Raleigh to New Bern Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

This drive follows historic US-70 East, a route once part of the early 20th-century 'Ocean Highway' linking the mountains to the coast. Unlike interstate driving, US-70 offers a slower, revealing passage through North Carolina's coastal plain.

Pacing yourself is key: allocate 2.5 to 3 hours for the 110-mile journey without stops, but plan for a full day with detours. Along the way, you'll pass through the Neuse River Basin, where river otters and ospreys are common sights. Understanding how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities transforms this commute into an expedition.

US-70 is a four-lane divided highway for most of the route, with sections reduced to two lanes near Kinston. The speed limit ranges from 55 to 65 mph. Expect traffic lights in Smithfield, Goldsboro, and Kinston.

• Fuel stops: Abundant in every town; cheapest gas near Smithfield (exit 95) and Goldsboro (US-70 Bypass). Avoid the single station in rural Whitley as prices tend to spike.
• Tolls: None on this route. US-70 is a free highway.
• Rest areas: Two official rest areas—one east of Smithfield (mile 90) and another near Kinston (mile 120). Both have restrooms and picnic tables.

Road quality is good, but watch for deer crossing signs particularly between Goldsboro and Kinston. Cell service is reliable except for a 5-mile dead zone near the Neuse River bridge.

Family-Friendly Pit Stops

• Smithfield: The Buffalo Creek Greenway has a playground and flat trails for toddlers.
• Goldsboro: Herman Park has a carousel ($1 per ride) and a duck pond.
• Kinston: The Kinston Community Park has splash pads and sports fields.

Fatigue Management

The hypnotic flat farmland can induce drowsiness. Use the following break strategy: stop every 45 minutes or two towns. The rest area near Kinston (mile 120) offers shaded tables. Caffeine options: The Human Bean in Goldsboro (drive-through) and a Starbucks in Kinston (inside Harris Teeter).

Pet-Friendly Stops

• Smithfield: The Neuse Riverwalk allows leashed dogs and has pet waste stations.
• Goldsboro: The Berkeley Place dog park (off-leash) is just off US-70.
• New Bern: Union Point Park has a dedicated pet fountain.

As you leave Raleigh, urban sprawl gives way to tobacco fields and pine forests. The Neuse River accompanies you from Smithfield onward, with several pull-offs for scenic views. In Kinston, the CSS Neuse Museum displays a recovered Civil War ironclad; entry is $5.

Agricultural Bounty

• Smithfield: Known for the Ava Gardner Museum (entry $10), but also the Smithfield Farmers Market (open Sat 8am-12pm).
• Goldsboro: The Wayne County Museum offers free admission; ask about the annual Pickle Festival.
• Kinston: The 'Brewery District' has Mother Earth Brewing and several farm-to-table spots. Try the fried oysters at The Boiler Room.
• New Bern: Historic downtown has Tryon Palace and over 40 antiques shops. The birthplace of Pepsi-Cola offers free tours at the original pharmacy.