HILL COUNTRY PARADISE
New Braunfels, Texas
Where Hill Country charm meets endless water adventures
DISCOVER NEW BRAUNFELS
Your Hill Country Adventure Awaits
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels is a charming riverside city that perfectly blends German heritage, natural beauty, and endless outdoor adventures. Just 30 minutes from San Antonio and an hour from Austin, this vibrant destination offers world-class water parks, crystal-clear rivers, historic downtown districts, and authentic Texas hospitality.
Whether you're seeking thrilling water slides at Schlitterbahn, peaceful river tubing on the Guadalupe, live music in historic Gruene, or lakefront relaxation at Lake Dunlap, New Braunfels delivers unforgettable experiences for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike.
90K+
POPULATION
175
YEARS HISTORY
2
RIVERS
DISCOVER NEW BRAUNFELS
Your Hill Country Adventure Awaits
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels is a charming riverside city that perfectly blends German heritage, natural beauty, and endless outdoor adventures. Just 30 minutes from San Antonio and an hour from Austin, this vibrant destination offers world-class water parks, crystal-clear rivers, historic downtown districts, and authentic Texas hospitality.
Whether you're seeking thrilling water slides at Schlitterbahn, peaceful river tubing on the Guadalupe, live music in historic Gruene, or lakefront relaxation at Canyon Lake, New Braunfels delivers unforgettable experiences for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike.
90K+
POPULATION
175
YEARS HISTORY
2
CRYSTAL RIVERS
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Must-Visit Destinations
The best experiences New Braunfels has to offer
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
10 Minutes from Happy Waves
World's best waterpark featuring thrilling rides, lazy rivers, and family-friendly fun. From the Master Blaster uphill water coaster to relaxing tube chutes, it's a must-visit for every family.
Gruene Historic District
12 Minutes from Happy Waves
Texas' oldest dance hall, unique boutiques, antique shops, and authentic Texas charm. Live music, delicious BBQ, and riverside dining make Gruene a quintessential Texas experience.
Comal River Tubing
5 Minutes from Happy Waves
Float down crystal-clear spring-fed waters on one of Texas' most popular tubing rivers. Perfect for hot summer days with gentle rapids, swimming holes, and beautiful scenery.
Natural Bridge Caverns
20 Minutes from Happy Waves
Explore stunning underground formations in Texas' largest commercial caverns. Adventure tours include zip lining, rope courses, and gemstone mining for the whole family.
Lake Dunlap
Happy Waves is ON the Lake Dunlap
8,230 acres of pristine waters perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and jet skiing. Stay at Happy Waves Lake House and enjoy direct lakefront access with private dock.
Downtown New Braunfels
15 Minutes from Happy Waves
Charming town square with German architecture, local restaurants, craft breweries, unique shops, and cultural events. Perfect for evening strolls and authentic dining.
THINGS TO DO
Activities for Everyone
From water adventures to cultural experiences
Water Activities
- River tubing
- Schlitterbahn waterpark
- Lake boating & swimming
- Jet ski rentals
- Paddle boarding
- Kayaking
Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking trails
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- Fishing expeditions
- Zip lining
- Wildlife viewing
- Bird watching
Family Fun
- Landa Park playground
- Mini golf
- Children’s museums
- Animal Farm petting zoo
- Gemstone mining
- Train rides
Arts & Culture
- Gruene Hall live music
- German heritage tours
- Art galleries
- Whitewater Amphitheater
- Local festivals
- Historic walking tours
Food & Drink
- Texas BBQ joints
- Craft breweries
- German cuisine
- Wine tasting
- Waterfront dining
- Food trucks
Shopping
- Gruene boutiques
- Antique shops
- Farmers markets
- Outlet malls
- next week premium outlets
- Local artisan crafts
- Souvenir shops
DINING
Best Restaurants
Authentic Texas flavors and Hill Country cuisine
Gristmill Restaurant
Texas Cuisine • Gruene
Historic riverside dining in a 100-year-old cotton gin. Famous for burgers, steaks, and scenic patio overlooking the Guadalupe River.
Krause's Cafe
German • Biergarten
Authentic German food and beer garden since 1938. Schnitzel, bratwurst, and live music in a festive outdoor setting.
Huisache Grill
Fine Dining • American
Upscale dining featuring Hill Country ingredients, innovative cuisine, and extensive wine list in elegant downtown setting.
Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ
Texas BBQ
Award-winning Texas BBQ with massive open pits. Choose your meat at the pit, authentic Hill Country style since 1953.
Buttermilk Cafe
Breakfast • Brunch
Farm-to-table breakfast and brunch favorites. Famous for pancakes, omelets, and homemade pastries in charming atmosphere.
Faust Brewing Company
Brewery • Pub Food
Local craft beers brewed on-site with great pub fare. Outdoor beer garden perfect for relaxing after river tubing.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Festivals & Celebrations
Year-round events celebrating Hill Country culture
November
Wurstfest - NOV 6 – 15, 2026
10-day German heritage festival celebrating sausage, music, and beer. Over 100,000 visitors enjoy authentic German food, carnival rides, and live entertainment.
December
Wassailfest - Thursday, December 3, 2026
Victorian Christmas celebration in historic downtown with carolers, street performers, holiday markets, and festive lights throughout the town square.
May
Memorial Day Weekend
Unofficial start of river season! Massive tubing crowds, waterpark openings, live music at Gruene Hall, and summer kickoff celebrations citywide.
JULY
4th of July Celebration
Spectacular fireworks over Landa Park, patriotic festivities, live music, food vendors, and family activities throughout Independence Day weekend.
SEPTEMBER
Comal County Fair - 9/23-27
Traditional county fair with livestock shows, carnival rides, live concerts, rodeo events, and classic fair food enjoyed by families for generations.
YEAR_ROUND
Gruene Hall Concerts
Texas’ oldest dance hall hosts live music every night. Country legends and up-and-coming artists perform in this iconic venue dating back to 1878.