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.

✦ 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

Outdoor Adventures

Family Fun

Arts & Culture

Food & Drink

Shopping

✦ 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.

✦ STAY ✦

Stay at Happy Waves Lake House

Experience New Braunfels from your own luxury lakefront retreat. Happy Waves Lake House offers the perfect home base for all your Hill Country adventures—with exclusive Jet Ski rentals, private dock, and stunning Lake Dunlap views.

4 Bed • 3 Bath Sleeps 13

Jet Ski & Lily Pad Rentals Available

10 Minutes to Schlitterbahn

5.0 Rated Luxury Property

Book your stay at Happy Waves and experience the best of Hill Country hospitality