New Braunfels

gruene-hall

New Braunfels is our favorite fun list for Towns in the Texas Hill County. Just a short drive from our SW Austin headquarters, this small town oasis has some of the best water attractions you will find anywhere. The huge world class water park, tubing options galore, small town charm, amazing music venues, and nice campground and AirBnB mansions on the Guadalupe river all make New Braunfels the destination of choice for the THC Surf staff.

Wurstfest.com

One of the the largest and best Oktoberfest celebrations in the country is hosted by New Braunfels. They have a entire fairgrounds like facility located just a few blocks from the downtown district. It’s a little bit of pain to get there with limited parking around the event. Ubers too and from the nearby hotels are an options, but it can take a little while to get one at the end of the day. There is also an in-town shuttle service from the motels, but it’s sort of expensive for a bus ride, so we pay a little more to take the Uber. There are also shuttles from Austin and San Antonio run by a variety of organizations. It’s our favorite event in the Texas Hill County.

Visit Website

Schlitterbahn water park

Located in the Middle of town on the Comol River, this massive water park is fed by natural river water in 1/2 the park. There are nice tree top luxury rooms for rent at the new site of the park, and motel like accommodations at the old side of the park. The massive park with cool clean spring feed water make it step above other water parks.

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels

Guadalupe river

Just a few miles outside of town, the River starts its long windy journey down from Canyon Lake Dam. All of the property on the river is private, but there is an abundance of camp grounds, river raft operators, fishing guides, and SWEET houses for Rent on AirBnB. Whitewater Amphitheater is large music venue that books big name act like Willy Nelson. To top it all off, it’s the southern most rainbow trout fishery in the United States. When they are letting big water out of Canyon Lake, it’s an action packed day on a kayak.

Gruene Historic District

Once it’s own little town, Gruene Texas has too small streets that comprise the historic district and a small sub-division that is now inside “New Braunfels Metro”. It has Texas’s oldest dance hall that features some big name acts. There are a few good restaurants and antique shops. It’s a really nice place. There are a few bed and breakfasts spots for those that want to watch a show at Guene Dance hall in style.

Gruenetexas.com

Rainbow Trout Fishing

In the dead of winter in South Texas the Texas Parks and Wildlife department starts to stock the rivers, streams and ponds with Rainbow trout. The destination of choice for Fly Fishing is the Guadalupe River just North of New Braunfels. Fly Fishing so good you think you are in Colorado. You can walk in from several locations and fish from the edge of the bank with waiters. But all the property on the river is private and you are expected to stay off everybody’s properly. One foot in the water is the rule. Tubes and kayaks are are a good option, but you must make arrangements to take your gear in and out of at access points. Texas Parks and Wildlife department makes deals with the campgrounds to allow fishermen to complete a permit and gain access for free. But it can take a little effort to find a properly owner during the off season. There are plenty of guides that will make the trip a first class fishing adventure.

Comal River

The Comal River Runs through the City of New Braunsfels staring next to Gruene, with exits near the downtown and park areas. Visit ComalTubes.com for more information. During the busy times it’s best to book your tube in advance.