New Braunfels.
Sitting thirty miles northeast of San Antonio on Interstate 35, New Braunfels is a forty-minute drive from the airport. Founded in 1845 by German immigrants, the town is known for cold spring-fed rivers, dance halls, and butcher shops. New Braunfels is worth visiting if you want to float spring-fed river currents, eat smoked sausage and kolaches, and hear live music in historic wooden halls. Look elsewhere if you want car-free urban sightseeing or high-end nightlife.
Last updated 30 Oct 2026
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What to do in New Braunfels Texas United States
Life here moves to the rhythm of spring water and shaded cedar elms. Days split naturally between floating the Comal River through Landa Park and lingering over coffee downtown near Main Plaza. It suits travellers who appreciate unpretentious pleasures: cold rivers on sweltering afternoons, honest bakeries, and evening music in open-sided wooden halls.
24 hours in New Braunfels Texas United States
Start at Naegelin's Bakery for cherry kolaches, then walk through Landa Park to float the spring-fed Comal tube chute. Dry off for lunch at Krause's Cafe for bratwurst and kraut. Spend your evening five miles north in Gruene, catching an acoustic set at Gruene Hall. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in New Braunfels Texas United States
A second day takes you up River Road toward Canyon Lake for a quiet morning kayak along limestone ledges. Head back into town for sliced brisket and jalapeño sausage at Black's, followed by an afternoon underground tour at Natural Bridge Caverns to escape the afternoon sun. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in New Braunfels Texas United States
With three days, slow down and explore the Sophienburg Museum to understand the German immigrant settlement of 1845. Drive thirty minutes west to Wimberley for craft workshops, or spend a languid afternoon swimming and sitting under bald cypresses along the Upper Guadalupe.
New Braunfels Texas United States itineraries by interest
River Outings in New Braunfels Texas United States
Float the spring-fed Comal River or paddle the rocky chutes of the Guadalupe on rented inner tubes with an early start before summer crowds arrive.
Live Music in New Braunfels Texas United States
Catch acoustic sets and touring bands at Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest operating dance hall, built in 1878 with open-air side flaps and wooden floors.
Smoked Meats in New Braunfels Texas United States
Order peppery post-oak smoked brisket and pork ribs by the half-pound at spots like Black's Barbecue, paired with classic pinto beans and potato salad.
Bakeries & Pastries in New Braunfels Texas United States
Pick up fruit-stuffed kolaches, cream horns, and warm cinnamon rolls at Naegelin's Bakery, which has operated continuously on Seguin Avenue since 1868.
German Heritage in New Braunfels Texas United States
Tour timber-framed 1840s fachwerk cottages at the Sophienburg Museum and Heritage Village, then order schnitzel and bratwurst in town.
Historic Architecture in New Braunfels Texas United States
Walk the 1898 Comal County Courthouse on Main Plaza and the surrounding downtown streets lined with limestone shopfronts and cast-iron porches.
Craft Brewing in New Braunfels Texas United States
Sample German-style hefeweizens, dry pilsners, and altbiers at Faust Brewing Company or taprooms tucked inside converted downtown warehouses.
Water Parks in New Braunfels Texas United States
Navigate the expansive tube chutes and uphill water coasters at Schlitterbahn, which draws naturally cooled water directly from the Comal River.
Antiques & Markets in New Braunfels Texas United States
Browse vintage ironwork, mid-century ranch goods, and retro porcelain signs in Gruene's converted cotton gin and downtown Main Street antique malls.
Lakes & Boating in New Braunfels Texas United States
Rent a pontoon boat or kayak along Canyon Lake, a deep limestone reservoir fifteen miles northwest with clear water and quiet rocky coves.
Caverns & Geology in New Braunfels Texas United States
Descend into Natural Bridge Caverns to see calcite flowstones and towering stalagmites sixty feet below ground at a steady seventy degrees.
Scenic Drives in New Braunfels Texas United States
Drive River Road between New Braunfels and Sattler, following the cypress-lined Guadalupe River beneath limestone bluffs and shaded river camps.