Local Gems Series: New Braunfels

Who knew zebras could be a local gem? But it’s true! You can find zebras and much more just by traveling 50 miles south of Downtown Austin. New Braunfels is located along the I-35 corridor, just north of San Antonio. The little city makes for the perfect day trip, especially in the coming weeks and months when the weather starts to warm up! It’s a city rich in history, with German roots, and it has some of the best outdoor space in the hill country with not one, but two rivers running through the heart of the city. Check out our list of top spots and start planning your next visit to this little local gem! Thinking about making New Braunfels your permanent home? Contact one of our amazing agents and start your search today!

Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort

The weather might not be nice enough yet to take a trip to the number one waterpark in the world, but as soon as the temperature starts to creep up you won’t want to miss out! The park has expanded three times since it’s opening in 1979 and now consists of two separate sections with over 50 attractions spanning across 70 acres! Some of the incredible attractions include an uphill water coaster known as the ‘Master Blaster,’ water playgrounds throughout the park, and a lazy river that goes on for miles! Portions of the park are open as early as March, with the full park opening for the season on April 28th! Visit their website for more info or to purchase tickets!

Comal River

Known as “the longest shortest river in the world” the Comal River is a great way to cool off on a hot day and float with friends for a few hours! Even before the weather heats up it’s a great place to spend an afternoon – the water remains at 70-72 degrees year round! If you’re interested in floating, a trip typically takes between two to three hours and winds through Landa Park and past Schlitterbahn Waterpark, merging with the Guadalupe.There are tons of spots you can rent tubes and hitch a ride to and from the water on a shuttle. If you’d rather not get totally drenched or it’s a cooler day, check out Landa park for paddle boating and canoeing!

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Located west of Downtown New Braunfels, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch will make you feel like you’re on a real life African Safari! The ranch, spanning 450 acres, is home to over 500 animals!! Of the 40 different species represented, some are native to the area while others come from exotic parts of the world, and some are even endangered species! Drive through the park in the comfort of your own car while zebras, buffalo, ostrich, antelope, and more nuzzle up to your hand in the hopes of a tasty treat! Or, if you want to stretch your legs you can head to the Walk-A-Bout section of the park and take a walking tour through the giraffe barn and Lemur Island. General admission is $22 for adults and $13.50 for kids ages 3-11. Prices include the cost of admission plus one free bag of animal food (additional bags can be purchased for $2.50). Tickets must be purchased at the gate. Visit their website for more info!

Krause’s Cafe

Krause’s Cafe carries on the traditions that German settlers brought to the city many years ago, serving classic German cuisine, but with a Texan flair. The restaurant features a large outdoor garden house, so it’s the perfect place to go now that the weather’s getting nicer! Plus, they have one of the largest tap walls in all of New Braunfels, featuring local craft beers along with important German drafts. You’ll definitely want to try their schnitzel and bratwurst with sauerkraut and spicy mustard or the pretzels and potato soup! The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7:30am – 10pm on Monday – Thursday, 7:30am – 11pm Friday – Saturday, and from 8:30am – 9pm on Sundays. Check out their events calendar too, sometimes they have some great live performers and they also host a farmer’s market on the weekends!