If you’re looking for a weekend that’s part lazy river, part small-town charm, and 100% Texas, New Braunfels is calling your name.
This place has everything—cool history, awesome food, wild animals, underground adventures, and some of the best ways to chill you’ll find anywhere.
You can pack a lot into just two days here, from floating and hiking to eating your weight in pastries and jamming to live music.
Not sure where to start?
Don’t worry, I’ve got your perfect weekend all mapped out, with every stop worth your time.
1. Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns is just 20 minutes outside New Braunfels and it’s the largest known commercial cave system in Texas.
It’s famous for its massive underground chambers, crazy-cool rock formations like soda straws, flowstones, and a 60-foot limestone bridge right at the entrance.
You can take a 75-minute guided tour that goes 180 feet below the surface and passes through giant rooms like the Hall of the Mountain King.
If you’re into extra adventure, there’s also a ropes course, gem mining, and a spooky lantern-lit tour that feels like real-life treasure hunting.
2. Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Just 20 minutes down the road, Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo brings the wild right to New Braunfels.
This place started in the 1960s as just a snake farm, but now it’s home to over 500 species of animals including lions, lemurs, wolves, and even a two-toed sloth named Sid.
You can watch live feedings, get super close to the animals during encounters, and they still have one of the most diverse snake collections in the country.
It’s small, easy to explore in a couple hours, and packed with hands-on fun that’s perfect if you’re into cool creatures and creepy crawlers.
3. The Sophienburg Museum & Archives
If you’re more into old stories than slithery snakes, head to The Sophienburg Museum & Archives right in downtown New Braunfels.
This spot tells the tale of how German settlers founded the town back in 1845, and it’s packed with real-deal artifacts like handmade furniture, old-school clothing, and even letters from Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels.
The museum sits on the original site of the settlers’ fort, so you’re literally standing on history while you check it all out.
It’s quiet, cozy, and super interesting—perfect for a chill hour of exploring before grabbing a bite downtown.
4. Naegelin’s German Bakery
Right around the corner, Naegelin’s German Bakery is the ultimate stop for a sugar fix and it’s actually the oldest bakery in Texas, open since 1868.
This place smells like heaven and cranks out giant strudels, flaky turnovers, soft pretzels, and old-school favorites like lebkuchen and pfeffernüsse.
Everything’s made fresh daily, and the apple strudel is legendary—like, people-drive-hours kind of legendary.
Grab a box (or two) and snack while you wander downtown, because nothing pairs with sightseeing like pastries.
5. Comal River
Once you’re fully fueled with pastries, it’s time to hit the water and the Comal River is hands-down one of the most chillest floats in Texas.
At just 2.5 miles long, it’s the shortest navigable river in the state, which makes it perfect for a lazy tube ride that lasts about 2 hours.
You’ll float past tree-lined banks, small rapids, and even slide through the famous Tube Chute—a built-in mini water slide that’s a lot of fun for kids and adults.
Bring your own tube or rent one from places like Landa Falls or Texas Tubes, and don’t forget water shoes and a waterproof snack.
6. Landa Park
When you’re ready to dry off but still want to be outside, Landa Park is the perfect place to slow things down.
It’s a huge 51-acre park with shady oak trees, walking trails, a spring-fed pool, and even a cute little miniature train that runs through the park.
You can rent a paddle boat on Landa Lake, hike the Panther Canyon Trail (1.6 miles with a mild incline), or just chill on the grass with some ice cream.
It’s super family-friendly, totally laid-back, and right in the heart of New Braunfels, so you don’t have to go far to find your next fun thing.
7. Gruene Historic District
Just a few minutes up the road, Gruene Historic District feels like stepping into a tiny Texas town from way back, except with better shopping and live music.
It’s home to the legendary Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, where everyone from George Strait to Willie Nelson has played.
You’ll find antique shops, wine tasting rooms, the famous Gristmill River Restaurant (try the chicken-fried steak!), and plenty of cute spots to grab souvenirs.
Whether you’re two-stepping under the string lights or just sipping a cold drink on a porch, Gruene’s got serious charm without trying too hard.
8. Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre
When the sun goes down, skip the usual Netflix night and head to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre just outside town.
This retro-style spot has three giant outdoor screens and double features every night so you’re getting two movies for the price of one.
You can bring lawn chairs, cozy up in the back of your car, and munch on chili & cheese fries or fresh funnel cakes while you watch.
It’s the perfect low-key way to end your day, especially if you’re into stargazing, popcorn, and a little throwback fun.
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