25 Best & Fun Things To Do In New Braunfels, TX

Things To Do In New Braunfels

It is a picturesque suburb that is unexpectedly urban, and it grew at the third-fastest rate in the United States between 2010 and 2020.

Being one of the locations where German immigrants settled, the suburb is most renowned for its rich history and culture of German-Texans.

Although it might seem like a strange option for a tourist attraction, New Braunfels really receives a lot of tourists each year, particularly during the summer.

It’s no surprise that visitors enjoy taking vacations here given the abundance of cold spring rivers that flow through the city.

There is more to the city than that, though many tourist attractions with a water motif make that point very clear.

There is something for everyone with a variety of historic, natural, alcoholic, entertainment, and retail attractions!

 

1. Downtown Antique Mall

For those interested in antiques and collecting trinkets and treasures, the Downtown Antique Mall is a sanctuary.

It is housed in a beautiful 6,000-square-foot shopping center that was renovated from an early 1900s building.

This New Braunfels treasure trove, which has over 60 different vendors, is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge their shopping addiction!

What will be available at the Downtown Antique Mall?

You will find a variety of items, including primitives, tools, jewelry, books, silver, linen, ceramics, collectibles, furniture, coins, mementos, depression glass, and much more!

You’ll be soaking up this well-kept treasure for hours this weekend!

Address: 209 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

2. Spass Walking Tours

Looking for things to do in New Braunfels that will let you learn more about the city’s history, culture, food, and other things?

Check out Spass Walking Tours!

The word “Spass” means “fun,” and this is a great example of that.

The tours take you around the city and teach you about its history and culture. They also stop at famous spots for food and fun.

Spass Walking trips has a lot of different trips that all involve seeing the city and all it has to offer.

There are many beautiful paintings all over downtown. The Downtown Art paintings Tour tells you about them, who painted them, and what they mean.

You can learn about the history of different parts of the city on the Historic Downtown Tour and the Historic Cemetery Tour.

The Taste of New Braunfels Tour is a great way to eat and drink the best food in the area.

This tour is great for people who like craft beers.

You can also take the two-mile Landa Park Tour & Hike, which takes you through wildlife and the beauty of the city.

Want something you can connect with?

As a way to learn about the city in a fun and interactive way, the Downtown Scavenger Hunt is a great way to bring people together.

Address: New Braunfels, TX, United States

3. New Braunfels Fire Museum

The Battalion Chief at the time, Darren Brinkkoeter, came up with the idea for the New Braunfels Fire Museum, which opened in 1995.

A lot of firefighters worked together to make this dream come true, so the museum could open on the 150th anniversary of the city.

Before it was changed to its current use, the New Braunfels Fire Museum was the city’s first Central Fire Station, which was in use from 1918 to 1985.

You’ll see why it’s one of the most popular tourist spots in the city by looking inside. It’s full of real artifacts and memorabilia.

At the Fire Museum, you can see a Hose Cart from 1886, a 1923 LaFrance Pumper, an American LaFrance from 1931, a 1950 Ford Pumper, and different Bucket Brigade Buckets. These vehicles were all used to move firefighting gear.

There are also old tools, phones, clothes, and helmets to be found!

Address: Hill Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

4. Texas Ski Ranch

Many people think that the Texas Ski Ranch is one of the best places in the world to do water sports thanks to its great position.

The outdoor sports center is on 70 acres of land and is set on a man-made lake that people of all ages can enjoy.

There are many water sports to choose from at Texas Ski Ranch.

You can choose how hard you want to go fishing, wakeboarding, or water skiing.

You can also skateboard, play paintball, ice skate, ski, and there is even a trampoline park.

Adults and children can take private lessons all year long, so you’ll always have the chance to learn.

The Texas Ski Ranch is one of the most exciting places in the city and one of its main attractions. It also has Loki’s Axe Haus, where you can throw axes, and the Ironsides Craft Bar, where you can get tasty beer.

There’s even a beach right next to the water where you can cool off after all the fun!

Address: 6700 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

5. Winery on the Gruene

The name “Winery on the Gruene” comes from the fact that it is in the famous Gruene neighborhood of New Braunfels.

The small farm is run by a family and has won many awards. They make more than 30 different types of wine.

All steps of production are done on the property, which guarantees high-quality authenticity!

Winery on the Gruene has daily tastings that don’t require bookings. Its delicious wines with a range of notes and flavors have made it a popular place for couples and wine-loving adults to visit in New Braunfels.

You can look out at the beautiful scenery of Greune and the nearby Guadalupe River as you try out different notes.

Address: 1308 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

6. New Braunfels Railroad Museum

For people who love trains, the New Braunfels Railroad Museum is a great place to visit.

You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn about the past of railroads in Texas.

A building that used to be a depot has been fixed up to make it.

The building was used by the Missouri Pacific, the Union Pacific, and the International & Great Northern lines.

Many full-size and small trains can be seen at the New Braunfels Railroad Museum, which is free to enter and look around.

You’ll see a real caboose from the 1950s, a real Pullman dining car that has been fixed up, and a tourable train and engine.

You could even drive a model train, see a train show, or go to the library, which has about 600 books about trains and engines, which is pretty cool.

Address: 302 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

7. Wurstfest

Since it began in 1961, Wurstfest has been one of the best things to do in New Braunfels. It honors the history of sausages and their taste.

Before, the festival was a simple one-day event with only a few people. Now, it’s a 10-day extravaganza of music, culture, history, and food that draws people from all over the state and even the country.

Every year, thousands of people come to Wurstfest to experience a mix of German culture and Texas wildness.

Don’t miss one of New Braunfels’ biggest events this weekend if you’re in the city. Bring a big stomach and some sausages to try!

There will be games, fair rides, shows, and beer from brewers in Texas and Germany!

Address: 178 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

8. Mill Street Art Gallery

There are many art and culture-related places to visit in New Braunfels. The Mill Street Art Gallery is a nice, easy-going choice.

There are statues and other works of art from artists all over the country, as well as artists from Texas.

Its many things are out in the open for people to look at and even buy.

The historic building that the gallery was originally housed in burned down in 2014. However, this only gave the Mill Street Art Gallery more chances to show off its unique design.

The end result was a commercial building in the style of a downtown area, made of old butter bricks and full of important design elements.

The Mill Street Art Gallery stands out because it has unique features like a cistern meeting room table and floors made from old wood that look like they belong in a home.

Address: 387 W Mill St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

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9. Prince Solms Park

Want more ideas for things to do outside with your kids in New Braunfels?

Prince Solms Park is a cute little option!

The 19-acre park is mostly a big playground with basketball and tennis courts, a disc golf course with 9 holes, and a lot of space to play.

The Prince Solms Park also has direct access to the beautiful Comal River, so you can float down the river from here.

There is a unique way to get into the river through a beautiful “tube chute,” which is a slide into the water built into the side of the river dam. There are also some swimming holes further upstream.

There are also great places to have a lunch and watch the water flow by.

Address: 100 Liebscher Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

10. Circle Arts Theatre

A mother who was separated and willing to take a huge risk opened the Circle Arts Theatre in 1968.

She was leaving her more stable job as a nurse to open what was then called the Community Actors Theatre in an old exhibition hall at the fairgrounds. She had two kids with special needs.

The WurstFest Association then asked Elizabeth to host a play for the event in exchange for using a building in Landa Park. This she did three years later.

She said yes, and the theater has grown since then.

It opened for its first full season in 1972, and each season since then has seen more shows. By 1978, it was offering classes for kids in the performing arts.

Since then, the Circle Arts Theatre has grown into a great place in New Braunfels to enjoy a night out with shows of all kinds.

The theater and its cast have won many awards in a wide range of categories and topics. It has grown to include traveling companies, summer camps, and many other events.

Address: 124 Elizabeth Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

11. New Braunfels Conservation Society

The primary goal of the stunning 3.5-acre New Braunfels Conservation Society complex is to conserve the distinctive way of life and cultural heritage of the city’s original residents.

It is unquestionably among the best methods for getting a greater understanding of the city’s history.

The 18 historic buildings that make up the New Braunfels Conservation Society’s expansive complex reflect the story of life in 1845.

Among these are a charming bed and breakfast, an 1870s limestone one-room schoolhouse, and the original authentic Sunday House, complete with an authentic outhouse and original family tools.

The working and charming barbershop, the vintage historic saloon, a garage with a genuine and immaculately restored 1907 REO car, and even Stefan Haelbig’s own music studio are additional locations within the conservation society.

Those who enjoy architecture will enjoy seeing some of the historic fachwerk, which were used in the early days of the city and come in five different styles.

In 1964, the society was established with the goal of preserving the Lindheimer house, the city’s most significant historic residence.

In order to rescue, restore, and even completely move or relocate structures into the 3.5-acre area of the society’s grounds, the group gradually raised an increasing amount of money.

Address: 1300 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

12. Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre

One of the most enjoyable things to do in the charming city of New Braunfels is to see a show at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, which offers top-notch entertainment and cutting-edge technology.

It was opened at a pivotal moment, right before Pearl Harbor was attacked, launching America into war, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

People go to the theater in order to escape the harsh truths of life.

In 1942, the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre debuted as a movie theater.

Since this occurred just after another nearby theater burned down, more people were naturally drawn to it.

Locals banded together to save it when it was on the verge of being abandoned, and it was conserved, repaired, and reopened as a performing arts center in the late 1990s.

One of the main performance arts venues in the area is the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre.

The theater has more than 605 seats and combines state-of-the-art modern technology with opulent art-deco architecture.

Every year, a variety of performers, including bands, comedians, acting troupes, and singers, come to display their skills and talents here.

Address: 290 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

13. New Braunfels Farmer’s Market

If you wish to interact with the locals more, the New Braunfels Farmer’s Market is a fun spot to visit.

From the usual supply of fruits and vegetables to baked products, cheeses, and meats, you can get almost anything here.

You can try skincare products, consume pizza, sample chocolate, and savor hot meals.

You can also buy items for your house.

There is an endless array of things to discover and sample at the New Braunfels Farmer’s Market, which features more than 75 merchants.

As you feast your eyes, live entertainment will serenade you.

Even better, you may visit the market this weekend as one of the things to do in New Braunfels because it is always open on Saturdays!

Address: 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

14. Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture

The Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture offers a little more than what its name suggests.

Through the “words” of furniture created by the German settlers, it is an entertaining way to learn about the history of New Braunfels, the rest of Texas, and German immigration.

Nan and Bill Dillen, two furniture collectors, formerly lived at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture building. They accumulated over 70 unique pieces of authentic antique furniture made by Biedermeier.

Along with other intriguing items like English ironstone, handcrafted quilts, accessories from the time period, and further antiques of German-Texan culture and the Biedermeier era in Central Europe, this collection is currently on show in the museum.

There are additional sites to explore inside the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture’s 11-acre grounds.

You can explore a log cabin, a shop selling cabinetry, and a summer kitchen.

The exquisite handcrafted pieces in this museum, each created by Tischlermeisters, master carpenters, are quite breathtaking.

Address: 1370 Churchill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

15. The Sophienburg Museum

In Central Texas, German settlers came to establish a brand new colony, and the best way to learn about their actions and history is at the Sophienburg Museum.

A vast collection of documents, relics, maps, papers, and photographs of those colonists as they migrated into what was then known as Indian Territory in America may be found in the museum.

With over a million artifacts on exhibit, the Sophienburg Museum lets you follow the footsteps of Prince Carl and his fellow pioneers.

Regular events, research material offerings, and lectures are offered to help you learn more about the history of the city and the neighboring Comal County.

Address: 401 W Coll St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

16. Dry Comal Creek Vineyards

For both wine drinkers and alcohol enthusiasts, the stylish, award-winning boutique winery known as Dry Comal Creek Vineyards is a must-see.

Franklin Houser bought the farm for them as a family vacation in the 1970s.

He made the decision to focus his life on wine after retiring from the legal profession in the 1990s.

After being sold to the Romero Family, the vineyards have continued to operate as a family company ever since.

Harvested and made from a unique native grape, the Dry Comal Creek Vineyards are renowned for being the first to produce Black Spanish wines in Texas. Their fruit-forward, flowery, oaky, and silky wines have enticed palates for years.

You will appreciate the opulent ambiance of the tasting area, which features stunning views of the property’s magnificent grounds.

Address: 1741 Herbelin Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132, United States

17. Comal River

Fed by springs from the stunning Edwards Aquifer, the Comal River has long been one of the most popular attractions in New Braunfels.

This river, which runs past Landa Park, Downtown New Braunfels, and Schlitterbahn Waterpark, was the main attraction for many travelers to the area.

It eventually joins the Guadalupe River, which is bigger.

Naturally, the Comal River Float is one of the most popular events connected to the river.

In short, it was the act of floating along the length of the river.

You can either rent or bring your own tubes, or you can rent a paddleboat or canoe.

Additionally, there are rope swings, ideal jumping locations, and picnic areas around.

In any case, dress appropriately for swimming and spend around two and a half hours floating down the river in the warm water.

The water is nice and soothing, especially in the summer, because it is generally warm throughout the year, ranging from 70 to 72 degrees.

Address: New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

18. Schlitterbahn Waterpark

With an astounding 70 acres of thrilling activities to keep you busy, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is one of the most enjoyable locations to visit in New Braunfels.

A family owns it, which adds to its interest, and it’s a terrific place for individuals of all ages.

In its fifteen years of existence, this ever-evolving waterpark on the banks of the Comal River has established itself as one of the best in the world.

The Schlitterbahn Waterpark features 17 water slides, 3 miles of tubing experiences, 7 kid-friendly playgrounds, 3 uphill water coasters, the first surfing machine in history, a variety of dining options, lodging options, and picnic areas.

Overall, Schlitterbahn Waterpark offers 51 distinct attractions together with cool, soothing water at 72 degrees.

The thrilling Torrent Wave River, the upbeat Boogie Bahn, and the towering Sky Coaster are some of the most popular rides at Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

Another popular attraction is the heart-pounding Master Blaster Water Coaster, which is more than a thousand feet long and six floors high.

Another option is the Black Knight, which transports you through 550-foot tunnels through complete darkness.

Address: 400 N Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

19. Landa Park

One of the best places to go on vacation is Landa Park!

One of New Braunfels’ top attractions is Landa Park, a 51-acre urban paradise that has grown to be the city’s most well-liked escape from the activity around it.

With a ton of contemporary amenities and facilities, it has been a popular recreational destination for both locals and visitors since its founding in 1989.

Landa Park, the verdant center of New Braunfels, is more than just a straightforward park in the traditional meaning of the word.

It features two hiking trails, the Harry Landa Tree Trail and the Panther Canyon Nature Trail, a small railroad that runs from one end of the park to the other, a large swimming pool, and a lake called Landa Lake that may contain trout and always has paddle boats available for use.

In addition, there are horseshoe pits, tennis and volleyball courts, a mini-golf course, an 18-hole golf course, and the beautiful Comal Springs!

With 96 different tree species, the stunning William and Dolores Schumann Arboretum is a must-see if you still wish to explore Landa Park.

You may also explore the old gazebos and buildings, take your children to one of four playscapes, or go feed the ducks.

You’ll adore the 75 barbecue grills, picnic tables and areas covered by oak trees, and more!

Address: 164 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

20. Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo

When it first opened in 1967, the Snake Farm—now known as the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo—was one of the most well-liked attractions in New Braunfels.

It became a well-known roadside attraction and was home to lizards, snakes, and other historic mammals of the time.

The Snake Farm was renamed the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo after its ownership changed in 2007.

In addition to the snakes and reptiles of the past, this update enabled it to include approximately 500 different species.

The enlarged exhibits were loaded with exotic birds, cats, longhorned animals, Capuchin monkeys, and more.

In 2012, the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo received formal accreditation.

With its snake-handling activities, animal feeding watch events, and conservation and animal stewardship education, it is still becoming more and more popular today.

Many of the old exhibits from when it was only Snake Farm are still there, although they have been updated and refurbished to provide the creatures more room.

The Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo should be on your list of sights to see in New Braunfels if you’re an animal lover!

Address: 5640 Interstate 35 S, New Braunfels, TX 78132, United States

21. McKenna Children’s Museum

For kids who want interactive and hands-on activities, the McKenna Children’s Museum in New Braunfels is a really entertaining and fascinating place.

There’s always something to do to keep your kids from getting bored!

The museum’s main goals are to give people the chance to learn, experiment, and develop their creativity and imagination.

Children under the age of eight are the focus of the McKenna Children’s Museum, which is incredibly enriching for them.

There are a variety of enjoyable activities spread over various situations, events, and exhibits.

The Tot Spot, Outside the Lines Art Studio, Lend a Hand Ranch, Grocery Store, Destination Space, and Under the Comal River Exhibit are a few examples.

At the McKenna Children’s Museum, play and excitement are paramount.

Children will learn about hospitals, rivers, animals, languages, music, light, and space, among other topics.

From the vast expanse of the museum, your kids will be able to enjoy virtual driving, camping, spacecraft launches, and play while exploring the outdoors, cities, space, and villages.

Address: 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

22. Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre

The Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre is the greatest method to experience a throwback in New Braunfels if you’re searching for entertainment that transports you back in time.

Every Friday through Sunday night, three different films are shown on three enormous screens at this family-run theater, which is open all year.

Double feature tickets are available at the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre, allowing you to see two movies for the same fee.

A 50s-style cafe offers reasonably priced snacks and modest meals to satisfy your hunger if you need something larger while preserving the aesthetics of bygone eras.

Address: 1178 Kroesche Ln, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

23. Canyon Lake

Are you interested in seeing some of the top attractions in the United States?

Canyon Lake, which is legally inside municipal limits and extends from Austin to San Antonio, is a stunning must-see spot close to New Braunfels.

It is one of the deepest lakes in Texas and is very well-liked by fisherman, boaters, and others.

On the Guadalupe River, it offers an impressive 80 miles of picturesque coastline.

The lake has an area of 8,200 acres on the surface and descends 43 feet deep.

Canyon Lake offers a wide variety of water sports.

You can stroll around the dam area, go swimming, or hire some equipment to get out on the water.

Traveling to Canyon Lake Gorge is a fantastic option.

You may see dinosaur footprints and fossils from 100 million years ago here, along with a whole new pool environment that is nourished by unusual springs and waterfalls.

Five settlements are dispersed throughout Canyon Lake’s periphery, giving you plenty of spots to pause and explore.

This features an astounding eight public parks that you may explore and enjoy, a busy marina, a few yacht clubs, and places to camp, boat, and have a picnic.

Address: New Braunfels, TX, United States

24. Faust Street Bridge

Since it was built in 1887, the Faust Street Bridge has been one of the city of New Braunfels’ most recognizable sights for almost a century.

It is a straightforward Whipple truss bridge that spans the lengthy and expansive Guadalupe River in Comal County.

Since the vast majority of bridges in Texas at the time were privately owned and operated, it was one of the first toll-free waterways.

The Faust Street Bridge is not only one of the most historic attractions in New Braunfels, but it was also one of the first multi-span bridges to be constructed. Today, it is essentially one of the few examples of its type that still exist in the state, and it was also one of the last wrought iron bridges to be constructed in the state.

The bridge was initially crucial for horse-drawn carts and carriages, but it was soon able to accommodate cars traveling its whole length.

The Faust Street Bridge was closed after suffering damage in a fire in 1978.

Bicycles and pedestrians can now utilize the bridge again.

Even during the day, the surrounding landscape is stunning, but it’s especially nice to cross it at sunset when everything is illuminated.

Address: New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

25. Guadalupe Brewing Company

The Guadalupe Brewing Company is currently one of the tourist attractions at the forefront of New Braunfels.

One of the top tourist destinations in New Braunfels right now is the Guadalupe Brewing Company.

This family-run business offers a variety of enjoyable tastes and superb, well-balanced, full-bodied craft beer made with locally sourced ingredients. The craft scene in the city and around Central Texas has been flourishing.

In 2011, Kieth and Anna Kilker established the Guadalupe Brewing Company.

They use two unusual ingredients: a form of honey that is obtained from and by the local Amish community, and a type of Marion red wheat.

While many other tastes are more generic but still very tasty, some more distinctive ones are Chocolate Pecan Stout and S’more Bitter Stout with Marshmallow.

With an emphasis on producing high-quality beers and a distribution network across the state, the Guadalupe Brewing Company’s reputation for beer speaks for itself.

They even contribute a portion of their earnings to bee and animal research in Texas.

Address: 1586 Wald Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132, United States

26. Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns are located close to New Braunfels, about 20 minutes outside of San Antonio. If you’re ready to look for attractions outside of the city, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to go.

Since being properly opened and explored for the first time in the 1960s, they have grown to be one of the most popular destinations in Texas for tourists of all ages.

The Natural Bridge Caverns, as their name implies, are entirely natural, having evolved over many million years from limestone to what we know today.

They are a great place to go on underground adventures since you can see incredibly beautiful rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Numerous tour options allow you to see the whimsical caverns in a multitude of ways.

For instance, the Hidden Passages Tour provides a more enigmatic opportunity to peer through shadows and uncover hidden mysteries, while the Discovery Tour allows you to witness all the various gigantic formations over the years.

For a more sinister spelunking experience, consider taking the Lantern Tour!

You can do other things when you’ve finished visiting the Natural Bridge Caverns!

The Canopy Challenge includes a zip line that takes you all the way back down and an obstacle course that takes you 60 feet into the air.

A charming gift shop, a small cafe, and experiences in fossil and gem digging are all available.

Additionally, don’t forget to explore the AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup, a 5,000-square-foot maze. Children will adore it!

Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, United States

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