Union Point Park
A scenic waterfront park in New Bern, NC, offering river views, a boardwalk, gazebo, playground, and picnic areas. Perfect for relaxation and explorat...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Union Point Park
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic waterfront park in New Bern, NC, offering river views, a boardwalk, gazebo, playground, and picnic areas. Perfect for relaxation and exploration.
"This is a beautiful park on the New Bern waterfront. The pavilion is a great place to just pull out a chair and watch the gorgeous view."
🚶♀️ Waterfront Walk
Enjoy the paved Riverwalk for stunning views of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Great for all ages and mobility levels. :athletic_shoe:
🦆 Feed the Ducks
Bring duck/fish food (available from dispensers) for an interactive experience with local wildlife. 🦆
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 2,977 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverfront Boardwalk
Along the Neuse & Trent Rivers
Stroll along the paved walkway, enjoying panoramic river views, boats, and diverse birdlife. Perfect for relaxation and photography.
Grand Gazebo
Central park area
A picturesque spot to relax, enjoy the scenery, and watch sailboats dock. Ideal for a quiet moment or a picnic.
Playground & Picnic Areas
Designated park zones
Family-friendly amenities with play equipment for kids and ample picnic spots for a delightful outdoor meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Vibe
Best Times for Peaceful Enjoyment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Day trip on a Sunday with kids
It's our first time visiting - I'm planning to visit from Raleigh with my elementary school aged daughters on a Sunday. Would like to visit the Pepsi museum, how long does it typically take there? What other activities would you recommend? The girls like Barbeque and Sushi - I…
🚶♀️ Waterfront Walk
Enjoy the paved Riverwalk for stunning views of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Great for all ages and mobility levels. :athletic_shoe:
🦆 Feed the Ducks
Bring duck/fish food (available from dispensers) for an interactive experience with local wildlife. 🦆
Where to go crabbing
Parents moved to New Bern a couple years ago and we're visiting this summer. I bought them some crab rings, but they said they haven't found a place to go. I know they're just scared to ask and do something out of their comfort zone. Where can I take them with relatively easy…
New Bern is Fking Awesome!
That's pretty much it. Came here today for Tryon Palace, had lunch at Famous, just a great experience
📸 Photography Hotspot
Capture beautiful waterfront scenes, especially during sunset. The bridge and boats offer great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Convenient Parking
Ample free parking is available near the bridge, just a short walk from the park's main attractions. 🚗
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Waterfront Walk
Enjoy the paved Riverwalk for stunning views of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Great for all ages and mobility levels. :athletic_shoe:
🦆 Feed the Ducks
Bring duck/fish food (available from dispensers) for an interactive experience with local wildlife. 🦆
📸 Photography Hotspot
Capture beautiful waterfront scenes, especially during sunset. The bridge and boats offer great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Convenient Parking
Ample free parking is available near the bridge, just a short walk from the park's main attractions. 🚗
🐶 Leashed Pets Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the walk, as dogs are allowed in the park when kept on a leash. 🐕
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Union Point Park's beautiful waterfront views, relaxing atmosphere, and convenient location. It's praised for its accessibility, ample parking, and family-friendly amenities like a playground and picnic areas. Some wish for more on-site dining options, but the proximity to downtown New Bern mitigates this.
"We enjoy coming to Union Point Park and walking along the water, watching boats and other watercraft, and seeing the various birds. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, and a boat ramp. It’s a quick walk to downtown New Bern and fairly accessible for anyone with mobility needs. There are benches, picnic tables, shady areas, and playground equipment.
We happened to be in the park when they were honoring veterans for Veterans Day. The flags were impactful, and everyone was respectful of the grounds and display."
Dana Cea
"This is a beautiful park on the New Bern waterfront. The pavilion is a great place to just pull out a chair and watch the gorgeous view. The waterfront with beautiful views of the bridge is so relaxing and makes for great photography moments. The paved walkway malkes it's way around the whole waterfront. We really enjoyed watching sailboats dock for a day trip. Free parking is just a short walk before the bridge near the hotel."
Alex Smith
"Nice views at this park. They really do like their flower decorations here - it is clear about that. Also saw a duck standing on water. The water looked amazing"
Frank Biermann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Union Point Park is located in New Bern, NC. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available near the bridge. The park is also a pleasant walk from downtown New Bern, making it a convenient destination for those exploring the city on foot.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at Union Point Park. Most visitors find the parking areas located just a short walk before the bridge to be convenient and sufficient.
Absolutely! Union Point Park is a quick and enjoyable walk from downtown New Bern. It serves as a great starting point for exploring the waterfront and then venturing into the shops and attractions of the city.
Yes, the park is fairly accessible. The paved walkway along the waterfront makes it easy for individuals with mobility needs to navigate and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, public restrooms are available at Union Point Park, adding to the convenience for visitors spending time enjoying the waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Union Point Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the beautiful waterfront and amenities for free.
Union Point Park is generally open from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the park throughout the day and into the evening for sunset views.
While the gazebo is a popular spot for relaxing and enjoying the view, information on booking it for private events is not readily available. It's best to check with the New Bern Parks and Recreation department for any rental or reservation possibilities.
Union Point Park occasionally hosts events, such as the Veterans Day ceremony mentioned by visitors. It's advisable to check local New Bern event listings for any upcoming activities.
No, the playground at Union Point Park is free to use for all visitors. It's a great amenity for families with children.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking along the waterfront, birdwatching, picnicking, feeding ducks and fish, relaxing in the gazebo, and letting children play on the playground. It's also a great starting point for exploring downtown New Bern.
Yes, visitors frequently mention seeing various birds at Union Point Park, making it a pleasant spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The waterfront location attracts diverse avian species.
While the park has a boat ramp, specific advice on crabbing from the shore at Union Point Park is limited. However, the presence of the rivers suggests potential for crabbing, and it's worth inquiring locally for the best spots and methods.
Yes, Union Point Park offers plenty of benches and picnic tables, providing comfortable seating options for visitors to relax and enjoy the park's amenities and views.
Yes, Union Point Park features playground equipment, making it a fun destination for families with young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Union Point Park itself does not have on-site restaurants. However, it is conveniently located a short walk from downtown New Bern, which offers a variety of dining options.
Absolutely! Union Point Park has picnic tables and shady areas, making it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch or snack while enjoying the river views.
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors at Union Point Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food for picnics or dine at nearby downtown restaurants.
While not directly in the park, the proximity to downtown New Bern means you'll find convenience stores and cafes nearby where you can purchase snacks.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at Union Point Park, especially for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire waterfront offers great photo opportunities, especially the paved walkway and the gazebo. The views of the bridge and the boats docking are also popular subjects. Sunset provides beautiful lighting.
Yes, many visitors highlight the beautiful sunset views from Union Point Park, making it an excellent location for photography during the golden hour.
You can photograph the river, boats, bridges, diverse birdlife, flowers, and the general scenic waterfront. The gazebo also makes for a picturesque element in photos.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is welcome. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially of private events or individuals without permission.
The best times for photography are during the golden hours: early morning for soft light and fewer crowds, and late afternoon/evening for beautiful sunset colors. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit