Dog-Friendly New Bern, North Carolina
Historic riverfront walks, patio dining, pet-friendly hotels, and easygoing outdoor stops make New Bern a strong weekend pick for travelers with dogs.
New Bern, NC
Best dog-friendly stays
Boutique downtown stay with pet-friendly rooms and walkable access to the riverfront and historic district.
Reliable chain option with pet-friendly rooms, free breakfast, and quick highway access.
Where to eat with your dog
Covered patio plus a dedicated dog menu make this one of the best pet-friendly dining stops in town.
Waterfront deck dining with scenic river views and dog-friendly outdoor seating.
Casual lunch stop beside Tryon Palace with a patio overlooking the water.
Parks and activities
The city’s dedicated off-leash dog park for local playtime and quick exercise.
Large waterfront park with open space, walking trail, and river views.
Leashed dogs are welcome on scenic pontoon cruises out on the water.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in New Bern
Tryon Riverfront Inn New Bern, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
A stylish riverfront boutique hotel in downtown New Bern within walking distance of shops, restaurants, Tryon Palace, and the convention center.
100 Craven St., New Bern, NC 28560
Visit WebsiteDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront
Full-service downtown hotel overlooking the marina and Trent River, close to the historic district and waterfront walks.
100 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Visit WebsiteHampton Inn New Bern
Convenient stay just off US-17/US-70 with free breakfast, pool access, and easy drives to downtown and Croatan-area outings.
200 Hotel Drive, New Bern, NC 28562
Visit WebsiteCandlewood Suites New Bern by IHG
A practical extended-stay option with in-room kitchenettes and a designated pet area behind the hotel.
3465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, New Bern, NC 28562
Visit WebsiteComfort Suites New Bern near Cherry Point
Suite-style lodging with quick access to shopping and major roads, useful for travelers making New Bern a base for coastal day trips.
1006 Old Cherry Point Rd, New Bern, NC 28560
Visit WebsiteBridgePointe Hotel & Marina
Budget-friendlier waterfront-adjacent stay with a grassy pet relief area and easy access to downtown New Bern.
101 Howell Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in New Bern
Morgan’s Tavern & Grill
One of New Bern’s standout dog-friendly dining picks, with a covered patio and a dedicated Four-Legged Friends Menu.
235 Craven St, New Bern, NC 28560
Visit WebsitePersimmons Restaurant
Popular downtown restaurant with a large waterfront deck and river views, ideal for a relaxed meal with your dog beside you.
100 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560
Visit WebsiteLawson’s On The Creek
A scenic lunch stop at the North Carolina History Center with an inviting patio overlooking the water.
316 S. Front Street, New Bern, NC 28563
Visit WebsiteMichael’s Pub & Patio
Casual downtown pub with a roomy patio, classic pub fare, and a reputation for welcoming dogs with water bowls.
208 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560
Visit WebsiteBear Town Market
A laid-back beer spot with a broad tap list and flexible dog access that works well for a casual stop after a walk downtown.
402 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28562
Visit WebsitePoppy’s Bites & Barrels
Downtown craft-beer taproom serving burgers and drinks with a dog-friendly patio for leashed pups.
313 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks and Activities in New Bern
Down East Dog Park
New Bern’s dedicated dog park and the best local option for off-leash play.
1307 Country Club Road, New Bern, NC 28562
Visit WebsiteLawson Creek Park
A large 140-acre waterfront park with open green space, fishing piers, picnic areas, and a short walking trail that works well for leashed dogs.
1309 Country Club Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
Visit WebsiteUnion Point Park
Downtown waterfront green space along the river, good for leashed strolls and easy access to nearby shops and restaurants.
210 E Front St, New Bern, NC 28560
Visit Website2 River Cruises
Pet-friendly pontoon cruises where leashed dogs can join you for scenic rides on the water.
101 Craven St, New Bern, NC 28560
Visit WebsiteBrÜtopia Brewing Company
A dog-friendly taproom and bottle shop where pups are welcome inside and on the patio, making it an easy post-walk hangout.
1201 U.S. 70, New Bern, NC 28560
Visit WebsiteIsland Creek Forest Walk Trail
A scenic forest loop in the Croatan area near New Bern where dogs are welcome for a leashed nature walk.
Croatan National Forest near New Bern, NC
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in New Bern
This easy two-day plan mixes riverfront walks, patio meals, and low-stress sightseeing with your dog.
Day 1: Historic Downtown and Waterfront
Check into your hotel, then start with a leashed walk around Union Point Park and the downtown riverfront.
Grab lunch on the patio at Lawson’s On The Creek, then browse the historic district and pet-friendly local stops nearby.
Settle in for dinner at Morgan’s Tavern & Grill, where dogs can join you on the covered patio and order from the dog menu.
Day 2: Parks and River Time
Head to Down East Dog Park for off-leash play, then take a longer leashed walk at Lawson Creek Park.
Book a pet-friendly outing with 2 River Cruises or relax with a casual stop at BrÜtopia Brewing Company.
Wrap up the trip with waterfront dining at Persimmons Restaurant or a relaxed patio meal at Michael’s Pub & Patio.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Bern a good destination for traveling with a dog?
Yes. New Bern combines walkable historic streets, riverfront parks, several dog-friendly patios, and multiple pet-friendly hotel options, which makes it a solid weekend destination for dog owners.
Are there off-leash areas for dogs in New Bern?
Yes. Down East Dog Park is the main dedicated off-leash dog park in New Bern. Most other parks and trails in the area require dogs to stay leashed.
Do restaurants in New Bern allow dogs?
Several do, especially on patios and decks. Popular options include Morgan’s Tavern & Grill, Persimmons Restaurant, Lawson’s On The Creek, Michael’s Pub & Patio, and Poppy’s Bites & Barrels.
What do pet-friendly hotels in New Bern usually charge?
Many New Bern hotels charge around $50 to $75, though some extended-stay or budget properties may use nightly fees or tiered fees based on length of stay.
Can dogs join boat tours in New Bern?
Yes. 2 River Cruises allows leashed dogs on its scenic pontoon cruises, and bringing a dog life jacket is recommended.
Keep Exploring Dog-Friendly North Carolina
Browse more city guides for pet-friendly stays, patios, parks, and easy weekend getaways.
Browse More City Guides