The weather is warming up so it’s time to go coastal. Today I’m sharing an awesome day trip itinerary for a coastal city in North Carolina that’s full of charm and character. Here’s a detailed guide on how to plan a day trip to New Bern with everything you need to know for a fun-filled adventure.
How To Plan A Fun-Filled Day Trip To New Bern, NC
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How to get to New Bern
New Bern is a coastal city just over 2 hours drive from Fayetteville.
Driving is the easiest and fastest option.
Though, you could also take an Amtrak train from Fayetteville to get there. If you do this, it would be worth staying at least one night because it increases the transit time to just under 4 hours and at the time of writing there isn’t a morning train.
Getting around New Bern
Once you arrive in New Bern, you’ll be able to get your steps in because it is easy to get around on foot.
There is ample free parking in lots and street parking around the city as well. I parked in the Black Bear Public Parking Lot and it was a convenient location.
It’s very easy to find your way around the main sights because there are signs for them all around the city as well.
Start with a coffee at Crema Brew
After your drive to New Bern you’ll be due for a caffeine fix and this is the best place to get it.
Crema Brew is a wonderful local coffee shop with friendly staff, great coffee, and delicious baked goods. I definitely recommend the cinnamon rolls which are huge with generous frosting and taste amazing!
I love the setting in this coffee shop because it has board games, history of the area, and a charming design.
Visit the Firemen’s Museum
This one was my next stop of the day, but unfortunately it was closed when I went so I didn’t get to go inside.
In this museum you can learn about the great fire of 1922 in New Bern and the history of the two companies, Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company and the New Bern Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1.
Looks like a small but interesting museum to learn a little more about the area.
Tickets $7 USD for adults.
Stop by the birthplace of Pepsi Cola
Did you know that Pepsi was invented in North Carolina? Yep, right here in New Bern.
You can even see the building it was invented in. It was once a pharmacy where Caleb Bradham created ‘Brad’s Drink’ – a digestive aid which would later become Pepsi.
Nowadays the space has been turned into a cool store where you can see old Pepsi artifacts and buy Pepsi souvenirs.
I recommend reading the history on there website first because it’s interesting and helps bring the visit to life.
Find the New Bern Bears
One thing about New Bern is that there are bears everywhere.
On flags, on signs, and on statues all around the city.
As you are roaming on your day trip, keep an eye out for the Bear Town Bears. You’ll spot them all over the place and each has been designed differently by local artists. Here’s some more information on them if you’re interested.
It’s a fun adventure in itself to see each bear and check out the different styles.
Stop for lunch
I stopped for lunch at Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant and Bar. The crab cake BLT was fantastic but I loved the pirate themed setting even more. The bar was even made of fish tanks with fish swimming throughout them.
It was nothing super fancy but delicious food and a fun place to stop.
Other recommendations I was given were:
- Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant
- Captain Ratty’s Seafood
Tryon Palace
This is probably one of the biggest attractions in New Bern.
Tryon Palace, or Governor’s Palace, is where you can step back in time to explore a replica of a colonial Governor’s palace. Here you’ll find costumed staff leading tours, gardens to admire, and artifacts and exhibits to learn more about the history the site.
Tickets are $20 USD per adult for a one day visit. Here is their website for more information on planning your visit.
Walk the riverwalk
Soak in the waterside views by strolling along the riverwalk.
There are a lot of nice view points along the way, some wildlife to keep an eye out for, and it’s a pretty place to stretch your legs.
Stop by Union Park
Union Point Park is a really pretty park area to see while you’re in New Bern.
There’s even a spot at the end where you can see lots of different birds at the edge of the water waiting for food. There are bird food vending machines there and they know it!
It’s a pretty area to walk around, there’s a nice gazebo in the park, and you might even get to see the bridge raise to allow a boat through.
Finish with a sweet treat
We started the day with coffee and we’re finishing it with a sweet treat.
Stop by Bear City Fudge Company for fresh fudge – some of the best I’ve ever tried, chocolates, or pretty much any other sugary snack. They have everything.
Eat it outside in Bear Plaza where you’ll find outdoor tables surrounded by wooden bear sculptures.
Where to stay in New Bern
A day trip to New Bern is easy to plan if you’re coming from Fayetteville, but would also make a fantastic weekend trip.
If I were planning this as an overnight or weekend away, I’d stay in:
Either way, I always use Booking.com to find accommodation because I’ve used it all over the world and it’s never let me down. I can always find a good deal there especially with the Genius loyalty program.
Other guides you might enjoy:
How To Plan A Visit To The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail
10 Awesome Hikes 1 Hour From Fayetteville – Kid And Dog Friendly
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