Welcome to New Braunfels, Texas! Located between San Antonio and Austin, New Braunfels is a charming city with a rich German heritage, beautiful parks, and a lively arts and culture scene. Here’s a quick guide to help you explore the best that New Braunfels has to offer.
- Attractions:
- Gruene Historic District: Stroll through this charming, restored 19th-century district, featuring unique shops, restaurants, and the famous Gruene Hall.
- Natural Bridge Caverns: Explore the largest commercial caverns in Texas, offering guided tours, a ropes course, and other family-friendly activities.
- McKenna Children’s Museum: A hands-on museum where children can learn through play, featuring interactive exhibits and educational programs.
- Food and Dining:
- Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar: Savor delicious Texas cuisine, including steaks, seafood, and chicken-fried steak, with beautiful views of the Guadalupe River.
- Alpine Haus Restaurant: Enjoy authentic German cuisine, including schnitzel, sauerbraten, and strudel, in a charming, historic setting.
- Huisache Grill: Indulge in creative Southwestern and American dishes, along with a selection of wines and craft cocktails, at this popular eatery.
- Nightlife:
- Gruene Hall: Catch live music performances and dance the night away at Texas’ oldest dance hall, featuring country, Americana, and blues artists.
- Faust Brewing Company: Sample handcrafted beers and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere at this local microbrewery and pub.
- Phoenix Saloon: Unwind at this historic bar, offering a variety of beverages, live music, and special events.
- Outdoor Activities:
- Landa Park: A beautiful 51-acre park offering picnic areas, walking trails, paddleboat rentals, a miniature train ride, and an aquatic complex.
- Comal River and Guadalupe River: Enjoy tubing, kayaking, and swimming in the clear waters of these two popular rivers.
- Canyon Lake: A picturesque reservoir located just a short drive from New Braunfels, offering fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.
- Shopping and Markets:
- New Braunfels Farmers Market: A weekly outdoor market held on Saturdays, offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and local food vendors.
- Downtown New Braunfels: Browse unique boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries in the historic downtown area.
- Gruene General Store: Discover a variety of souvenirs, gifts, and gourmet treats at this charming store located in the Gruene Historic District.
- Events and Festivals:
- Wurstfest (November): Celebrate the city’s German heritage with live music, traditional food, and beer at this annual 10-day festival.
- Wein & Saengerfest (May): Enjoy wine tastings, live music, and various events during this annual wine and music festival held in downtown New Braunfels.
- Gruene Music & Wine Fest (October): Experience four days of live music, wine tastings, and food vendors at this annual event held in the Gruene Historic District.
Be sure to check local event calendars for additional activities and festivals during your visit. Enjoy your stay in the charming and historic city of New Braunfels!