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.
Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area
"New Bern travelers visit for a day trip to the coast, combining historic downtown sightseeing with a quiet natural area experience. It is a popular escape for residents seeking salt-air scenery."
A protected coastal natural area featuring dunes, marshes, and maritime forest near Atlantic Beach.
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.