New Bern, North Carolina's first colonial capital, occupies a waterfront peninsula at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers in Craven County, 115 miles southeast of Raleigh via US-70 East—a two-hour drive. Founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers under Baron Christoph von Graffenried, the city retains a walkable 18th-century street grid, more than 150 properties on the National Register of Historic Places, and the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, where pharmacist Caleb Bradham first sold his drink in 1898.
Tryon Palace at 529 S Front Street is the centerpiece. Built in 1767–1770 as the colonial governor's residence and seat of royal government, the original structure burned in 1798 and was reconstructed beginning in the 1950s based on the original architect's plans. The Palace grounds include the main house, extensive formal gardens, and the North Carolina History Center—a modern facility housing artifacts from colonial and antebellum North Carolina. Admission covers all three: approximately $20 for adults. The guided house tour takes 45–60 minutes; the gardens are open for self-guided exploration.
Downtown New Bern's Union Point Park at the river confluence provides a free waterfront outlook. The Birthplace of Pepsi store at 256 Middle Street occupies the original drugstore location and is free to enter; a small exhibit documents Bradham's 1898 invention. The New Bern Firemen's Museum at 408 Handley Avenue collects 19th and early 20th-century fire apparatus.
A day arc: depart Raleigh by 7:30 a.m., arrive by 9:30 a.m., tour Tryon Palace and the History Center through midday, lunch near Bear Street Yard or on Pollock Street, afternoon walk through the historic district and the Pepsi birthplace, and return to Raleigh before evening.
How to get there
- Car rental from Raleigh RDU ($45/day)
- New Bern also has small regional airport (EWN) with flights from Charlotte
Location
Tryon Palace, 529 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562
35.0998, -77.0447 View on map
Highlights
- Tour the reconstructed 1767 Tryon Palace, the colonial seat of royal government in North Carolina
- Explore the NC History Center's exhibits on colonial and antebellum North Carolina adjacent to the Palace grounds
- Visit the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola on Middle Street, where pharmacist Caleb Bradham invented the drink in 1898
- Walk Union Point Park at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers in the heart of New Bern
Tips for visiting
- Tryon Palace tickets (approximately $20 adults) include the main house tour, gardens, and History Center; book online at tryonpalace.org to skip the gate queue
- Christmas illuminations at Tryon Palace in December are among the most elaborate seasonal displays in eastern North Carolina; book dinner reservations and parking in advance
- The downtown historic district is compact and walkable; leave the car at the Palace parking area and walk to Middle Street and the waterfront on foot
- The drive via US-70 passes through several small towns with traffic lights; the US-70 Bypass around Goldsboro saves approximately 20 minutes
- Bear Street Yard has limited Sunday hours; check current hours before planning dinner there
When to visit
April and May bring the Tryon Palace formal gardens to peak bloom and offer comfortable walking temperatures in the historic district. December's candlelight tours and Christmas illuminations at the Palace are among the most distinctive seasonal events in eastern North Carolina.
Accessibility
Tryon Palace's History Center is fully wheelchair accessible. The reconstructed Palace house has limited interior accessibility due to original-period staircases; ground-floor rooms are accessible via a ramped entry. The formal gardens have paved central paths. Union Point Park waterfront is flat and accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How far is New Bern from Raleigh?
New Bern is approximately 115 miles southeast of Raleigh via US-70 East. The drive takes about two hours in normal traffic. There is no regular public bus or rail service connecting Raleigh directly to New Bern.
What is included in Tryon Palace admission?
Adult admission (approximately $20) covers guided access to the main palace house, self-guided exploration of the formal gardens, and the North Carolina History Center's permanent galleries. Seasonal programs and evening events may have separate fees.
Why is New Bern associated with Pepsi-Cola?
Pharmacist Caleb Bradham of New Bern created the formula for what became Pepsi-Cola and began selling it from his drugstore at 256 Middle Street in 1898. A replica pharmacy and free exhibit occupy the original building today.
When is the best time to visit New Bern?
April through May offers pleasant temperatures and the Palace gardens in spring bloom. December features the celebrated Christmas illuminations at Tryon Palace. Summer visits (June–August) are hot and humid; the main interior attractions are air-conditioned.
Is parking available in New Bern?
Yes. Tryon Palace has a dedicated parking area adjacent to the History Center at no additional charge. Downtown New Bern has metered street parking along Front and Middle streets and several free lots within a short walk.