Things to do in New Bern

Activities, attractions and tours

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A wooden boardwalk by a waterfront with street lamps and umbrellas.
A calm lake with white houses and trees along the shore.
A waterfront promenade at night with a calm river, illuminated trees, benches, and a distant building.
An aerial view of a marina with boats, a bridge, and surrounding buildings.
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What to do in New Bern

Stay near popular New Bern attractions

A large brick building with a symmetrical facade, central entrance, and two chimneys.

Tryon Palace

9.0/10 (305 reviews)
Step back in time at Tryon Palace, North Carolina's first permanent capitol with its Georgian grandeur. Explore the mansion's period rooms with costumed guides and wander through its historical gardens.
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Where to stay in New Bern

Find the best New Bern areas for the activities you enjoy most.

New Bern Historic District

While visiting New Bern Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Pepsi Museum and Tryon Palace.

A cityscape with historic buildings, a river, and a bridge in the background.

Riverside Historic District

Though Riverside Historic District may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Tryon Palace and New Bern National Cemetery.

Ghent

When in Ghent, you can plan a visit to Tryon Palace and New Bern Grand Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Dryborough

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Dryborough and surrounding area, you can visit Tryon Palace and Pepsi Museum.

An aerial view of a marina with boats, a bridge, and surrounding buildings.

Lawson Creek

While Lawson Creek isn't home to many top sights, Tryon Palace and New Bern Grand Marina are some notable places to visit nearby.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

A tall lighthouse with alternating black and white stripes, surrounded by trees and a boardwalk.

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Frequently asked questions

Is New Bern worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in New Bern is explore Tryon Palace. Tick this major attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's watersports and culture.
How do I spend a day in New Bern?
Begin your day with a visit to Tryon Palace and North Carolina History Centre at Tryon Palace. Then, check out other areas of New Bern for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in New Bern?
Don't leave without visiting Tryon Palace, rated the top tourist attraction in New Bern.
Is three days enough to stay in New Bern?
Three days will give you time to tick off popular city attractions, like Tryon Palace, North Carolina History Centre at Tryon Palace and New Bern Civic Theatre. The average stay in New Bern is two days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, Havelock isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in New Bern with kids?
Deciding what to do in New Bern with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone entertained here.
What to do in New Bern for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in New Bern, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to New Bern Firemen's Museum.
Are there free things to do in New Bern?
In New Bern, Union Point Park is a popular spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a great way to learn about the best free things to do in New Bern.