A Fun Weekend Guide to New Bern, NC
Why New Bern Is One of Our Favorite Coastal Towns in North Carolina *
We’ve been coming to New Bern for years now, and every time we visit, we’re reminded why it has become one of our favorite coastal cities in North Carolina.
It has that perfect mix of waterfront views, walkable streets, local shops, good food, history around every corner, and that cozy small-town feeling that makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer.
This trip felt extra special because we were there for the Fourth of July, but not just any Fourth of July, America’s 250th birthday. So basically, if there was ever a year to celebrate somewhere full of history, charming streets, cannon fire, parades, fireworks, and people dressed in old-timey costumes, New Bern was the place.
Where We Stayed: DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront
For this trip, we stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront, and the location could not have been better.
Address: 100 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560
The hotel sits right on the waterfront overlooking the marina, and waking up to those views was such a treat. Boats in the marina, drinks on the deck, the river right there, and the location is perfect with downtown just steps away.
We loved that we could walk to restaurants, shops, the waterfront, and so much of downtown New Bern without needing to get in the car every five minutes. Plus, there’s something about staying right on the water that just instantly makes your mood better.
Celebrating the Fourth of July in New Bern
New Bern knows how to do Fourth of July celebrations.
We started the day watching the Fourth of July Parade in downtown New Bern, and it had all the small-town holiday charm you could ask for. There were different vehicles, floats, patriotic decorations, and fun little giveaways being thrown into the crowd. It felt festive, community-centered, and just really sweet.
Because this year was also America’s 250th birthday, the whole day had this extra layer of history and meaning to it. New Bern already feels like a town where the past is very much present, so celebrating Independence Day here made so much sense.
Tryon Palace: Gardens, Cannon Fire & the Declaration of Independence
One of the highlights of the day was visiting Tryon Palace.
Address: 529 South Front Street, New Bern, NC 28562
For the Fourth of July celebration, the gardens were open to the public all morning, and they were so beautiful. If you’ve never wandered the gardens at Tryon Palace, add it to your New Bern list. They feel peaceful, historic, and beautifully maintained.
While we were there, we watched live re-enactors fire the historic cannon, listened to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and saw various reenactments dressed in period clothing. It made the whole celebration so immersive.
We also did the Caswell’s Capital tour of Tryon Palace, which was a great way to learn more about the history of the palace and New Bern’s role in North Carolina’s story.
Fireworks Over the Water
That night, New Bern wrapped up the Fourth of July with fireworks over the water, and it was such a perfect ending to the day.
Watching fireworks reflect over the river was magical. It was a true classic holiday moment.
Movie Night in the Gardens at The Gardens at Isaac Taylor
Another really fun part of our Fourth of July weekend was movie night at The Gardens at Isaac Taylor.
Address: 228 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560
The Gardens at Isaac Taylor is actually a wedding and event venue in downtown New Bern, and they hosted their first Movie Night in the Gardens during the holiday weekend. We watched The Sandlot, which was the perfect summer movie to kick off Fourth of July weekend.
They had the movie set up outside under the lights, their bar was open, and everyone brought lawn chairs and blankets to relax in the garden.
We love when towns have events like this because it gives you something a little different to do beyond dinner and drinks. It was local, relaxed, and really charming exactly the kind of thing that makes New Bern such a great weekend getaway.
They also have events running throughout the summer, so if you’re planning a trip to New Bern, definitely check their event calendar before you go. It’s such a cute way to spend an evening downtown, especially if you’re visiting during one of their seasonal events.
Where We Ate in New Bern
One thing about New Bern: you will not go hungry.
We ate very well on this trip, and honestly, some of these meals are already making us want to plan our next visit back.
Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant
We had dinner at Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant, and it is such a great spot for dinner with a view.
Address: 100 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Persimmons sits right on the water, so you get amazing views while you eat. The food was incredible, the setting was beautiful, and it’s exactly the kind of place we’d recommend for a date night, a special dinner, or your first night in town when you want to fully soak in the New Bern waterfront.
The Old Pinnix
We also ate at The Old Pinnix, which has such a fun concept.
Address: 628 Hancock Street, New Bern, NC 28562
They specialize in gourmet open-faced toast with both sweet and savory options, and we loved how creative the menu was. Even better, they offer gluten-free bread options, which is always a big win for Ash. It’s casual, cool, and different in the best way, it felt like a the speakeasy of toast.
The PourHouse 222
For drinks, we stopped at The PourHouse 222, and it was a vibe.
Address: 222 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560
It has a fun, laid-back downtown bar energy, and it’s a great spot to pop into after dinner or while wandering around downtown. New Bern has a really charming evening atmosphere, and grabbing a drink here fit perfectly into the night.It also opens at 12:22pm every day, which we thought was a fun nod to their name.
The Chelsea
Dinner at The Chelsea was incredible.
Address: 335 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Scott had the crusted salmon, and truly, it was one of those meals he is already thinking about again. It was so good that I genuinely cannot wait to go back and order it again.
The Chelsea is one of those classic downtown New Bern restaurants that is historic, cozy, and special, the restaurant resides in a building first used by Pepsi-Cola inventor, Caleb Bradham, and built in 1912. Definitely add it to your list.
Lawson’s On The Creek
Lawson’s On The Creek is one of our New Bern favorites.
Address: 529 South Front Street, New Bern, NC 28562
It’s located at the North Carolina History Center near Tryon Palace, right along the waterfront, and we always love stopping in for their smashed tater tots. You know when a side dish becomes the thing you look forward to? That’s Lawson’s tots for us.
It’s a great casual lunch spot, especially if you’re already exploring Tryon Palace or walking around the waterfront.
Kayaking at Creekside Park
One of the most fun things we did on this trip was kayaking at Creekside Park.
Creekside Park Address: 1821 Old Airport Road, New Bern, NC 28562
Kayak Rentals:Whenever Watersports at Creekside Park
They have what we can only describe as a kayak vending machine, basically self-serve kayak rentals. You scan a QR code, unlock your kayak, and you’re good to go.
It was so easy to use, and it made getting out on the water feel completely stress-free. No complicated rental process, waiting around, just scan, paddle, and enjoy.
If you’re looking for outdoor things to do in New Bern, this is such a fun option. It’s great for couples, families, or anyone who wants a little adventure with ease.
Taking a Historic Trolley Tour of New Bern
We did a historic trolley tour with New Bern Tours, and we’d definitely recommend it, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
Business Office: 1311 N Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560
New Bern has so much history, and the trolley tour made it really easy to take it all in. You get to ride around town, see historic homes and landmarks, and learn all the fun facts that you might miss if you were just walking around on your own.
We always love doing a tour early in a trip because it helps you understand the place better. Then, when you’re walking around later, you’re not just looking at pretty buildings, you actually know a little of the story behind them.
Shopping in Downtown New Bern
Downtown New Bern is full of amazing local shops, and it’s one of our favorite parts of visiting.
One of our favorite fun shops to stop into is The Black Cat Shoppe.
Address: 246 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560
It has that quirky, local, browse-around-and-find-something-you-didn’t-know-you-needed, which is exactly what we love in a downtown shop. It’s full of unique, funny, and random gifts, and it’s basically impossible to walk in and not find something that makes you laugh.
We also love Surf, Wind and Fire.
Address: 230 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560
They have adventure clothing, outdoor gear, apparel, gifts, and coastal-inspired finds, but the best part is that they also have a little bar inside called Surfing Pig Sip + Shop. So you can shop, cool off, grab a craft beer or drink, and hang for a bit.
We love places that make it easy to shop local, and New Bern absolutely does. If you’re planning a weekend trip, give yourself time to just stroll downtown. Don’t rush it.
The Birthplace of Pepsi
You cannot visit New Bern without stopping by The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola.
Address: 256 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560
New Bern is the hometown of Pepsi, and the Pepsi-Cola Store is such a fun little stop. It’s part history, part shop, part soda counter, and just one of those classic New Bern must-dos.
You can learn about Caleb Bradham, the pharmacist who invented Pepsi in New Bern, browse Pepsi memorabilia, and grab a Pepsi (for 50 cent) while you’re there. It’s quick, fun, nostalgic, and definitely worth doing at least once, however we always find ourselves popping back in every trip.
And here’s a fun little New Bern legend we learned while visiting: Christ Episcopal Church is right nearby, and people have pointed out that the letters in “Episcopal” can be rearranged to spell “Pepsi-Cola.” So naturally, there’s a local “what if?” theory that maybe the name was inspired by the church across the way.
Why New Bern Is Such a Great Holiday Destination
We’ve visited New Bern many times over the years, and one thing we’ve learned is that it’s a great town all year round, but especially for holidays.
It has that cozy, festive, historic charm that makes celebrations feel extra special. Whether it’s the Fourth of July, Christmas, or just a long weekend away, New Bern has a way of making things feel memorable.
For the Fourth of July specifically, it was the perfect blend of history and fun: a parade, Tryon Palace, cannon fire, the Declaration of Independence, waterfront dining, kayaking, local shops, and fireworks over the water.
That’s a pretty hard weekend to beat.
Final Thoughts: Is New Bern Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
New Bern is one of those North Carolina towns that we keep coming back to because it checks so many boxes. It’s historic, walkable, scenic, charming, and full of great places to eat and explore.
It works for a romantic weekend, a family trip, a holiday getaway, a history-focused visit, or a slow coastal-town escape. And if you can visit for the Fourth of July, even better.
For us, New Bern has become one of those places that now feels familiar, a town we’ve loved for years and still find new reasons to love every time we go back.
So if you’re looking for a North Carolina weekend trip with waterfront views, local restaurants, small-town charm, and a whole lot of history, New Bern should definitely be on your list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New Bern, NC
What is New Bern, North Carolina known for?
New Bern is known for being the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, its beautiful historic downtown, Tryon Palace, waterfront views along the Neuse and Trent Rivers, and its deep colonial history. It was also North Carolina’s first permanent state capital, which makes it a really fun destination if you love history.
Is New Bern a good weekend trip?
Yes, New Bern is a great weekend trip. You can easily spend two or three days exploring downtown, eating at local restaurants, visiting Tryon Palace, shopping, kayaking, taking a trolley tour, and enjoying the waterfront. It feels relaxed and easy to navigate, which makes it perfect for a quick getaway.
What are the best things to do in New Bern, NC?
Some of the best things to do in New Bern include visiting Tryon Palace, stopping by the Birthplace of Pepsi, taking a historic trolley tour, walking along the waterfront, kayaking at Creekside Park, shopping in downtown New Bern, and eating at local restaurants like Persimmons, The Chelsea, Lawson’s On The Creek, and The Old Pinnix.
Where should you stay in New Bern?
We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront and loved the location.
Address: 100 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560
It’s right on the waterfront with views of the marina, and it’s close to downtown shops, restaurants, the riverwalk, and local attractions. If you want to be able to walk around downtown easily, staying near the waterfront or historic district is a great choice.
Another place we’ve stayed several times and absolutely love is The Harvey.
Address: 221 South Front Street, New Bern, NC 28560
The Harvey is a boutique hotel in the heart of historic downtown New Bern, set inside a preserved 1790s building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has that perfect mix of historic charm and modern design, and it’s a great option if you want something that feels a little more unique and intimate than a traditional hotel. We love it for a romantic weekend or when we want to be tucked right into the charm of downtown.
Is downtown New Bern walkable?
Yes, downtown New Bern is very walkable. A lot of the shops, restaurants, bars, historic sites, and waterfront areas are close together, which makes it easy to explore without constantly needing to drive. It’s one of the things we love most about visiting.
What restaurants should I try in New Bern?
A few New Bern restaurants we loved were Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant for dinner with a view, The Chelsea for an incredible lunch or dinner, The Old Pinnix for gourmet open-faced toast, Lawson’s On The Creek for casual waterfront eats and panini-smashed tater tots, and The PourHouse 222 for drinks downtown.
Is New Bern good for a Fourth of July trip?
Yes, New Bern is such a fun place to visit for the Fourth of July. During our trip, we watched the downtown parade, visited Tryon Palace, saw the cannon firing, listened to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and ended the night with fireworks over the water. It felt festive, historic, and really special.
Can you kayak in New Bern?
Yes, you can kayak in New Bern. We went kayaking at Creekside Park, where they have self-serve kayak rentals that are super easy to use. It’s a fun way to get outside, enjoy the water, and add a little adventure to your trip.
What is the best time of year to visit New Bern?
New Bern is a great year-round destination, but honestly, some of our favorite times to visit are during holidays and seasonal events.
Spring is beautiful for walking around downtown, exploring the gardens at Tryon Palace, and enjoying the waterfront before the summer heat fully settles in. Summer is perfect for kayaking, waterfront dining, festivals, and Fourth of July celebrations. Fall brings cooler weather, which makes it such a nice time to stroll through the historic district, shop downtown, and sit outside for dinner or drinks.
But Christmas in New Bern deserves its own little spotlight. We’ve been several times during the holiday season, and they really go all out. Downtown feels extra charming with the decorations, lights, festive storefronts, and holiday events. It already has that historic, storybook feel, but Christmas makes it even cozier.
So while New Bern is absolutely worth visiting any time of year, we especially love it for the Fourth of July and Christmas. It’s one of those towns that knows how to make a holiday feel special.
How many days do you need in New Bern?
We’d recommend at least two days in New Bern, but a long weekend is even better. Two to three days gives you enough time to explore downtown, visit Tryon Palace, eat at several local restaurants, do a trolley tour, go kayaking, shop local, and enjoy the waterfront without feeling rushed.
Is New Bern family-friendly?
Yes, New Bern is very family-friendly. Between the waterfront, local shops, trolley tours, Tryon Palace, the Pepsi Store, parks, kayaking, holiday events, and seasonal activities, there are plenty of things for families to do. It also has a slower pace that makes it easy to enjoy with kids.
Why is New Bern called the birthplace of Pepsi?
New Bern is called the birthplace of Pepsi because Caleb Bradham invented the drink there in the late 1800s. It was originally known as Brad’s Drink before becoming Pepsi-Cola. Today, you can visit the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola store in downtown New Bern to learn more about its history and grab a Pepsi while you’re there.
*This post is sponsored by Visit New Bern, thanks so much for sponsoring our work. As always, all opinions, stories, and recommendations shared here are entirely our own.