Location: New Braunfels
Top Things to do in New Braunfels
What to do and see in New Braunfels, Texas (TX): The Best Things to do
With German names on the street signs, summer bier gartens and the annual Wurstfest, New Braunfels blends the character of its German namesake with the charm and beauty of Texas Hill Country. Old World heritage is abundant in the Historic District of Gruene, featuring the ruins of the original Gristmill and live music at the Gruene Hall. Those in search of more modern fun can check out the Schlitterbahn waterpark, spelunk in the Natural Bridge Caverns or test the waters at Canyon Lake.
Restaurants in New Braunfels
1. Comal River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 622 reviews
A two-mile river (the world's shortest) that offers sites for family picnics and gatherings.
Reviewed By TonyG_Jr - Brownsville, United States
When in New Braunfels... Floating down the Comal River is definately a MUST!!! Dont leave New Braunfels without partying on the river. Grab a float for you, your loved ones and your ice chest and float the day away!!!
2. Landa Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 692 reviews
Park that features paddleboats and train rides; great for families.
Reviewed By 360rebeccar - New Braunfels, United States
Landa Park is located in New Braunfels, on the edge of the Texas Hill Country. The crystal clear Comal River runs through the 51-acre Park, and is home to many types of water fowl, including ducks and geese. Shaded by ancient live oak trees, Landa Park features walking paths, a golf course, a putt-putt course and a miniature train that will thrill any child. You will likely see deer hanging about the park, but please don’t feed them or the water fowl. It is against the local laws. Landa Park also features an arboretum, with lovely trees and plants coloring the site. You can walk, jog, splash in the wading pool, ride the train or just visit with friends. Dogs are welcome, on leash.
3. Gruene Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
A former ghost town that offers a General Store and souvenir shops as well as THE Gristmill and Gruene Hall.
Reviewed By 76enjoy - Kyle, United States
There is lot to see in Gruene. I really enjoyed sampling peanut butter and salsas. Also the outdoor waiting at the grist mill restaurant was enjoyable because of beautiful scenery, nice music and friendly people. I will definitely be visiting again.
4. New Braunfels
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By 129joee - Charlotte, United States
Great place to visit and the lake offers many things to do If you like BBQ then Rudy”s is a great place to eat. There are many places to eat German food but my favorite is Oma”s
5. Faust Street Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By HeidiKTutu - Conroe, United States
Worth the stop. Great place to take pictures of the bridge and of the river. Free parking near the bridge also. This bridge is closed to traffic, pedestrian or bicycle only. There is also a really neat closed denim factory by it. Neat bit of history for bridge and building.
6. Canyon Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
One of the deepest lakes in Texas boasts more than 80 miles of scenic shoreline and is a favorite spot for outdoor activities year round.
Reviewed By Moved2Texas - Austin, United States
We took our boat out on Canyon Lake with our family. The lake is very scenic and is surrounded by rolling hills. The lake had plenty of water and boat traffic was moderate. We found a nice spot to anchor and floated in the after behind our boat. We came back to the dock after dark and our boat ramp was very easy to navigate. We had a terrific visit to the lake.
7. McKenna Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By EaStu04180 - San Antonio, United States
My kids love this place! We’ve been coming since my oldest was walking, and usually buy the annual pass. The grocery store and outside water area are usually where we spend most of our time. I’ve never had a bad experience.
8. Stars and Stripes Drive In Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Stars and Stripes New Braunfels is a brand new drive-in theater unlike any you've experienced before! Although our facility is modern, it's not lacking any part of the vintage drive-in experience that many of us hold dear. We show new double features year-round. For the full drive-in experience, visit our 50's Cafe to grab Rockin' Eats & Tasty Treats. Arrive about an hour early to skip the line!
Reviewed By Gwendy10 - Lake Charles, United States
My husband, his sister and I visited from Louisiana on Tuesday night. We can’t wait to bring our grandsons when we return to New Braunfels in November. Nice concession stand with lots of options and a wonderful playground (closed due to COVID-19). The owner came over and talked with us.
9. Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,204 reviews
Come explore over seventy acres of shared family fun, thrilling adventure, and relaxation! Schlitterbahn is nestled along the beautiful banks of the Comal River and features world-famous attractions, epic river adventures, kid’s water playgrounds, and beautiful spots to relax and share a picnic.
Reviewed By TexFlyers - Port Arthur, United States
Even after four years of time between visits, the mothership of all water parks is still as fun and as cool as ever! I want to let you know that it was overcast and raining on this particular day, but since there was no thunder and lightning, and since everyone was getting wet, it didn't bother me or any one else at all! Starting at the original Schlitterbahn park, the water slides featured speed, great winding turns, and fun drops to make you feel like you're on a rollercoaster of sorts. The one part that was hard to find was the lower Lagoon. We had to go down several staircases to get to it. I have no problem with the walking around.... I just wish there were better Direction arrows for those that cannot hold a map. You should also know that all of the water slides featured at the original Schlitterbahn Park are fed from the Comal Springs, giving the rides and authentic Texas Hill Country feel! My favorite rides include: Der Bahn (speed race, as if you're the dragster car), White Water Rapids (tube ride with steep drops and winding turns), Raging River (long Lazy River with some Rapids) Now over on the other side of the park is the Blastenhoff Tower, which you will have to access via their free tram ride. And of course the Crown Jewel of the Blastenhoff Tower is the granddaddy of great water slides, the multiple award-winning Master Blaster. Even though I'm too heavy to go on the ride, I can personally say that just looking at it is a great thrill! Also on the tower is the Black Knight dark tube slide, and the Wolf Pack group slide. But if you have little ones who are not quite yet ready for these big behemoths of Thrills, the tower is surrounded by a circling wave river that has waves that can swell up to 6 feet! That's a personal favorite of mine and it's one that I recommend for all ages! A recent addition to the Blastenhoff side of the park is The Falls, their longest lazy river/rapids ride. Encircling a better part of the park, you can chill out on the tube and just enjoy the ride for the majority of the day as long as you have sunscreen. There are plenty of other thrill rides within the park that I have not tried, (mostly because I'm not within the 250-pound limit), but I hope within the summer I will be able to try them all. Let's talk about amenities: being a family of water parks that focuses on families, you would have to expect a lot of amenities to accommodate everybody. I am delighted to report that Schlitterbahn does deliver on this. Plenty of booths to help park-goers, changing rooms for infants, and even nursing rooms for mothers. Food: I've tried the B&B BBQ brisket sandwich, and it tasted just as tender and a Savory as most barbecue joints that I've been in Texas, and that is really good thing, especially in the Texas Hill Country. Later on I also tried a personal pan pepperoni pizza, also very good and tasty. And of course it was at a Schlitterbahn Waterpark that I first encountered the Dippin Dots ice cream.... taste just like I remember. Now let's not forget: Schlitterbahn does have an amazing thing going where you can bring your own picnic lunch. Other groups did, and I know that helps them save money. It's another unique thing that shows that shows Schlitterbahn really does care about their customers and all of their aspects of their lives. Just keep in mind that any and all bags and coolers are subject to be searched by security when you enter at the gate. All in all, Schlitterbahn still has everything going right for them! A little something for every type of thrill seeker, for everyone in your family with their unique tastes, and a fun wholesome time for everybody! Also, down the line my wife and I want to rent a cabana and use that as our all-day Hangout on our next visit! That will only make our trip even sweeter! So bring the sunscreen, bring your best swimwear, your lunch, and all your friends and family to the best time you can have at summertime!
10. Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 359 reviews
Two Attractions, One Admission:Exciting Croc & Alligator ShowPetting ZooWorld's Largest RodentEndangered PrimatesMost Dangerous Snake in the WorldBirds of the WorldCarnivore Feeding ShowRattlesnake PitConcession StandGift ShopAnd much more!!Check web site for showtimes, vary according to season.
Reviewed By feliciacb2021
Our family visited for spring break 2021 and had an absolute blast! The animals were active and healthy, the petting zoo was fun, staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and most importantly my kids truly enjoyed themselves. We especially loved how easy it was to navigate and just HOW MANY animals we got to see. We will definitely be coming back!
