27 Fun Things to do in New Braunfels

When you think of Texas Hill Country, you often think of New Braunfels, a delicious wine or craft beer tasting room, and the Guadalupe River.

Of course, these are just a few things to do in New Braunfels.

As Texas natives, we can’t help but think of all the fun to be had in New Braunfels—especially when traveling during Texas’ three warm seasons.

Whether you are looking to spend a romantic weekend just the two of you, or you are traveling with a group of friends, New Braunfels has something for everyone.

When you combine all the things to do in New Braunfels with the fact that New Braunfels is located about 45 minutes north of San Antonio, you will surely be in for a fun Texas treat.

While many choose to stop in New Braunfels on their way to San Antonio, we recommend spending a few days here to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

You will see why New Braunfels made our list of romantic getaways in Texas!

Let’s explore all of the great things to do in New Braunfels so that you can start planning your trip!

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1. Explore Local Wineries

Living in a state whose manner of operation is hot and humid most of the time, our favorite pairing is visiting the vineyards that make the hill country famous before taking a float down the Guadalupe River or Comal River, both of which can be found in New Braunfels, TX.

Deciding which wineries to visit can be daunting, but the Dry Comal Creek Vineyards should make your list. Dry Comal Creek Vineyards is a hidden gem located a few miles outside of New Braunfels.

The vineyard boasts a completely outdoor tasting area with lush grapevines. If you visit Dry Comal Creek Vineyards on a weekend, they often have food trucks and live music.

As of the date this article was published, prices for wine by the bottle start at $24 and up.

Additional wineries serving up Texas-style wines worth a stop are Winery on the Gruene, Water 2 Wine, and La Cruz de Comal Wines.

Of course, we don’t recommend drinking and driving, so don’t forget to bring your boring friend to DD (after all, the best friend groups are made up of equal parts crazy friends and boring friends).

2. Check Out Craft Breweries

Not into wine? Don’t worry! Plan this same adventure, but plan your drink stops along the craft beer trail.

The Hill Country Craft Beer Trail is a great way to check out many local Texas breweries in and around the New Braunfels area.

At the time of publication, participating breweries included Big Hops, Bourbon & Branch, BS Brewing, Krause’s, and Guadalupe Brewing Company, just to name a few.

The Guadalupe Brewing Company is a great bet for those who love exploring true Texas craft beers.

The Guadalupe Brewing Company prides itself on creating fun and unique beers, always experimenting with different flavor combinations.

After visiting your desired drink stops, have your DD wrangle the crew and head to the river.

Read Next: Weekend Getaways in Texas

3. Float the Guadalupe River

Tubing in Texas is a must, and you haven’t truly done this if you haven’t gone New Braunfels tubing!

The Guadalupe is one of the two rivers in New Braunfels on which to go tubing.

Floating the Guadalupe can take 2-6 hours, depending on which drop point and extraction point you plan to utilize.

For this reason, we recommend planning your float beforehand to ensure you arrive on time and bring adequate supplies (e.g., sunscreen, drinks, and snacks!).

Visit a local vendor, like Whitewater Sports, that sells river floats to learn more about the float lengths currently available.

When we wrote this article, Texas was experiencing one of its draught years, and 2-hour floats were all that were offered on the Guadalupe—the perfect length anyway for our water and wine adventure.

If the Guadalupe River isn’t your jam, you may find the Comal River more enjoyable.

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4. Float the Comal River

120 Landa St., New Braunfels, TX 78130

The Comal River is the calmer of the two river floats in New Braunfels, TX.

While the Guadalupe is known as the party river, most will find the Comal River much more family-friendly.

Launch from the Prince Solms Park Gateway River Entrance, where you will find onsite parking and tube rentals managed by the city of New Braunfels.

By comparison, the Comal River float is shorter than the Guadalupe River float, has calmer waters, and lies entirely within the city boundaries of New Braunfels.

Most known for its famous tube chute and water that is 72 (ish) degrees Fahrenheit year-round, the Comal River float doubles as a tour of the area.

Comal is open year-round for recreational activities and only closes when unsafe river flows.

However, the city’s tube chute is only open on weekends in May and daily from June to late August.

Utilizing city resources isn’t required to float the Comal River, third-party outfitters also service this float.

Visit the city of New Braunfels Comal River webpage to learn more about city resources, find links to third-party vendors, parking, and river maps, and view a helpful list of common items not allowed on the river.

No matter which river you float, this water and wine adventure is the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring a fun time.

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5. Go Hiking at Landa Park

164 Landa Park Dr., New Braunfels, TX 78130

If you’re not into leisure, don’t worry. You can channel your inner outdoorsman or outdoorswoman by exploring one of the many trails the New Braunfels area has to offer.

Located in Landa Park, Panther Canyon draws in hikers because of its rare trees.

Panther Canyon Nature Trail in Landa Park is great for those who like the outdoors but aren’t trying to get too serious.

Taking just 38-ish minutes to complete the trail, this 1.7-mile route is considered easy and great for beginners.

If you want a second hike, check out the Harry Landa Tree Trail.

Keep your eyes out while hiking, as you might spot some Texas wildlife.

Honestly, Landa Park has so much to offer visitors.

Even if you don’t want to spend time hiking, just being at Landa Park is a great way to get outdoors.

You can even just spend a relaxing day at Landa Park and not exert any energy if you don’t want.

Landa Park also offers a mini golf course, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, and paddle boats for rent!

6. Enjoy the Natural Bridge Wildlife Safari

26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, TX 78266

At Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, you will encounter gems from the animal world, such as wildebeests, giraffes, ostriches, Emus (terrifying—giant dinosaurs with feathers), wallabies, and adorable lemurs.

This safari experience is a drive, so make sure to talk your boring friend into driving so no animals mess up your car.

While damage to your car is unlikely (we’re just poking fun here), these are wild animals, so anything is possible.

If the idea of giant birds terrifies you as much as it does us, skip experiencing the animal world and take a trip to the Natural Bridge Caverns instead.

Be sure to visit the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch website for complete details.

7. Go Underground at the Natural Bridge Caverns

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, TX 78266

Photo from Natural Bridge Cavern’s Facebook Page

Natural Bridge Caverns offer six tour variations as if cave adventures weren’t cool enough.

Depart from your inner basic Bear Grylls mentality and channel your inner Indiana Jones on the Natural Bridge Caverns Adventure Tour, where you can experience an off-trail, wild cave experience.

Be warned, though. Finding treasure isn’t guaranteed as part of this tour, so for the most Instagramable experience, you may need to BYOA (bring your own artifact).

8. Visit the New Braunfels Farmer’s Market

186 S Castell Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130

Let’s face it: if there’s one thing Texans know, it’s how to eat.

After floating the river, drinking all the beer and wine you can handle, or interacting with the delicious-looking meaty bodies of Africa’s herbivores, you’re sure to work up an appetite.

Thankfully, New Braunfels, Texas, offers plenty of places to satiate your stomach groans.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, swing by New Braunfels Farmer’s Market, where you can buy locally grown fruits, veggies, dairy products, baked goods, and pasture-raised meats.

The New Braunfels Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Downtown New Braunfels. The more than 60 vendors at the New Braunfels Farmers Market provide a great way to try local eats you wouldn’t have access to at home and stock up your Airbnb kitchen.

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9. Explore the Gruene Historic District

1601 Hunter Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130

You may think the “Midnight in Paris” experience is only for the movies; however, in a city rife with historic buildings and historic sites, history buffs have no shortage of things to do.

A visit to the Gruene Historic District, located near Downtown New Braunfels, will transport you to a time when buildings were full of charm.

The Gruene Historic District is perfect for architecture lovers.

Gruene Historic District features gems like a general store, souvenir shops, a Gristmill, and Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall (more on that below).

10. Sophienburg Museum

401 W. Coll St., New Braunfels, TX 78130

exterior of building — Photo Courtesy of Sophienburg Museum’s Facebook page

For those looking to take a holistic view of New Braunfels, look no further than Sophienburg Museum.

Sophienburg Museum chronicles the city’s story from the time Prince Carl and his band of German settlers set out to establish a colony on the outskirts of Native American Territory.

The museum is filled with photographs, artifacts, newspapers, and other documents, and visitors will be led through the history of New Braunfels and Comal County as a whole.

Sophie’s Shop, the museum store, offers museumgoers the chance to take home unique German collectibles.

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11. New Braunfels Conservation Society

1300 Churchill Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130

New Braunfels Willokmen sign — Photo Courtesy of New Braunfels Conservation Society Facebook Page

After visiting the museum, head to the New Braunfels Conservation Society and New Braunfels Conservation Plaza.

The plaza features historic German homes and buildings that were gifted to the New Braunfels Conservation Society instead of being destroyed completely.

Many of these acquired buildings feature the lost German art of Fachwerk construction, which is rife with adobe brick, waddle, and daube, rammed earth, fieldstone, and cut stone.

Visiting the New Braunfels Conservation Society Plaza is free, but donations are appreciated.

Tours of the area are provided by appointment during regular business hours.

The quaint buildings are easy to appreciate.

If you love local history, be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Braunfels.

12. Dance the Night Away at Gruene Hall

1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, TX 78130

Slide on your cowboy boot and get ready for a night of boot-scootin’ fun when you visit the ‘Oldest Dance Hall in the state’ (according to the Gruene Hall website).

Gruene Hall is the perfect place to enjoy a night of live music in Central Texas.

We love that the circa-1878 building is still very much like it was in its inception.

The open-air venue is a fun nod to its past and well worth being on your list of things to do in New Braunfels, Texas.

13. Visit the New Braunfels Fire Museum

169 South Hill Avenue, New Braunfels, TX 78130

The modern-day New Braunfels Fire Museum is located in the city’s former Central Fire Station, which was in use from 1918 until 1985.

Thanks to the commitment of the Battalion Chief at the time, Darren Brinkkoeter, the Fire Museum opened in 1995 on the city’s 150th anniversary!

Adding the fire museum to your list of things to do in New Braunfels makes you feel like you have taken a step into firefighter history.

You will find some unique and interesting memorabilia among the old tools, helmets, and clothing.

One such item to note is the Bucket Brigade Buckets, which were used for fire extinguishing long before the modern technology of fire fighting was developed.

During your visit to the New Braunfels Fire Museum, don’t miss the 1886 Hose Cart, the 1931 American LaFrance, or the 1950 Ford Pumper—all pieces of firefighting history.

14. Spend Time on Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake-one of the lakes near Austin

As one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas (and one of the deepest lakes in Texas), Canyon Lake is well worth adding to your list of things to do in New Braunfels!

Canyon Lake encompasses over 8,000 acres of surface area in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

That means there is plenty of room for almost any type of lake recreation!

Noted throughout the state for its crystal clear blue water, Canyon Lake is a sight to behold.

In addition to swimming, fishing, and skiing, Canyon Lake is also a popular lake for diving.

The clear water means there is usually excellent visibility, making this a popular recreation sport in New Braunfels, TX.

If you are visiting when it is too cold to swim, then be sure to head to one of the numerous parks and beaches on Canyon Lake.

I mean, it is known to have some of the best beaches near San Antonio!

Another popular spot to visit in this area is Canyon Lake Gorge.

The gorge was created in 2002 when a flood caused the waters of Canyon Lake to spill over its dam for more than six weeks straight!

The gorge is the perfect place to hunt for fossils, look for dinosaur tracks, and to see local wildlife.

This is also a great place to see Texas bluebonnets if you visit during springtime.

15. Visit the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo

5640 Interstate 35 South, New Braunfels, TX 78132

Photos courtesy of Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo Facebook Page

What originated in 1967 as a snake farm has since grown into a center housing several hundred animals, thus creating the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo you can visit today.

At its inception, the Snake Farm Zoo was home to snakes and reptiles.

Thanks to its popularity as a roadside attraction in New Braunfels, it grew, and in 2007, the owners expanded and changed its name to the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo.

Today, the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo is an accredited zoo home to over 500 animals!

While you still see a nod to its past when you visit many original exhibits, you will be happy to know that the owners have since revamped the space to ensure the animals have the best possible enclosures.

In addition to the reptiles on the property, you can also see longhorns, cats, Capuchin monkeys, and exotic birds.

Be sure to visit the nice petting zoo on the property during your time there too!

Animal lovers will enjoy adding this to their list of New Braunfels attractions.

16. Cool Off at Schlitterbahn Waterpark

400 W. Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Photos from Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Facebook Page

If you want a cool place to escape from the sweltering Texas heat, you will want Schlitterbahn Waterpark to be on your list of things to do in New Braunfels.

The 70-acre Schlitterbahn Waterpark has tons of wet and wild attractions suited for the entire family.

The New Braunfels Schlitterbahn Waterpark is located on the banks of the Comal River and offers up to 17 water slides, numerous play areas for children, three uphill water coasters, and picnic areas.

One of the park’s highlights is the surf machine, where guests can hang ten (or fall like I did)!

The 72-degree water is extremely refreshing, making it one of the best ways to cool off during your summer visit to New Braunfels.

Overall, there are over 50 different attractions in the park for visitors to enjoy!

Be sure to visit their website for prices and operating hours.

17. McKenna Children’s Museum

801 W. San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130

If you are traveling with children and they love hands-on activities, you must take them to the McKenna Children’s Museum.

The museum’s main target is children under the age of eight, and it focuses on helping them explore the world around them by fostering and encouraging imaginative play.

With a focus on culture, space, and technology, the McKenna Children’s Museum is sure to have something that will spark your child’s interest.

I love that the activities simulate everyday life. For example, a child can get creative in the art studio, work or shop at the grocery store, or explore outer space in Destination Space. (I think the Destination Space area is one of the most popular!)

The McKenna Hospital section even allows kids to see what goes on in a hospital’s patient care department. We are talking about everything from the ambulance to a patient’s room.

The McKenna Children’s Museum certainly sparks imagination and is a great addition to the things you can do in New Braunfels if you have children.

Please visit the McKenna Children’s Museum website for more information.

18. Check Out the Faust Street Bridge

If you are looking for a great photo spot in New Braunfels, add the Faust Street Bridge to your list of things to do!

The Faust Street Bridge, built in 1887, rises over the Guadalupe River in Comal County and served as the first toll-free passage over the waterway in Texas!

In addition to that little piece of history, the bridge’s design is also historic, as it was one of the first multi-span Whipple truss bridges.

Throughout its history, the bridge carried passengers in horse-drawn wagons and on horseback until vehicles started crossing it.

Unfortunately, the bridge caught fire in 1978, and at that time, it was closed to traffic.

Today, the bridge is open to pedestrian traffic on bicycles and foot and is a great place to practice your photography.

19. See a Performance at Brauntex Performing Arts Center

290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130

We love seeing live performances in small-town theatres while touring Texas. If that is you, add the Brauntex Performing Arts Center to your list of things to do in New Braunfels.

Built in 1942 as a movie theater, the Brauntex Performing Arts Center has been a staple in the New Braunfels Community for years.

In the late 90s, community members raised money to preserve the theater and turned it into a performing arts center.

The art-deco-style theater holds just over 600 visitors and hosts numerous performances yearly.

Look at their line-up to see singers, comedians, bands, and plays.

Once you have found the perfect performance for your night out, you can purchase tickets online or at the box office.

20. Visit the New Braunfels Railroad Museum

302 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130

The New Braunfels Railroad Museum is located inside the restored International & Great Northern, Missouri Pacific, and Union Pacific Depot building (man, is that a mouthful).

This free museum includes exhibits that tell the history of the railroad in this area and Texas.

At the New Braunfels Railroad Museum, you can see items such as a 1950 caboose, a restored Pullman dining car, and loads of artifacts and relics related to trains.

In addition, kids (and kids at heart) will love taking control of the miniature train on site.

I think kids of all ages love driving the miniature train!

There is also a library with over 600 railroad-related books on site.

Of course, the museum also hosts numerous events throughout the year.

Be sure to check out their website for complete details.

21. Have Fun at Texas Ski Ranch

6700 Interstate 35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Photo courtesy of Texas Ski Ranch Facebook page

If you are looking for something more adventurous, add the Texas Ski Ranch to your list of things to do in New Braunfels, Texas.

The Texas Ski Ranch boasts 70 acres of outdoor sports. We are talking wakeboarding, boating, paintball, and waterskiing, just to name a few.

There is also an outdoor skate park where skaters of all ages can try their skills before hitting the “slopes” to learn to snowboard.

Kids ages six and up will also want to visit the indoor trampoline park during their time at the Texas Ski Ranch.

The facility also offers after-school programs, birthday parties, and private lessons.

The fact that the park is open year-round means it is always a good time to visit!

22. Shop the Downtown Antique Mall

209 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130

Visiting the Downtown Antique Mall in Downtown New Braunfels, Texas, is a treasure hunter’s dream!

With over 6,000 square feet of space and over 60 vendors, the Downtown Antique Mall houses loads of antiques just waiting for a new home.

During your visit, notice the building that houses the Downtown Antique Mall. Originating from the early 1900s, the building itself is a local treasure.

Inside, you can browse everything from antique furniture to vintage coins. I especially love seeing all of the antique toys and lunch boxes!

23. Learn From Locals at Spass Walking Tours

To learn more about New Braunfels, Texas, you should definitely book a tour with Spass Walking Tours.

This local tour agency offers several different tours for you to choose from.

You can enjoy learning about the historic sites of downtown New Braunfels or take a walking tour to explore the city’s murals.

They also offer a downtown scavenger hunt and tours where you can sample some of the local food and drinks in the area.

Spass Walking Tours should be on your list of things to do in New Braunfels, Texas!

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24. Visit the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture

1370 Churchill Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130

The Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture is a unique museum located in New Braunfels, Texas. It allows guests to dive deeper into the history of the German settlers who first settled New Braunfels.

What was once the home of furniture collectors Nan and Bill Dillen is not the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture.

The museum showcases the Dillen’s collection of over 70 pieces of antique Biedermeier furniture.

In addition to the furniture, guests can also see period accessories such as handmade quilts.

The property is also home to a log cabin, a cabinetry shop, and a summer kitchen.

Take it from us: If you are a history lover, you will want to add the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture to your list of things to do in New Braunfels, Texas.

25. See a Show at Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre

1178 Kroesche Ln., New Braunfels, TX 78130

As you have probably realized from reading this post, New Braunfels, Texas loves to honor its past, and that is definitely apparent when you visit the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre.

Plan your visit to New Braunfels, Texas, on the weekend so that you can enjoy watching a movie under the stars at the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre.

This family-owned establishment boasts three movie screens featuring three different films each night.

The best part is that your ticket is good for a double feature, so you get two movies for the price of one.

Grab some treats from the 50s-themed cafe and curl up with your loved ones to enjoy a nostalgic movie experience at the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre!

26. Catch a Live Show at Circle Arts Theatre

124 Elizabeth St., New Braunfels, TX 78130

Another live performance venue in New Braunfels, Texas, is the Circle Arts Theatre.

Since its opening in 1968, the Circle Arts Theatre has put on more than 130 productions for the New Braunfels community.

Their productions range from dramatic plays to lighthearted comedies, so they truly offer something to appeal to everyone.

Visit their website for more information, and then add this to your list of things to do in New Braunfels, Texas.

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27. Visit Wurstfest

To truly immerse yourself in the German culture that helped to create New Braunfels, Texas, you have to plan a visit to Wurstfest, the annual celebration of all things German.

The festival combines German and Texas heritage perfectly, all mixed into one.

The festival hosts fun games, carnival rides, and live performances that get the crowd laughing and even participating every year!

Of course, Wurstfest also serves delicious German food like sausages and strudels.

The location on the headwaters of the gorgeous Comal River helps to set the scene for this fun annual event!

We think Wurstfest is one of the most fun things to do in New Braunfels, so don’t miss it!

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Michelle Snell-Founder/Writer

Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks.

Michelle Snell founder of That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel

Hannah V

Saturday 4th of March 2023

I’m now dreaming of warmer days as currently in the winter in the Alps! A very detailed and interesting article thank you for sharing :)

texasonly

Tuesday 7th of March 2023

You and me both, Hannah. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!

Carly

I had no idea Texas had wineries! A few tastings and a float down the river sound like the perfect Saturday afternoon! 🍷

Terri

I want to go tubing in Texas! One of my fav things is tubing on vacation. What a great list of things to do in New Braunfels.