Fun Things To Do In New Braunfels

New Braunfels, the “City of Prince”, was founded on the Comal River on March 21, 1845 by a German Nobleman. Successful farming, ranching, and abundant water contributed to the early prosperity of the settlement. The founding had a major impact on opening West Texas to a civilized economy.

The many artisans and craftsmen among the 6,000 settlers generated industry and commerce for the entire central Texas area. Today the population of New Braunfels consists of German and Hispanic cultures and many other nationalities, creating a vibrant and progressive community. If fact, many of the New Braunfels families are fifth and sixth generation descendants of the early settlers.

The Guadalupe and Comal Rivers provide excellent water recreation for visitors. The Guadalupe, between Canyon Lake Dam and New Braunfels, is famous for it’s exciting rapids, scenic beauty, and sparkling clear waters. As such, it draws thousands of tubers and other river enthusiasts to it’s cool and refreshing water each weekend. The Comal River, is the shortest navigable river in the state of Texas and it is proclaimed the “longest shortest river in the world” by locals.

Here’s a list of fun things to do in New Braunfels:

Play Some Golf

New Braunfels has several excellent golf course in the area – a couple of our favorites include Landa Park and the Bandit and here’s a golf map of nearby New Braunfels Golf Courses

Go For Scenic Drive or Explore Some Nearby Cities

drive River Road through some very scenic country along the Guadalupe from New Braunfels to Sattler and stop at Gruene for lunch and shopping the quaint shops.

venture out 30 minutes or less to explore Wimberley, Austin, San Marcos, or San Antonio for everything from amusement parks to zoos.

take the scenic RM 32 drive just northwest of Canyon Lake which is known as “Devils Backbone” and is exceptionally beautiful.

Pitch a Tent or Hook Up The RV

There are lots of great RV Parks and Campgrounds, some in the heart of New Braunfels (Hill Country Cottages & RV Resort with over 200 full hook-up sites and 80 cottages that sleep 2 to 10 plus loads of fun amenities) or along the Guadalupe River (Rio Guadalupe Resort with hundreds of feet on the river, tube rentals, cabins, a pool, and more).

Check Out Some Local Attractions

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – Texas style African safari for an close and personal experience with the animals.

Natural Bridge Caverns – caves showing huge subterranean rooms and passages.

Snake Farm & Exotic Animal Park – over 500 reptiles, as well as a variety of monkeys, birds, llamas, and Texas Longhorns.

try wakeboarding or skiing with lessons & camps plus skatepark at Texas Ski Ranch or take a helicopter ride or a thrilling roll in the Sphere.

Get Wet

Tube, canoe or kayak or just play in the Guadalupe or Comal rivers.

you can’t leave without visiting Schlitterbahn Waterpark and all of the rides and fun things that it has to offer – over 3 miles of tubing adventures, 7 children’s water playgrounds,17 water slides, the world’s first surfing machine, and 3 uphill water coasters spread over 65 acres of fun.

stay and play at the area’s newest camp resort with water park, pool with cabanas and swim-up bar, splash pad and river tubing, picnic, walk or jog the trails, paddle boat on the Comal River, or ride the “Tube chute” at Landa Park.

Attend a Fun Local Event

Wurstfest – New Braunfels’ best known event, a 10 day celebration of Texas fun taking place 1st week in November – read about our day at Wurstfest

Comal County Fair – one of Texas’ oldest and largest fairs in September

Wein & Saengerfest – wine tasting, music, and arts and crafts in April

Folkfest – living history re-enactments and demonstrations and children’s activities in April

Spend the Night in Some Unique Lodging

You can sleep in a treehouse, or a TiPi, or a cozy cabin, or to spend the day on an island with kayaks, SUPs, cabanas, hammocks, rope swings, horseshoes and more.

Enjoy Some Local Nightlife and Live Music

Gruene Hall – Texas’ oldest dance hall

AJ’s Ale House has great piano bar

Poor Haus was rated the “best bar in New Braunfels

Watering Hole Saloon

Take in Some Museums

Buckhorn Barbershop and Museum – a “Collectors Paradise” in a 1900’s working barbershop containing hundreds of hand carved miniature circus figures, antique toys, and ships

Conservation Plaza – a German village with thirteen restored and furnished buildings from 1849 to 1870 and an antique rose garden.

Heritage Village – Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture in an 1858 “Fachwerk” house plus a summer kitchen, log cabin, and cabinet shop.

New Braunfels Railroad Museum – a collection of rail artifacts.