New Braunfels, Texas is located between Austin and San Antonio and probably best known for the Comal and Guadalupe rivers which run through town. Exploring New Braunfels is so much fun! You have a great mix of river centric activities, beautiful historic buildings, shops, and great restaurants. You will find Naegelin’s, the oldest Texas bakery here, and Henne, the oldest Texas hardware store. If you all remember from my “most instagrammable spots in New Braunfels” post, this Texas town has our heart!
In this weekend getaway guide, I want to share some ideas on how to spend the perfect weekend in New Braunfels.
What to do:
Float the river!
If you are going here in the summer months, I highly recommend floating the river. There are tons of river outfitters where you can rent tubes. They all have shuttle service so you don’t have to worry about how to get back to your car. Glass containers are not allowed in the river but you can definitely bring a cooler with snacks and drinks. Depending on the water level, a float could be anywhere from 2-6 hours!
Stroll the shops Downtown.
San Antonio Street boasts great antique stores and boutiques perfect for picking or window shopping. You can also find great restaurants and cafe’s including the oldest Texas bakery, Naeglins.
Visit Gruene.
You can spend a morning or afternoon wandering through the historic district of Gruene. Gruene Hall is the oldest dance hall in Texas but has gained notoriety by having appeared in movies like Johns Travolta’s Michael and even an episode of The Bachelor. Country greats like Willie Nelson and Garth Brooks have performed in Gruene Hall and it’s a popular venue for up and coming artists. Other cute shops like Gruene General Store are a must see. They sell homemade fudge, ice cream, sweets as well as locally made souvenirs.
Where to eat:
The Gristmill.1287 Gruene Rd · New Braunfels, TX 78130
The Gristmill is one of the most popular restaurants in New Braunfels, so expect there to be a wait if you’re going during peak hours. Located in Gruene, right on the Guadalupe River, the enormous space includes a tree-covered patio overlooking the water. From fried catfish to burgers and many South Texas specialties, the Gristmill is perfect for unique casual dining for the whole family.
Krause’s Cafe 148 S Castell Ave · New Braunfels, TX 78130
If you are in the mood for German cuisine and love a beer garden, Krause’s is the place to go! This huge outdoor garden has over 70 beers on tap, is dog and kid friendly and has live music. As a German myself, I have to say the food is pretty authentic!!
Huisache Grill. 303 W San Antonio St · New Braunfels, TX 78130
This cute restaurant is tucked away from the main road inside an old house. The food is amazing and the wine list is extensive!
McAdoo’s Seafood Company. 196 North Castell Avenue · New Braunfels, TX
If you are in the mood for some finer dining featuring Texas Creole Favorites, Authentic Cajun Specialties or Fresh Fish, you have to go to McAdoo’s. The “Seafood Fondoo” with garlic toast will change your life. Not only is the food amazing but it’s located in Downtown New Braunfels, in the old Post Office building!
Where to stay:
Gruene Mansion Inn 1275 Gruene Rd. · New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Right in downtown Gruene sits this gorgeous victorian mansion. What a fun place to stay, walking distance from all the shops and restaurants. To know what gorgeous doors they used on those establishments, click here.
Schlitterbahn Hotel If your are in town for a family vacation and are wanting to spend time at Schlitterbahn water park, this might be the most convenient for you!
Mystic Quarry 13190 FM 306 · Canyon Lake, TX
I talked about this epic campground in my Wimberley blog post. They have RV and tent sites but also cabins, tiny homes and teepees! It’s such a cool place and walking distance to a tubing outfitter!
