New Braunfels and Gruene: Day Trip Austin

A day trip to New Braunfels and Gruene from Austin

New Braunfels, Texas, is home to Texas German Roots. In this Hill Country town an hour outside of Austin, visitors can find outdoor activities, historic attractions, and great restaurants that make it a wonderful day trip. Also, while you're there, explore the picturesque Gruene Historic District.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

The Austin Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels is situated alongside the scenic and winding Comal River. There are more than 50 rides and attractions available in the 70-acre park for both kids and adults.

Take your swimsuit to Rockin R to beat the heat. Fly fish in the southernmost river of the northern hemisphere, the Guadalupe River, where you can rent an inner tube and float the Comal River.

Explore Landa Park, or play golf at Landa Park Golf Course beneath old-growth oak trees along the Comal River. It began as a nine-hole course in 1938 and has been expanded to an 18-hole course with 6168 yards of golf.

Fickle Pickles pickles from New Braunfels and Boerne Texas

Courtesy of Fickle Pickles.

SHOPPING

There are a number of beautiful boutiques and antique shops located in Gruene Historic District. The Gruene Antique Company and Black Swan Antiques offer Old World collectibles that are shipped directly from Europe. You can find handcrafted pottery and artwork at The Barn Pottery and Gallerie at Gurene. The Caylor Forge & Leatherworks in Gruene offers handcrafted leather goods, as well as a blacksmith shop next door, where the art of blacksmithing is kept alive. A visit to Fickle Pickles Antiques and Pickles will leave you pleasantly surprised. It offers a wonderful selection of antiques as well as some of the most delicious homemade pickles you have ever tasted.

RESTAURANTS & BREWERIES

With its grand old world architecture and small-town Texas charm, New Braunfels has been a city in Texas since 1845 when German settlers founded it. Come enjoy sweet, fruit-filled kolaches and decadent cakes and cookies at Naeglins Bakery, Texas's oldest continuously operating bakery.

Enjoy complimentary wine tastings daily at The Grapevine in the Gruene Historic District after working up a Texas-sized thirst during your visit. The Hill Country Craft Beer Trail features more than a dozen breweries, including Guadalupe Brewing Company and New Braunfels Brewing Company.

Across from Gruene Hall, Mozie's offers casual, rustic elegance and Southern comfort-inspired dishes. The Austin Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar serves Texas favorites like chicken fried steak and juicy burgers with ice cold margaritas. A quaint setting and authentic Bavarian cooking are the hallmarks of New Braunfels Alpine Haus, where fine dining is available.

At Faust Brewing Company and Krause's Cafe, you can also get hearty German food. The Downtowner and Downtown Social offer Southern cuisine and scratch-made cocktails, while Downtown Social plays games.

LIVE MUSIC

In Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest working dance hall, you can end your night Two-Steppin'. It has hosted shows for big artists such as Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and Loretta Lynn, and there are nightly performances here that are not to be missed. Whitewater Amphitheater, situated along the Guadalupe River, is an unforgettable venue for major acts.

It's nice to plan a trip to the city in November when Wurstfest is celebrated, a ten-day celebration of German roots in the area. We have German food and beer, live music, dancing, and a carnival for the whole family.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Visit the New Braunfels Convention & Visitors Bureau or the Visitor Center at 237, I-35, New Braunfels, Texas, for more information.

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