Whether you want to do a tour, visit a museum, see a show at a theater, or do something else, there are incredible things to do in New Bern, NC.
What’s great is that New Bern has a large variety of fun things to see and do. From learning about Pepsi to doing a tour of a historic site to attending an event, the activities will surprise you.
If you’re visiting the city and you’re wondering what to do in New Bern, my guide will help you out. In this guide, I included fun activities, great museums to visit, and much more.
Best Things To Do in New Bern
Learn About Pepsi at the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola
The Birthplace of Pepi-Cola is a unique venue that you can find in New Bern. This is the actual site where Pepi-Cola was invented by Caleb Bradham in the year 1898.
At the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, you can learn about the history of the popular drink, including about the inventor of the drink.
You can find a lot of photos here with interesting-to-read captions and there are a lot of memorabilia, including old signs. You can also enjoy a fountain Pepsi at this place.
In addition to that, this is a store where you can buy all kinds of products related to Pepsi-Cola and Mountain Dew, such as can coolers, canvas bags, wall art, cutting boards, and much more.
Address: 256 Middle St, New Bern, NC 28560
Do a Tour of the New Bern Battlefield Park
The New Bern Battlefield Park is a historic site where the Battle of New Bern of the Civil War took place. This battle took place on March 14, 1862.
One-third of the battle took place inside the park.
At the park, you can see where the soldiers of both sides fought more than 150 years ago.
It is possible to do either a self-guided tour using the New Bern Battlefield Park audio tour app or a guided tour. To do a guided tour of the park, you need to make an advance reservation at least 3 days before you plan on visiting the park by contacting the New Bern Historical Society.
You can also often attend special events at the New Bern Battlefield Park.
Do a Tour of Tryon Palace
Tryon Palace is one of the best landmarks in New Bern. It used to be the official residence and administrative building of the British governors of North Carolina. It was seized from the British in the year 1775 and was in use for 5 years at that moment. William Tryon was the first British governor who lived in the building.
You can do a tour of the re-constructed palace during which costumed guides will show you the rooms of the building. These tours last 50 minutes and take place every 30 minutes.
Besides Tryon Palace, you can also find various other historic homes at the site, such as the Dixon House and the Stanly House.
Address: 529 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562
See a Show of the New Bern Civic Theatre
The New Bern Civic Theatre is a non-profit theater organization that performs at the Athens Theatre.
The Athens Theatre is a historic venue that is located at 412 Pollock Street. The venue dates back to the year 1911 and was used for Vaudeville, silent movies, and other types of shows.
The theater was renovated and New Bern Civic Theatre purchased the building in 1981.
Throughout the year, you can enjoy all kinds of great performances here, including dance and improv comedy shows. You can also enjoy great holiday shows during the holiday season.
If you enjoy the performances a lot, you can buy a season package to see all performances of the season for a discounted price.
Address: 414 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560
Go to the New Bern Firemen’s Museum
The New Bern Firemen’s Museum is a museum that was established in 1955. You can find the museum close to Tryon Palace at 420 Broad Street, making it easy to visit both places if you’re in the city.
At the museum, you can learn about the history of firefighting in New Bern. New Bern had the first chartered fire company in North Carolina.
The collection of the museum includes all kinds of firefighting-related objects, including authentic memorabilia, historic fire engines, and much more. You can also get interesting information from volunteer guides.
Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in New Bern for all ages. Keep in mind that the museum is closed during the winter season.
Address: 420 Broad St, New Bern, NC 28560
Go to an Event at Union Point Park
Union Point Park is a waterfront park where the Neuse and Trent Rivers come together. The park has a size of 6 acres.
When you are visiting New Bern, you can go to an event at Union Point Park. During the summer season, you can attend one of the concerts of the annual Neuse Summer Concert Series.
This series lasts several weeks, and one day each week you can enjoy great live music.
In addition to enjoying great music, you can enjoy great views of the rivers when you are here.
During the holiday season, you can also find an ice skating rink at the park, as well as beautiful Christmas lights.
Go to a Performance of the RiverTowne Players
RiverTowne Players is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to entertaining New Bern’s residents through quality theatre.
The organization’s home is the historic Masonic Theatre, which first opened in the year 1805. Throughout the years the theater was used for a variety of shows and events, including concerts and movies.
Nowadays, the theater is in use for live entertainment and you can enjoy great productions by RiverTowne Players.
For example, you can enjoy great musicals at the theater, including musicals that are great for the whole family.
During the winter season, there are special productions to attend as well.
Address: 514 Hancock St, New Bern, NC 28560
Learn About History at the North Carolina History Center
At Tryon Palace, you can find the North Carolina History Center, and going there is also a great thing to do in New Bern. This is a center where you can see rotating exhibitions and unique artifacts.
The museum consists of various exhibits that are dedicated to various parts of the city’s and region’s history.
For example, you can find The Pepsi Family Center at the center where you can learn about life in the year 1835 in New Bern and nearby places.
You can also find the Duffy Exhibition Gallery at the NC History Center. At this gallery, you can see special exhibitions about New Bern’s history and the history of Eastern North Carolina. The exhibitions vary and sometimes include artifacts from the collection of Tryon Palace.
At another space of the museum, the Cullman Performance Hall, lectures, plays, concerts, and other types of events take place.
Address: 529 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562
Shop at the New Bern Farmers Market
The New Bern Farmers Market is a market that takes place in downtown New Bern. The market is open each Saturday throughout the year. The market has a large indoor area.
At the market, you can shop for local produce, baked goods, craft items, and much more. The market is a producer-only market, which means that most products that you can find here are locally-made.
The market is a great place to buy fresh produce, try out delicious food, or shop for a gift.
Address: 421 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28560
See a Movie at Bruin Theater
Bruin Theater is a movie theater that you can find at 2500 Neuse Boulevard in New Bern. This is a modern movie theater where you can see all the latest movies.
The movie theater has comfortable reclining seats and a great sound and video system that will make your movie experience great.
Bruin Theater also has a good selection of concessions, including tasty popcorn.
Address: 2500 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560
Shop at the New Bern Mall
The New Bern Mall is an indoor shopping mall that makes for one of the most fun activities in New Bern. It is located at 3134 Drive M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard. It is a small mall and the shopping mall has about 15 stores, including Snipes, Rue 21, and TJ Maxx.
In addition to that, you can find various eateries at or near the mall, such as Starbucks.
The mall is open every day of the week.
Address: 3134 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, New Bern, NC 28562
Enjoy Fine Dining With a View at Persimmons
Persimmons is a wonderful locally-owned waterfront restaurant that you can find in New Bern. The restaurant is located at 100 Pollock Street near Union Point Park.
You can get delicious food at this restaurant while enjoying a view of the Neuse River. You can see the sun go down while having dinner here.
There are three dining areas at the restaurant. There is a downstairs room, an upstairs private dining area, and an outdoor waterfront area.
At the fine dining restaurant, you can enjoy modern American food made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes burgers, wraps, tacos, and many seafood options.
In addition to that, the restaurant has a great atmosphere and friendly service.
Address: 100 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560
Have Fun During Mumfest
Mumfest is a fun annual festival that takes place in downtown New Bern in the month of October. It is a family festival that lasts 2 days and during which you can enjoy great entertainment for all ages.
At Mumfest, you can see performances by street performers and other types of shows.
There are also amusement park rides and attractions, including a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel, and it is possible to do a cruise on the Neuse River.
In addition to that, there are more than 300 exhibitors at Mumfest that sell pottery, art, lots of food options, and much more.
You can also find the Miller Lite Beer Garden at the festival. Here, you can buy beer and wine, as well as Pepsi products. You can also listen to live music when you are here.
Besides this, there’s much more to do during Mumfest.
Go Axe Throwing at Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing Co.
Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing Co. is a facility where you can go axe-throwing which is a very fun thing to do in New Bern. You can find this place in downtown New Bern.
Axe throwing is an activity that is very similar to darts, but you use axes instead. You have to throw the axes at a wooden target.
Besides axe throwing, Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing Co. also offers knife throwing, and there’s a game room.
In addition to that, you can also get drinks at the facility. These drinks include sodas, water, craft beer from North Carolina, wine, and much more. You can also get snacks here.
Address: 504 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562
Visit the Bear City Fudge Company
Bear City Fudge Company is a candy shop that was founded in the year 2003. At this place, you can get delicious sweets and confections, and there’s a large selection to choose from.
For example, you can get many different flavors of fudge at the Bear City Fudge Company. These flavors include chocolate walnut, peanut butter, orange cream, vanilla, and many other flavors.
You can also get chocolate-covered strawberries, all sorts of other chocolates, and other old-fashioned candies at the shop. There’s so much to choose from!
The ice cream that you can get at this shop is amazing as well. Getting ice cream here is also one of the best date ideas in New Bern.
In addition to that, there is an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your treat.
Address: 236C Middle St, New Bern, NC 28560
See and Buy Local Art at Carolina Creations
Carolina Creations is an art gallery that dates back to the year 1989 and that you can find at 317 A Pollock Street.
At the art gallery, you can see and buy art made by local artists as well as art by artists from across the United States.
The art that you can find at the gallery is very diverse and varies in medium. You can find paintings, pottery, jewelry, and many other types of works at the gallery.
Moreover, the works at Carolina Creations vary in price, meaning that there are very affordable items as well as more expensive ones.
Address: 317 A Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560
Play an Escape Game at Bear Towne Escape Room
Bear Towne Escape Room is a venue where you can play an escape game when you are in New Bern.
An escape game is a real-life interactive adventure game during which you have to find and decipher clues and solve several puzzles to be able to escape from the room. For this, you need creative thinking. You have 60 minutes to escape from the room and win the game.
The escape games at Bear Towne Escape Room can be played with 2 or more participants. You need to cooperate to successfully complete the games.
At Bear Towne Escape Room there are several escape games that you can play. Each of these games vary in difficulty and theme.
One of the escape games is the “Secrets Of The Pharaoh” game.
The “Spy Hunter” game is a unique escape game to play. This game doesn’t take place in one room, but instead in the entire downtown of New Bern.
Address: 233 Middle St #107b, New Bern, NC 28560
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What To Do in New Bern Tips
New Bern is a city that is packed with historic buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it has several historic districts. When exploring the sights of New Bern, you should not miss out on seeing the many historic structures that you can find in New Bern.
When deciding what to do in New Bern, I also recommend that when you choose to do a tour in the city, you make an advanced online reservation. That’s because there are tours for which you need an advanced reservation or for which there is a limited number of tickets available, so you can secure a spot by making an advanced reservation.
New Bern Things To Do Map
I hope I helped you decide what to do! As you see, there are a lot of great things to do in New Bern, NC.