Photo credit CCBucketlist

Recognized by Forbes Advisor as one of the best travel destinations in 2024 and named Texas Travel Awards Destination of the Year, New Braunfels is full of historic charm, modern fun and outdoor adventure. Whatever the taste or need, New Braunfels has it all.

So, what would you like to do?

Here are ideas for the best times in New Braunfels this weekend:

Day 1 (Friday night)

Check in and then REALLY check out when you stay at one of New Braunfels unique boutique hotels like Sophie’s Gasthaus, Prince Solms Inn or Gruene Mansion Inn. The riverside Courtyard by Marriott or Comal River Cottages provides direct access to the Guadalupe or Comal Rivers.

Get the weekend started, and head to historic downtown to sip wine with incredible cheese at Gourmage, savor a craft cocktail at the underground speakeasy Sidecar or relish in a beer tasting at New Braunfels Brewing.

Photo credit Sidecar at Prince Solms Inn.

The New Braunfels Downtown Association hosts its First Friday events the first Friday of each month. Boutiques, antiques, eateries, and bakeries stay open later and offer specials including beer and wine tastings.

If a show is in store, reserve a seat at the historic Brauntex Theater and choose from a variety of programming all year long including live music, ballet, symphony, and plays.

If Americana music is your jam, head over to Texas’ oldest dance hall Gruene Hall for a cold longneck at the Friday Afternoon Club hosted by local radio station KNBT 92.1. Live radio programming for 3 hours is full of great music, special guests, and prizes.

Whether in Gruene or historic downtown, New Braunfels is home to dozens of independently owned, award winning restaurants that boast their creative expression in cuisine and atmosphere.

Saunter over to Mozie’s for their sliders, grab tacos at Cantina Del Rio, or make reservations at Alpine Haus for authentic German fair. Local favorite Huisache Grill has an eclectic, warm vibe. The Hot & Crunchy Trout is a must try!  

After dinner gear up for a little night life in historic downtown. Enjoy live band karaoke at Moonshine & Ale, parlor games and bowling at Downtown Social, corn hole at Pour Haus or live music at the historic, restored Phoenix Saloon. Krause’s Café hosts bands nightly, and its lively Bierhalle houses the largest tap wall in New Braunfels, offering a wide selection of local craft brews and hometown favorites.

DAY 2 (Saturday)

For the active travelers, head over to Laurel Grace Yoga for their early morning More Core class. Take a hike in Panther Canyon in historic Landa Park, which is home to the William and Dolores Schumann Arboretum, containing over 56 different trees species, many of which are 100 years old and older. Join a run or walk through town with Two Rivers Running.

Grab a hearty breakfast at Buttermilk Café, Krause’s Café or Crosswalk Coffee, which offers a view of Main Plaza, then head over to the New Braunfels Farmers Market where local farmers and ranchers sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and one-of-kind items.

From the Farmers Market, continue the quest to find unique goods at over three dozen artisan shops, boutiques and home décor stores like Got Toys, Currents, Dancing Pony, Heritage Supply, Staunch, The Local, Downtown Antique Mall, and Red Stag.

Enjoy the outdoors and play frisbee golf at Prince Solms Park, picnic at Hinman Island or tap a river outfitter for a full day of tubing or kayaking on the 72 degree spring-fed Comal River or The Guadalupe River.

After a day on the water or exploring downtown, make a night of it in Gruene. Start with the largest selection of Texas wine at The Grapevine. Dine at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, then get ready for some honky tonkin’ at Texas oldest iconic dance hall, Gruene Hall.

Day 3 (Sunday)

If you are early to rise, grab a dirty chai or drip coffee and sweet or savory treats at 2Tarts, hop in the car and catch the sun making its way over the limestone cliffs on a scenic drive down historic River Road. River Road runs for 10 miles alongside the Guadalupe River between New Braunfels and Canyon Lake Dam and is lined with beautiful Cypress trees. The aptly named River Road features four river crossings as it winds its way along the Guadalupe River. Look for the U.S. and Texas flag hanging overhead as you near third crossing.

If brunch is in order, head over to  McAdoo’s Seafood Co. & Oyster. Located in an historic post office downtown, McAdoo’s menu is full of Texas Creole favorites, fresh seafood and oysters. Their brunch includes a snazzy Bloody Mary bar chock full of toppings.

If authentic Mexican table is in order, La Cosecha is the place. Craving more home-cooked favorites, pick The Root Cellar.

After brunch, explore New Braunfels craft breweries on a Hill Country Craft Beer Trail.

For whatever you want to do, New Braunfels, Texas.