Things to do in New Braunfels

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Landa Park which includes a garden, a lake or waterhole and landscape views
Landa Park showing a pond, landscape views and a park
Landa Park showing autumn leaves, a garden and landscape views
Landa Park showing a garden
Landa Park featuring a park, a river or creek and a bridge

New Braunfels Attractions

Situated halfway between San Antonio and Austin, the city of New Braunfels is a lesson in superlatives. The first German city to be established in the United States, New Braunfels—named for Solms-Braunfels, Germany—was once the fourth-largest city in Texas and, in 2015, was ranked the second-fastest growing city in the United States. Beyond the numbers, New Braunfels offers a taste of Texas Hill Country with a side Old World charm. Each year, 35,000 people flock to Wurstfest, a 10-day celebration offering endless pitchers of pilsner and tasty Bavarian treats. Whether you're an ardent history buff or you’re drawn to the region's thrilling whitewater, New Braunfels is an ideal place to satisfy your wanderlust in the Lone Star State.


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What to do in New Braunfels

Free Things to Do in New Braunfels

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around New Braunfels:

Central Texas Oil Patch Museum - Round up the entire family and enjoy a journey through history with each other.

Faust Street Bridge - Visit this historic site and learn something about the area's cultural heritage.

Christus Santa Rosa Hospital New Braunfels - If you'd love to see a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, this place is worth a visit.

Prince Solms Park - Revitalize your mind and body by spending time with Mother Nature.

Areas & Neighborhoods in New Braunfels

Willkommen to New Braunfels, where beloved local restaurants and Texas' oldest continuously running bakery stand beside a sprawling water park. The city's charming downtown beckons with a railroad museum, an opera house, and a Saturday farmers' market, while the Gruene Historic District allows visitors to peer into the past for a look at New Braunfels in its heyday.

Downtown

In the heart of Downtown, a main plaza and bandstand pay homage to the enduring influence that music has had on New Braunfels. From this idyllic green space, the city bustles in every direction. Eateries with names like Alpine Haus and the Gristmill reveal the German and Texan influences on the town, while sites like the Circle Arts Theatre and the McKenna Children's Museum appeal to travelers of all ages.

Gruene Historic District

Northeast of Downtown, the Gruene Historic District offers a look at the New Braunfels of long ago. Timber-frame houses line the lanes and a restaurant inside an 1878 cotton gin churns out chicken-fried steak along the banks of the rushing Guadalupe River. Nearby, the historic Gruene Hall hosts acclaimed American roots musicians and the Gruene General Store offers a chance to taste regional honey butters, jalapeno salsas, and fruit preserves.

Things to See in New Braunfels

In German, Braunfels translates to "brown rock"—but there's more to see in New Braunfels than rolling Texas prairie bisected by rocky riverbeds. In addition to the swing dance lessons and live music at Gruene Hall, the Brauntex Theatre showcases recitals, musicals, and concerts, with headliners like Donny Edwards and Rosanne Cash. Looking to catch a flick while you're in town? Head to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, which shows feature films, rain or shine, every night of the week. Those who want to behold noteworthy artifacts and maps should head to the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, which documents the trailblazing German immigrants who established New Braunfels in 1844.

Sightseeing in New Braunfels

From turn-of-the-century structures to adrenaline-charged waterparks, New Braunfels offers a bevy of things to do in Central Texas. History buffs should begin at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture, where exquisite pieces of German-made black walnut and pine furniture are housed inside a former log cabin. Those who want to pair their love of history with their passion for fine wine should consider a winery tour in the Texas Hill Country region. Or, choose to cool off on the action-packed rapids of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers during a guided whitewater or tubing experience. For those traveling with children, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort offers thrilling waterslides and tranquil kiddie pools where even the smallest sightseers can keep cool. Likewise, water sports enthusiasts can head to Texas Ski Ranch, where a wakeboard cable park promises warm-weather refreshment. For a walk on the wild side, the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo houses exotic animals and some snakes that are indigenous to the region.

Things to Do in New Braunfels with Kids

There are plenty of unforgettable experiences in New Braunfels that the entire gang will love. These are some of the best family friendly experiences around.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in New Braunfels

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in New Braunfels

Gruene

Gruene

5/5(71 area reviews)

Experience German-Texan heritage and architecture while shopping, dining, and wine-tasting in renovated buildings. Must-see spots include Gruene Hall, Gruene Family Home, and the historic water tower.

Gruene
Old house along the Guadeloupe River

River Road

If you're spending some time in River Road, Guadalupe River is a top sight worth visiting.

River Road
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Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Texas Tubes and Comal River.

Downtown
Schlitterbahn Waterpark which includes a bridge, a waterpark and signage

Eastside

If you're spending some time in Eastside, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark and Comal River are top sights worth seeing.

Eastside
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Lake Dunlap

While visiting Lake Dunlap, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Dunlap and Guadalupe River.

Lake Dunlap
Landa Park which includes a garden, a lake or waterhole and landscape views

Landa Park Highlands

If you're spending some time in Landa Park Highlands, Comal River and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark are top sights worth seeing.

Landa Park Highlands

 

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Popular day trips from New Braunfels

Frequently asked questions

Is New Braunfels worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in New Braunfels is explore Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then discover more of this area's history and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in New Braunfels?
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark and Texas Tubes are two good places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in New Braunfels while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in New Braunfels?
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark is one of the top tourist attractions in New Braunfels and should be high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in New Braunfels?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off many city sights, including Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark, Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo and McKenna Children's Museum. The average stay in New Braunfels is two days. If you have the time to extend your trip, San Antonio isn't far away.
Is New Braunfels a walkable city?
With awesome attractions like Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark in the area, New Braunfels is very much a destination to experience on foot. Like to visit some exciting neighborhoods a walkable distance from the city center? Gruene is just 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in New Braunfels with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in New Braunfels with kids.

What to do in New Braunfels for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in New Braunfels. Whether you're into local cuisine, outdoor activities or just love exploring new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in New Braunfels?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in New Braunfels is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. Sophienburg Museum & Archives is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.