New Braunfels Travel Guide

Plan your trip to New Braunfels with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to New Braunfels

New Braunfels is a charming city located in Central Hill Country, in Texas. The city has a rich heritage, with a unique blend of German and Texan cultures that can be seen in its architecture, food scene, and annual festivals. The city is famous for its water activities, especially during the summer season when people come to float along the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, history, food, or culture, New Braunfels has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in New Braunfels

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

New Braunfels has a rich history, which can be explored through its many museums and historical places. One of the most popular attractions is the Sophienburg Museum, which documents the city’s German heritage and features various exhibits about the history of the region. Other noteworthy museums include the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture, the Gruene Historic District, and the Comal County Historical Museum.

Natural Attractions of New Braunfels: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re looking to get out and explore the natural beauty of New Braunfels, there’s no shortage of options. The city is known for its beautiful rivers, which are perfect for tubing and kayaking. In addition, there are several parks in the area, including Landa Park, Fischer Park, and Canyon Lake, which offer hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas. Devil’s Backbone Scenic Drive is a great scenic drive near New Braunfels, with breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country.

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Braunfels

New Braunfels has several hiking and biking routes that are perfect for anyone looking to get some exercise and explore the natural surroundings. There are several trails in Landa Park, including the Panther Canyon Trail, which offers a scenic view of the park’s waterfall. Other popular trails include the Dry Comal Trail, the Fischer Park Nature Trail, and the Guadalupe River Trail.

Best Things to Do in New Braunfels: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking for fun activities and tours in New Braunfels, there’s plenty to choose from. You can take a guided tour of the historic Gruene district, attend a concert at the famous Gruene Hall, or hit the waterways for some tubing or kayaking. Other popular options include visiting the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, exploring the Natural Bridge Caverns, or going on a wine tasting tour of the surrounding hill country.

Week-Long Itinerary for New Braunfels

If you’re planning a week-long trip to New Braunfels, here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your trip:

  • Day 1: Wander around the historic Gruene district and attend a concert at Gruene Hall.
  • Day 2: Float along the Comal River for a fun-filled day of tubing.
  • Day 3: Go on a wine tasting tour of the Texas Hill Country.
  • Day 4: Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns and take a tour of the caves.
  • Day 5: Visit the Schlitterbahn Waterpark and enjoy its many rides and attractions.
  • Day 6: Take a guided tour of the Sophienburg Museum and learn about the region’s history.
  • Day 7: Spend the day hiking or biking in Landa Park or Canyon Lake.

Food and Drink Scene of New Braunfels

Must-Try Dishes

New Braunfels has a unique food scene that reflects its German and Texan heritage. Some must-try dishes include:

  • German sausage: Try a traditional German sausage, like bratwurst or knockwurst, at one of the city’s many German restaurants, such as Oma’s Haus or Friesenhaus.
  • Barbecue: Texas is famous for its barbecue, and New Braunfels is no exception. Head to Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que or Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q for some finger-licking goodness.
  • Kolaches: A staple of Czech and Texan bakeries, kolaches are a delicious pastry filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Stop by 2tarts Bakery or Naegelin’s Bakery to try one.

Local Beverages

New Braunfels is home to several breweries, wineries, and distilleries, so there’s no shortage of local beverages to try. Some popular options include:

  • Wurstfest beer: This seasonal beer, available only during the city’s annual Wurstfest festival, is a beloved local favorite. Try it at the festival or at one of the city’s German restaurants outside of the festival season.
  • Wine: Take a wine tasting tour of the Texas Hill Country to sample the region’s many wines, or stop by Dry Comal Creek Vineyards for a tasting closer to town.
  • Bourbon: Head to the Rebecca Creek Distillery to sample some of their award-winning bourbons and spirits.

Where to Stay in New Braunfels: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or a budget option, there are plenty of accommodation options in New Braunfels. Some popular options include:

  • Gruene Mansion Inn: This charming bed and breakfast is located in the heart of the historic Gruene district and offers luxurious rooms and amenities.
  • Schlitterbahn Resort: Stay at the Schlitterbahn Resort for easy access to the waterpark and its many attractions.
  • Hill Country RV Resort & Cottage Rentals: This resort offers both campsites and cottage rentals, making it a great option for families or large groups.

What to Buy in New Braunfels: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some popular souvenirs and local products to bring home from New Braunfels include:

  • Texas-shaped souvenirs: From keychains to cutting boards, you’ll find plenty of Texas-shaped items to bring home as a memento of your trip.
  • German-inspired items: Take home some German beer steins, woodcarvings, or miniature cuckoo clocks as a reminder of the city’s unique heritage.
  • Hill Country wines: Pick up a bottle of wine from one of the many wineries in the region to enjoy at home.

Local Culture and Customs of New Braunfels

New Braunfels is proud of its German heritage, which is evident in its food, architecture, and annual festivals. Many locals still speak German, and you’ll hear it in the city’s many German restaurants and at events like Wurstfest. The city also has a Texas charm, with plenty of cowboy hats and boots to be seen.

Best Time to Visit New Braunfels

The best time to visit New Braunfels depends on what you want to do. The summer months are the busiest, with plenty of tubing and water activities, but can also be very hot. The winter months are cooler and offer a more peaceful experience, but many attractions and activities are closed during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Braunfels

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, especially the German sausage and barbecue.
  • Spend a day floating down the Comal or Guadalupe rivers.
  • Take a tour of the Sophienburg Museum.
  • Attend the annual Wurstfest festival in November.

Don’t:

  • Forget to wear sun protection when tubing or spending time outdoors in the summer months.
  • Swim in areas where signage indicates a strong current or dangerous conditions.
  • Forget to tip your server at restaurants.

Safety and Health

Safety in New Braunfels

New Braunfels is a safe city for visitors, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Be aware of your surroundings, lock your car doors, and avoid walking or hiking alone at night. In addition, when tubing, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear and stay away from areas with strong currents or dangerous conditions.

Health in New Braunfels

New Braunfels has several medical facilities, including the Christus Santa Rosa Hospital and the Resolute Health Hospital. In addition, most pharmacies and grocery stores carry over-the-counter medication and first-aid supplies. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated during the hot summer months.

Getting to New Braunfels: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near New Braunfels

The closest major airport to New Braunfels is the San Antonio International Airport, located about 30 miles away. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle to New Braunfels.

Bus Stations Near New Braunfels

Greyhound offers bus service to New Braunfels, with a stop at the New Braunfels Bus Station located downtown.

Other Options

If you’re driving, New Braunfels is located along Interstate 35, making it easily accessible from nearby cities like San Antonio and Austin.

How to Get Around in New Braunfels

The best way to get around New Braunfels is by car, as many of the attractions and activities require driving. However, there are also several taxi and ride-sharing services available, and some hotels may offer shuttle services to nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from New Braunfels: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of the Texas Hill Country, there are several nearby destinations and excursions to choose from. Some popular options include:

  • San Antonio: Roughly a 30-minute drive from New Braunfels, San Antonio offers plenty of history, culture, and entertainment, including the Alamo and the River Walk.
  • Austin: About an hour-long drive from New Braunfels, Austin offers a vibrant music scene, great food, and plenty of outdoor activities.
  • Texas Wine Trail: The Texas Wine Trail includes several wineries along a scenic route through the Hill Country, including Fredericksburg and Johnson City.

Conclusion

New Braunfels is a charming city with something for everyone, from outdoor activities to cultural attractions and delicious food. Plan your trip using this comprehensive travel guide and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.