My favorite Hill Country spots in and around New Braunfels! Local eats, sweet treats, shops, river days, and easy day trips to Gruene, Wimberley, Canyon Lake, and Fredericksburg. ðŸ¤
Map
Sections
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Eats & Sweets
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Shops
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Things to Do
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Day Trips
Eats & Sweets
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The oldest bakery in Texas! Grab a strudel, kolaches, or their famous cookies. A must-stop every time you're in downtown New Braunfels.
Naegelin's German Bakery
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The best patio views overlooking the Guadalupe River in historic Gruene. Get the chicken fried steak and the yeast rolls, then walk over to Gruene Hall.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
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Downtown favorite for creative burgers, fun apps, and a huge craft beer list. The perfect casual dinner spot after a day on the river.
Muck & Fuss
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A charming spot tucked into a historic home with a cozy patio. Great for a nice lunch, date night, or brunch with friends.
Huisache Grill
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A New Braunfels classic since the 1950s! Smoked meats, sandwiches, and homemade pie. Don't leave without grabbing some sausage or jerky to take home.
New Braunfels Smokehouse Local Store
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A huge German-style beer garden and cafe downtown. Live music, big pretzels, schnitzel, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Krause's Cafe
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Classic Texas comfort food in a big, rustic dining hall. Known for their fried catfish, chicken fried steak, and homemade cobbler.
Clear Springs Restaurant
Shops
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An old-fashioned general store in the heart of Gruene. Grab an ice cream cone or old-school soda and browse the fun Texas gifts, candy, and souvenirs.
Gruene General Store
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The famous Buc-ee's! Stop for brisket sandwiches, Beaver Nuggets, fudge, and the cutest Texas home decor and gifts. A road trip must.
Buc-ee's
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Watch glassblowers at work and shop the most beautiful handmade glass pieces. Such a unique gift or keepsake from the Hill Country.
Wimberley Glassworks
Things to Do
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The oldest continually running dance hall in Texas! Catch live music, grab a cold drink, and two-step the night away. Pure Hill Country magic.
Gruene Hall
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The prettiest park at the headwaters of the Comal River. Spring-fed pool, paddle boats, the mini train, and big shady trees for picnics. Perfect with kids!
Landa Park
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The original river waterpark! Tube rides that use the real Comal River, plus slides and lazy rivers for all ages. A summer tradition.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
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The largest show caverns in Texas, just outside New Braunfels. Take a cave tour, then try the ropes course, zip lines, and gem mining with the kids.
Natural Bridge Caverns
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New Braunfels' famous 10-day German festival every November! Sausage, polka, beer halls, and so much fun. Wear your lederhosen and dirndl!
Wurstfest
Day Trips
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A gorgeous cypress-lined swimming hole in Wimberley. Reserve your swim time ahead in summer, then grab lunch and shop around Wimberley Square.
Blue Hole Regional Park
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A guided hike through a gorge carved by the 2002 flood, with fossils, dinosaur tracks, and waterfalls. Book a tour ahead and wear good shoes!
Canyon Lake Gorge
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Wildflower fields, a market full of Texas goodies, and wine tasting in Fredericksburg. Spring bluebonnet season is the prettiest time to go!
Wildseed Farms
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Everybody's somebody in Luckenbach! A tiny, iconic Texas town with a general store, dance hall, and live music under the oak trees. Pair it with a Fredericksburg trip.
