Forget Long Trips – Take A Daycation In New Braunfels, Texas

Out of all the regions in Texas, the Hill Country easily has the most tourism. With all the sights to see, you could be in for a pretty long trip -- but that doesn't have to be the case. Plan a day trip to New Braunfels to experience all the highlights of Central Texas in one city.

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels is a charming little town perfect for a day trip. Between strolling through a quaint town square, tubing the Comal, and traversing a historic bridge, there's so much to do here - and you can fit it all into a mini-vacation.

Technically within New Braunfels city limits, Gruene is a quaint historic district that was established nearly 150 years ago. Its population dwindled after a devastating battle with the boll weevil plague in the 1920s, but tourism has once again enlivened the community. Between the oldest dance hall in Texas, an old-fashioned general store, the iconic Gristmill Restaurant, and so much more, Gruene is a must while you’re here.

Get outdoors at Landa Park, with its 51 acres of heavily forested landscape. Traverse the many trails, play a round of mini-golf, hop in a paddleboat, and let the kiddos take a miniature train ride. There’s also an arboretum and spring-fed swimming pool!

New Braunfels is best-known for the Comal River, which attracts thousands of tubers during the summer months. Its deep blue waters snake through the city, offering a welcome respite from the Central Texas heat. Just wait until you go through the tube chute!

Just minutes from the city is Canyon Lake, an 8,230-foot reservoir on the Guadalupe River. It’s a truly gorgeous body of water, with year-round recreation opportunities including boating, swimming, and canoeing.

If you're a history buff, the Faust Street Bridge is the place to go. This architectural wonder was built in 1887, first transporting crops before serving as a state highway bridge along the Old San Antonio Road. Today, the bridge is open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic only.

No trip to New Braunfels would be complete without a visit to the original Schlitterbahn waterpark. With dozens of slides, rivers, and other unique attractions, this iconic destination boasts endless family fun.

Visit the New Braunfels tourism site or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever taken a day trip to New Braunfels? If so, what did you do? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more epic mini-vacations: 12 Unforgettable Texas Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year.