Things to do in New Bern North Carolina
How exciting to consider relocating to New Bern, one of America's Best Small Towns where two beautiful rivers meet and form the backdrop for a town full of historic homes, quaint shops, and cozy restaurants. Tryon Palace, originally the Governor's Mansion. Its spectacular gardens are also here, and farther south, you can enjoy the serenity of nearby Croatan National Forest, which is nationally-recognized for its many recreation opportunities and trails. We want to help you enjoy your time here as you learn more about New Bern, so here's some of the most interesting and fun things to do in New Bern for you to explore.
BIRTHPLACE OF PEPSI COLA - 256 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560 Phone: 252-636-5898
Come and see the actual site where, in 1898, Caleb Bradham first invented Pepsi-Cola in his pharmacy. You will learn about the history of its inventor, and the early days of this popular soda. Step back in time and enjoy a refreshing fountain Pepsi or browse through countless gifts and souvenirs.
Hours of Operation: Sunday 12:00pm-4:00p.m., Monday through Saturday 10:00a.m.-6:00 p.m.
CAROLINA CREATIONS - 317 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560 Phone: 252-633-4369
Founded in 1989 by owners and artists Janet & Michael Francoeur, this award-winning gallery has become a downtown New Bern legend, and has been instrumental in developing the town's thriving art scene. The owners offer their personalized "Celebration Pottery" pieces as well as thousands of others contributed by artists from around the state. These include just about every type of medium in the art world, from ceramics and metal works, clocks, and furniture to garden art, jewelry, lighting fixtures, and traditional paintings: it can all be found here.
Hours of Operation: Sunday 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday 10:00a.m.–6:00p.m.
CRAVEN ARTS COUNCIL AND GALLERY - 317 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560 Phone: 252-638-2577
The Council offers a continuous variety of artistic experiences to the community and local schools through classes, exhibitions and concerts by regional and national artists. Their programs are provided in partnership with other organizations, including Tryon Palace, Craven County Schools, Havelock Cultural Arts Committee, Twin Rivers Artists' Association and others. The Craven Arts Council & Gallery also serves as a cultural resource for the community and school system.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
HIKE IN CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST - Havelock, NC 28532 Phone: 828-257-4200
If you are one of the many who find that exploring a trail is the best way to enjoy the national forests, the 160,000-acre Croatan National Forest doesn't disappoint. There are over 1,600 miles of trails that range from short, easy walks to long-distance backpacking trips through pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps called pocosins. One of four National Forests in North Carolina this is the only true easter coastal forest in the U.S., bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound. You'll see anything from alligators, black bears and deer to ospreys, turkeys, and wading birds among the fauna here, and the flora includes the carnivorous Venus fly trap, sunder and pitcherplant among many others.
Hours of Operation: District office hours (for information): Monday through Friday, 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m.
FERRY RIDE TO THE OUTER BANKS - Ocracoke Civic & Business Association, Inc. Phone: 252-928-6711
Taking a ferry to visit and explore Ocracoke is a wonderful way to spend the day. There are three of them, and the one from Hatteras Island, which takes about 40 minutes to cross over, is free. The other two are longer (over two hours each), connect with mainland North Carolina, and service both Swan Quarter and Cedar Island. The Swan Quarter ferry takes about 2.5 hours to cross, while the Cedar Island ferry takes about 2.25 hours. Each of these has a fee, and since rates may change you should call ahead to find out what the cost will be. It is also best to make a reservation, once you know when you'll be visiting.
GOLF AT CAROLINA COLOURS - 503 W. Thurman Road, New Bern, NC 28562 Phone: 877-356-2304
If you're looking for an affordable golf course that is fun and challenging for players of any skill level, look no further. The fairways here tend to be wide, and the greens large. Each green has at least six different areas for pin placement, which adds variety to each round, and also helps preserve the pristine condition of the bent-grass greens. Although conveniently located, Carolina Colours has a layout which offers the feel of a course standing alone in nature.
Hours of Operation: Call for tee times
NEW BERN SEGWAY TOUR - 236 Middle St Unit D, New Bern, NC 28560 Phone: 252-838- 7120
Fun for visitors and NC natives alike, the New Bern Segway Tours & Fun Center is the place to go for tours through New Bern. Knowledgeable tour guides who are free spirits with a passion for excitement and history narrate your trip through the town known as the "Athens of the South", pointing out the town’s rich traditions and culture.
Hours of Operation: Call ahead for locations and tour times.
PICNIC AT UNION POINT PARK - Downtown New Bern waterfront
Near the historic downtown area, you can enjoy a fantastic view at the scenic Union Point Park, six lovely acres surrounded by water at the point where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet. In addition to grassy terrain for on-the-ground dining, there are picnic tables and grills here. There are playground facilities here, and restrooms, as well as a waterfront boardwalk.
Hours of Operation: Daylight hours, dawn to dusk.
TRYON PALACE - 529 South Front Street, New Bern, NC 28562
This was North Carolina’s first permanent state capitol and sits upon more than 14 acres of sculpted gardens. There is also an interactive experience available, which explores the past through the use of technology. There is an active research program here, which provides the foundation for continual changes. With an emphasis on scholarship and research in the pursuit of historical accuracy, learning is easy here - through exploration and participation using the museum’s vast resources.
Hours of Operation: Sunday Noon-5:00p.m., Monday through Saturday 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
TUGBOAT CRUISE - 101 Craven St., at Doubletree Hotel Waterfront, New Bern, NC Phone: 252-349-3819
On these leisurely tugboat cruises, hosted by a local captain, you'll travel along the beautiful Neuse and Trent Rivers or up Brice Creek. Ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, the boat can hold up to six passengers - but the boat can be reserved for a private two-person cruise as well.. Whether your interest is wildlife, remote tannin-stained waters, gorgeous homes, or just a unique, romantic evening, you'll find something here to interest you.
Hours of Operation: Call for more information.
No matter what the occasion is, we hope this list has provided plenty of interesting and fun things to do in New Bern with your family and friends. Bookmarking this page will make it easier when planning your trip to New Bern NC.
