5 Best Beaches Near New Bern NC to Visit This Summer
New Bern is one of those historic riverfront cities that once you visit, you will want to keep going back. The charming downtown with historic homes like the Tryon Palace has this place dripping with a one-of-kind history, but New Bern also happens to be near some of the most stunning beaches in NC.
Some of the beaches in North Carolina are within a reasonable driving distance of New Bern which might also be worth adding as a day trip, especially in the summer to cool off.
Take time to lay out on the beach, learn history, or try new water sports at one of these stunning beaches!
Best Beaches Near New Bern NC
1. Atlantic Beach
The closest beach to New Bern is Atlantic Beach, which is a part of the Bogue Banks and is just under an hour away. If you’re looking for an adorable beach town, Atlantic Beach is the perfect place.
It’s not hard to find plenty of public beach areas on this barrier island that is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Bogue Sound. This stunning gem is lesser known than the Outer Banks but has delicious restaurants, cute shops, and plenty of vacation homes.
Here are some fun things to do while you’re in Atlantic Beach!
- Take a stroll on the boardwalk
- Visit Fort Macon State Park for a Civil War era fort
- Fish on the Oceanana Pier
- Take a fishing charter excursion
- Tour Cape Lookout on a jet ski
Public beach parking address: 201 W Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
2. Emerald Isle
A more laid-back beach in North Carolina, Emerald Isle is also a part of the Crystal Coast and is about 1 hour away from New Bern. While fishing is one of the most popular activities to do here, there are still chances to participate in sports and nature trails.
Emerald Isle is a family-friendly destination with plenty of attractions for everyone. The only thing that I would keep in mind when you are visiting is to make sure you do research for public beach areas ahead of time as we found out that there aren’t as many as the Outer Banks.
Here are some activities that you may love:
- Disc golf in the Emerald Isle Woods
- Go sailing on the crystal clear waters
- Take a paddle tour
- Explore the cute boutique shops
- Walk or bike through Emerald Isle Woods Park
Public beach access parking is on the East end.
3. Fort Macon Beach
Located within Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon is not only known for its history but also for its beach with lifeguards, a bathhouse, and a picnic area. This beach is a place you can easily spend all day with the historic fort and museum, swimming, and exploring the dune fields.
The best part is that the parking to access the beach is free of charge! The locals love to spend time here as Fort Macon Beach doesn’t get as crowded as Atlantic Beach.
Here are some things to do besides lying on the beach:
- Stop by the visitor center for info about the fort
- Explore the historic fort and museum
- Spend time fishing at the inlet
- Walk The Beach Trail or the Elliot Coues Nature Trail
- Keep a lookout for special events
4. Hammocks Beach State Park
This dog-friendly state park is a great place to explore and soak in the natural untouched beauty of the beach on the Atlantic coast. However, the only way to access this beach is by ferry or private boat.
As of now, the public ferry is closed for Bear Island, but keep checking back for updates. This beautiful park is around 50 minutes from New Bern.
Hammocks Beach is a place to go to escape humankind with a major focus on the sun, sky, and sea.
Here are some things to do while you’re there:
- Book an eco-tour
- Go camping (as of now, the campsites are closed)
- Explore the tidal pools for small animals
- Go kayaking
5. Cape Lookout National Seashore
Located in Carteret County, Cape Lookout National Seashore is 56-mile area with a lighthouse in the Southern Outer Banks. While most people visit the mainland in the east, this seashore is a hidden gem for lovers of the ocean and nature.
Don’t be surprised if you encounter wild horses and unique birds with the abundance of greenery present. Although the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is the reason why people visit, it is also home to Portsmouth Village, which is no longer running, but it is a great place to dive deeper into the history of fishing.
You can also bring your dog but keep in mind that the journey to this national treasure is a little over 2 hours from New Bern.
Here are a few things to do to make the most of your time:
- Watch the wild horses but don’t touch them
- Go bird-watching
- Spend a day fishing or relaxing on the beach
- Climb the lighthouse
- Tour the historic sea village
Final Thoughts: Beaches Near New Bern NC
North Carolina has so many natural gems and charming beach towns that you will want to visit all of them. These beaches near New Bern offer the perfect getaway for the summer without the overwhelming crowds that you see in the mainland of the Outer Banks.
Many of these beaches also provide unique experiences like eco-tours and historic landmarks. Spend a day or two exploring everything that these beaches have to offer.
Get out and explore other hidden spots: