Introduction
If you’re reading this, thank you—I’m thrilled you’re about to join me on a little journey through one of my favorite Texas Hill Country escapes: New Braunfels, TX. I went there expecting tubes on the river, German-inspired restaurants, and the occasional tourist bustle. What I left with, though, was something richer: spring-fed rivers so clear they look unreal, historic buildings whispering stories of German settlers, and a charming town vibe that somehow balances laid-back and full-of-fun all at once. Each morning felt like a fresh start, with the promise of tubing, exploring, relaxing, discovering.
So here are 12 best & fun things to do in New Braunfels—each one giving a different flavor of the town. Whether you’re after nature, history, food, or just a little adventure, there’s something here for you.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In New Braunfels, TX (2026)
1. Tube Down the Comal & Guadalupe Rivers
One of my very first stops was slipping into a tube and drifting down the Comal River—its water spring-fed, cool, and surprisingly calm. The town sits where the Comal and Guadalupe River meet, and you’ll find outfitters all around ready to help you float for a relaxing or slightly more rambunctious ride.
Tip: Bring your sunglasses (the water reflects a lot), maybe a dry bag for phone/valuables, and consider doing an early start to beat some crowds and get that peaceful feeling.
See Also; 50 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Illinois
2. Visit the Iconic Schlitterbahn Waterpark
For full-on fun and thrills, the famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels delivers big. It’s regularly ranked among the world’s best water-parks—slides, wave rivers, lazy floats and more.
Tip: If you’re going in summer, plan for a full-day. Use free parking, bring a swimsuit you’re comfortable in for a range of rides, and book your tickets ahead if possible.
3. Explore Historic Gruene District
A little outside the main hustle, the charming Gruene Historic District (pronounced “Green”) felt like stepping into a different time: riverside dining, boutique shopping, live-music and the famed dance-hall Gruene Hall (Texas’s oldest continuously operating dance hall). (
Tip: Stop here for lunch or dinner—watch the river go by, maybe pop into a store, and soak in that historic wooden-floor dance-hall vibe even if you just sit back for a drink.
4. Discover Nature at Landa Park
If your mood is a little more relaxed, then the scenic Landa Park is perfect. The park features the spring-fed Comal River, miniature train rides, paddleboats, playgrounds, and ample shade.
Tip: Bring a picnic, maybe rent a paddleboat or ride the mini-train. Arrive early for shady spots under trees and ease into a slower pace.
5. Journey Underground at Natural Bridge Caverns
Go beneath the surface with a visit to the Natural Bridge Caverns just outside town. Guided tours wind through massive underground rooms filled with stalactites/stalagmites, and above ground there’s zip-lines, gem-mining and more fun.
Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes (underground can be damp/cool), bring a light jacket, and if you have kids, the gem-mining section above ground is always a hit.
6. Dive Into the Sophienburg Museum & German Heritage
To understand the roots of New Braunfels, you’ll want to visit the Sophienburg Museum & Archives, which houses artifacts, photographs, and stories of the German-Texan settlers who founded the area.
Tip: Spend about an hour here, ask about any rotating exhibits, and appreciate the heritage, especially if you enjoy history or cultural exploration.
7. Visit the Headwaters at the Float Inn
The clear springs where the Comal River originates—at the Headwaters at the Float Inn—offer a beautiful point of reflection. Whether you float from here or just sit by the water and watch, it’s serene.
Tip: Early morning is magical here—water still, light soft. Bring a camera or just a quiet moment to appreciate the clarity of the springs.
8. Take a Wine or Craft-Beer Break in the Hill Country
When you’re ready for a slower pace, the Hill Country around New Braunfels has lovely wine-gardens (especially in Gruene) and craft breweries downtown. One Redditor recommended Guadalupe Brewing for local beer.
Tip: Pick a late afternoon stop—order a flight, sit outdoors if possible, enjoy the breeze and maybe live music if you’re lucky.
9. Explore Downtown Shopping & Historic Streets
Wandering downtown across streets like Seguin Avenue will bring you to charming shops, historic buildings, local bakeries and some great photo spots. The downtown area blends heritage and modern boutiques.
Tip: Give yourself an hour for this—maybe stop for coffee or a sweet treat, explore side-streets, and enjoy the small-town vibe with Texan flair.
10. Dine & Indulge in Local Food (German plus Texan)
One of the highlights for me: sampling the local food scene, which includes German heritage dishes (bratwurst, schnitzel), Tex-Mex flair, and sweet artisan bakeries like 2tarts.
Tip: Try a German-style sausage lunch, follow with dessert at a local bakery. Evening? Maybe a riverside restaurant where you can watch the water while you dine.
11. Find Hidden Outdoor Spots: Lakes, Canyons & Trails
Beyond the well-known rivers and towns, the area offers lesser-known outdoor gems: for example, Lake Dunlap (a calm reservoir on the Guadalupe River) offers fishing & boating.
Tip: Rent a boat or kayak, or bring your own if you have it. For hiking, go early morning; for water, settle in with a cooler and make an afternoon of it.
12. Enjoy Festivals, Music & Texas Hill Country Vibes
Finally, don’t miss that New Braunfels has a strong celebratory spirit. Events like Wurstfest (a German-heritage festival) bring music, food, and fun. One recent article states Wurstfest 2025 will highlight German & fusion cuisine.
Tip: Check event calendars before you go—if a festival is on, book early for lodging. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll likely stand or walk a lot; stay hydrated.
Final Thoughts
New Braunfels surprised me in the best way. It reminded me that a great getaway doesn’t have to be either “high-octane adventure” or “laid-back rest”—it can be both. Some days I was floating down a river in a tube, some evenings I sat on a riverside patio with a beer in hand, and one morning I quietly watched the spring water bubble up at the head of the Comal. I found a town with heart, history, and natural beauty all wrapped together.
Here are a few takeaways I want you to keep in mind if you go:
- Pack smart: swimsuit + dry bag for tubing, comfy walking shoes for historic districts & trails, a light jacket for early morning or cool evenings.
- Leave space for “just wandering”: yes, it’s great to plan major stops, but some of the best moments come from sidestepping into a bakery, ducking into a boutique, or sitting by the river and watching day fade to dusk.
- Mix your palette: one day adrenaline, one day slow; one meal fun, one meal fancy; one river float, one boutique shop stroll.
- Respect nature: the rivers, springs, parks are part of what makes New Braunfels magical. Leave no trace, stay safe in water, watch conditions (especially in hot months).
- Enjoy the heritage: The German-Texan culture is woven through the town—from food to festivals to historic buildings. Embrace it.
- Timing matters: If you can go off-peak or early in the day for popular spots (rivers, parks), you’ll likely have a more relaxed experience and better photos.
If you’re planning a trip to New Braunfels—or simply curious—and you use this list as a starting point, I hope you’ll find something that sparks your interest. And if you do go: take a moment by the river, maybe a float, maybe just a bench by the water, and think: “Yup—this is why I came.” Because that’s when the magic happens.
Have an absolutely wonderful adventure, and enjoy discovering everything New Braunfels has to offer!