Things to Do in
New Braunfels, TX

If you are looking for things to do in New Braunfels TX and you have not floated the Comal River, you have not really been to New Braunfels. The Comal is entirely spring-fed, running at a constant 68 to 72 degrees year-round regardless of season or weather. At just over two miles long it is one of the shortest navigable rivers in the country — but it packs the Tube Chute, the historic waterfall, crystal-clear spring water, and 2.5 hours of genuinely relaxing floating into every trip.

Landa River Trips sits at the very top of the Comal River float — the uppermost launch point on the river, giving you the longest possible float and the most scenic stretch of river from the very start. Our 8-acre property has 1,400 feet of natural riverfront, 250+ free parking spots, picnic tables in the shade, and clean restrooms. Tube rentals start at $25 per person and include everything — your tube, river entry, and the shuttle ride back to your car at the end.

No list of things to do in New Braunfels TX is complete without the Tube Chute. Built over the historic Clemens Dam in 1976, the Tube Chute is a concrete channel that funnels the Comal River into a fast, concentrated slide that launches you into a whitewater pool below. The whole thing is over in about 10 seconds — and it is 10 seconds that most people want to repeat.

The Tube Chute is a public feature of the Comal River included in every float. When you rent from Landa River Trips, you launch from right above the Tube Chute — putting you at the most exciting part of the float from the very start. No extra charge, no separate ticket. Just drop in and go.

Not comfortable with the chute? A clearly marked walk-around path on the left bank lets you bypass it completely. Very commonly used — no judgment at all.

Landa Park is the largest park in New Braunfels at 51 acres and sits immediately adjacent to the Landa River Trips property — the Comal River springs that start your float originate right here in the park. After your float, or before it, the park is worth exploring on its own terms.

The springs themselves are visible from the park and produce the crystal-clear 72-degree water that flows through the entire Comal River. There are walking trails, a miniature train, paddleboats on Landa Lake, a swimming pool, a disc golf course, and picnic areas throughout. It is genuinely one of the most scenic urban parks in Texas and admission to the park grounds is free.

About five miles from Landa River Trips sits Gruene — a historic district that feels like stepping back into 19th century Texas. Originally a German cotton farming community established by Henry Gruene in the 1870s, the town fell into near-abandonment after a boll weevil infestation in the early 1900s, which is precisely why so much of it survived intact. What looks preserved actually just never got torn down.

The centerpiece is Gruene Hall — built in 1878 and billing itself as the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. By design, not much has physically changed since it was first built. The 6,000 square foot hall still has its original layout — a bar in front, a small lighted stage in the back, side flaps for open-air dancing, and vintage advertising signs from the 1930s and 40s hanging on the walls. Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and countless Texas legends have played here. It is one of the most authentic music venues in the state.

Beyond Gruene Hall the district has antique shops, boutiques, wine tasting rooms, and the Gruene General Store — a charming old-fashioned store that has been serving the area for over a century. The Guadalupe River runs along the edge of the district and several restaurants have outdoor seating right on the water.

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is one of the most famous waterparks in the United States and sits right on the Comal River — in fact, you float past it during the final stretch of your Comal River tubing trip. The park uses the actual Comal River as part of several of its attractions, which gives it a genuinely natural feel that most commercial waterparks cannot replicate.

The park is seasonal, typically open from May through September, with prices varying by date and package. It is a full-day destination on its own and is best combined with the Comal River tubing experience as a two-day itinerary rather than trying to squeeze both into one day.

Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest commercial cave system in Texas and one of the most impressive underground attractions in the entire country. Located about 20 minutes west of New Braunfels toward San Antonio, the caverns take their name from the 60-foot natural limestone bridge that spans the entrance — left suspended when a sinkhole collapsed beneath it thousands of years ago.

The Discovery Tour takes you 180 feet underground through massive chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and formations that have been growing for millions of years. The cave holds a constant 70 degrees with high humidity regardless of the Texas heat outside — a welcome escape on a summer afternoon. Above ground the property also has zip-lining, a ropes course, a mining sluice for kids, and the adjacent Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.

Canyon Lake sits about 20 to 30 minutes northwest of New Braunfels in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and offers 8,000 acres of water recreation that complements a Comal River tubing trip perfectly. While the Comal gives you a gentle spring-fed float, Canyon Lake gives you open water — boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and some of the most scenic Hill Country views in the region.

The lake has multiple parks and public access points managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, most of which are free or have minimal day-use fees. Several marinas offer boat and kayak rentals if you do not have your own. The surrounding Hill Country landscape — cedar and live oak on limestone bluffs above clear blue water — makes Canyon Lake one of the most visually striking destinations in the New Braunfels area.

Right next door to Natural Bridge Caverns sits the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch — a drive-through safari park featuring over 500 animals from 40 different species. You stay in your own car and animals approach your windows throughout a several-mile scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country. Zebras, ostriches, giraffes, wildebeest, and dozens of other species wander freely around the property and frequently come right up to car windows for hand-feeding.

It is one of the most genuinely fun family activities in the New Braunfels area — especially for kids — and pairs naturally with a visit to Natural Bridge Caverns since they are literally adjacent properties. Both can be done in a half day, making them an ideal afternoon activity after a morning float on the Comal River.

New Braunfels was founded in 1845 by German immigrants and the downtown historic district still carries that heritage in its architecture, street names, and food culture. The historic Comal County Courthouse anchors the downtown square and the surrounding blocks have independent shops, restaurants, and a genuinely walkable small-city feel that feels increasingly rare in Texas.

Naegelin’s Bakery — established in 1868, making it the oldest continuously operating bakery in Texas. German pastries, strudel, and kolaches. A New Braunfels institution that should not be missed.

The Sophienburg Museum and Archives — the definitive history of New Braunfels and the German Hill Country settlement. If you want to understand why this place feels different from every other Texas city, start here. (They also documented the history of the Tube Chute — which we reference in our Tube Chute history section.)

McKenna Children’s Museum — excellent hands-on museum for families with younger kids. Located in a beautifully restored historic building downtown.

Brauntex Theatre — a beautifully restored historic theater with live performances, concerts, and film screenings throughout the year.

The New Braunfels Railroad Museum — a small but genuinely interesting museum documenting the railroad history that shaped the city’s development, located near the historic depot.

Every November, New Braunfels hosts Wurstfest — a 10-day celebration of German food, music, beer, and culture that draws 35,000 visitors to the city each year. Held on the Landa Park grounds directly across the Comal River from our property, Wurstfest is one of the most authentic German festival experiences outside of Germany itself.

The festival grounds sit in a spectacular location on the river with outdoor stages, biergartens, food vendors, polka bands, and the kind of communal energy that only happens when thousands of people gather around good food and cold beer. It is impossible to visit during Wurstfest week and not understand exactly why this city was founded by Germans — the celebration feels completely natural here in a way it would not anywhere else in Texas.

New Braunfels has a genuinely strong restaurant scene for a city its size — anchored by German heritage but expanded by 40 years of growth and the steady influence of San Antonio and Austin food culture. Here are the places most worth your time.

Eat a full meal before you arrive at Landa River Trips — there are no food options on the river itself. A good breakfast or early lunch gives you energy for 2.5 hours on the water and means you are not floating hungry. Several diners and breakfast spots near the downtown square open early and are walking distance from the historic district.

Gristmill River Restaurant in Gruene — the most iconic post-float meal in New Braunfels. A converted 1878 cotton gin with multi-level outdoor decks overlooking the Guadalupe River. Burgers, chicken fried steak, cold beer. Long waits on weekends but worth every minute.

Alpine Haus — the best authentic German dining experience in New Braunfels. Located at 251 S. Seguin Ave in the heart of downtown, Alpine Haus specializes in Bavarian-style cooking with influences from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Scratch-made schnitzel, spaetzle, and classic German fare in a historic setting with a wine and beer garden. Upscale without being stuffy. Reservations recommended — call (830) 214-0205.

Krause’s Cafe & Biergarten — a New Braunfels institution since 1959. Originally opened by Kermit Krause as a neighborhood saloon known for beer, dominos, and card games, Krause’s has grown into one of the most beloved gathering spots in the city. Classic Deutsche meals with a Texas flair, and the largest tap wall in New Braunfels. The lively Bierhalle atmosphere is exactly what you want after a day on the Comal River.

Huisache Grill — one of the most consistently excellent dinner restaurants in New Braunfels. Texas-inspired cuisine in a beautiful historic building. Reservations recommended on weekends.

New Braunfels Brewing Co. and Faust Hotel & Brewing Co. are both worth visiting for craft beer that fits the city’s German heritage. The Faust Hotel itself is a beautifully restored 1929 property and one of the most atmospheric drinking spots in the city.

Every group is different. Whether you are a family making a weekend of it, a group of friends here to float and party, or a day tripper driving in from San Antonio, Austin, Houston, or Dallas — we have put together a dedicated itinerary for your exact situation. Pick yours below.

New Braunfels sits directly on I-35 between San Antonio and Austin — one of the easiest day trips in Texas from either city.