Fort Macon State Park
"New Bern visitors come for a coastal day trip that combines history with beach time. The city also offers lodging, restaurants, and access to the Crystal Coast."
Historic coastal park with a restored Civil War fort, beaches, and excellent birding.
Hammocks Beach State Park
"New Bern travelers visit for a coastal side trip that pairs well with a Crystal Coast beach day. The park offers a more natural shoreline experience than many developed beaches."
A coastal park known for Bear Island’s undeveloped beaches, marshes, and wildlife.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
"New Bern travelers can enjoy a scenic drive inland for swimming, paddling, and forest trails. The park makes a good change of pace from coastal sightseeing."
A scenic eastern North Carolina park known for river bluffs, swimming, paddling, and forest trails.
Goose Creek State Park
"New Bern visitors come for a quieter natural setting than the city’s historic core. The park offers a scenic side trip for paddlers and wildlife watchers exploring eastern North Carolina."
A scenic coastal plain park with marshes, cypress swamps, paddling, fishing, and abundant wildlife.
Pungo River State Park
"New Bern travelers are often looking for scenic day trips and wildlife viewing. Pungo River State Park provides a peaceful contrast to the historic downtown and riverfront attractions."
A remote coastal park known for wetlands, paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Pettigrew State Park
"New Bern residents can make a longer day trip for paddling and birdwatching. The park’s lake and swamp habitats offer a rewarding change of pace from the riverfront and sound."
A quiet northeastern North Carolina park known for Lake Phelps, cypress swamps, paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.