A Weekend in New Braunfels: A Full Weekend Itinerary

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New Braunfels may be a small town just outside Austin, but trust me, it’s worth a weekend getaway! Despite its size, there are so many activities and experiences waiting to be discovered in New Braunfels, and a full weekend is all you need to take it all in.

With over 20 years of visiting under my belt, I’ve practically mastered weekend trips in New Braunfels. I want to share with you my “normal” weekend itinerary that is packed with fun! It has everything you need with floating the river, shopping, good food, and great music!

Before diving into your weekend in New Braunfels, you’ll have to decide where to stay. You’ve got a few options: stay along the Guadalupe River, right off the Comal River or Gruene’s historic district.

Truth is, there’s no wrong choice here. Each spot offers a unique vibe, but all promise a fantastic time.

If you’re leaning toward the Guadalupe River, you’ll find a range of traditional campsites and some condos/Airbnbs. Personally, I’d opt for a campsite for the full experience. Check out my recommendations in this post, with Lazy L&L topping my list as the ultimate spot.

For those eyeing a spot closer to the city, your options expand. I’ve stayed at various places along the Comal River or in Gruene, and you really can’t go wrong. However, I highly recommend snagging a condo along the Comal River—since most of your time will be spent there! The Comal River Condos are a great pick, situated close to the river’s start and a quick drive to Gruene’s historic district! You can check out my other top spots here.

Day 1: 

Floating the Guadalupe River 

This is the first float of the trip and you have to make it a good one! And it doesn’t get much better than floating “the horseshoe” on the Guadalupe!

By far the most popular float on the Guadalupe. Not far from Canyon Lake, the horseshoe loop is a 1 mile stretch with plenty of river outfitters around to choose from. Depending on the river flow, the 1 mile stretch can take anywhere from 1-2 hours to complete the loop. This makes it a great place to float multiple times as the entry and exit points are a short walk from each other. 

Bring your own tubes or rent from a reliable outfitter like Texas Tube Haus. Arrive early, preferably around 10 am, as it tends to get pretty crowded! After the float, it’ll be lunchtime—a perfect start to your day!

What’s fantastic about the horseshoe is that it’s just a 2-hour float. You could wrap it up and head back to your campsite or condo for lunch. However, the ultimate move is to pack a lunch and enjoy it at the start of float #2!

Dinner in Gruene

The Gristmill holds the crown as the town’s favorite dining spot! Nestled within a historic cotton gin and right beside the iconic water tower, The Gristmill offers more than just a meal – it’s an experience. a picturesque setting overlooking the Guadalupe River.

As a Texan, I have a soft spot for their mouthwatering chicken fried steak, juicy burgers, and fresh seafood, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Be sure to stop by Winery on the Gruene, after dinner, and taste some of their delicious wines that are made on-site.  Wine tastings are offered daily and no reservations are required.  You can even create a case of your very own custom-label wines.

Night Out

If you can only go one place in Gruene, this is the spot to see! Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, has been around since 1878.

Step inside its 6,000-square-foot space with a classic tin roof, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to a simpler era. With its open-air dance floor, front bar, and cozy stage in the back, it’s got all the charm of a bygone era. Plus, there’s a spacious outdoor garden where you can bask in the sunshine while enjoying live music.

Over the years, Gruene Hall has hosted legendary artists like George Strait and Willie Nelson, solidifying its status as a top-notch honky-tonk in Texas. Whether you’re in for a night of fun or a taste of old-time Texas, this place has it all.

Oh, and a quick tip: prepare to break a sweat because there’s no A/C here! But trust me, dancing the night away to live music is totally worth it. And don’t forget your cash – the bar only accepts cash payments!

Day 2:

Floating the Comal River

Since you had a blast floating the horseshoe yesterday, you could definitely do it again, but I suggest checking out the Comal River for a change of scenery! Don’t worry, the Comal River is equally as fun!

The Comal River offers a short but incredibly enjoyable 2-mile float trip, perfect for a guaranteed good time! During peak times, the river can get crowded, offering opportunities to meet new friends. Depending on the river’s flow, the float typically lasts 2-3 hours, allowing for a double dose of fun if you start early. Highlights include the famous “chute,” a thrilling man-made rapid resembling a water slide. After navigating the chute, the remainder of the float is smooth sailing until reaching the last exit point, passing by Schlitterbahn Waterpark along the way. If you’ve arranged with a river outfitter, a shuttle will pick you up at the exit point, or you can opt to float the river again if time allows!

If floating down the river isn’t your thing today but you’re still up for some water fun, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a must-visit! Spanning 70 acres, the park features massive waterslides, lazy rivers, and tube chutes, offering excitement for all ages. With two distinct parks to explore, you can easily spend a full day enjoying all the slides and rides they have to offer.

Dinner in Gruene 

Gruene has so much to offer and you only got a small glimpse of it yesterday. For dinner, I recommend going to Grune River Grill. It is a little more of a chill vibe compared to The Gristmill, but it is a must-visit!

Since 2004, Gruene River Grill has been a top restaurant  serving the New Braunfels area, drawing in locals and tourists. Their commitment to freshness and quality shines through their scratch-made recipes, crafted with ingredients sourced from local vendors.

While The Gristmill may lure in the tourists, Gruene River Grill is where the locals gather. With a relaxed vibe, every visit is a memorable one. Trust me, it’s one of my all-time favorite spots to dine.

Shopping in Gruene

Following dinner, feel free to return to Gruene Hall, enjoy a drink at the Gruene Grove, or walk through the shops. Here are some must-visit spots!

While you’re in Gruene, don’t miss Gruene Outfitters! It’s the ultimate spot for all your outdoor gear needs. From apparel to equipment for any adventure, they’ve got you covered. You never know when you might need that extra gear if you spend some time on the Guadalupe or Comal River!

Gruene General Store has been a timeless fixture in Gruene, standing proudly since its debut in 1878. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with wooden floors, creaky ceilings, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. As you wander through its aisles, you’ll discover a treasure trove of unique gifts, souvenirs, and Texas-themed goodies. Trust me, you’ll want to carve out some extra time to explore every nook and cranny.

Pro tip: don’t miss out on their incredible dips, jams, and jellies! Plus, if you fall in love with something, they’ve got you covered – they ship nationwide straight from their website.

If you’re staying at the Lazy L&L, Saturday night at your campsite is unbeatable! They host live music, often featuring local bands, along with dancing and food/drink options in their open-air venue hall. Oh, before I forget, it’s free!

Spending a weekend in New Braunfels is so much fun! There is so much to do and see and floating the rivers is a top bucket list item for all of Texas. This weekend itinerary for New Braunfels is one I use almost every time I visit, and it never fails to provide an exciting time! 

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