New Braunfels, located by the cold spring rivers of Guadalupe and Comal, is a small Texan town, but by no means typical. Founded by a German prince in 1845, the area has a unique culture derived from its heritage as a German colony, with German nomenclature and influences visible in the town’s local businesses and 19th-century buildings. Cultural quirks aside, the main draws of the area include the aforementioned Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, which attract visitors for their clear, cool waters — great for rafting, tubing, and kayaking. The town’s outer reaches are filled with campgrounds, vineyards, and cabins, and Landa Park, on the shores of the Comal River, features sprawling trails, a miniature train, paddle boats, and lush scenery.

New Braunfels’ Gruene District is a Nationally Registered Historic District, where you can dine in a 19th-century cotton gin, or enjoy live music at one of the oldest dance halls in Texas. The town is also home to several museums, such as the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture, showcasing artisan pieces from local craftsmen through history, and McKenna Children's Museum, an interactive kids’ attraction that teaches children about space and technology.

The best times to consider a vacation rental in New Braunfels are the months of August through November. The temperatures are warm but not uncomfortably hot, and accommodations are usually at more reasonable prices than during the spring and summer. Wurstfest, in November, is one of New Braunfels’ longest running annual festivals. A celebration of German culture, sausages, and breweries, Wurstfest promotes local eateries and crafts, letting visitors try on traditional clothes and enjoy the various interpretations of German wurst sausages. In addition, Wassailfest is New Braunfels’ own take on the traditional German festival. It’s named after wassail, a hot drink made from mulled cider and spices. Guests can wander through vendor stalls with a collector’s mug, sample local food, and watch holiday celebrations with cider in hand.

Tube the Comal River

The Comal River is an integral part of life in New Braunfels, with many different stores and operators offering tubes to float down the river. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon, floating for a few miles with a soft drink or snack. Shuttles are available at the end of the tubing route to ferry tubers back to the start, but the walk back is also easily manageable.

Schlitterbahn

Consistently recommended as an exceptional water park and one of New Braunfels’ great attractions, Schlitterbahn offers a variety of aquatic attractions such as water slides, gargantuan pools, obstacle courses, and a waterside playground for younger guests. The majority of the pools are comfortably heated, and food options range from barbecue, burgers, and traditional fairground food.

New Braunfels Railroad Museum

The New Braunfels Railroad Museum, also known as the New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society, is an organization and show space dedicated to preserving railroad history, from preserved artifacts and photographs to the celebration of various model trains. Amtrak trains pass by twice a day, and the museum interior showcases a variety of running model trains on dioramas and tracks.