20 Things To Do In New Braunfels

Located halfway between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels is a destination that many people drive past, but few actually stop at. This doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the city, though. For starters, the population of New Braunfels has grown by more than 50% in the last decade, meaning it is a city on the rise. Then there is the fact that the city has a rich history and some of the most popular entertainment attractions in the region.

These facts alone should make you think about visiting New Braunfels or, at the very least, stopping off when driving between the state Capitol and San Antonio. So, here are the best things to do in New Braunfels for travellers of all tastes and styles to ensure everyone can have an enjoyable visit to this often overlooked gem of a city.

New Braunfels, Texas

20 Things To Do In New Braunfels

1- Uncover The History Of The Area In The Sophienburg Museum & Archives

The Sophienburg Museum & Archives is a museum dedicated to local history.

Established in 1933, it covers everything from the founding of New Braunfels to its German cultural heritage.

With its wide range of historical artefacts and exhibits, and archives covering genealogy, oral history, and the region’s veterans, it is a great place to come for those wanting to learn more about the area.

Sophienburg Museum is at 401 West Coll Street, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

2- Learn About Local Transportation At The New Braunfels Historic Railroad 

The New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society is an outdoor museum that details the city’s history with the railroad.

Its historic locomotives, train cars, models, and a great range of other rail exhibits, lets you see how the industry has evolved through the years.

With the museum even being located in a converted rail depot, it helps to immerse you in the spirit of your destination during your visit.

New Braunfels Historic Railroad And Modelers Society is at 302 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

3- See Wildlife On The Panther Canyon Nature Trail

The Panther Canyon Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile (2 km) hiking trail through a scenic section of Landa Park.

With a range of flora and fauna, hiking the trail is a fabulous opportunity to take a stroll and enjoy the great outdoors while appreciating the region’s nature.

The Panther Canyon Nature Trail is at 15 Gazebo Circus, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

4- Appreciate German Landmarks In Landa Park

The city of New Braunfels is unique in this part of the United States as it has strong links to the German settlers that were pivotal in the city’s founding more than 150 years ago in 1845.

Perhaps nowhere else demonstrates this history better than the monuments in eastern Landa Park.

The German Founders Oak is a giant tree over 300 years old.

Used as a meeting place and the heart of the original community, it features a plaque detailing the birth of New Braunfels.

Then, just opposite the tree, you have the German Pioneers Monument, which names and honours some of the most influential people in the city’s birth.

This combination makes the spot a perfect destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the city’s history and landscape at the same time.

Landa Park is at 105 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

5- Be Amazed At The Heritage Museum Of The Texas Hill Country

On a farm outside the city, The Heritage Museum Of The Texas Hill Country is a historical attraction dedicated to detailing the past of the area that predates the city’s founding.

With a range of artefacts and exhibits covering dinosaurs, fossils, farming equipment, antiques, and Native American tribes and culture, it is a fabulous opportunity to explore the more rural landscape of the region and learn about its evolution from prehistoric times to modern-day.

Heritage Museum Of The Texas Hill Country is at 4831 Farm To Market Road 2673, Canyon Lake, Texas, 78133.

6- Explore Landa Park

At 51 acres (20 ha), Landa Park is the largest park in New Braunfels and the perfect place to relax, take in the landscape and enjoy some time outdoors on the banks of the Comal River.

With facilities like a café, golf course, miniature train, mini-golf course, nature trail, theatre, historical monuments and memorials, and picnic tables, there are plenty of options to entertain, no matter how you want to spend your day.

Landa Park is at 164 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

7- Get Wet At Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Perhaps the most famous attraction in New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort was the first site in the Schlitterbahn chain, having opened in 1979.

It has won 40 Amusement Today’s “Golden Ticket Awards”, including the last 23 straight.

Having expanded on multiple occasions since it first opened, it features a surfing ride, water coasters, wave and tubing rivers, and rapids and tube chutes, in addition to the original collection of water slides.

It’s a place where everyone can enjoy some wet and wild fun in the sun.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark is at 400 North Liberty Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

8- Explore The New Braunfels German-Texan Historic District

The New Braunfels German-Texan Historic District is one of the city’s oldest parts and a perfect place for anyone interested in its Germanic founding.

The collection of historic buildings like the Carl W.A. Groos House, Johann George Pfeuffer House, Lindheimer Haus, Moeller House, Stephen Klein House, Ludwig House, and a number of other historic buildings, sites, and institutions, paints a clear picture of how the city has evolved through the years.

New Braunfels German-Texan Historic District is at 301 Main Plaza, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

9- Visit The McKenna Children’s Museum

The McKenna Children’s Museum is an establishment specially designed to help educate children on history, as well as topics such as culture, space, and technology.

Using interactive exhibits and colourful environments is the perfect way to combine entertainment and education to ensure the younger members of your group can learn while having fun during your trip.

McKenna Children’s Museum is at 801 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

10- Embrace The Great Outdoors In Overlook Park

Overlook Park is a scenic point on the edge of the 157 square miles (407 square kilometres) Canyon Lake.

A reservoir on the Guadalupe River, it offers the perfect chance to get out of the city and enjoy the south Texas landscape.

A popular place for biking, boating, camping, fishing, jet skiing, hiking, picnicking, horse riding, swimming, and even limited hunting, it offers one of the widest ranges of outdoor recreation opportunities anywhere in the region.

Overlook Park is at 601 Corps Of Engineers Road, Canyon Lake, Texas, 78133.

11- Walk Along The Guadalupe River

Situated on a significant bend in the Guadalupe River, Cypress Bend Park is the perfect place to stroll along the river’s banks, soaking in its wildlife and stunning scenery.

With BBQ and horseshoe pits, fishing, picnic, play, and swimming areas, a pair of cemeteries, and a small forest, it is even suited for those who would rather kick back and embrace the scenery while relaxing.

Cypress Bend Park is at 503 Peace Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

12- See The Rock Formations In Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest caverns open to the public anywhere in Texas.

Named after the limestone bridge hanging over the cavern entrance, the caverns have several unique rock formations and geologic features.

Designated a United States National Natural Landmark in 1971, the site is home to two large bat colonies and is an ideal destination for any fans of archaeology, geology, or caving.

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78266.

13- Stop At Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo

Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is a roadside zoo featuring a collection of animals that includes snakes, primates, and a range of both local and exotic animals.

A petting zoo and interactive shows make it a great stop for animal lovers of all ages and interests.

Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is at 5640 Interstate 35 South, New Braunfels, Texas, 78132.

14- Experience High-Octane Excitement At Texas Ski Ranch

The Texas Ski Ranch is a waterpark centred around high-speed water sports, such as wakeboarding, wake surfing, and water skiing.

Also offering lessons, youth programs, parties, and other activities like axe throwing and paintballing is ideal for a high-octane day by the water.

There is even a bar and beach on site where you can grab something to eat and drink then relax by the water when you are done.

Texas Ski Ranch is at 6700 Interstate 35, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

15- Spend A Day At Landa Falls

Landa Falls is a unique spot as it combines history, natural beauty, and exhilarating entertainment in a single location.

Landa Falls itself is a beautiful, historic waterfall on the Comal River that is one of the city’s top rental sites for coolers and tubes.

This means whether you want to appreciate its beauty from the shore or while floating down the river in an inflatable, Landa Falls has you covered.

Landa Falls is at 120 Landa Street, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

16- Catch A Show At The Whitewater Amphitheater

The Whitewater Amphitheater is an outdoor entertainment venue on the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Hosting performances by both big-name and emerging artists, it is the best place to enjoy the city’s very best entertainment while appreciating its natural beauty.

The Whitewater Amphitheater is at 11860 Farm To Market Road 306, Suite 1, New Braunfels, Texas, 78132.

17- Discover A Texas Institution At Buc-ee’s

Founded in 1982, Buc-ee’s is a chain of country stores that has evolved into a Texas institution.

Marketed around their mascot, Buc-ee the beaver, they bill themselves as the world’s largest convenience store and sell a variety of themed souvenirs and clothing.

Boasting large sculptures and other works of art depicting their mascot, while also selling things like gas and snacks, it is a great place to make a pit stop and embrace a unique aspect of Texas culture.

Buc-ee’s is at 2760 Interstate 35, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

18- Have Fun At The New Braunfels Fair Grounds

The New Braunfels Fair Grounds are the home of several fairs and festivals, both seasonal and permanent.

With events for both children and families, it is an ideal opportunity for people seeking a fun-filled, carefree day or night during their stay in the city.

With the exact attractions on offer changing consistently, check what is on when you arrive, as there is sure to be something that adds value to your trip.

701 Common Street, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

19- Visit The Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre

Once a staple of American culture, drive-in movie theatres are becoming a thing of the past, which makes watching a show at a drive-in a cultural experience.

At Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, you can watch a range of classic movies, plus several modern blockbuster releases, helping you step back in time and experience a part of American cinema history.

Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre is at 1178 Kroesche Lane, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

20- Get Into The Festive Spirit At Santa’s Ranch

A festive attraction from November to January, Santa’s Ranch claims to offer one of the best Christmas light displays in Texas.

Visiting a drive-through attraction with over a mile of country roads decorated with Christmas displays and lights is a fun way to get into the festive spirit.

You can then stop by the ranch and enjoy some cocoa and festive snacks when you get to the end.

Santa’s Ranch is at 9561 Interstate 35 North, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.