carolina History Center for an interactive experience. Dive into the regional heritage with engaging displays.
Check out a local theater performance at the Oriental Theater. Enjoy a mix of music, drama, and dance showcasing local talent.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical significance with well-preserved architecture and landmarks.
- Access to beautiful waterfront views and recreational activities like boating and fishing.
- A friendly and welcoming community atmosphere with a small-town feel.
- Mild climate with relatively warm winters, making it appealing for year-round living.
- Growing local economy with opportunities in tourism, healthcare, and small businesses.
- Limited job market compared to larger cities, which may affect career opportunities.
- Occasional flooding and hurricane risks due to its coastal location.
- Public transportation options are limited, making a car necessary for most residents.
- Higher humidity levels during the summer can make the weather uncomfortable for some.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger urban areas.
Best Activities in New Bern
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic Neuse River and enjoy a day of water sports with beautiful views.
Enjoy a relaxing day in nature with a picnic and leisurely walks along the waterfront at Union Point Park.
Discover the beauty of the Croatan National Forest with its hiking trails and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Tours
Uncover the best of New Bern with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in New Bern
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic site with beautiful gardens and waterfront views
Scenic views of the river and surrounding area, especially at sunset
Waterfront park with picturesque views of the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers
Food in New Bern
New Bern Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential dish in New Bern, featuring local shrimp served atop creamy, stone-ground grits, often flavored with bacon or Tasso ham.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the local BBQ scene with slow-cooked, tangy pulled pork, often accompanied by vinegar-based sauces and classic sides like coleslaw and hushpuppies.
A delightful local treat, these biscuits are made with sweet potatoes and served warm with butter or a drizzle of local honey.
Unique Experiences
Get to know New Bern better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this bustling market to sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, homemade preserves, and indulge in a variety of street food offerings such as local seafood wraps and fresh fruit smoothies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In New Bern, it is important to respect personal space and maintain a comfortable distance when interacting with others.
Politeness and courteous behavior are highly valued in New Bern, so using
Being mindful of and showing respect for the local customs and traditions of New Bern is important for building positive relationships with the community.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of New Bern with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in New Bern
Ensure a smooth experience
In New Bern, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to tip waitstaff at restaurants around 15-20% of the total bill. Additionally, it is customary to tip hotel staff, taxi drivers, and other service providers.
Payment in New Bern is primarily done using credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment methods are increasingly popular. It's important to note that not all establishments may accept international credit cards, so it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into New Bern.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a beautiful time to visit New Bern, with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures. It's a great time for outdoor activities and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.
Summer in New Bern is warm and humid, perfect for water activities like boating and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor festivals and events during this time.
Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, making it an ideal time for exploring the outdoors and taking in the colorful autumn scenery.
Winter in New Bern is mild, with occasional chilly days. It's a quieter time to visit, but visitors can still enjoy holiday events and activities in the area.
New Bern at Night
Hiking in New Bern
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A sprawling coastal forest offering a variety of trails through diverse habitats including salt marshes, estuaries, and pine forests.
A picturesque trail that runs alongside the Neuse River, perfect for hiking and enjoying scenic views and wildlife.
Accessible by ferry, this park features beautiful beaches and trails through natural coastal landscapes.
Features trails that wind through pine forests and offer views of the surrounding area, ideal for hiking and nature observation.
Offers historical sites alongside trails that provide access to the beach and coastal ecosystems.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into New Bern through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach New Bern by plane.
Located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, approximately 45 miles from New Bern.
Located in Wilson, North Carolina, approximately 50 miles from New Bern.
Located in Greenville, North Carolina, approximately 35 miles from New Bern.
Located in New Bern, North Carolina. This is the main airport serving the area.
Located in Morrisville, North Carolina, approximately 130 miles from New Bern.
Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, approximately 90 miles from New Bern.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
62.1% of the population identifed as White.
30.7% of the population identified as Black or African American.
5.8% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
1.1% of the population identified as Asian.
1.5% of the population identified as belonging to two or more races.
0.3% of the population identified as other races.
The Soul of New Bern
Discover the essence of New Bern through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A highly popular sport in New Bern, often played at both the high school and community levels, with a strong following during the fall season.
Widely played in schools and recreational leagues, basketball engages many youth and adults in the community.
Growing in popularity, soccer is played by various age groups and has established leagues and programs for children and adults.
A traditional American pastime, baseball is cherished in New Bern with local teams and youth leagues contributing to its following.
Softball is popular in New Bern, with recreational leagues for both men and women, as well as tournaments held throughout the year.
Tennis has a thriving community in New Bern, with courts available for public use and local clubs offering leagues and lessons.
With access to local pools and waterways, swimming is a popular recreational activity and competitive sport among residents.
Golfing is enjoyed by many in New Bern, with several golf clubs and courses available to both novice and experienced players.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New Bern.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in New Bern offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, including inventive salads, vegetable-based entrees, and plant-based twists on Southern classics.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options such as gluten-free seafood dishes, salads, and gluten-free bread substitutes at various eateries in New Bern.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of New Bern with these cultural adventures.
