Forget about Houston and Austin, New Braunfels is the hottest new tourist destination in Texas that you simply must visit. Beautiful spring fed rivers are the life force for this rapidly growing city with tons of riverside and water attractions, but that’s not where the fun stops.

The German settlers of old have left quite an impression on this corner of Texas and visitors can delight in all manner of food, drink, and cultural experiences that transcend cultures and eras. I loved New Braunfels so much I moved here in 2022 and I’m still enjoying exploring all the interesting attractions around town.

Have a look at all the best things to do in New Braunfels to see why it will soon shoot to the top of your “must-visit in Texas” list.

Best Things to Do in New Braunfels

Gruene Hall

It’s time to boot, scoot, and boogie at the oldest continually operated dance hall in all of Texas – built in 1878. With its original tin roof and wood-clad interior, Gruene Hall, with its atmospheric space is the place to be for dancing and live music.

The hall has live music every night of the week, letting the good times roll in the Gruene historic district of New Braunfels. In case you are wondering, Gruene is pronounced “green”.

The charming small stage has remained unchanged through the decades and the side of the building open up to allow for open-air dancing.

It has even hosted big names like Garth Brooks and the Dixie Chicks in their early days so patrons might just be witness to the next big stars in the making.

You gotta go to Gruene Hall! And remember to bring some folding money with you, the bar is cash only.

READ MORE: 15 Best Small Towns in TEXAS

Two-step your way around Gruene Hall dance floor – the oldest dance hall in Texas. Photo credit: Quasarphoto/DepositPhotos.com

Natural Bridge Caverns

These magnificent caverns were only discovered in the ‘60s but their beauty has been brewing underground for millennia. The Natural Bridge Caverns are only about 20 minutes outside of the city and are tons of fun for young and old.

Adventure lovers will love the Lantern tour that gives you the rare opportunity to go spelunking in the dark while the Hidden Passages tour takes you into all manner of secret passages.

The impressive rock and mineral formations in the cave are hauntingly beautiful and a visit to the caves is a must on your New Braunfels itinerary.

This is one of the first places I visited when I moved to Texas, it’s a great place to cool off in summer months, the caverns offer natural air-conditioning.

Explore the secret passageways at Natural Bridge Caverns when you visit New Braunfels

Naegelin’s Bakery

Between all the adventuring you must make time for a snack to keep your engine going. Stop off at the oldest bakery in Texas for a truly authentic experience.

Naegelin’s has been in operation for more than 140 years and still serves the community every day of the week.

Here you can indulge in everything from cream-filled donuts to fresh marble bread, scrumptious strudel, nostalgia-filled pies, and molasses cookies.

Bakery + historic significance = Winning!

READ MORE: 15 Best Historical Sites in Texas

Naegelin's Bakery Oldest Bakery in Texas since 1868.

Stroll around downtown New Braunfels and visit the Texas’ oldest bakery

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Make a splash at Schlitterbahn Waterpark which boasts over 70 acres of thrilling water rides.

Go on a tubing adventure over 3 miles or take a ride on the 17 waterslides across the park.

This is also where you will find the first FlowRider surf machine in the world and there are seven playgrounds where kids can frolic to their heart’s content.

Some of the most popular rides at the park are the Sky Coaster, the Boogie Bahn, and the Torrent Wave River but there is a total of 51 attractions including picnic spots and restaurants.

A visit to the water park will cruise to the top of your list of things to do in Texas in summer.

Landa Park

The rapidly expanding nature of New Braunfels is evident in its constant buzz but to escape the bustle, there is no better spot than Landa Park.

Hop on the miniature train that chugs through the park or get some fresh air on the two hiking trails, Harry Landa Tree Trail, and the Panther Canyon Nature Trail – my favorite spot for an early morning hike in NBTX.

The park is brimming with other recreational spaces including a swimming pool, a lake with paddle boats, a mini-golf and 18-hole golf course, volleyball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and much more.

Nature lovers will also appreciate William and Dolores Schumann Arboretum which houses more than 100 beautiful tree species.

Landa Park is fun for everyone!

Explore beautiful Landa Park where you’ll find the majestic Founder’s Oak tree

Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture

The German-settler history of New Braunfels is a fascinating one and is told through the collection of charming antiques kept at the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture.

Previous occupants of the museum collected Biedermeier furniture which is still on display at the museum along with beautiful quilts, cabinets, and English ironstone.

I enjoyed taking the tour of the log cabin and other historic buildings hosted by a wonderful volunteer who answered all our questions. You can also enjoy some delicious eats from the summer kitchen. If you can make it to their annual Folkfest event in mid-April you’ll have great fun with live music and lots of interesting demos.

The museum is equal parts art, craftsmanship, and nostalgia, a worthy addition to the New Braunfels attraction list.

Wooden workbench and woodworking tools at Museum of Handmade Furniture New Braunfels TX.

Take a fun and educational tour of the Museum of Handmade Furniture

Cypress Bend Park

Tubing down the Guadalupe River is a popular weekend activity for Texans in the area and the last stop on this fun-filled adventure is Cypress Bend park.

The 17-acre park has a subline row of Cypress trees lining the river, giving the park its memorable name. I love these trees, they have such character and they turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red in late fall.

Enjoy a low-key picnic or BBQ in the shade or wet your line in the river and see what the catch of the day is.

Play outdoors at Cypress Bend Park with a field, playground, and walking trails by the river

McKenna Children’s Museum

If you are visiting new Braunfels with kids, there is no better place than McKenna Children’s Museum.

Here they can let their imaginations run wild and launch a rocket, work on a farm, go camping, and drive a car, all under one roof!

The museum simulates a bunch of real-world scenarios, in children’s size, and allows kind up to the age of eight to play, learn, and explore.

They see city and small-town life, space, music, languages, hospitals, and nature at work and get to see what their potential place in the world could look like.

I don’t have kids, but if I did this is where I would take them for a fun outing in town.

New Braunfels Wineries

Whether you fancy yourself a wine connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, the wineries in and around New Braunfels are unmissable.

From sprawling vineyards to classy tasting rooms, New Braunfels has it all. Water 2 Wine is one of the most popular wine stops with true Texan wines that are oaked and fermented on-site.

The Winery on the Gruene is the only one in the historic area and visitors can swirl and sniff their way through around 30 wines. Their fruity chardonnay and spicy merlot are among the most popular.

Dry Comal Creek is a must if you are looking for rolling hills covered in vineyards, an ideal setting for a late afternoon tasting.

Explore all the best of New Braunfels and Gruene Texas

New Braunfels Breweries

Texas has been leaving its mark on the craft brew industries for a while and New Braunfels is no stranger to the industry. And I’m no stranger to beer, it is the perfect beverage to quench one’s thirst on a hot summer day.

New Braunfels Brewing Company is a heavy hitter in the craft brew game and with brews like the “New Blondefels Blonde”, you know they will be bringing you a unique local taste.

Faust Brewing Company is another popular stop for beer lovers, and they offer something for every taste. Their light-bodied red cream ale, The “Bucket Brigade”, is an instant classic.

At Guadalupe Brewing Company you can sip on a full-bodied Honey Ale while relaxing on their delightful outdoor patio.

When you get thirsty for a brew in the Lone Start State New Braunfels is a great place to quench that thirst.

Wurstfest Annual Festival

In a once-a-year celebration, New Braunfels gets together to celebrate their unique German and Texan heritage in the best way possible: sausage!

And what goes with sausage? I know you said BEER, and yes you are correct!

For 10 days during Wurstfest, the city is overtaken by music, food, beer, entertainment, and all manner of Bavarian fun and games. This is why I love Wurstfest so much.

And beer, did I mention beer?!

The festival takes place in November when the weather in Texas is at its best. Sausage has been celebrated here since the ‘60s.

Sausage-hungry festival goers can eat their body weight in wurst and wurst dishes while enjoying the jovial atmosphere that spreads throughout the city.

You’re going to have the best time at Wurstfest!

Celebrate German heritage with music, food, and beer at Wurstfest in New Braunfels Texas

Final Thoughts on New Braunfels Things to Do

New Braunfels sits on the outskirts of San Antonio but might soon surpass its older brother in popularity thanks to all the fun that is to be had here. Follow your curiosity to this gem of a city to see all its beauty for yourself and you are sure to be welcomed in true Texan style!

Bookmark this page for when you plan your Texas itinerary :)