This Unique City In Texas Hill Country Is An Overlooked Getaway With Small-Town Charm

Tucked between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels is not as famous as its neighbors, but it is one of the top U.S. vacation spots to add to your bucket list. With its German history and small-town charm, New Braunfels is a perfect getaway for travelers seeking tranquility. You can explore the historic buildings, sample local fares, and enjoy outdoor adventures along the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. 

The history of New Braunfels is rooted in its German-American heritage. This small town was founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, who led a few settlers to the area. The city proudly preserves its European roots through architecture, traditions, and annual festivals like Wurstfest, an energetic celebration of German music, food, and beer.

Getting to New Braunfels is pretty easy from major Texas cities. From San Antonio, the drive to New Braunfels is about 35 minutes, while the drive from Austin is about an hour. The nearest airport is San Antonio International Airport (SAT), about 28 miles southwest of the city. Alternatively, you can fly to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which is about 50 miles northeast. From the airport, take a taxi or rent a car for the drive to New Braunfels. 

New Braunfels features some of the best historical sites to visit in America. For example, the Historic Downtown area, built in the 1800s, is awash with boutique shops and locally owned cafés housed in 19th-century structures showcasing German heritage. Travelers will also come across the legendary Comal County Courthouse. The building is dotted with various dining options, invigorating art venues, and specialty retail stores. When looking for enjoyable things to do in New Braunfels, stop by the Antique Mall, located in an early-1900s building. Roam around the curated collections from over 60 dealers as you explore the mall. If you love art, the Mill Street Art Gallery is a must-visit. Here, you will find a collection of fine art created by local artists.

Another highlight of the less-appreciated city is the Gruene Historic District, located just minutes from downtown along the Guadalupe River. Gruene's main street is lined with antique stores, boutique clothing shops, and Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest dance hall. Gruene Hall hosts live music events and traditional dance nights.

After shopping for antiques and souvenirs in the 19th-century storefronts, you can dine in one of the local eateries. Stop by Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, located in a building that was originally a cotton gin and later renovated into a restaurant in 1977. Some of the treats you can expect on the menu include grilled chicken, steaks, and burgers that you can pair with craft beers and cocktails. Slice enthusiasts will appreciate Infernos Pizza. On the menu, you will find pizza, sandwiches, and Italian treats such as spaghetti and meatballs, as well as chicken pasta.

New Braunfels is located at the heart of Texas' rolling plains, allowing travelers to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in iconic Texas Hill Country. With the two rivers, the Comal River and the Guadalupe River, you can participate in various water adventures all year round. For example, tubing in the Comal River is a favorite local pastime. You will start at the Wurstfest grounds and tube through downtown and Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The Guadalupe River, known as "The Guad," also allows tubing, and you can float on the river as you enjoy beautiful vistas of the surrounding greenery. If canoeing or kayaking is your thing, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the river.

A few minutes from downtown New Braunfels is Landa Park, a 51-acre park with a variety of fun activities to try out. The park has three playgrounds, several miles of walking trails under giant oak trees, and an outdoor amphitheater. Hop on the miniature train and explore the park with your kids. The train passes through all the iconic features of the park. You can also take a dip at the Landa Park Aquatic Complex or enjoy a performance at the amphitheater. Another must-try adventure is the Natural Bridge Caverns, which is one of Texas' biggest caverns. Join a guided tour and walk through the stalagmites and stalactites. Make sure you try the challenging maze of AMAZEn' Ranch Roundup.