26 Fun Things To Do In New Braunfels Texas
If you’re looking for a great place to visit in Texas, look no further than New Braunfels! This charming town in the hill country has plenty of activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the best things to do in New Braunfels.
This small Texas town has become a summer hot spot for travelers from all over the US. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or adrenaline junkie, there’s something for everyone in this exciting town.
Float down the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, trek through the natural bridge caverns, or spend a relaxing day at the New Braunfels farmers market and stay in one of the cute New Braunfels Treehouse rentals.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit, and your cowboy boots, and plan your trip to New Braunfels today!
Things To Do In New Braunfels Texas
1. Visit Landa Park
One of my favorite places to visit in New Braunfels is Landa Park. This beautiful park offers something for everyone. Landa Park is a large nature park accessible by Landa Street. Landa Park contains the Landa Falls, Landa Lake, tennis courts, a large swimming pool, and a mini-golf course.
Ride your bike along the Panther Canyon Nature Trail, or head to Guadalupe River Tubing Outfitter for kayaking or floating, and the famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Landa Park is also home to a number of historical attractions, including the Landa House Museum and the Landa Park Miniature train.
2. Schlitterbahn waterpark
Schlitterbahn is the largest waterpark in Texas and it is a must-visit for any thrill seeker. This waterpark is divided into ten sections containing water slides, tube chutes, and the Schlitterbahn wave river. Schlitterbahn Waterpark is one of the best things to do in New Braunfels.
This is one of the most pricey excursions in New Braunfels but well worth it on a hot summer day!
You can upgrade to a Schlitterbhan Plus Pass which includes admission, unlimited tube rental for one day, lunch voucher at Landa Lake Lodge restaurant, plus $15 towards food at Schlitterbhan’s T-Rex Cafe.
This will help you cover some of the unexpected costs in the park!
3. Gruene historic district
Another one of my favorite things to do in New Braunfels is to spend an afternoon in Gruene. Gruene is an old Texas town on the Guadalupe River.
Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas and a historical landmark dating back to 1878, still hosts live music and dancing. Gruene also offers great shopping and dining options. Gruene Hall can be found at 1201 Gruene Road New Braunfels, TX 78130 .
Another must-see while visiting the hill country is Gruene Mansion Inn, a historical mansion built after Gruene’s original store burned down in the 1880s.
The Gruene Mansion Inn has been renovated as one of the finest bed & breakfast hotels you’ll ever experience with 15 unique guest suites that reflect different styles from all around the world.
4. Floating the Comal river
To cool off from the hot Texas sun, there is no better way than floating down the Comal River. The Comal starts in Landa Park and you will find multiple tube rental places to start at.
This is the shortest river in Texas and will take anywhere from 2- 2 1/2 hours. You will make your way down the water shoot, past Schlitterbahn and the river eventually leads the Guadalupe river.
You will be able to rent a tube, jump in the river and a bus will pick you up at the end of the float to take you back to the starting point! Grab a cooler and fill it with your favorite drinks and snacks.
Alcohol is allowed in the river, but make sure to also keep a couple of waters with you!
Or you can take an organized tour from Austin as well.
5. Floating the Guadalupe river
Guadalupe River tubing is a must-do in New Braunfels. You can tube for as little as an hour or spend the whole day on the river. This river is much longer than the Comal and can take as long as 4 hours to float.
So make sure you block off your whole day.
There are plenty of outfitters to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. They will offer a variety of tubing, kayaking, and raft rentals.
Most of the outfitters take you to the heart of Gruene for an exciting tubing trip down the Guadalupe River in tubes equipped with bottoms so you can sit up properly or store your cooler in them to kick your feet up.
Make sure to keep your coolers filled with ice-cold beverages & snacks! What better way to relax after a fun-filled couple of days enjoying New Braunfels?
Downtown antique mall
If you’re looking for a fun day out, be sure to check out the antique mall in downtown New Braunfels on San Antonio st. You’ll find everything from vintage jewelry to retro furniture, so it’s the perfect place to hunt for unique treasures.
Plus, there’s always something going on in downtown New Braunfels, so you can enjoy some shopping and dining while you’re there. Be sure to put this one on your list!
7. Canyon lake
There are so many fun things to do in New Braunfels Texas, but spending the day at canyon lake is definitely one of the highlights.
Canyon Lake is knowns as one of the deepest lakes in Texas. The views are simply stunning, and there’s plenty of opportunity for swimming, fishing, and hiking.
Make sure to check out the canyon lake gorge while you’re there- it’s a sight you won’t want to miss!
8. New Braunfels Farmer’s market
Another must-do while visiting New Braunfels is getting out of the sun and exploring the New Braunfels farmers market.
The market has a great variety of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. The Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8 am to Noon April through October and on Wednesday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm May through September.
New Braunfels Farmer’s Market has more than just fresh produce it also has delicious food, arts & crafts, clothing, jewelry, home décor, live music entertainment, and much more.
No matter what time of year you visit New Braunfels the Farmers Market hosts many events throughout the year including Easter Egg Hunt during Easter weekend in March or April, Kids Day around June 1st, and Christmas events during the holiday season.
9. Natural bridge caverns
The natural bridge caverns are a great place to explore the outskirts of New Braunfels and learn about the natural world.
The Natural Bridge Caverns is not too expensive either. Inside, there are lots of things to see such as stalagmites and stalactites (which were once formed by water but now look like a rock), cave animals, such as bats and spiders, and fossils. you will see layer after layer showing how the Earth has changed over millions of years.
Check out the discovery tour, available to teach you about the cave formations, as well as the history of the area. This guided tour through the cavern can give you more insight into these amazing formations.
A lift even takes you down into one section of the caverns; you can see huge rock pillars that go thousands of feet down.
If you want to get active you can also enjoy biking and hiking trails, or take a walk through the nature preserve. After a day underground head over to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch for a safari tour.
This ranch is home to exotic birds and animals from all over the world, as well as Texas wildlife. You will be able to see and observe creatures that you may have never even heard of before!
10. Stars and Stripes drive-in theatre
Stars and Stripes Drive-In is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. This theatre offers a unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
Not only do they show current movies, but they also play classic American films.
There’s nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars! And if that’s not Texan enough for you, they have a special show on the Fourth of July.
The stars and stripes drive-in theatre is located in Comal county, this outdoor cinema is a classic movie-going experience, complete with snacks and popcorn.
11. New Braunfels Railroad Museum
The New Braunfels Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the history of central Texas. The museum has displays and artifacts that tell the story of how railroads have played a role in the development of the area. You can even ride some of them! A train ride on the miniature train costs only $5 and lasts about 20 minutes.
Opening time and entrance fee
The New Braunfels Railroad Museum is open 10:00 am – 4:05 pm on Saturdays and 1:00 pm – 4:05 pm on Sundays. Admission to the museum is free for children five years of age or younger and $3 for adults. Located at 325 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130 it is just a short drive in downtown New Braunfels.
12. Faust street bridge
One of the many things to do in New Braunfels is to take a stroll and see the Faust Street Bridge! This historic bridge offers beautiful views of the flowing Comal River below.
It is a great place to take a walk or to enjoy a picnic lunch in New Braunfels. Be sure to bring your camera, as you’ll want to capture the beauty of this place!
The history of Faust street bridge dates back to the 1800s, when it was first built as a toll bridge. It has been rebuilt and renovated over the years, but still retains its historic charm. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Braunfels.
13. New Braunfels Conservation society
The New Braunfels Conservation Society is a picturesque facility with 3.5 acres of land and the primary goal of which is to preserve the city’s historical way of life and cultural heritage. It’s easily one of the greatest methods to get a deeper understanding of the city’s history.
The New Braunfels Conservation Society has 18 structures, all of which are historically significant and tell the story of life in 1845. The original genuine Sunday House, with a real outhouse and original heirloom tools, is just one of the attractions in this unspoiled region.
The old-fashioned historic saloon, the working, and very charming barbershop, a garage that houses an actual and well-restored 1907 REO automobile, and even Stefan Haelbig’s own music studio are just a few of the locations within the conservation society.
The organization was formed in 1964 to save the Lindheimer House, which was the city’s most significantly historic home.
The society gradually accumulated more money to preserve, restore, and even entirely relocate buildings into the 3.5-acre stretch of its grounds.
14. Texas Ski Ranch
The Texas Ski Ranch is a great place to go for outdoor activities in New Braunfels. As one of the world’s greatest man-made summer sports arenas, you will have access to wakeboarding, skiing, tubing hills, zip lines, and an obstacle course. It’s the perfect place to spend a day outdoors.
If this is your first time attempting a water sport, don’t fret. They offer lessons and have a smaller lake for you to practice your skills on.
They have a restaurant upstairs and sell some of the best-frozen margaritas to sit and sip by the scenic shoreline while watching others breeze by on the water! Be sure to check out the ranch’s website for hours of operation and pricing information.
15. McKenna Children’s Museum
There are so many fun things to do in New Braunfels, Texas! One of our favorite spots is the McKenna Children’s Museum. It’s a great place for visitors of all ages and there’s always something new to explore.
The exhibits at the McKenna Children’s museum are interactive and engaging, and it’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon out of the Texas heat. Be sure to check out destination space, Lines Art Studio, the giant slide, and the climbing wall at the McKenna children’s museum– they’re a lot of fun!
16. Guadalupe Brewing Company and Texas wine
The Guadalupe Brewing Company is a New Braunfels favorite. This microbrewery offers up some of the best Texas hill country craft beer around.
The taproom has plenty of seating inside and out, so you can enjoy your brew in peace. And what goes better with craft beer than live music? Check the website for upcoming shows.
If you’re looking to explore more of Texas’ wine country, New Braunfels is a great place to start.
Just minutes from town you’ll find local wineries like Wines of Germany and dry comal creek vineyards offering tastings and tours. These unique spots are definitely worth a visit if you’re a wine lover!
17. Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre
If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining activity to do in New Braunfels, Texas, look no further than the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre.
This performing arts center offers a variety of shows that are sure to entertain and engage audiences of all ages. Whether you’re interested in musicals, dramas, comedies, or Family Flicks presentations, there’s something for everyone at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre.
For more information on upcoming performances at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre in New Braunfels, visit their website.
18. Texas handmade furniture museum
There are a lot of things to do in New Braunfels Texas, but one place you may not have considered is the Handmade Furniture Museum. It’s a small art studio that showcases furniture made by local artisans.
You can watch them work and even buy some of their pieces. It’s a great way to support the community and get some unique furniture for your home at the same time. Admission is free, so it’s a great option if you’re on a budget.
19. The Sophienburg Museum
If you’re looking to learn the history of New Braunfels, the Sophienburg Museum is a great place to start. The Sophienburg was a former German colonial trading post from the 1850s.
The museum currently houses antiques, vintage clothing, and other interesting artifacts from New Braunfels Texas’ past.
In addition to its historical collection, the museum provides cultural programs such as dance recitals and music concerts throughout the year!
This is a fantastic way to see history in action and learn more about what life was like around 1850 in Texas. Tours of the historic site are available for an additional fee
The museum is open every day except Monday, and admission is free for all visitors.
20. Spass walking tours
Are you looking for activities in New Braunfels that will allow you to discover the city’s culture, history, cuisine, and more?
Look no further than Spass Walking Tours! If you are wondering why it’s called Spass it’s because it translates to “fun” and these tours are FUN!
The Spass walking tours offer plenty of places to discover all around the city, mostly on foot, educating you about its history and culture while stopping at famous eateries and attractions. Many different varieties of excursions are available through Spass Walking Tours.
The Downtown Art Murals Tour leads you on a guided walk through downtown New Braunfels to learn the stories behind the colorful artwork.
My favorite is the Taste of New Braunfels Tour, as you can guess it is FULL of food. If you enjoy craft beers, head on the saloon tour!
A great way to cover a lot of ground and get to know others in the area is at the Downtown Scavenger Hunt. You will discover the nooks and crannies while working with a team.
21. Wurstfest
New Braunfels is known for its German culture and heritage, which is on full display at the annual Wurstfest celebration.
This ten-day festival happens every year in the fall and offers something for everyone, from pork chops on a stick to big pitchers of beer!
New Braunfels turns Landa Falls into a huge party with multiple stages for music, some carnival rides, and plenty of picnic tables for you to rest at.
You will find everyone dressed in their best lederhosen and participating in the polka competitions. Grab some fried Oreos and take in all the events from morning until night.
22. Prince Solms Park
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy the sun or have a picnic, Prince Solms Park is worth checking out. This park was founded back in 1844 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels and it’s been providing locals and visitors with plenty of fun activities ever since.
You’ll find everything from picnic areas and playgrounds to nature trails and bike paths at Prince Solms Park.
23. Hill Country Craft beer trail
The Hill Country Craft Beer Trail is a great way to explore the many different breweries in the area. There are so many different types of beer to try, and you can visit the breweries to learn more about how they make their beer. The trail is also a great way to meet new people and make friends as a solo traveler.
The trail typically starts in Fredericksburg and takes you through Kerrville, Boerne, and New Braunfels. There are quite a bit of breweries to visit along the way, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly or join one of the tours that pre-pick breweries for you.
Some of my favorite breweries on the trail include
–Fredericksburg Brewing Company
-Kerrville Brewing Company
24. Wassailfest
If you’re looking for a fun and festive event to attend, look no further than Wassailfest in downtown New Braunfels. This celebration of all things winter.
The event features wassail (a hot spiced cider), live music, food vendors, and more. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and it is free for the public.
Vote on the best cider and see who the winner is at the end of the night.
Be sure to check it out if you are around on Christmas, as it’s one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Texas if you’re in town this December.
25. Santa’s Ranch
Another must-see at Christmas time in New Braunfels is Santas Ranch. This 15-acre ranch is home to hundreds of Christmas trees, each one decorated with a different theme.
There are train rides and more for you to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit! Make sure to arrive early as the lines can be as long as 1 hour.
26. Circle arts theatre
Another fun activity that you can’t miss out on is catching dinner and a show at the circle arts theatre. The circle arts theatre brings in great shows from all over!
Comedy, Drama, Musical Theater, you name it and the theatre has probably brought it to New Braunfels.
If you catch a show here you can even have dinner at one of the local restaurants before or after the show. Here are some of my favorite local spots to eat at in New Braunfels tx.
- McAdoo’s Seafood Company – THE best cajun seafood in the area. It is a bit expensive but come on.. how often are you in New Braunfels.
- Krause’s Cafe – A laid back atmosphere with German sausage and German beer… you can thank me later 😉
- Huisache Grill – All things American… so of course fried! Throw your diet aside and grab the fried oysters and the lamb burger!
27. New Braunfels fire museum
The fire museum in New Braunfels is a must-see for anyone interested in firefighting or history. The museum has exhibits that date back to the 1700s, and it’s home to one of the largest collections of fire engines in the country.
It’s also a great place for those who like to use their hands, you can explore interactive exhibits and learn about firefighters’ tools and techniques. Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly option.
2 must-do day trips from New Braunfels
28. Day Trip to Austin
There are so many things to do in New Braunfels, but if you want to explore a little bit of what the rest of Texas has to offer, Austin is only an hour’s drive away.
There’s plenty of culture and history in Austin, as well as great food and nightlife. If you’re looking for something fun to do, these are some of my favorite spots!
The State Capitol
This iconic building is worth a visit just for its impressive architecture. You can also take free tours of the inside.
Barton Springs Pool
A refreshing dip in one of Austin’s many swimming holes is definitely a must on a hot day.
Sixth Street
This famous party street is always alive with music and fun.
South Congress Avenue
This trendy street is home to unique boutiques, amazing restaurants, and some pretty cool art murals.
29. Day Trip to San Antonio
If you’re looking for a fun day trip destination, San Antonio is a great option! There’s plenty to see and do in the city, so you’ll never be bored.
Plus, it’s just a short drive from New Braunfels, so you can easily return home at the end of the day. Here are some of the top attractions in San Antonio.
The Alamo
This iconic landmark is one of San Antonio’s most popular tourist destinations. The site has been standing since 1744 and today visitors can learn about its history and significance.
The Riverwalk
This beautiful river walk winds through downtown San Antonio and offers scenic views of the cityscape. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing boat ride
The Tower of the Americas
This 750-foot tower offers stunning views of San Antonio and the surrounding area. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in town!
There are plenty of other great attractions in San Antonio, so be sure to explore the city during your visit. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out or some sightseeing inspiration, San Antonio is sure to please!
