Nestled in the hills between Austin and San Antonio, Landa Park is 51 acres (21 hectares) in the town of New Braunfels, which is known for its charming historic old west district. Just 32 miles (51 kilometers) from San Antonio, this is an excellent day trip for hiking, sightseeing and simply relaxing under the shade of a large oak tree.
Whatever your plans, make sure to include exploring the Comal Springs. This series of seven large, and dozens of smaller, freshwater springs runs throughout the park and flows into the Comal River. The springs, the river and Landa Lake can all be explored on paddle boats, available for a small fee. Feel free to jump into the river to cool off, but the lake is not safe for swimming. However, there are two swimming pools in Landa Park: one fed by springs that has rope swings and a slide and a separate Olympic-sized pool for swimming laps.
Hop onto the miniature train for a fun 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometer) tour of some of the park. And there are native trees and lots of wildlife along the two-mile (three-kilometer) Panther Canyon Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and muskrats. Amateur golfers will enjoy the mini-golf or there’s the 18-hole Landa Park Golf Course for more experienced players. (All of these activities have a small fee.)
The park has plenty of barbecue facilities and picnic tables are available for a small fee that park rangers will come by to collect. However, there’s no charge to spread a picnic blanket on the grass and enjoy a basket of goodies.
This vibrant park is filled with locals year-round. Summer is particularly lively with people on roller skates, skateboards and bikes, as well as hikers and those just relaxing on a spot of green.
