New Braunfels

Discover New Braunfels, Texas—a Texas Hill Country gem, perfectly placed less than an hour from Austin and San Antonio. Known for its rich German heritage and Hill Country flair, New Braunfels is where old-world charm meets modern fun. Explore local attractions, enjoy live music, and elevate your dining experience at one of the many locally owned restaurants. Make a splash at a world-famous waterpark, explore natural caverns, or relax along our clear rivers. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a family vacation, New Braunfels offers unforgettable fun for everyone.

A Rich History and Hill Country Charm

It all started back in 1845, when a group of settlers from Braunfels, Germany, found paradise in what is now New Braunfels, choosing a scenic area for their settlement at the intersection of the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. The backdrop is just as lovely today as it was then, and along with its natural beauty, there are now many things to do. In fact, New Braunfels is known for exciting attractions, water recreation, and year-round fun, making it one of the region’s most popular getaways.  

Festivals and Signature Celebrations

Time your visit right and join in the fun at one of New Braunfels’ many signature celebrations. Spring is filled with festivals, including Folkfest, Hill Country Craft Beer Festival, and Saengerfest, where you can enjoy music, great food, and drinks. Fall has no shortage of festivals, including the Texas Clay Festival, Gruene Music & Wine Fest, and Wurstfest. Join the annual 10-day celebration packed with delicious food, music, dancing, German beer, and fun for the whole family! Roll right into the holiday season with Wassailfest, the Renaissance Faire, and Weihnachtsmarkt—a premier Christmas market featuring German collectibles, specialty items, and fabulous gifts.

River Recreation and Outdoor Adventures

It’s no surprise that the two rivers that meet in New Braunfels mean there’s plenty of waterfront fun. Visitors and locals alike enjoy swimming and tubing in the cool waters of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers—a perfect way to beat the summer heat. The Guadalupe River is also one of the region’s top trout fishing destinations and is a great place to try your hand at fly fishing. 

There’s fun to be had on the river year-round with stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking both day and night.

Speaking of water, New Braunfels is home to the world-famous waterpark, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort, a true bucket-list item for all. Enjoy Texas-sized thrills at this multifaceted attraction, which includes spectacular water slides, wave pools, not-so-lazy rivers, kids’ attractions, swim-up bars, and more—it’s fun for the whole family!  

Explore Natural Bridge Caverns

Even more family-friendly adventures await at Natural Bridge Caverns, an eye-popping natural wonder that includes one of the largest explorable caverns in Texas. Head underground and see breathtaking rock formations formed over hundreds of thousands of years. The caverns provide so much fun both below and above ground!

Wild Encounters for Animal Lovers

New Braunfels also has plenty to do for animal lovers, including the 450-acre Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, an African safari experience with a Texas twist, where you'll encounter over 500 animals from 40 different species! To spot even more critters, visit Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo, a longtime New Braunfels attraction where you can see numerous animals, including lemurs, foxes, gators, crocs, and a wide variety of snakes.  

Shopping, Dining, and Live Entertainment

New Braunfels is also a haven for retail therapy and fine dining. Settle into a day of shopping at the many local boutiques downtown. Experience local flavor from mouthwatering Tex-Mex, German cuisine, and much more at the numerous locally owned and operated restaurants throughout the area. Catch a show at the Brauntex Theatre, enjoy craft beer at local breweries, and enjoy live music seven days a week!

Experience the Gruene Historic District

No visit to New Braunfels is complete without stopping at Gruene Historic District, nestled on the eastern bank of the Guadalupe River just north of town. Enjoy unique shops and local restaurants, and be sure to catch a concert at Gruene Hall, the longest continuously operating dance hall in Texas.

Find the Perfect Place to Stay

After all the fun, choose one of New Braunfels’ many unique accommodations, including boutique hotels, historic inns, vacation homes and cabins, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts. There’s so much fun to be had that you’ll want to stay another day!

For a getaway like no other, plan your visit to New Braunfels today and discover the magic.