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New Bern is a small historic city in Craven County, eastern North Carolina, situated where the Neuse and Trent rivers meet. It was founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers under Baron Christoph von Graffenried, making it one of the oldest European-established towns in North Carolina.
The city served as colonial North Carolina's first permanent capital and retains a walkable, well-preserved downtown core with dozens of 18th- and 19th-century buildings. It draws visitors interested in American colonial history, river scenery, and a low-key small-city atmosphere.
Note on the destination name: New Bern is located in North Carolina, USA — not in Bermuda. There is no U.S. state called Bermuda. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic. This guide covers New Bern, NC, and has corrected the destination accordingly. Travelers seeking Bermuda should consult a separate guide.
Before You Go
New Bern is a domestic U.S. destination, so no passport or visa is required for U.S. citizens. International visitors entering the United States should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current entry requirements, as rules vary by nationality and can change.
The city has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently in the upper 80s–90s°F (30–35°C). Hurricane season runs June through November, and eastern North Carolina can experience significant storms during this period — check weather forecasts carefully if traveling in late summer or fall.
- What to pack: Light, breathable clothing for summer; layers for spring and fall; rain gear year-round
- Health: No unusual health advisories for this region; verify current CDC travel health notices before travel
- Connectivity: Standard U.S. mobile coverage and Wi-Fi available throughout the city
Getting There
New Bern is served by the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), a small regional airport with connections to larger hub airports. Carriers and routes change periodically — verify current service and schedules directly with airlines or on the airport's official website.
By car, New Bern sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and U.S. Highway 17, making it accessible by road from Raleigh (roughly 2 hours), Wilmington (roughly 2 hours), and the Outer Banks (roughly 2 hours depending on route). This is the most flexible way to reach the city.
Long-distance bus service via Greyhound has historically served eastern North Carolina corridors, but schedules and stops change — confirm current routes before traveling. There is no passenger rail service directly to New Bern.
Getting Around
New Bern's historic downtown is compact and walkable. Most major attractions, restaurants, and shops are within comfortable walking distance of the riverfront and Union Point Park area.
A personal vehicle or rental car is recommended for exploring areas beyond downtown, including nearby nature areas and beaches along the Crystal Coast. Ride-share apps (Uber, Lyft) operate in the area but availability may be limited compared to larger cities — verify locally.
The city operates Craven Area Rural Transit (CART), a local public transit service. Check their current schedules and routes through the official Craven County government website, as service details can change.
Where to Stay
New Bern offers a range of accommodation including chain hotels, independently run inns, and bed-and-breakfast properties. The B&B category is particularly well-represented given the city's stock of historic buildings, and several operate out of antebellum and Victorian-era homes in or near downtown.
Accommodation is concentrated downtown and along the major highway corridors. Staying downtown provides the most walkable access to attractions, restaurants, and the riverfront. For current availability, pricing, and to verify that specific properties are still operating, use a major booking platform or contact properties directly — we do not list specific prices or availability here.
During major events such as the annual MumFest (typically October) or holiday seasons, accommodation can fill quickly — book in advance if visiting during popular periods.
Things to See & Do
Tryon Palace
The centerpiece of New Bern's heritage tourism is Tryon Palace, a reconstruction of the 18th-century royal governor's residence, which was colonial North Carolina's seat of government. The complex includes historic house tours, formal gardens, and several additional historic buildings. Admission fees, hours, and tour schedules should be verified on the official Tryon Palace website.
Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola
New Bern is where pharmacist Caleb Bradham first created the drink that would become Pepsi-Cola in the 1890s. The site in downtown New Bern is marked and includes a small gift shop; verify current operating status locally before making it a primary destination.
New Bern Battlefield Park
This site preserves earthworks and interpretive signage relating to the Civil War Battle of New Bern (1862). It is maintained by the city and offers free or low-cost access — confirm hours and access conditions locally.
Outdoor and Water Activities
- The confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating
- Union Point Park is a pleasant riverside green space suitable for walking
- The Crystal Coast beaches (Beaufort, Morehead City) are roughly an hour's drive and make a worthwhile day trip
New Bern Firemen's Museum
A small local museum focused on the city's fire-fighting history, particularly relevant as New Bern experienced a significant fire in 1922. Verify admission fees and hours on their official site.
Food & Drink
New Bern's dining scene reflects eastern North Carolina's culinary traditions, with a particular emphasis on seafood given the city's coastal proximity. Expect to find local fish, shrimp, oysters, and crab on many menus, often prepared simply.
Eastern-style North Carolina barbecue — whole-hog, wood-smoked, with a vinegar-based sauce — is a regional staple worth seeking out. The downtown area has a concentration of independently owned restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance.
- Craft brewing has grown in North Carolina broadly; New Bern has seen local brewery activity, though specific establishments should be verified locally for current operation
- The downtown waterfront has dining options suited to casual and mid-range budgets
- Grocery stores and markets are available for self-catering
Prices at restaurants are generally moderate by U.S. standards. Tipping 18–20% is standard practice in American restaurants.
Practical Information
- Emergency number: 911 (police, fire, medical emergencies) — standard across the United States
- Non-emergency police: Look up the Craven County Sheriff's Office or New Bern Police Department contact numbers on their official websites
- Pharmacy/Medical: New Bern has pharmacy chains and CarolinaEast Medical Center provides hospital services — verify location and hours locally
- ATMs and banking: Widely available in the downtown area and along commercial corridors
- Sales tax: North Carolina has a state sales tax; additional local tax may apply — verify current rates
- Tipping: Standard U.S. tipping norms apply (15–20% at restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, etc.)
- Accessibility: Many historic buildings have limited accessibility due to their age; contact specific sites in advance if accessibility is a concern
Safety
New Bern is a relatively small city and is generally considered safe for tourists, particularly in the downtown historic district and riverfront areas. Exercise standard urban awareness — be mindful of your surroundings, secure valuables, and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
The primary natural hazard in this region is severe weather. Hurricanes and tropical storms can affect eastern North Carolina between June and November. Monitor National Weather Service forecasts if traveling during this period, and be prepared to adjust plans if a storm threatens the area. Flooding can affect low-lying areas near the rivers — this was demonstrated significantly during Hurricane Florence in 2018.
For the most current and specific safety information, consult the New Bern Police Department or Craven County Emergency Management official resources.
