10 Best Things To Do In New Bern, North Carolina

things to do in new bern north carolina
Jasmine
Jasmine 
Published
| 4 min read

New Bern, North Carolina, is the second oldest town in North Carolina and it was the capital of the North Carolina colonial government! Pepsi Cola began in this very city and this history-filled city is ready to school you! Check out this list of the best things to do in New Bern, North Carolina and get ready for a trip filled with adventure and history!

1. Tryon Palace

Tryon Palace
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Smallbones used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Known as the seat of North Carolina’s first permanent state capitol, Tryon Palace’s history is more than just a story! Walk and experience the footsteps of prior colonial governors and stroll through the sculpted gardens. Tryon Palace’s statehood goes all the way back to the early settlement of the mid-20th century.

Here, you’ll find games and hands-on exhibits for people of all ages, in the North Carolina History Center. Guides oversee tours and trade demonstrations and there are other historic places to visit here, such as the Governor’s Palace, the Gardens, and the Historic homes! Prepare yourself because, at Tryon Palace, you will appreciate the historic magic, throughout your visit!

Tryon Palace

Address: 529 S Front St, New Bern, North Carolina, NC 28562

Website: Tryon Palace

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2. The Birthplace of Pepsi Store

Pick up the kiddies and come see us for an after-school treat on this beautiful day! NOT PICTURED: Hot, fresh and delicious popcorn!!!

Posted by Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, New Bern, NC on Tuesday, 21 March 2017

As the birthplace of one of the world’s favorite soft drinks, Pepsi reigns in New Bern, North Carolina! Caleb Bradham was the creator of this beverage, in his pharmacy, in 1898. The Birthplace of Pepsi Store opened on its 100th anniversary, in 1998. Visit and learn about the history and earlier days of Pepsi. You can shop for gifts, souvenirs, and much more! Operating hours are Monday through Saturdays, 10 am to 6 pm. On Sundays, it’s open from 12 noon until 4 pm. When you visit the Birthplace of Pepsi, don’t forget to sample that tasty, refreshing beverage!

The Birthplace of Pepsi Store

Address: 256 Middle St, New Bern, North Carolina, NC 28560-2142

Website: The Birthplace of Pepsi Store

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3. John Wright Stanly House

Posted by Al Wall on Wednesday, 7 January 2015

Built around 1779, the John Wright Stanly House was the home of an important man of the same name and was designed by John Hawks. The John Wright Stanly House prevails as one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture, in the South. Once inside this renowned home, pay close attention to the details from the center-hall and the two-story stairwell! During the Civil War, the John Wright Stanly House was occupied by Federal forces. There is so much history within this home - make sure you put the John Wright Stanly House down as a must-see attraction!

John Wright Stanly House

Address: 307 George St, New Bern, North Carolina 28562

Website: John Wright Stanly House

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4. New Bern Battlefield Park

New Bern Battlefield
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tradewinds used under CC BY-SA 3.0

New Bern Battlefield Park is the location of a Civil War battlefield from where most of the battles took place. Presently, Battlefield Park holds over 30 acres (12.1 hectares) of the original battlefield, donated by the 26th North Carolina Regiment. New Bern Battlefield Park was dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who fought and died in the 26th North Carolina Regiment.

Beginning at the Visitors Center and the battlefield trails, there is a range of 36 interpretive panels, recounting the Battle of New Bern in the Civil War. You may even walk in the same footprints of the soldiers of the Confederate and Union Armies!

New Bern Battlefield Park

Address: 300, Battlefield Trail, New Bern, NC 28562

Website: New Bern Battlefield Park

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5. New Bern National Cemetery

U.S. National Cemetery-New Bern
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tradewinds used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The New Bern National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery, with 7,517 graves. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is the administration responsible for veterans who want to be buried at the New Bern National Cemetery. Visit and pay your respects to these soldiers who served and gave their lives.

New Bern National Cemetery

Address: 1711 National Ave, New Bern, North Carolina 28560

Website: New Bern National Cemetery

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6. New Bern Academy Museum

Posted by New Bern Academy Museum on Saturday, 23 January 2016

Only four blocks away from Tryon Palace, the New Bern Academy Museum is in the heart of the residential, historic district! The New Bern Academy Museum was originally a school, for both girls and boys and it was also a hospital facility, during the Civil War. The New Bern Academy Museum is open from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and admission is free!

New Bern Academy Museum

Address: 508 New St, New Bern, North Carolina, NC 28560

Website: New Bern Academy Museum

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7. Bear Town Adventure Co.

Morning paddle on Brice's Creek. Great day to be on the water! Come join us for an adventure! 252.288.5823

Posted by Bear Town Adventure Co. on Saturday, 6 July 2013

If you and your family are more into outdoor activities, visit the Bear Town Adventure Co.! Here, you can rent a bike, kayak, or a stand-up paddleboard or enjoy a SUP tour. You and your family will definitely feel a part of nature as you enjoy Bear Town Adventure Co. and the natural environment!

Bear Town Adventure Co.

Address: 230 Middle St, New Bern, North Carolina, NC 28560

Website: Bear Town Adventure Co.

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8. Croatan National Forest

Blue Grosbeak

Posted by Benjamin Murphy on Thursday, 8 June 2017

25 minutes away from New Bern, the Croatan National Forest is one of four National Forests in North Carolina. This forest has 160,000 acres (64,749.7 hectares) of pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps, known as pocosins! It is home to local wildlife, such as deer, black bears, turkeys, alligators, and more! You may be able to spot some, while canoeing or fishing on Blackwater Creek or the saltwater marshes. There’s plenty of momentous adventures awaiting you at the Croatan National Forest!

Croatan National Forest

Address: 141 E. Fisher Ave., New Bern, NC 28560

Website: Croatan National Forest

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9. Civic Theatre

Posted by New Bern Civic Theatre on Friday, 5 May 2017

The Civic Theatre has made quite an impact throughout its history! Renamed several times, the Civic Theatre was once the place for silent movies and is upheld as one of the most beautiful and best theatres in the area. The Civic Theatre is also known as the “Athens of North Carolina.” This theatre houses performances, auditions, and rehearsals. Along with the Athens Cafe Building, the Civic Theatre is a source of historical legacy in New Bern, for its directors, actors, and other performers. Get culturally entertained at the Civic Theatre!

Civic Theatre

Address: 414 Pollock St, New Bern, North Carolina, NC 28560

Website: Civic Theatre

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10. New Bern Aquatic Center

Posted by City of New Bern Parks and Recreation on Tuesday, 27 June 2017

The New Bern Aquatic Center is a friendly-family place and a perfect blend of swimming and play! It has cool features, such as zero-entry pool depths, public water features, slides, and swim lanes! The center also has family locker rooms, office space, a rest area, and more! If you’re worried about your kids being unsupervised, then stop. A staff of certified pool operators, lifeguards, and attendants are here, around the clock. The New Bern Aquatic Center’s pool can be reserved for family gatherings, parties, or summer camps. The choice is up to you. Your family and kids can swim and play here, all day long. General admission fees apply.

New Bern Aquatic Center

Address: 1155 Laura Lane

Website: New Bern Aquatic Center

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Step inside New Bern for a blast!

New Bern, North Carolina, is a city full of patriotic history and fun! With New Bern on a pedestal, this city will not disappoint you! Watch history come to life as you become a part of it, too!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Jasmine McGhee is a published author holding a B.A. in English, and her passion lies in English, literature, and, above all, poetry. She also has over 13 years of experience in the craft and is...Read more

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