A Stroll Through Historic New Bern, North Carolina

Approaching New Bern, the moment that stayed with me came before I ever parked the car. Driving across the bridge over the Neuse River, the view opens wide, with water stretching out on both sides and boats bobbing in the marina below. Crossing the drawbridge into town, it genuinely felt like slipping into another era—almost like arriving at a quaint European village, but with unmistakable coastal Carolina charm.

Once you’re in town, that first impression only deepens. Brick buildings line brick sidewalks, ancient live oaks reach overhead, and Spanish moss drapes lazily from their branches. New Bern moves at a pace that invites you to slow down and look around.

You'll find bears (the stationary kind) all around New Bern. Why bears? Bern is an old German word for bear.

Arriving in New Bern: A Scenic First Impression

That bridge crossing sets the tone. It’s not just a way into town—it’s part of the experience. The marina comes into view on your left, and suddenly the noise of the road fades into something calmer. By the time you reach downtown, it already feels like you’ve gone back in time.

New Bern’s historic core is compact and flat, which makes it ideal for exploring on foot. You’re never far from the water, and nearly every turn offers another small visual reward—an old storefront, a shaded bench, or a glimpse of the river between buildings.

Where I Stayed: Marina Views and Easy Walks

I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront, and the location couldn’t have been better. My room overlooked the marina, with views of the river and bridges that changed with the light throughout the day.

What really stood out, though, was how easy everything felt. From the hotel, it was a short, flat walk into the historic district and to Tryon Palace. No driving, no stress—just step outside and start exploring.

Tryon Palace was the residence of the governor in colonial times prior to the American Revolution. It often wasn't a quiet retreat as successive governors were forced to flee the rebellion and live aboard Tory ships for long stretches.

Touring Tryon Palace With a Costumed Docent

Tryon Palace is one of those places that brings history into sharp focus. The reconstructed residence once housed North Carolina’s colonial royal governors in the years leading up to the American Revolution.

My tour was led by a docent dressed in period clothing, which added an extra layer of immersion. Over the course of a well-paced, five-room tour, she shared stories about the palace and the often inglorious administrations of the royal governors who lived there. It felt informative without being heavy, and engaging without being rushed.

If you’re visiting with kids, it’s worth knowing that while the indoor tour might test younger attention spans, the palace grounds include a large, gated yard—perfect for letting the wiggles out before or after.

Dinner in the Historic District

From Tryon Palace, it was an easy 10-minute walk to dinner at Morgan’s Tavern in the heart of the old town.

Morgan’s Tavern is a popular spot, and for good reason. The atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming, with a bar scene that hums along nicely in the evening. The menu leans toward hearty, satisfying entrées, but the real standout arrived before the meal even started: warm, buttered croissants placed on the table. They’re indulgent in the best way, and absolutely worth savoring.

Downtown Shopping With Local Flavor

New Bern’s downtown isn’t about big-box stores or rushed browsing. It’s the kind of place where you pop into shops simply because they catch your eye.

Two stops worth making are Mitchell Hardware and the Pepsi Store. Mitchell’s feels like a classic hardware store that’s been part of town life forever. The Pepsi Store, meanwhile, celebrates the soda’s New Bern origins without feeling like a formal museum. You’ll find vintage artifacts, old photos, and plenty of merchandise to take home.

Spanish Moss, Live Oaks, and Photo Stops

One of the simplest pleasures in New Bern is just walking around and looking up. The live oaks are massive, and the Spanish moss hanging from their branches softens the entire streetscape.

A favorite photo stop is Christ Episcopal Church on Pollock Street. The combination of historic architecture, towering trees, and moss-draped branches makes it an ideal backdrop for selfies—or just a quiet moment to take it all in.

Who New Bern Is Best For

New Bern feels tailor-made for couples, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys a slower, more romantic kind of getaway. Fans of Nicholas Sparks novels will recognize the appeal immediately.

Families can enjoy the town too, especially with the large, kid-friendly park along the river as you enter town. It’s a good balance to the more structured historical sites.

A compact and walkable downtown add to New Bern's appeal.

Getting Around: Walkable and Compact

One of New Bern’s biggest strengths is how walkable it is. The town is flat and compact, making it easy to explore without constantly getting back in the car.

That said, parking can be at a premium during festivals and special events. If you’re visiting during a busy weekend, it’s worth planning ahead—or choosing accommodations within walking distance of downtown.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Location: Eastern North Carolina waterfront town
• Walkability: Flat and very walkable
• Typical Visit Time: Weekend or relaxed day trip
• Parking: Limited during festivals and peak events
• Kid-Friendly Notes: Palace grounds and riverfront park offer space to move

Local Tip

If you can, book a river-facing room. Waking up to the marina sets the mood for the entire day.

Why It’s Worth the Trip

• A scenic river approach that instantly slows your pace
• Rich history presented in an approachable way
• A compact downtown made for strolling
• Dining, shopping, and sights all within easy walking distance

New Bern doesn’t try to impress you all at once. Instead, it wins you over slowly—with views from a bridge, quiet brick streets, and history that feels close enough to touch.