Moving to a new city is simultaneously overwhelming and exciting. If you’ve just arrived in New Braunfels, TX, or you’re considering a move here, you’re in for a real treat. Located between San Antonio and Austin, New Braunfels offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat: small-town charm (but not too small, it has over 100 thousand residents), rich cultural roots, and plenty of things to do all year round.
To The Moon Moving helped many people relocate to this area, and after we deliver all their things safely to the new house, the first question is: “What to do in New Braunfels, TX?” This guide covers the best ways to experience your new home: from outdoor adventures and local history to restaurants, family activities, and nearby day trips.
Explore the Best Things to Do in New Braunfels, TX
After you unpack each box, take some time to actually enjoy what New Braunfels has to offer. Or you can start exploring even before you completely unpack, that way you will relax a bit after the stressful period that includes moving. Here’s what to check out first.
1. Float the Comal or Guadalupe Rivers
If there’s one thing New Braunfels is known for, it’s the river life. Floating the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers is practically a local rite of passage. You can rent a tube and let the current carry you along under the Texas sun. It’s relaxing, fun, and a great way to meet people.
There are plenty of outfitters like Rockin’ R River Rides and Landa Falls that make it easy to plan your float. The Comal is shorter and gentler, perfect for families and beginners, while the Guadalupe offers more of a thrill, especially after spring rains. Just remember to bring water shoes, sunscreen, and check river flow updates before heading out.
2. Visit Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Living just minutes from one of the top waterparks in the country? That’s a perk we never take for granted. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is a Texas summer staple, with over 50 attractions spread across two sections of the park.
Whether you’ve got kids, teenagers, or just want to feel like a kid again, you’ll find something here, like the Master Blaster water coaster and lazy rivers plus shaded picnic spots. Season passes are popular with locals, and they offer good discounts if you plan to visit often.
3. Discover Historic Gruene
When friends or family visit, we always take them to Gruene (pronounced “green”), a historic district full of charm. It’s technically part of New Braunfels, but it feels like its own little town, with live music, antique shops, great food, and many more things.
Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, hosts live music almost every night. For food, we love The Gristmill River Restaurant for comfort food with a river view, or Mozie’s for casual bites. There are also wineries, galleries, and boutique shops that make it easy to spend an entire afternoon here.
4. Spend a Day at Landa Park
If you’re looking for a quieter day out, Landa Park is where we go to slow down and enjoy nature. It’s one of New Braunfels’ most beloved parks, with 51 acres of oak trees, trails, and picnic areas.
Families can ride the miniature train, rent paddle boats, or let the kids explore the playgrounds. Walkers and joggers love the Panther Canyon Nature Trail, and there’s even a mini-golf course and a spring-fed pool that’s open in the summer. It’s a community hub, and you’ll find something different each season.
5. Tour the Sophienburg Museum and Archives
We’re proud of the German roots in New Braunfels, and the Sophienburg Museum is the place to learn how it all started. It tells the story of the German settlers who founded this town in the mid-1800s and built a lasting cultural legacy.
The exhibits are detailed and thoughtfully curated. It’s not just for history buffs, but for anyone who wants to feel more connected to this place we now call home.
6. Shop and Dine in Downtown New Braunfels
Downtown has a mix of history and modern local flavor. We always recommend 2tarts Bakery for a coffee and pastry to start your stroll. The streets are walkable, filled with independent shops.
Hungry? You’ve got plenty of local spots. You should definitely try Muck & Fuss for burgers and craft beer. There’s also a Saturday farmers market that’s pretty popular.
7. Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns
Just a short drive from New Braunfels, the Natural Bridge Caverns are an underground wonder that’s worth more than one visit. The guided tours take you through jaw-dropping chambers with ancient stalactites and rock formations.
Above ground, there’s more to do: zip lines, a maze, and a ropes course that’s great for kids and adventurous adults. You can easily spend a full afternoon here, and it’s perfect for when you have out-of-town guests.
8. Attend Wurstfest – The City’s Iconic Festival
If you’re moving to New Braunfels, mark your calendar for Wurstfest every November. It’s a ten-day German festival that celebrates our roots with beer, bratwurst, polka music, and plenty of dancing.
The festival grounds come alive with food booths, carnival rides, and live performances. Locals often dress in traditional German attire and yes, lederhosen and dirndls are totally normal here. It’s one of the most fun and community-driven events of the year.
9. Visit the McKenna Children’s Museum
Families with younger kids will appreciate the McKenna Children’s Museum. It’s not huge, but it’s very well thought out. From a pretend grocery store and hospital to science and art stations, it’s both fun and educational.
It’s a favorite on hot or rainy days, and memberships are affordable if you plan to go often. It’s also a great place to meet other families who’ve recently moved here.
10. Enjoy Live Music and Theater Performances
New Braunfels may be small, but it punches above its weight when it comes to live entertainment. The Brauntex Theater downtown hosts plays, concerts, and community shows. For live music, the Whitewater Amphitheater on the Guadalupe River draws big-name artists during the warmer months.
There are also smaller venues like Phoenix Saloon and Billy’s Ice where you can catch great live sets in a laid-back environment.
Things to Do Near New Braunfels, TX
Sometimes the best part about living in New Braunfels is how close you are to everything else.
Take a Drive to Canyon Lake
Just about 25 minutes away, Canyon Lake is a must for nature lovers. It’s a stunning reservoir surrounded by hills and hiking trails, part of what makes this area so unique. With the elevation of New Braunfels, TX sitting around 650 feet, you’ll notice a gentle climb into higher ground as you approach the lake, which opens up to some truly impressive views.
Some of us go for quiet morning hikes, others bring a cooler and set up for a full day at the beach. Either way, it’s a peaceful escape from city life and a regular weekend destination.
Spend a Day in San Marcos
San Marcos is another neighboring town that’s full of things to do. If you like shopping, the San Marcos Premium Outlets are a huge draw with hundreds of name-brand stores.
For something a little more low-key, float the San Marcos River, take a glass-bottom boat tour at The Meadows Center, or enjoy the university’s arts and coffee shop scene. It’s interesting and only a 30-minute drive away.
Explore San Antonio’s Historic Attractions
When we want a change of pace, San Antonio is an easy day trip. Everyone should visit The Alamo at least once, and the River Walk is always a relaxing stroll, especially at night when the lights come on.
Other highlights include the San Antonio Missions, Pearl District, San Antonio Zoo, and pro sport events.
Discover the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail
We’re lucky to be so close to the Texas Hill Country, one of the most underrated wine regions in the country. Towns like Wimberley, Driftwood, and Fredericksburg are packed with vineyards and tasting rooms.
Spots like Driftwood Estate Winery and Becker Vineyards offer tastings with hilltop views, and many are dog-friendly and perfect for weekend getaways. It’s a relaxing way to explore the area while discovering some excellent local wines.
Living in New Braunfels: Final Thoughts
As a local company, To The Moon Moving offers moving services in New Braunfels, TX, which means we had contact with so many newcomers and whenever we ran into one of them in 6 months or a year, they all had only positive experiences of living in this wonderful city.
We hope this guide gives you a solid starting point to explore and experience the best of your new home. There’s always something new to discover, and we think you’ll fall in love with New Braunfels just like we did.
And you don’t even have to move to get to know it better since there are plenty of good places to stay in New Braunfels, TX, so it’s worth coming as tourists, too.
