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Nestled between San Antonio and Austin in the heart of Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels is a beloved destination known for its rivers, water parks, and German heritage.
This charming town sits at the meeting point of two rivers, the clear Comal and the adventurous Guadalupe, drawing visitors who come for tubing, the famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and a rich cultural scene.
This travel guide highlights the best things to do in New Braunfels, including river tubing, exploring Schlitterbahn, family-friendly parks and museums, and day trips to local attractions and hidden gems.
1. Float the Comal & Guadalupe Rivers
Photo Credit: Dollar Travelers
Tubing is a must-do in New Braunfels. From March to September, visitors enjoy floating down spring-fed rivers that stay cool even in Texas’s heat. The two rivers provide different experiences to suit all ages.
Comal River
The Comal River is one of the shortest rivers in the world at just over two miles, with calm, 72°F waters ideal for families and beginners. Lifeguarded chutes near Prince Solms Park add safety, and the float takes about two to three hours.
Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River offers a longer, more thrilling float featuring rapids and rocky sections, making it perfect for older kids and adults seeking adventure. The routes can range from two to four hours, providing a scenic and exciting experience through the rolling hills of Central Texas.
For a quieter and more relaxed trip, consider floating during early mornings or weekdays when the river is less crowded. Local outfitters offer tube rentals, life jackets, and convenient shuttle services, ensuring a safe and enjoyable float along the Guadalupe River.
2. Make a Splash at Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Waterpark is one of the best waterparks in the world, located along the Comal River. Opened in 1979, it spans 70 acres with over 50 attractions powered by natural spring water.
The park has two main sections:
- West Side (Original): Shaded by trees, featuring classic tube chutes and a natural setting, ideal for families.
- East Side (New): Modern thrill rides, expansive kids’ areas, and a swim-up bar for adults.
Top attractions include the original tube chutes, Bow Wow Blaster, the world’s first water coaster for kids, lazy rivers, wave pools, and a zero-depth pool for toddlers.
Tips for visiting Schlitterbahn Waterpark include visiting from late May to August on weekdays to avoid crowds. Arrive early to enjoy the shaded areas, and be sure to bring water shoes to protect your feet from rough surfaces. Take advantage of the free parking and the park’s re-entry policy.
3. Explore Parks, Trains & Kid-Friendly Attractions
Photo Credit: Cara Wallace-Lee
New Braunfels offers plenty of in-town options beyond the water that your entire family will love.
Landa Park is a 51-acre riverside park with walking trails, picnic spots, playgrounds, paddleboats, a miniature train ride, and an aquatic complex featuring an Olympic-sized spring-fed pool and a zero-depth pool for kids. It also has an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Fischer Park is the city’s largest park with a splash pad, fishing pond, dinosaur dig, and open lawns for play. It’s an ideal spot for families to relax and enjoy outdoor activities away from the bustling city center.
For an educational day out, McKenna Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits for kids 18 months to 8 years old, including a kid-sized town square, space-themed rooms, and art zones. New Braunfels Railroad Museum showcases historic rail cars, a caboose, and model train layouts. It also hosts “Junior Engineer” days, where kids can operate model trains.
4. Take a Day Trip to Natural Bridge Caverns & Wildlife Ranch
Just south of New Braunfels, these attractions offer unique experiences that adventurers and nature lovers won’t want to miss:
Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns is Texas’s largest commercial cavern system with dramatic limestone formations. Visitors can take a 75-minute guided tour or opt for adventure tours involving climbing and crawling. Surface activities include gem mining, a maze, ropes course, zip lines, and playgrounds.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 500-acre drive-thru safari with over 500 animals from 40 species. Visitors stay in their vehicles and feed animals like giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. Guided and VIP tours are available, along with a petting zoo. Plan ahead to avoid long lines and check age requirements for certain activities.
5. Discover Historic Gruene
Photo Credit: Barna Tanko
Gruene is a 15-acre historic district north of downtown New Braunfels, featuring over 30 preserved 19th-century buildings, boutiques, and restaurants. Stroll Gruene’s streets to shop local boutiques, visit wine-tasting rooms, and much, much more.
Gruene Hall, one of Texas’s most iconic live music venues, is a standout attraction here. Built in 1878, this is Texas’s oldest continually operating dance hall. It hosts over 200 live music shows annually, with artists like Willie Nelson, George Strait, and Garth Brooks having performed there. Family-friendly shows are common during the day and early evening.
Gristmill River Restaurant offers Texas favorites like chicken-fried steak and ribs, and it has multi-level patios, making it a great place to grab dinner before or after a show at Gruene Hall.
6. Enjoy Unique Activities
Below are some more exciting activities and attractions that make New Braunfels a fantastic destination for families and visitors of all ages. From thrilling water sports to nostalgic entertainment and unique wildlife experiences, these spots offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Texas Ski Ranch
For adrenaline seekers and water sports enthusiasts, Texas Ski Ranch is a must-visit. This outdoor recreation complex offers cable-pulled wakeboarding and water skiing on a large lake, suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Beyond the water, the ranch features a floating aqua park with inflatable obstacle courses, axe-throwing lanes for a unique challenge, and paintball fields for group fun. The beach-style hangout area is perfect for relaxing between activities, making it a great spot for families and groups looking for diverse entertainment.
Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre
Step back in time at the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre, a nostalgic venue with three large screens showing family-friendly movies. The 1950s-themed cafe offers classic American fare such as cheeseburgers, chicken strips, and funnel cakes, perfect for a casual dinner before the show.
Kids can enjoy the on-site playground to burn off energy while waiting for the movie to start. This drive-in provides a unique and memorable experience for families and visitors wanting to enjoy a movie night under the stars.
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is an engaging destination for animal lovers of all ages. Home to over 500 animals, including a vast collection of snakes, crocodiles, and exotic primates, the zoo offers daily crocodile feeding shows and interactive exhibits.
The primate islands allow visitors to observe monkeys and lemurs in naturalistic habitats. Younger guests will delight in the petting zoo, where they can get up close with friendly farm animals. The zoo emphasizes education and conservation, making it both a fun and informative stop in New Braunfels.
7. Savor German and Texas Flavors
New Braunfels’s food scene reflects its German heritage and Texas roots. Don’t miss the chance to sample the menu at these popular spots.
- Krause’s Cafe is a lively German beer hall with a Biergarten, live music, and a menu including schnitzel, sausages, and Texas beers.
- Naegelin’s Bakery, the oldest bakery in Texas, serves apple strudel, kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and other German pastries.
- 2tarts Bakery offers modern baked goods like cupcakes and pies.
- Buttermilk Cafe is known for comfort-food breakfasts like buttermilk pancakes and chicken-fried steak.
- Rhea’s Ice Cream in Gruene offers inventive and classic flavors, perfect after a day of exploring.
Plan Your Visit to New Braunfels
New Braunfels combines outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and family-friendly fun in one Texas Hill Country destination. From floating the Comal River to dancing at the oldest dance hall in Texas, there’s something for everyone.
Book accommodations early, especially during summer and festival seasons, to secure the best spots near the rivers or downtown. Your New Braunfels adventure awaits!
