With world-class waterparks, a spring-fed river, history, breweries, and vineyards, the unique and vibrant city of New Braunfels has entertainment for the entire family. Stay in a Vrbo rental for only a weekend or even a full vacation, and you will find fun around every corner. If you are an enthusiast of the rich history of the Southern United States, visiting New Braunfels is a foolproof way to get your knowledge fix! If you’re planning a trip to New Braunfels, use this handy guide of the best things to do in New Braunfels, Texas to make sure you see the best that the city has to offer!
1. New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society
Do you like trains? If the answer is yes, then New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society is one of the places to go in New Braunfels. The name speaks for itself, this attraction showcases different kinds of trains and locomotives, both historic and modern. Its most prominent exhibit is its model trains, which the children will enjoy.
Built on a converted rail depot, the attraction adds immersion to its exhibits as it also hosts two train shows every year. The best part? Entrance is free!
New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society
Address: 302 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States
Website: New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 12pm - 4pm; Thu - Fri: 12pm - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
2. Schlitterbahn
If you’re wondering what to do in New Braunfels, check out Schlitterbahn. It is THE reason travelers from all over Texas flock to New Braunfels, every summer. This flagship location has 51 attractions spread over 70 acres (28.3 hectares) and is proud to incorporate the spring-fed river, that runs through the park. The rides here use the river water that stays at a cool 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2°C) year-round within the rides, and visitors can even float around the river in certain sections of the park – part of their “lazy river” is an actual river!
With free inner tubes, shaded picnic tables, and food and drinks galore, you can spend the day here with the entire family, having a great time. Get ready to enjoy the Boogie Bahn, fly high on the Sky Coaster, tube down the Torrent Wave River, or scream with joy on the Master Blaster Water Coaster. A tram is available to ferry guests around the park. If you’re enjoying too much and a day is just not enough, you can also find accommodation in some hotels by the river for a more memorable stay.
Schlitterbahn
Address: 400 North Liberty Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Website: Schlitterbahn
3. Comal River Float (Landa Falls)
Schlitterbahn isn’t the only way to enjoy the Comal River during hot Texas summers. Landa Falls offers the longest float down the Comal River (about 2.5 hours), and visitors can enjoy renting a tube and floating down the constant 72°F (22.2°C) water, stopping periodically to swing off of rope swings, jump off the sides of the riverbank, and have a fun day on the river.
Areas for a picnic lunch are also available, and don’t forget to get a tube with a bottom, for your cooler!
Landa Falls
Address: 120 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Website: Landa Falls
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4. Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theater
Open year-round, Stars & Stripes drive-in is a reminder of a lost era. One of the last remaining drive-ins in Texas, this theater shows all the latest movies. Just pull in your car, tune in the radio, and enjoy. Snacks and drinks are available to ensure everyone enjoys all the fun of a drive-in movie. This theater is still family owned and operated.
Stars & Stripes
Address: 1178 Kroesche Ln, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Website: Stars & Stripes
5. Gruene Historic District
The Gruene region was founded in the mid-1840s when German settlers first reached this area. They built many buildings and the town thrived until around 1922 when a series of disasters became too much for the region and many businesses shut their doors. In 1974, a University of Texas student set to revive this area and preserve the many historic buildings here. It has now been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, visitors will find a unique place to walk around and explore a bit of Texas history. With many small boutique shops selling unusual items, as well as fine dining and quality local wine, this is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Gruene Historic District
Address: 1601 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Website: Gruene Historic District
6. Landa Park
Landa Park is a 51 acre (20.6 hectare) park that offers visitors towering oak trees, shady picnic areas, and miles of trails. A miniature train also runs around the park, providing a lot of fun New Braunfels activities for children (and adults)! Comal Springs and Landa Lake are both located within the park grounds, and paddleboats are available to rent.
Panther Canyon Nature Trail and the William and Dolores Schumann Arboretum tour will introduce guests to all the flora and fauna in the region. You can also feed ducks, swim in the pool or pond, swing over the water, play a round of mini-golf, and much more.
Landa Park
Address: 164 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Website: Landa Park
7. McKenna Children's Museum
McKenna Children’s Museum focuses on hands-on learning and providing an environment to stimulate children’s minds and imagination. Exhibits include science and technology, healthy eating habits, art and culture, gardening, and more. There are fun art projects, water exhibits, and grocery stores. This museum is targeted for children under 8 years old.
McKenna Children's Museum
Address: 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Website: McKenna Children’s Museum
8. Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
These vineyards are award-winning, family-owned, and boutique. They are considered the pioneer in Texas of Black Spanish wines, made entirely from a native Texas grape. Texas-Style wines are characterized by being fruit-forward, floral, smooth from beginning to end, and have a hint of oak.
The tasting room is fun and scenic, and the vineyard sits on a beautiful piece of property, so you can enjoy the scenery while sipping on a new wine.
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
Address: 1741 Herbelin Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132
Website: Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
9. Canyon Lake
With 80 miles (128.7 km) of shoreline and over 8,200 acres (3318.4 hectares) of surface area, Canyon Lake has fun for the entire family. It is one of the deepest lakes in Texas, averaging 43 feet (13.1 meters), and is great for fishing. Visitors can also walk the dam, swim, or rent water sports equipment.
You can also explore the Canyon Lake Gorge, which offers tours of rock strata up to 100 million years old, with fossils, dinosaur tracks, and new ecosystem, in a series of pools fed by springs and waterfalls.
Canyon Lake
Website: Canyon Lake
10. Guadalupe Brewing Company
Guadalupe Brewing Company opened in 2012 and is proud to be local and distributed exclusively in Texas. This New Braunfels attraction has a passion for brewing quality craft beer and focuses on full-flavored, well-balanced, and approachable beer. Everything is brewed in New Braunfels and they have a lot of fun flavors, such as the Chocolate Pecan Stout, and the S’more Bitter Stout w/ Marshmallow. The taps rotate regularly, and locals assure nothing here disappoints.
Guadalupe Brewing Company
Address: 1580 Wald Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132
Website: Guadalupe Brewing
11. Downtown Antique Mall
Located in a restored building from the early 1900’s, this antique mall has something for everyone. With 16,000 square feet (1486.4 square meters) of inventory and over 40 dealers, you can easily spend an afternoon browsing through their selections. They have everything from American and English hardwood furniture to a wide variety of collectibles and memorabilia.
Antique Mall
Address: 209 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Website: Antique Mall
12. Pale Horse Eatery & Skybar Day Club
Being the only rooftop restaurant and bar in New Braunfels, it’s safe to say that Pale Horse Eatery & Skybar Day Club is one of the hippest spots in the city. Life here is never dull, with guest DJs turning the place up every night. If you are a group looking to have a night of fun and dancing, this is the ideal hangout for you. Complete with holiday events, you can celebrate just about any occasion with friends at Pale Horse. Make sure to check out their website or Facebook page for any upcoming events during your visit!
Pale Horse Eatery & Skybar Day Club
Address: 2031 Central Plaza #101, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States
Website: Pale Horse Eatery & Skybar Day Club
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 6pm - 12am; Sat: 6pm - 1am; Sun: 6pm - 12am (closed on Mon & Tue)
13. Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture
If you’re ever curious why this Southern American town’s name is very European-sounding, that’s because it is! New Braunfels was named after Solms-Braunfels, the German hometown of Prince Carl. In 1844, as Commissioner General of the colonial attempt, he led the establishment of German colonies in Texas to help immigrants. Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture exhibits designs from Central Europe’s Biedermeier era, which is rooted in the German-Texan culture that developed in New Braunfels during its colonization. Not only is the museum a good resource to learn some history, but it is also the ultimate destination for vintage interior design enthusiasts out there.
Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture
Address: 1370 Churchill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States
Website: Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 8 USD
14. New Braunfels Fire Museum
At the suggestion of then-Battalion Chief Darren Brinkkoeter with the help of his fellow firefighters, New Braunfels Fire Museum first opened in 1995, on the 150th anniversary of New Braunfels. The museum was originally the city’s Central Fire Station, dedicated in 1918, and was maintained as such until 1985. Old fire trucks, pumpers, and firefighting gear are on display, and some are still used for parades. Be sure to plan ahead as tours must first be scheduled with the Fire Administration.
New Braunfels Fire Museum
Address: 169 South Hill Ave New Braunfels, TX 78130
Website: New Braunfels Fire Museum
15. Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo was originally just a snake farm established in 1967, but a huge expansion in 2007 prompted the name change. The zoo is home to more than 500 species of animals and is an advocate for the creation and conservation of the natural world. Ideal for groups traveling with children, Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo also hosts events such as birthday parties, interactive shows, and outreach programs.
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Address: 5640 Interstate 35 S, New Braunfels, TX 78132, United States
Website: Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 12.99 USD
16. Winery on the Gruene
Located in and rightfully named after Historic Gruene, Winery on the Gruene could be one’s gateway to the rest of the world. Housing over 30 different wines, all stages of production are done in-house, ensuring only the best and purest wine for its guests. Complete your trip to New Braunfels by having a peaceful night with your loved ones at this winery!
Winery on the Gruene
Address: 1308 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States
Website: Winery on the Gruene
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
17. Where to stay in New Braunfels, Texas
New Braunfels is just a stone’s throw away from San Antonio. With great places to stay, it is one of the most popular destinations for nature enthusiasts who appreciate the wildlife and leafy parks. Glamping spots are even available for a stay more closer to nature.
Landa Street
This part of New Braunfels is a residential and suburban one. Landa Street is ideal for families traveling for a weekend or during the holidays. Big townhouses and homestays are mostly common in this neighborhood. Enjoy some stellar Southern chicken and head to Buffalo Wings & Rings for some awesome grub. Landa Park is also close by for those who enjoy morning jogs or taking leisurely walks.
Gruene
Gruene is a historic district that many travelers will most likely come across. It’s a small and fun-loving community with many interactive events in the area. Gruene is also home to some of the best wineries in the south, which is great for those keen on going wine-tasting. It’s home to Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo, an ideal destination for families traveling with kids. This neighborhood is quite modern, and travelers will find accommodation options in the form of townhomes, detached guest homes, and studios.
For a top-notch vacation in the New Braunfels, we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
Days in the water, nights on the town
Spend your days having fun in the river and your nights in breweries, vineyards, or a drive-in movie theater. New Braunfels is a great place to get away and have fun. There are also plenty of accommodation options for various types of needs, from pet-friendly cabins to glamping spots to luxury hotels. After all, you need a comfortable home to return to after a fun-filled day in New Braunfels. If you are looking for the latest things to do in New Braunfels, Texas, check out their official site!