New Braunfels, Texas, is tucked between the busy cities of San Antonio and Austin. It has an undeniable beauty that draws you in. This charming city is known for its heartwarming mix of German and Texas traditions. It’s more than just a place to get away from the busy lives of nearby cities.
There are a lot of different cultural experiences, stunning natural sights, and interesting historical sites in New Braunfels that make it a must-see. As you walk through its charming, old streets, you’ll feel the warm, friendly vibe that makes the place what it is.
There are many things to do in the city for people of all tastes and interests, from those who like to try new things to those who are interested in history to those who love nature. Here is a list of 27 things you can do in New Braunfels, Texas to help you plan your trip. Each of these shows a different side of this lively city’s draw and charm.
27+ Fun and Awesome Things To Do In New Braunfels, TX In 2024
1. Schlitterbahn Waterpark
One fun thing for families to do in New Braunfels, TX is to go to Schlitterbahn Waterpark. This 70-acre park is more than just a water park; it’s a world of water fun.
There are 17 water slides, 3 miles of tubing adventures, 7 playgrounds for kids, 3 uphill-coasting water coasters, the world’s first surfing machine, many restaurants, places to stay, and picnic areas at the water park.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark has 51 different rides and the water is a nice 72 degrees, making it easy to rest. All ages and levels of energy can enjoy Schlitterbahn, whether they want to ride the Master Blaster Uphill Water Coaster for a thrill or take it easy while floating down the Kristal River.
400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130
2. Landa Park
Taking in the natural beauty of Landa Park is one of the best things to do in New Braunfels, TX. The park, which covers 51 acres and is the city’s crown jewel, is a great place to relax and have fun.
Landa Park has a swimming pool, a lake called Landa Lake, a small train, and two hiking trails. The Harry Landa Tree Trail and the Panther Canyon Nature Trail are the hiking trails. There is also a beautiful Coal Springs, an 18-hole golf course, a mini-golf course, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a mini-golf course.
It’s a great place to spend the day with family or friends because the park is beautiful and has places to lunch and play.
164 Landa Park Dr., New Braunfels, TX 78130
3. Comal River
There are many great places to visit in New Braunfels, and the Comal River is one of them. It is the smallest river that can be navigated in the state of Texas in the United States. The beautiful spring-fed river is famous for being the best place to go tubing.
You can start tubing on the river near the Wurstfest sites and go through Downtown New Braunfels. It flows by Schlitterbahn Water Park and finally meets the Guadalupe River.
A lot of river operators in New Braunfels offer shuttle services and tube rentals, so your trip won’t be hard.
Phone number: (512) 781-3311
4. The Sophienburg Museum & Archives
Want to do something fun in New Braunfels? Then go to The Sophienburg Museum & Archives to learn about the past. This museum is named for the German princess Sophia, who is the reason why New Braunfels was formed. It is a great place to learn about the city’s German history.
It tells about the lives of German immigrants who came to Texas in the 1800s through a variety of artifacts, papers, and exhibits.
It is possible to learn about the history of both the city and the nearby Comal County by going to the museum and listening to lectures or events.
401 W Coll St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
5. Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
In New Braunfels, a fun thing to do is to take a walk at the Dry Comal Creek Vineyards and taste some wine. This award-winning small farm is one of the most interesting places to visit for people who love both wine and alcohol.
You can try a variety of wines made in the area and learn about the unique black Spanish grape that they grow. The nice people who work there and the beautiful setting make this experience even better.
This is the address: 1741 Herbelin Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132
6. Animal World And Snake Farm Zoo
The Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo are one of the most popular places to visit in New Braunfels. At the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoos, you can get up close to many different kinds of animals, such as monkeys, hyenas, and snakes.
Families love going there because there are daily engaging shows, feedings, and a petting zoo.
This is the address: 5640 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78132
7. Gruene Historic District
In this well-preserved German farming village from the 1800s, you can go back in time. Along the Guadalupe River, the Gruene Historic District is a shopping area that used to be a town in the late 1800s.
The district, which includes Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest dance hall, as well as small shops and cozy restaurants, gives visitors a unique look into the history of the area.
1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 is the address.
8. New Braunfels Art League Gallery
The New Braunfels Art League Gallery is one of the best places to visit in New Braunfels. It is in the city area. Works by local artists are shown in the art center. There are paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and ceramics.
This shop is a great place to see the work of local artists and maybe even buy something to take home.
The address is 239 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
9. Guadalupe River State Park
The Guadalupe River State Park has four miles of riverfront and lots of fun things to do outside. Also, nature fans will love the park because it has beautiful trails, overlooks, and access to the clear, flowing Guadalupe River.
There is a 5.3-mile horse trail in Guadalupe River State Park that can also be used for mountain biking. The Guadalupe River State Park is one of the best places to visit near New Braunfels, TX. You can hike, camp, fish, or just rest there.
3350 Park Rd. 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
10. Natural Bridge Caverns
The Natural Bridge caves are large commercial caves in San Antonio. They are only 21 minutes away from New Braunfels.
The Natural Bridge Caverns are completely natural. They were formed over several million years from limestone.
These beautiful limestone caverns are Texas’s biggest underground draw. They offer guided tours that show off the dramatic rock formations. Also, don’t miss the Canopy Challenge, an exciting obstacle course that is high above the ground.
You can find us at 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266.
11. Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre
Want to do something fun tonight in New Braunfels? Then go to Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre to see a show. The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre is in downtown New Braunfels and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The theater has more than 605 seats and a beautiful mix of Art Deco and high-tech modern features. It hosts a wide range of events, such as music, plays, and movies. Because it’s small, there isn’t a bad seat in the house, so you can have a unique cultural experience.
290 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
12. New Braunfels Farmers Market
Shopping at the New Braunfels Farmers Market is a fun thing to do this weekend in New Braunfels. The market is open every Saturday and sells locally grown food, meats raised on pasture, and things made by hand.
Every Saturday, the market shows off the best of the region’s food and crafts, from fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods, and meats.
186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
13. Stars And Stripes Drive-In Theatre
Take a break at the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre tonight if you’re looking for romantic things to do in New Braunfels.
The family that owns and runs this drive-in theater shows three different movies every night on three huge screens. It’s open all year. Going to the Stars and Stripes Drive-In will take you back in time. Watch the newest movies outside under the stars and enjoy the retro vibes mixed with current digital sound and projection.
1178 Kroesche Ln, New Braunfels, TX 78130
14. Gruene Antique Company
Living in H.D. The Gruene Antique Company is located in Gruene’s Texas Landmark commercial building, which is 6,500 square feet. Antiques, collectibles, gifts, and home decor fill up ft. This big secondhand mall is a popular spot for both shoppers and people who just want to look around.
As a fun thing to do in New Braunfels, check out the antique mall. It has a huge selection of old items, collectibles, and handmade goods from around the area. You never know what wonders you might find!
1607 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
15. McKenna Children’s Museum
Visit the McKenna Children’s Museum today in New Braunfels, TX. It’s a fun thing for kids to do. This museum is great for kids who like to do things with their hands.
This museum has hands-on, educational displays that are meant to get kids thinking and learning. There are lots of fun things for kids to do, like a space flight simulator and a fake grocery shop.
This is the address: 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
16. Das Rec
Want a place to get rid of the steam? After that, go to the Das Rec. In its 77,000-square-foot space, this leisure center has a big gym, two full-sized gyms, a competition pool, a recreation pool, and several fitness classes.
There are also many exercise classes, lessons, activities, and fun things to do at the leisure center for people of all ages, interests, and skill levels. This community center is a great place to stay healthy, even when you’re on vacation.
This is the address: 345 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
17. Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is one of the must-see places in Texas, and it’s only a short drive from New Braunfels. The lake is one of the deepest in Texas and goes from Austin to San Antonio. Boaters and hunters love it there.
You can fish at this peaceful lake as part of fun things to do near New Braunfels. No matter how experienced you are, you’ll enjoy casting your line into the calm water and maybe even getting a trout or bass.
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
18. Segway Tour
One fun thing to do in New Braunfels is to ride a Segway around the city and see the sights from a different point of view. A Segway trip is a fun and eco-friendly way to see the city.
The city can be seen with the help of several Segway trip companies. These tours with a guide give you a unique look at the history, culture, and natural beauty of the city.
The address is New Braunfels, TX
19. The Bandit Golf Club
Going to The Bandit Golf Club for a round of golf is a fun thing to do outside in New Braunfels, TX. The Bandit Golf Club is an 18-hole course that is located near Lake McQueeney and is difficult for golfers of all levels.
It is one of the most beautiful places to play golf in Texas, with well-kept greens and wide views of Lake McQueeney. When you play the Bandit, you’ll enjoy the best greens, the best turf state, and the most peaceful, natural golf setting.
6019 FM725 is the address in New Braunfels, TX 78130.
20. Wurstfest
Want to do something fun in New Braunfels, Texas, this fall? After that, go to Wurstfest. This event, which has German roots, is held every November and honors the history and taste of sausages.
Every year, thousands of people come to Wurstfest to experience a mix of German culture and Texas wildness. This ten-day celebration of sausage gives people a deep look into the city’s German history. Aside from games and rides, there are also shows and beer from Texas and German breweries to mark the event.
This is the address: 178 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
21. New Braunfels Fire Museum
The New Braunfels Fire Museum is one of the best places to visit in New Braunfels. It opened in 1995. This is a great place to learn about the past of firefighting in the area.
The museum has many collections that show the bravery and service of the city’s firefighters over the years. These collections include old fire trucks and equipment, pictures, and uniforms. There are also old tools, phones, clothes, and helmets to be found!
169 Hill Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130
22. New Braunfels Conservation Society
Visit the New Braunfels Conservation Society to walk through history. The society owns 3.5 acres of land that is used to protect the unique way of life and cultural history of the city’s first settlers.
18 historic houses make up the New Braunfels Conservation Society. They all tell stories about the city’s history and hospitality. At the historic site, you can see the original Sunday House, a one-room schoolhouse, an old-fashioned bar, a cabinet shop with heirloom tools, and a real two-seater outhouse.
The address is 1300 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
23. Cypress Bend Park
Cypress Bend Park is a great place to go for a walk. It’s free and always fun to do. This peaceful spot on the water of the Guadalupe River is a must-see when the weather is nice.
The park covers almost 17 acres and has many walking paths, a playground, and places to have lunch. You can swim, kayak, tube, and do other water sports right outside your door. It’s a lovely place to watch birds or have a quiet lunch in the afternoon because of its natural beauty.
503 Peace Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
24. Faust Street Bridge
You can’t miss the Faust Street Bridge when you’re in New Braunfels. This huge truss bridge across the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels was built in 1887 and is more than 640 feet long.
The building is made up of two center Pratt through trusses that are each 220 feet long and cross each other twice. The bridge was built so that wagons and coaches pulled by horses could cross it. But in 1978. A fire hurt the Faust Street Bridge, so it had to be shut down.
Now, the beautiful building carries people on foot and bikes.
Phone number: (512) 781-3311
25. Texas Ski Ranch
Check out the Texas Ski Ranch. It’s a fun thing for the whole family to do in Braunfels. There are lots of fun things for families to do at the Texas Ski Ranch.
The outdoor sports center is on 70 acres of land and is set on a man-made lake that is great for both kids and adults. There are lots of fun things to do at this complex, like cable skiing, a trampoline park, a rock climbing wall, and more.
Whether you like to go on adventures or are just having fun, the Texas Ski Ranch has something for you.
6700 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
26. Spass Walking Tours
Want to do something fun in New Braunfels? After that, look at our Spass Walking Tours. 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 have 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.
The address is New Braunfels, TX
27. Downtown New Braunfels
As part of your things to do in New Braunfels, check out the small shops that line the streets of Downtown New Braunfels. Downtown New Braunfels is a great place to go for fun in the city because it has both history and shopping.
There is something for every buyer, from trendy clothes and Texas-themed souvenirs to old furniture and jewelry made by hand.
Phone number: (512) 781-3311
28. New Braunfels Railroad Museum
Check out the New Braunfels Railroad Museum. It’s one of the best free things to do in New Braunfels. The train museum, which is also known as the New Braunfels Historic Train and Modelers Society (NBHRMS), is a great place for people who love locomotives.
There are many items and pictures from the golden age of railroading on show at the museum. One of the busiest North/South Union Pacific train tracks is right next to the museum.
302 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
29. Prince Solms Park
Want to find more fun things to do with kids in New Braunfels? After that, check out Prince Solms Park. A beautiful park called Prince Solms Park is located next to the Comal River. From here, you can float down the river.
The park is a big playground that covers 19 acres of land. It has a basketball and tennis court, a disc golf course with 9 holes, and a separate area for picnics and enjoying nature.
This is the address: 100 Liebscher Dr, 78130 New Braunfels, TX
30. Circle Arts Theatre
Going to see a show at Circle Art Theatre in New Braunfels, TX, at night is a fun thing to do. The theater has been around since 1968 and is committed to providing the community with great theater arts that entertain, educate, and inspire them.
Eight shows are going on at the theater right now. Some of the more important ones are Shakespeare’s plays, comedies, dramas, mysteries, fantasies, and melodramas. Also, kids ages 7 to 14 can take Theater Classes there.
New Braunfels, TX 78130 and the address is 124 Elizabeth Ave.
31. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
One of the best places for families to visit near New Braunfels, Texas, is Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. The ranch is a 450-acre wildlife park in San Antonio, and it’s only 21 minutes away.
More than 500 animals from 40 different types of animals, some of which are rare or protected, live at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. As one of the fun things to do near New Braunfels, you can walk through 450 acres of rolling hills, creek beds, and beautiful live oak trees and watch the animals.
You can find us at 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266.
32. EVO Cinemas Creekside 14
There is no way to fully experience New Braunfels without seeing a movie at EVO Cinemas Creekside 14. The entertainment center is one of the best and biggest movie theater-entertainment centers in the US.
They have more than just movies. You can bowl, play games, and enjoy things like climbing walls, virtual reality, ropes courses, and bumper cars. Their home kitchens and bars also let you make your favorite Texas dish.
This is the address: 214 Creekside Way, New Braunfels, TX 78130
33. Fiesta Lanes
Want to find fun things to do with your family in New Braunfels? Then take the family to Fiesta Lanes for fun and games.
This bowling alley is run by a family and offers a memorable entertainment experience with a focus on good food and cold beer, a clean facility, consistent lane conditions, good service, and great music.
The center has a lot of different ways to have fun, including special events and playgrounds for both kids and adults. You can also play pinball games, pool, and air hockey. So dive into any game that sets your imagination off.
New Braunfels, TX 78130, 1202 Huisache Ave.
Ideas for Things to Do in New Braunfels, Texas
New Braunfels is a place that draws people in and makes them want to go back. It has a unique mix of natural beauty, history, culture, and hearty food. New Braunfels is a great place to visit in Texas, whether you’re planning a short trip or a longer holiday.