New Braunfels Travel Tips

Ready to get out of the house and explore Texas? You have to check out this New Braunfels weekend trip itinerary with all the places you need to see, eat, and stay!

This post with New Braunfels tips was sponsored by our friends at In New Braunfels.

The first time we visited Texas, our friends took us to all the must eat, must do, and must-see places in the Austin area. On that trip, we visited New Braunfels and Gruene for the very first time.

Since then, whenever we’ve had friends or family visit us, taking a trip to New Braunfels has been a fun tradition. This German, river town is so much more than just Buc-ee’s and Schlitterbahn. Although they’re both there too. The heart and soul of New Braunfels are the small businesses and Gruene.

 

In the past, the only overnight trip we’ve done was in our RV for a conference. It was a fun, weekend trip and we were able to see an do a couple of things, we felt like we were missing out. 

Until last weekend. We went to New Braunfels Friday afternoon and had a super fun family getaway, close to home. Check out all of our tips on how to have your own weekend trip to New Braunfels.

Where to Stay in New Braunfels

In the past, we never would have considered ourselves B&B people. We’re independent travelers and it just didn’t sound like it would work well for a family of four that likes to travel with their dogs.

We stayed at Kuebler-Waldrip Haus Bed and Breakfast and it totally changed our opinion. The B&B itself is made up of the main house with the kitchen/dining room for breakfast, and the common room along with the Danville Schoolhouse, and Deer Haven Cottage.

The owners, Margy and her son, Darell, do everything they can to make guests feel at home during their stay. Each morning guests are served a full breakfast made to order in the main house dining room.

The common room is dedicated to guests and available 24 hours a day. The fridge is stocked with a variety of sodas, wines, and water. There’s also lots of little extras like fresh-baked cookies, candy, and ice cream. Along with seeing all the deer and playing with the three cats, this was the girls’ favorite part our stay.

Wifi is available at the main house, however, the signal did not reach the cottage. If you’ll be working during your stay or kids that play on tablets, you should consider brining a hot spot or know that you’ll need to tether.

The Deer Haven Cottage is a 950 square foot converted barn. It has three bedrooms, one bath, a full kitchen, and a laundry room. We had plenty of room to spread out and relax. It was the perfect home base for our time in New Braunfels!

There are also other ways to stay in New Braunfels that are conveniently located near downtown New Braunfels and in Gruene. You can find AirBNBs, RV parks, and hotels.

What to Do in New Braunfels

There’s no shortage of things to do in New Braunfels and Gruene year round! While you can’t go to Schlitterbahn or float the river this time of year, there are still things to do and see.

Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theater

The Stars & Stripes drive-in theater seemed like the perfect cold night, Covid-friendly activity. Our family has never gone to a drive-in theater before this and we can’t wait to go back.

Make sure you check showtimes online before you arrive and get there early. Lines can be long when you get there. When you arrive the ticket window will give you a flyer with the radio station to get audio for the movie, the drive-in rules, and diner menu. 

Note: the restaurant/concessions stand closes at 8:15.

There don’t seem to be any bad parking spots and it’s easy to see the movie from anywhere in the lot. Due to Covid, the drive-in has socially distanced spots with every other space marked off so you can safely sit outside or in the bed of your truck.

Tips: Our truck shuts off audio after 30 minutes, to avoid needing to restart your audio, bring a radio-capable Bluetooth speaker or battery-powered AM radio, camping chairs, blankets, flashlight, and/or use your phone.

This drive-thru movie theater is dog-friendly in/next to the car, but there’s no place to walk them. However, dogs are not allowed in the restaurant or on the patio. There is a playground (closed currently due to Covid) where kids can have fun before the movie starts. 

Landa Park

Sunday was a beautiful day to spend at Landa Park. This 51-acre lakefront park is great for getting out in nature and fun for the entire family (including dogs).

The girls loved riding the train around the perimeter of the park, walking the trails, and playing on the playground. We can’t wait to come back when the weather is warmer to go paddle boarding and fishing on Landa Lake.

Tip: hours vary based on time of year, check this website before you visit.

Where to Shop in New Braunfels

• Christmas Market Days in Gruene
• Shopping in Gruene
• Shopping in Downtown New Braunfels

What to Eat in New Braunfels

New Braunfels is known for its authentic German food. While there are no German restaurants on our list, there are plenty to choose from when you visit.

When traveling with kids, we sometimes have to forego restaurants we want to try to ensure they eat. These locally owned, New Braunfels restaurants are all kid-approved to make eating out easier.

Breakfast

Le Citron

This European-inspired bistro is an adorably decorated breakfast/lunch/brunch spot in downtown New Braunfels. The menu has a variety of house-made croissants, macaroons, crepes, and other dishes reminiscent of a French cafe.

Covid has restricted capacity inside the restaurant. The patio area is perfect when the weather is nice or if you want to bring your dog along. Even if the restaurant does not appear busy, they do a lot of take-out orders.

Menu picks: Chocolate Croissant, Notre Dame Crepe, and Lattes.

Lunch & Dinner

The River House

The River House concept is centered around creating a family, farm-to-table dining experience. Each of the Southern-inspired dishes uses fresh ingredients sourced from Texas farmers.

The restaurant looks like a modern farmhouse and has the cutest outdoor dining space with heaters and live music (check their website or social pages for schedules). The patio area is also pet-friendly if you’d like to bring your dog along.

Menu picks: Fall Crostini and Cast Iron Beef Tenderloin for two. While not on their website, a kids menu is available.

Infernos Pizza

When it’s possible, our family always makes a point to try a new pizza restaurant when traveling. On our to New Braunfels, we tried Infernos Pizza.

Just a short walk from Gruene Hall, you’ll find this pizzeria with a dog-friendly outdoor seating area and fireplace. You’ll find wood-fired pizzas with artisan-inspired toppings as well as sandwiches, salads, and a full bar. This is an ideal place to watch the game or enjoy live music.

Menu picks: Jalapeno Mac & Cheese and The Big One Pizza.

Tin Top Burgers

This homestyle inspired restaurant brings to you a selection of topped burgers and sides with an outdoor seating area that replicates a backyard. The outdoor area is perfect for dogs and kids alike.

Aside from the gourmet toppings, what makes Tin Top Burgers unique is the combination of pork and beef in their burgers. Tin Top also features an extensive, rotating beer menu as well as serving Rhea’s Ice Creams.

Menu picks: Down the Hatch Burger and topped sides with Hatch Cheddar and Garlic Parmesan.

More Texas weekend getaways:

• 10 Best Texas Beaches
• Plano Travel Tips
• What to Do in Seguin