This was a hosted stay, all opinions are my own.
Being a Texas Native, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring our large state. We have several well-known cities like Dallas, Waco and Austin but there are so many other gems in Texas that families should not miss out on.
New Braunfels has been one of my favorite family-friendly destinations since our first visit many years ago. The rich history, laid back atmosphere and local attractions have earned it a spot in my list of top Texas destinations.
During our recent visit, I was able to experience the perfect itinerary for the best weekend in New Braunfels. Start your travel planning with this guide:
What To Do: A Weekend in New Braunfels
There is no shortage of fun ways to keep families busy in New Braunfels, TX but there are some must-do things we don’t want you to miss.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort
You cannot miss a visit to my favorite outdoor waterpark in the state of Texas! It’s unlike most other amusement parks. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark was voted the #1 Waterpark in the World for 23 Years and it’s no mystery why they held this title. You won’t believe the size of this waterpark. It’s on over 70 acres of Texas Hill Country with more than 50 attractions. This is one of the places that my kids beg to visit over and over again.
There are several reasons why we love this water park but for me the highlight is that you get to embrace the stunning scenery while exploring the four different areas of this park. At this water park you can pick whether you want to thrill or chill or maybe both?! My kids (ages 8-13) like to enjoy all the waterslides and pools but I’m a fan of the not-so-lazy river and swim-up bars. It’s a great place for the entire family to spend the day.
Learn more about Schlitterbahn here.
Floating the Comal River
Texans are always looking for a way to stay cool during the summer and one of the best ways to do that is to float the Comal River. Families enjoy floating this river because it’s a shorter float then the Guadalupe River and has calmer waters. The Comal River also has the famous tube chute that everyone wants to see and experience when visiting New Braunfels. The tube chute is a giant concrete waterside that you just must see to believe!
This 2.5-mile float is a great way to spend the afternoon. There are a ton of tube rentals companies in the area that will rent you floats and transport you to and from the river. Each person is allowed one cooler but be sure to read all the rules on what types of containers are allowed on the river.
Pack plenty of sunscreen and be ready to float your cares away! Learn more about floating the Comal here.
Where To Eat When Visiting New Braunfels
For our family, eating at the local hot spots is one of our favorite things to do when traveling. New Braunfels has some many incredible and unique dining options that you will want to be sure to make time for these:
Breakfast at La Citron
This is more than a great breakfast spot, it’s an experience. The Le Citron is a European Cafe & Bistro located in downtown New Braunfels. We had the most incredible coffee and dishes that will make you think your dining in Europe! The Farmer’s Crepe was a local favorite that we loved.
Lunch at Muck & Fuss
Another great dining option in downtown New Braunfels. Much & Fuss is known for their selection of craft beers and burgers! You’re going to be completely blown away by their burgers. This place had such a fun and relaxed vibe which made it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with the kids.
Dinner at Huisache Grill
Prepare yourself for an incredible evening filled with delicious dishes and a large selection of wines from around the world. The Huisache Grill prides themselves on being an intimate and casual restaurant that serves contemporary cuisine. Our family was able to enjoy a beautiful dinner together inside this restaurant that is filled with rich local history.
If you’re celebrating any occasion during your visit to New Braunfels, this would be a great place to do that.
Dessert at 2Tarts
You can’t have a perfect weekend without enjoying some incredible sweet treats. Located downtown, we picked out some wonderful desserts to take back to our condo at this local bakery. All their baked goods are made from scratch. We enjoyed their macaroons, cheesecake and several types of pies.
This is also a great place to stop at for breakfast. They have an incredible quiche and cold brew coffee.
Where To Stay in New Braunfels
When looking for a place to stay in New Braunfels you’ll have plenty of options! We’re sharing two options that work well for families.
River Run Condominiums
On our recent visit to New Braunfels, we stayed at the river run Condominiums. This is a great lodging option for families. It’s within walking distance of downtown New Braunfels and located right on the Comal River.
If you’re planning to float the Comal this would be a great place to consider staying. We loved how close it was to downtown and to Schlitterbahn.
SchlitterStein Lofts
During one of our visits to Schlitterbahn we stayed in one of the SchlitterStein Lofts which was wonderful for our 2-day visit to the waterpark. These are upscale retreats located right on the river. Each loft has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms which gave our family plenty of space to spread out.
For more lodging options visit here.
More Tips for Your Visit:
- Be sure to check out the official New Braunfels website to see a calendar of events that might be worth planning a visit around.
- There are certain weekends throughout the year, like the 4th of July, when it would not be the best time to float the Comal with kids.
- New Braunfels is a 45-minute drive from San Antonio and a 1 hour from Austin. Making this a great day trip from either of those cities.
We hope this itinerary will help you plan the perfect weekend in New Braunfels, Texas. Read more about our other favorite destinations here.
