24 Exclusive Things To Do In New Bern, North Carolina

The tour is about 50 minutes and covers the entire building and the history of the area during colonial times. It is a nice experience to see how the people of North Carolina used to live.

They provide free parking at the visitor's center where you can purchase tickets for the tour. The building is a replica based on the original plan and some artifacts.

The gardens are beautiful and you can wander at your pace and take in the beauty. Make sure to stop by the kitchen building to see demonstrations and learn more about the property.

While driving into New Bern, you will pass this park. It is easy to find, has parks, and offers pretty sights.

This open park is great for leisure strolls and many other activities. It has an area where birds and ducks come to eat. The river walk is a must. You can see the long expansion bridge and watch the draw bridge let sailboat into the waterway.

If you have children, there is a playground too. Moreover, there are places to picnic, sidewalks for walking or biking, gray areas for playing or sunbathing, and some cute bear statues scattered to take pictures. The gazebo lights up beautifully on occasion.

The shop is located in the downtown of New Ben. It provides a lot of information related to the history of the revolution of Pepsi throughout the years displayed on the walls.

The store is divided into two sections. One is for gifts and the other one is for restaurants. Entry is free and besides Pepsi, you can purchase Mountain Dew T-shirts, souvenirs, magnets, and small trucks.

Get an ice-cold Pepsi from the old-school soda fountain and enjoy it with popcorn. This is one of the must-see things to do in New Bern NC.

Persimmon has a lovely atmosphere and the service is top-notch. The setting is glorious; right on the water.

All of their seafood is fantastic. You can start the meal with the fried tomatoes and steamed shrimp. And for the entree try shrimp salad, beet salads, and fish tacos.

Dessert can be a slice of caramel apple cheesecake. Most people rave about the individual oyster potpie with a pillow of phyllo crust on top. Moreover, you get a great view of the Neuse River from inside the table. Having a meal in a lovely setting is also one of the fun things to do New Bern NC.

The trolley tour lasts nearly an hour and takes you through most landmarks in downtown New Bern. With the help of a guide, you will gain knowledge about the place and its exterior designs.

The tour is from 610 Pollock Street. It is directed by friendly experts who tell interesting stories. Tickets can be purchased when booking online or onboard the trolley, but note that to pay, you have to use a card.

For a large group, one can get a group discount, and book a charter, which will be available according to the agreed on schedule.

This is an excellent shop with beautiful handcrafted items. From the glass ornaments and artworks to pottery, paintings, and jewelry, everything is one of a kind.

You will find so many artistic creations, most of them made by North Carolina artisans. You can be guaranteed to find something wonderful in this shop for any occasion.

Plus they have a superb selection of greeting cards. And if you stop by in January/February you will find handmade cards by local school children that are sold as a fundraiser for the school's art department.

This is a great way to explore the attractions in New Bern NC. You will ride in a pontoon boat along with enthusiastic and well-aware captains.

The pontoon boat has a nice cover and ensures comfortable cruising. The captains are very knowledgeable and provide some great historical context of the things that happened in the area.

You will stop by many locations throughout the tour. See some beautiful homes lined with the river and enjoy stories about the residents' past and current. Book your package online from the Cruise the Neuse website.

From historical battlefield accounts to nature up close, this park has it all. It offers a mix of stroller-friendly trails and decent topography for a family hike abound.

Well-maintained trails take you to various points within the park that have play cards detailing events that occurred there. Take the time to do the bigger loop; go to the tree house and look out over the creek.

This is a free park with considerable details and an opportunity to grasp the battle that took place here.

The theater is small and very intimate. You do not need to be a Shakespeare buff to enjoy the show here. Just go online for a synopsis of the plot and enjoy it.

You can easily tell that everyone taking part in the show takes pride in what they do. Visit with family or friends and experience creative presentations of various performances.

The theater also hosts many community events. Check upcoming ones at the New Bern Civic Theater site. As a result, this could be one of the fun New Bern things to do.

The Aerie Bed and Breakfast is where you can relax and rejuvenate in luxury. The property is beautifully designed and each home features an outdoor space that is convenient for any season of the year.

The area is walkable to several breweries and restaurants and close to the waterfront. The Aerie is the perfect place to stay with a comfortable bed, spacious room, delicious breakfast, and great hosts.

The hosts might also give you a personal tour of the property and explain the amenities. The staff go to great lengths for the comfort of the guests.

Morgan's is a staple of New Bern with consistently great food and rinks. The place has a lot of volume and very comfortable seating inside.

You can also sit outside on the patio and have a relaxing time. The menu is packed with a lot of options and it might be hard to make up your mind. Their lobster bisque and Carolina oyster appetizer are amazing.

Burgers are huge, shrimp tacos are full of large shrimp and the chicken fingers with twisted fires are excellent. Do not miss the mac and cheese. Also, the chicken cordon blue is a unique and outstanding meal.

New Bern Firemen's Museum has a lot of history about the city of New Bern. It is more than just fire memorabilia.

The past of the department details much about the town, its people, and how it has evolved. Besides, all the deep history, the museum provides a scavenger hunt for kids too.

You will be accompanied by a guide and can stay for as long as you like. It is a good escape for an hour or two, especially with small kids.

James Reed Lane in downtown New Bern is famous for the wonderful views and architecture of historical buildings. Lots of visitors like the lane for a walk. It is quiet and ideal for taking an evening walk.

There is the James Drinkery, which has people's attention and is quite well-known. It is a laid-back place where guests can come over and enjoy cocktails and draft beer among others.

Although it provides a more prestigious feel, it is still relaxed and allows anyone to be comfortable. The drinker also has lots of fun activities, for instance, live music events.

An awesome, cozy, chill neighborhood spot to kick back and enjoy some great beer and yummy baked goods.

There are lots of cute family-style dining tables to sit at while you look at cool art or outside through the gorgeous giant bay windows. You can also sit anywhere between indoor and outdoor spaces.

A great place to meet people and start sharing life stories. The vibe feels like you are sitting in your backyard with friends having a beer. Try their Jalapeno beer, Selzer, cider, bubbles, or CBD drinks.

Unlike most of the Croatan National Forest, the woodlands here are predominately deciduous rather than pine. There are also some limestone outcroppings which are rare along the coastal plains of North Carolina.

The trail is well-maintained and of a moderate grade. It follows a creek for most of the trail which is serene. Parking may be full at busier times. It is a lovely spot for families, solo, or romantic walks.

There are birds galore and beautiful views of marshland and forest. It is best to carry a walking stick to ruffle leaves that may be on the path to avoid disaster with snakes.

The playground caters to kids of all ages. The castle, different climbing elements, tire swing, slides, see-saw, and sand digging pit, are some of the amenities.

They even have a little library at the entrance. Picnic areas are available so that you can eat or even have a small party for your child. There are plenty of benches for parents/guardians to sit and watch the kids play.

The equipment is very well made so even the big kids can run and play. It is also gated in so you don't have to worry about your child running out into the road.

Bear City Fudge Company is a cute sop next to the Bear Plaza and is probably packed during summer. They specialize in ice creams, fudge, old-fashioned candies, and more.

The place is nicely decorated and inviting especially during Christmas. The inside is a blast from the past. It feels like they have conserved many of the original styles of selling candies.

Give them a visit if you are in the area; you'll be in for a sweet treat. They are generous and let you try the fudge too. If time permits, explore these things to do in North Carolina as well.

This is a lovely oasis in the middle of the town. With the fountains and music playing, it can be a nice break from walking and shopping.

It is surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty. You can bring a blanket and enjoy the atmosphere in the cool grassy area. The venue is wonderful for conducting events such as weddings and other programs.

They hang little Chinese rice lanterns and string the old-timey light bulb strings of lights. You will also see some vendors selling beers and a few food vendors selling some things to munch on. You can also spend time looking at the local artworks at their art gallery.

The art displayed here is by local artists in a variety of genres. The building is beautiful and has two stories; great place to stop and possibly buy local works.

Take a stroll around the large main area and a couple of smaller rooms and hallways. The artwork frequently changes and often a section is dedicated to a particular artist.

While walking the historic downtown of New Bern, you do want to check out this gallery. The building is also used for concerts and other events. Monthly, they host an art walk on the second Friday of the month.

The museum goes the extra mile to give you first-hand history and knowledge. The exhibits are well laid out and displayed.

It is like a walk back in time with the first floor displaying architecture and photos of the homes built in each style. You will see the old school desks that students sat at when this was the first state school in North Carolina.

The school served as a hospital during the Civil War and you could almost feel the soldiers watching you. There are displays of uniforms, drums for the Battle of New Bern, shells, artifacts, and photos of the soldiers. One of the underrated New Bern North Carolina attractions.

These charming carriage rides are held from December 5th to December 23rd with Thursday to Sunday only. The rides are for about 20 minutes and cover the lovely holiday lights in New Bern, especially Union Point Park.

These carriage services are provided by Beary Merry Events, although customers can schedule their rides with New Bern Carriages. There are certain fees for adults and children but those below the age of 3 years can use it for free.

You can schedule the ride in advance, up to 30 minutes before it is to begin. The pickup location is Craven and South Front Street adjacent to Nautical Wheelers.

This is a fun and thrilling experience in a safe setting. All levels of throwers are welcome. Before beginning the game, participants receive coaching from one of their experienced AXExperts.

They take safety very seriously and each lane is divided by a fence to prevent axes from going anywhere but the target. Closed-toe shoes are a must. The company welcomes small or large group events.

The former group can book individual lanes or multiple lanes. You can also reserve the entire facility space.

Here stand-up paddleboards or SUPs, kayaks, and other water equipment can be hired or purchased. They also offer lessons for beginners. The waters surrounding New Bern are stunning and more suitable for canoe, kayaking, and other water activities.

Paddling destinations with accessible waters include the Neuse and Trent Rivers, creeks, and lakes. These are nice beach areas that are shallow and perfect for families and people of all ages.

They also sell necessary equipment. Visit the Banx Watersports website to purchase online.

New Bern Farmers Market has many stalls with lots of different purveyors and goods. You can pre-order meats from local farmers, baked goods, vegetables, crafts, and many other kinds of things.

It is in a nice part of the town and close to several breakfast or lunch spots. Although some vendors accept cards and personal local checks, it is best to carry cash.

The prices are reasonable and it is a fun place to meet and interact with people. If you have remaining time, also check out these things to do in South Carolina.