Things To Do Near New Braunfels (Beyond Schlitterbahn)
Schlitterbahn is the obvious answer for things to do near New Braunfels — and it's a great answer in July. But for nine months of the year, the city's best assets are the spring-fed water, the historic Gruene district, and the cluster of family-run glamping properties just 20–30 minutes outside town. This guide is the realistic, every-season list of things to do near New Braunfels.
1. Float or Kayak a Spring-Fed Creek
The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers run right through town, but for fewer crowds head 25 minutes south to Son's Rio Cibolo's private 2-mile stretch of spring-fed Cibolo Creek — Kayak & Paddleboard Wristbands ($19.99/person) with every overnight stay. See our kayaking guide or glamping page.
2. Walk Historic Gruene
Gruene Hall (Texas's oldest dance hall), the Gristmill Restaurant, antique shops, and live music. Best on a Friday or Saturday afternoon. Free to wander.
3. Stay in a Waterfront Glamping Cabin
For a real "we got out of town" weekend, swap a New Braunfels hotel for a waterfront glamping cabin 25 minutes south at Son's Rio Cibolo. AC, real beds, private firepit, Kayak & Paddleboard Wristbands ($19.99/person). Read the deep dive in our 5 Best Glamping Spots Near New Braunfels ranking.
4. Tube the San Marcos River
For a less-crowded float than the Comal, drive 30 minutes north to Son's River Ranch — on-site tubing and kayaking on the San Marcos River, with Son's Blue River Camp as the official takeout. Son's River Ranch →
5. Schlitterbahn (in Season)
Open spring through early fall, the world-famous waterpark is still worth one day. Pair it with a glamping cabin 25 minutes south so the kids crash out around a firepit instead of in a hotel hallway.
6. Landa Park & Mill Pond
Free, walkable, and great for families — paddleboats, miniature trains, and shaded picnic areas right by the headwaters of the Comal River.
7. Day-Rent a Creekside Cabana
For a private, full-day base for a group of 8–20 — birthdays, bachelorettes, family reunions — book a Creekside Cabana day rental at Son's Rio Cibolo. No overnight required.
8. Sleep on a Private Island
For the bucket-list pick — drive 30 minutes to Son's Island for bell tent glamping on an actual private island. Cabana rentals available too.
FAQs — Things To Do Near New Braunfels
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Keep Reading
Marion, TX: The Complete Travel Guide
Where Marion, TX is, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat — home of Son's Rio Cibolo, 20 min east of San Antonio.
Cibolo Creek: A Complete Guide to the Spring-Fed Texas Creek
Where it flows, why spring-fed matters, and where to swim, kayak, and fish on Cibolo Creek 20 min east of San Antonio.
Why Cibolo Creek Is the Hill Country's Best-Kept Secret
The quiet, spring-fed alternative to the Guadalupe and Comal — private creek frontage, Kayak & Paddleboard Wristbands ($19.99/person), and locals-only calm 20 minutes east of San Antonio.
