Things to Do in New Braunfels

A true Hill Country standout, New Braunfels is known for its beautifully preserved German culture amid friendly Texas charm. Enjoy Hill Country wines and authentic German and Texas cuisine, shop at fabulous boutiques, enjoy the thrilling, world-famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and break out your two-stepping skills at a real Texas dance hall. New Braunfels has endless ways to make you smile.  

Have a Splash-tastic Good Time on New Braunfels’ Two Rivers  

Nestled at the intersection of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, it’s no surprise that New Braunfels features plenty of tubing, swimming, and other forms of waterfront fun. The spring-fed, pristine Comal River stays at a refreshing 70 to 72 degrees year-round, the perfect temperature to cool off in the summer, while being warm enough for winter fun, too.  

Tubing the Comal is a top local attraction with plenty of outfitters helping you plan the perfect day on the water. Tubers usually start their floats near the Wurstfest festival grounds before passing through Downtown New Braunfels and past Schlitterbahn Waterpark, eventually joining the Guadalupe River, one of the top recreational rivers in Texas known for its peaceful blue-green waters.  

Pack a picnic and head to the Cypress Bend Park to experience the Guadalupe’s mesmerizing hues. It’s a great place to jump in and cool off. The Guadalupe is also a favorite fishing destination known for trout, bass, catfish, and sunfish. The river is the southernmost trout fishery in the United States and is especially popular for fly fishing. Enthusiasts come out each February for the annual Troutfest, which celebrates the sport and promotes regional conservation with workshops, pop-up shops, and family friendly fishing activities.

Earn Style Points with the Kids at this World-Famous Waterpark 

Put a smile on every kids’ face with a day spent at the World's Best Waterpark Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort in New Braunfels. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you plummet down the six-story-tall Master Blaster Uphill Water Coaster, or careen around the tight corners and over the rapids of The Falls, the world’s longest waterpark ride.  

Want to take it easy? Kick back and relax at The Beach Wave Pool or the Kristal Cove, a giant swimming pool with shaded seating and a gently sloping beach. There’s plenty of fun for younger riders in the new kids' area Schatze's Storybrook Park, home to the world's first water coaster for kids, a pint-size take on Schlitterbahn's famous Master Blaster. With dozens of rides, slides, and pools in a Texas-sized setting, you’ll be planning a return visit the second you leave.  

In fact, turn that day trip into a weekend of fun by booking a room at the Schlitterbahn Resort where you can stay in a luxury treehouse just steps away from the park’s rides. 

Explore Underground Wonders in one of Texas’ Biggest Caverns  

It’s something you need to see to believe. Natural Bridge Caverns is home to the most extensive cavern in the region, and one of the largest caverns in the state. Join a guided tour and prepare to be wowed. Feel the cool cavern air as you walk past delicate stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years by the changing flow of water. Be sure to check out the new Hidden Wonders tour and experience the spectacular hidden cavern with state-of-the-art lighting, newly open rooms, a sound and light show, and conveyor ride back to the surface!

The caverns aren’t the only thing to experience. Natural Bridge Caverns also features above ground attractions like the AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup, a challenging maze adults and kids will love. Just head for the central bridge in case you get lost!  

Enjoy high flying action at Canopy Explorer, a 60-foot-tall, four-tier adventure course with zip lines and platforms that deliver stunning views of Texas Hill Country. Then, pretend you’re an old-fashioned miner looking for gold as you pan for gems and fossils in the mock mining town. An onsite restaurant is the perfect place to restore your energy with a slice of pizza and some ice cream.  

For more above ground fun check out the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch right next door. Enjoy a variety of tours through the 500-acre, 6-mile safari featuring over 500 animals and 40 different species! Don’t forget to check out the VIP experiences where you can get up close with giraffes and rhinos.

Discover the Wunder in Downtown New Braunfels

The city of New Braunfels was built on two traditions: a strong work ethic and good times, known in German as Gemütlichkeit. Tourists and residents alike enjoy shopping, world-class dining, luxurious accommodations, art, history, theater and fun in historic downtown New Braunfels.   

Shop, Dine, and Two-Step in the Gruene Historic District 

Situated within the New Braunfels city limits, the charming Gruene Historic District is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the once-dying town was revitalized by visionaries who saw its potential as a stylish destination.  

An original dance hall was remade into Gruene Hall, where big names like Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett and Garth Brooks have played. It’s a great place to hear live music today. Dine at one of several trendy eateries serving Tex-Mex and other tasty cuisines. Shop for antiques, home décor, clothing, and gifts at numerous local retailers now housed in 19th Century storefronts. It doesn’t get any more charming than this.  

Prost! Cheers! Sample New Braunfels Craft Beers and Native Wines 

The Texas Hill Country is full of independent craft breweries and wineries, and vineyards, providing plenty of chances to enjoy both wine and stein! Check out local craft breweries like New Braunfels Brewing Company serving unique brews made with fresh hops and local water. At The Faust Brewing Company, enjoy a wide range of authentic German-style brews and pale ales. Visit Guadalupe Brewing Company for a well-balanced, full-flavored craft beer made with natural ingredients and a menu featuring small-batch artisanal pizza. Head over to 5 Stones Artisan Brewery and enjoy a variety of brews and relax underneath the trees where you will be welcomed, comforted and served well! 

Whether you’re a connoisseur or just discovering the world of wine, you’ll find plenty to toast in New Braunfels.  Located just outside the city, Dry Comal Creek Vineyards is passionate about producing Texas wine. The vineyard sources fruit from the state’s best grape growers to create 100% Texas wine from 100% Texas grapes, including those grown on-site on more than five acres of vineyards. Water 2 Wine is a fully-operating, award-winning winery that blends, oaks, ferments and bottles its wines in its 2,000-square-foot cellar using grapes sourced from vineyards around the world. The winery also offers the memorable experience of crafting your own wine, whether to commemorate a special occasion or to try your hand at winemaking. Perched near the Guadalupe River in the Gruene Historic District, Winery on the Gruene is a small, award-winning boutique winery that offers a unique wine experience: the winemakers here source their grapes from all around the world, then blend, ferment, age and bottle all of their wines on the premises. Another place to sample a wide selection of Texas wines is The Grapevine, located in the Gruene Historic District, just down the street from Texas’ oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall. The Grapevine offers one of the largest selections of Texas wines around, featuring more than 25 Texas wineries along with a selection of old and new world wines.