For a small riverfront city, New Bern, NC packs a remarkable concentration of historic, cultural, and natural attractions into its compact downtown and surrounding area. Set in the heart of Craven County, the city offers a thoughtful mix of colonial history, museums, art galleries, parks, and outdoor recreation that rewards visitors who take their time. Click on the attractions below to dive deeper into the places we’ve personally explored around New Bern.
The signature historic landmark in New Bern is the Tryon Palace — the meticulously restored 18th-century colonial governor’s mansion that once served as the home of Royal Governors and early state governors of North Carolina. Visitors can tour the Georgian-style mansion, immerse themselves in colonial life through period-costumed interpreters, explore the lush 14-acre gardens, and watch engaging historical reenactments throughout the year.
Just next to Tryon Palace, the North Carolina History Center brings the broader story of the state to life with hands-on exhibits, interactive galleries, and immersive experiences that complement the palace tour. Inside the History Center, the Duffy Exhibition Gallery hosts rotating exhibits, while the Guion Gallery features in-depth explorations of North Carolina’s history and culture. Families especially won’t want to miss the Pepsi Family Center, a hands-on, kid-friendly space that brings history to life through interactive play.
As the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, New Bern is also home to the Birthplace of Pepsi — located in the original 1898 pharmacy where Caleb Bradham first mixed his iconic soda. Visitors can step inside this historically significant pharmacy to enjoy vintage memorabilia, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and a real piece of American beverage history.
For visitors interested in the broader sweep of Craven County’s past, New Bern offers an impressive collection of additional museums and historic sites. The New Bern Academy Museum preserves the legacy of the first chartered school in North Carolina, established in 1764. The Regional History Museum explores the broader story of eastern North Carolina, and the New Bern Fireman’s Museum celebrates the region’s firefighting history through antique fire equipment and exhibits. History enthusiasts will also want to visit the New Bern Battlefield Park, site of the Battle of New Bern in March 1862, where Union forces captured the city and held it for the remainder of the Civil War.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the vibrant downtown area, including public sculptures and the iconic bear statues scattered throughout the city that reflect New Bern’s “Bern” (bear) heritage. The bear statues have become a beloved photographic tradition for visitors and a real point of community pride.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Martin Marietta Park and the Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park offer numerous opportunities to engage with the area’s natural beauty. Martin Marietta Park features scenic lakes, walking trails, and family-friendly recreational facilities, while the Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park offers quiet nature trails through wetlands and coastal woodlands — a peaceful counterpoint to the historic streets of downtown.
With its unique mix of history, art, and natural beauty, New Bern ensures a memorable visit for everyone — from history buffs to art lovers to outdoor enthusiasts.
