Set at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers in the heart of Craven County, New Bern is a charming riverfront city with one of the most layered histories in North Carolina. Founded in October 1710 by Swiss and Palatine German settlers under the leadership of Baron Christoph von Graffenried, New Bern is the second-oldest European-settled town in North Carolina — and the birthplace of one of the most iconic American soft drinks ever invented. With its walkable downtown, vibrant arts and culinary scene, riverfront parks, and remarkable collection of historic landmarks, New Bern rewards visitors with a depth of experience few other cities of its size can match. Click on the attractions and food and beverage stops below to dive deeper into the places we’ve personally explored around New Bern.
A Riverfront City with Deep Colonial Roots
New Bern was founded in 1710 by Baron Christoph von Graffenried, who led approximately 400 Swiss and German Palatine colonists to settle at the confluence of two rivers in the Carolina colony. The new arrivals named their settlement after Bern, the Swiss capital that many of the colonists had left behind. Incorporated in 1723, New Bern grew into one of the most important commercial and political centers in colonial North Carolina, and its riverfront location made it a vital port throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries.
A Capital City and Revolutionary Hub
For more than two decades, New Bern served as the capital of North Carolina — first as the colonial capital starting in 1766, then as the early state capital until 1792, when the new state government moved to Raleigh as the permanent seat. The defining structure of this era is the Tryon Palace, the colonial governor’s mansion completed in 1770 — a Georgian masterpiece described in its day as “the finest government house in the colonies.” Today, visitors can tour the meticulously restored palace, its magnificent gardens, and the modern North Carolina History Center — together one of the most ambitious historic preservation projects in the state.
New Bern’s role in early American history extends well beyond the palace. In 1774, the first Provincial Congress in the American colonies met at Tryon Palace in direct defiance of British orders — a precursor to the American Revolution. The city was also home to the North-Carolina Gazette, the state’s first newspaper (1751), and the New Bern Academy, the state’s first chartered school (1764).
Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola
In the late 1890s, a young pharmacist named Caleb Bradham mixed a sweet, fizzy concoction at his downtown pharmacy that he originally marketed as a digestive aid. He called it Pepsi-Cola — and the rest is global beverage history. The original pharmacy, now known as the Birthplace of Pepsi, remains one of New Bern’s most beloved attractions, featuring vintage memorabilia, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and the chance to step inside one of the most historically significant pharmacies in the United States.
A Walkable, Vibrant Downtown
New Bern’s downtown is one of the most walkable and welcoming small-city downtowns in North Carolina. Historic architecture, quaint shops, art galleries, and eateries line the streets — from seafood-forward favorites like The Chelsea to craft beer destinations like Brewery 99. The city’s iconic bear statues, a nod to New Bern’s “Bern” (bear) heritage, are scattered throughout the downtown and have become a beloved photographic tradition for visitors.
Outdoor Recreation and Beloved Festivals
New Bern’s riverfront setting makes it a natural destination for outdoor recreation. More than 20 parks are scattered throughout the city, with scenic riverfront trails, paddle-friendly access to the Neuse and Trent Rivers, and quiet green spaces perfect for a slow afternoon. The city also hosts beloved annual events — most famously MumFest, a fall chrysanthemum festival that draws crowds with live music, local food, art, and family-friendly activities.
Plan Your Visit
Click on the attractions and food and beverage stops below to dive deeper into the places we’ve personally explored around New Bern. Whether you’re touring Tryon Palace, sipping at the soda fountain in the Birthplace of Pepsi, wandering the historic downtown, or settling in for a sunset over the Neuse, New Bern offers one of the most rewarding small-city visits anywhere in North Carolina.
Photos of Downtown New Bern, NC
Things To Do in New Bern
