If you’ve recently started looking for a change in scenery, vibe, and weather, New Braunfels, Texas, has something to offer for everyone. Don’t just take our word for it: more and more people are moving to New Braunfels to take in all of the Texas Hill Country charm that the city has to offer. New Braunfels offers unique vibes, a wholesome small-town feel, and many things to do within the community with the family or in the great outdoors.

A few of the iconic things to do in New Braunfels, TX include:

Natural Wonders and Summer Fun

Landa Park

The iconic Landa Park, situated along the famed Comal River, somehow squeezes over 50 acres of recreation opportunities and natural beauty into the heart of downtown New Braunfels. Thanks to Landa Park’s miles of well-maintained hiking trails, you can transport yourself from the charming German-inspired architecture of downtown New Braunfels to a serene natural environment with no more than a quick stroll. In addition to its beautiful nature areas, Landa Park also offers picnic facilities, a mini-golf course, a pool, and even a miniature train ride.

Texas Hill Country

In addition to the many wonderful parks and natural areas available in and around New Braunfels itself, the San Antonio/New Braunfels area also serves as your gateway to the vast recreational opportunities within the Texas Hill Country. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, paddling, camping, or weekend adventures to out-of-the-way breweries and BBQ joints, it’s all just out your backdoor in the Texas Hill Country after a move to New Braunfels, TX.

Reservations for Enchanted Rock State Natural Area typically book quickly, especially on weekends, holidays and in the spring season. It is strongly encouraged to reserve a day pass prior to traveling to the park. Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Reservation System to make a reservation for park entry. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance of arrival.

The Texas Hill Country is as vast and open as its name suggests, and so are its recreation opportunities. Some other fun things to try while in Texas Hill Country include:

• Tour the Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch – This national park is home to the so-called “Texas White House” favored by former president LBJ. Steep in American history while enjoying some of the most scenic drives you can find anywhere on Earth.
• Explore Fredericksburg – If you love New Braunfels’ rich history and old-world German heritage, consider taking a drive out to Fredericksburg, an enchanting town known for some of those same things.
• Visit the Texas Wine Trail – Texas Hill Country is not all pristine, natural bliss, of course. Some of the more thriving businesses in the region are fully functional wineries, and there are enough of them that you can make a full day–or a full week, if you’re feeling adventurous–out of sampling them.
• Pedernales Falls State Park – One of the hidden gems among other, higher-profile national and state parks, Pedernales Falls offers plenty of hiking opportunities and stunning views of cascading limestone waterfalls.
• Attend a Local Festival – Texas Hill Country is known for its year-round festival atmosphere, with all sorts of unique events occurring in the region no matter when you visit.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Directly northeast of Landa Park is another New Braunfels icon, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The hot Texas weather ensures that Schlitterbahn enjoys a longer splash season than many of its national competitors. The convenient downtown location makes it close to the best eateries and shops making it an ideal family vacation destination.

Some of our favorite Schlitterbahn attractions include:

• Master Blaster – Hundreds of online reviews agree that the Master Blaster stands as one of the best waterslides in the park–maybe even in the whole country.
• Tube Chute – Schlitterbahn’s quintessential take on the tube-based waterslide ride is not to be missed on a hot summer day.
• Boogie Bahn – Can you ride the (artificial) wave? Schlitterbahn’s innovative Boogie Bahn area allows you to test your surf skills without leaving New Braunfels.
• Dragon’s Revenge – Another of the park’s more epic waterslides, Dragon’s Revenge is worth the wait on those hot days when the lines start to back up.

Like any high-end theme park, Schlitterbahn is always innovating and upgrading, so it’s worth a return trip if you can fit it into your busy summer itinerary.

Festivals and Live Music

If you enjoy music, New Braunfels offers a wide variety to listen to. Be sure you check the following:

Historic music venues

The greater San Antonio area is home to several iconic country-western music venues that thrive to this day. Look to Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, for a classic Texas Country concert. Gruene’s musical history is long and illustrious, with many important figures in country, western, and other genres having passed through or held longer residencies in the area. A show at Gruene Hall isn’t just a world class concert but also a chance to be immersed in the history of American music.

Whitewater Amphitheater is a gorgeous riverside venue that is just minutes away from downtown New Braunfels. Whitewater Amphitheater leans into their country western wheelhouse while also making an effort to diversify their bookings to cater to the wider tastes of Texans. In a single season at the amphitheater, you might be able to catch a quintessential Texas country concert from a superstar like Willie Nelson or Eric Church, then an EDM or other electronic music show, and even a classic rock concert from a timeless act like Foreigner.

And if you choose to go 30-minutes west looking for new tunes, Austin has an alternative music scene all its own.

Wurstfest

The single most iconic New Braunfels institution might be the annual fall festival that plays on the area’s German heritage. It is known as Wurstfest, and it’s held in New Braunfels each November. Despite its sausage-inspired name, Wurstfest is hands-down one of the best cultural heritage festivals anywhere, and it serves visitors and locals alike with a world-class combination of food, music, history, and other cultural treats.

If you’re interested in planning a trip to check out New Braunfels that coincides with Wurstfest, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the annual festivities.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Image Credit: Fredericksburg CVB

New Braunfels, TX – Infrastructure and Community Resources

Of course, moving to the Texas Hill Country isn’t all about finding great food and entertainment. This is especially true if you’re bringing children with you. Thankfully, the New Braunfels, TX area also has great schools and healthcare systems to check those less-fun but still vitally-important boxes on your checklist:

Schools

The Comal Independent School District is a highly rated institution serving over 25,000 students and the New Braunfels Independent School District serves nearly 10,000 students per year. There are also a variety of world-class private schools and specialty educators throughout the greater San Antonio area. Those looking for higher education will find a move to New Braunfels puts them within striking distance of several quality colleges offering a wide variety of programs, including Texas State University San Marcos, Texas Lutheran University, and Northeast Lakeview College.

The diversity of high-quality education options makes New Braunfels a great place to put down roots if you have school- and college-aged kids who will be making the move with you. High-quality schools also reflect well on long-term property values and other important community metrics.

Hospitals

A relocation to New Braunfels will put you within a comfortable distance of several quality health systems and specialized clinics. Resolute Health and CHRISTUS Santa Rosa are two top providers in the area. New Braunfels is also home to a highly regarded PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital, which caters to patients with complex and long-term needs. World-class dentists, optometrists, and specialists of all types are also available throughout New Braunfels and the greater San Antonio area.

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Nestled within America’s amber fields and independent farms lies a timeless autumn treasure. The pumpkin patch is where magic and nostalgia intertwine, and every pumpkin has its own tale, waiting to be told through you, your imagination, and your best efforts with a carving knife. Aside from being the perfect place to choose the perfect jack o’ lantern for Halloween, a great pumpkin patch might also have games, face painting, a corn maze, hay rides, hot cider, and any number of other treats. Texas tends to do everything a little bigger, and the pumpkins — and their patches — are no exception in terms of both size and fun!

If you’re looking for pumpkin patches in New Braunfels, look no further than the annual New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch conveniently located at the popular Rockin’ R tour operator in Gruene, TX. Carve out your perfect day on the farm with your family.

New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch Details

Where: The Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R takes place at Rockin’ R Gruene, located at 1405 Gruene Road, nestled along the scenic banks of the Guadalupe River. 

The Rockin’ R’s main business is operating river rides and other tours, but they put this family-oriented customer service experience to great use running their Pumpkin Patch event. Consider coming back during the summer months to try out one of their hugely popular Guadalupe River tubing packages, with prices as low as $25 for a basic tube. 

Local newspaper readers recently voted The Rockin’ R Best of New Braunfels 2023, so you know your New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch 2023 experience is in good hands with them. 

Please note that there are three other Rockin’ R locations along the Guadalupe River alone and others on the Comal River. The Rockin’ R facility you want to visit for fall pumpkin patch fun is the Rockin’ R in Gruene, once again located at 1405 Gruene Road. 

When: The Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R is usually a month-long event, but the exact details can vary from year to year. For example, in 2023, the Pumpkin patch opened September 30 and lasted through November 18, Wednesdays through Sundays, with operating hours of 10 AM to 8 PM, while the 2024 event tightened up a bit, going to a Thursday through Sunday schedule spanning September 28 through November 3 and closing doors at 6 PM instead of 8.

The pumpkin patch typically operates throughout October and extends into both September and November, giving you a generous window for planning your visit. You may want to plan your visit around other special seasonal events taking place in the area.

What: Rockin’ R’s more than month-long pumpkin patch has a full complement of traditional and unique pumpkin patch amenities, including: 

• Awesome fall photo opportunities 
• Fall decor 
• Various activities for the kids 
• Seasonal treats and drinks 
• The pumpkin patch itself, of course! 

The New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R has a great reputation, with online reviews to match. Here’s what real New Braunfels visitors and residents are saying about the pumpkin patch and its host, Rockin’ R River Rides:

• “It was amazing!”
• “Will definitely be visiting again, for years to come.”
• “Awesome place at a great price!”
• “They care about people and offer the best experience possible!”
• “The family area was kid-friendly, and there were plenty of pumpkins available to buy.”
• “Setup was great!”
• “Excellent customer service.”
• “The pumpkins were pretty cheap, and good quality!”
• “It was awesome!”
• “There’s a large area with kids’ bounce houses and a corn pit. The kids have a lot of fun.”
• “Plenty of things for the kids to do.”

Other Local Fall Fun

While the Rockin’ R Pumpkin Patch is our annual go-to, there are plenty of other fall activities and events around Gruene and New Braunfels, ranging from the spooky to the serene. While offerings and specifics will vary from year to year, be on the lookout for:

• Stahlman’s at Bear Creek – If you’re looking to grab some pumpkins to carve at home, along with a few groceries, and maybe even get in some Christmas shopping, it’s hard to beat a trip out to Stahlman’s at Bear Creek, just north of New Braunfels.
• Braune Farms Fresh Produce – For those who just can’t get enough fall fun, another highly regarded pumpkin patch option in the local area is located at Braune Farms.
• Farmers Market – The local New Braunfels Farmers Market is a great way to spend a Saturday, and it remains open into the autumn months.
• New Braunfels Holiday Market – It is almost an understatement to call this annual gathering a mere craft fair. Kick off your holiday season with amazing offerings from over 100 merchants and local artisans at this multi-day event.
• Wurstfest – When another Halloween wraps up, you know New Braunfels’ world famous Bavarian bash, Wurstfest, is right around the corner! If you’re planning a Halloween-time trip to New Braunfels, why not extend your stay and plan to take in a day or two of this Oktoberfest-style cultural celebration?

Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch – Young Children’s Pumpkin Patch New Braunfels, TX 

For the younger kids, Rockin’ R maintains a separate installation called “Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch.” While the standard pumpkin patch is free to enter, Little Pumpkin’s requires a modest entry fee. Children under two are free, however, and there is also no charge for parents who are only supervising and not partaking in the fun. However, entry fees may vary from year to year.

So, what exactly does your little pumpkin get for their admission fee? A full day of fall fun, including: 

• Unlimited playtime in the corn pit (think a vintage fast food restaurant ball pit, but full of corn kernels instead of plastic balls) 
• Unlimited playtime on the jump pad 

• Up to two “make and take” fall crafting projects 
• Access to the bubble station 
• Access to a variety of fun kids’ games, including “dress the scarecrows” 
• Watch out for new additions from year to year!

Fall Field Trips to the New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch 

A field trip with the whole class is a great way to experience the Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R and make lifelong memories with friends, teachers, and classmates. 

If you’re an educator considering a Texas pumpkin patch for a fall field trip destination, consider the package Rockin’ R has to offer you: 

• $8 per child discounted admission rate for schools (versus the normal $10 admission fee for Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch) 
• Access to the standard Pumpkin Patch 
• Admission to Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch (corn pit, jump pad, bubbles, crafts, etc.) 
• Special field activities

In addition to simply being a fun time for kids of all ages, a seasonal trip to a functioning pumpkin patch offers all sorts of potential for educational experience in areas like: 

• Biology – Pumpkin plants make a great prop for many a biology lesson, whether you’re focusing on their beautiful flowers and the pollination process, their edible seeds and flesh and the role they play in the ecosystem, or the various parts of the pumpkin itself that make them an awesome natural model of a cell.
• Weather – Pumpkins, like any crop, need certain weather conditions to grow well. An in-person visit to a working pumpkin patch is a great way to bring this lesson to life.
• Farming – A trip to the pumpkin patch is a great way to punctuate lessons about science and agriculture.
• Business – Get a behind-the-scenes look at a rewarding seasonal business model that enriches the local community.
• Physical fitness – Kids can get a great workout hitting the various activities at the Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch.
• Art – Various craft activities are also available for those who prefer to flex their artistic muscles. 

Please note that food is not included in the field trip package, but you can access picnic facilities for eating packed lunches.

Mayfair, TX – Your Year-Round Home in New Braunfels 

Instead of visiting New Braunfels for the excitement of pumpkin patch season, why not consider making it your new home? With various floor plans, styles, and ownership options being developed right now, Mayfair is a world-class residential development in New Braunfels that makes a perfect home base for year-round fun in the Texas Hill Country and beyond. Much like you might circle the pumpkin patch for hours before selecting the perfect orange gourd that speaks to your unique aesthetics, Mayfair offers various unit types and purchasing options to fit every style. 

There is no better time to move to New Braunfels, TX, by way of Mayfair than right now. After all, as soon as pumpkin patch season wraps up, another postcard-perfect Christmas in New Braunfels is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss it. 

New Braunfels, Texas, continues to bring in new permanent residents and vacationers thanks to its improved economy and memorable attractions. Gruene is a quaint, nearby community popular with tourists and located on the lovely Guadalupe River. For those visiting the tight community, several bed and breakfast locations are available so you can get a good night’s sleep and a great morning meal before you explore the area. 

Many homeowners in the community originally stayed at bed and breakfasts in order to take in the local sights and atmosphere, falling in love with the area. If you’re looking for a bed and breakfast in Gruene, here are the best places to stay during your vacation in the Gruene and New Braunfels area. 

Gruene B&B 

You may see this result pop up when doing research, as the lodging you’re requesting is in the name itself. Gruene B&B consists of a 10-acre property home with five different cottages. All cottages are within walking distance, yet staff have ensured that each one allows guests to feel secure and private. Each morning, this location treats guests to breakfast, including coffee, breakfast bars, fruit, and more. While you can use this area solely for lodging, there are also other amenities such as outdoor grilling and washing machines that you can use as desired. Gruene B&B is only one mile from nearby downtown. 

Comal Inn 

Comal Inn is designed as a getaway for couples, groups of friends, or yourself. Home to several cottages and private rooms, you’re sure to be fully rested before you enjoy a hearty breakfast of various fruits, cereal, beverages, and more. Several different room types are available, each fully furnished with WiFi and cable TV. For a more spacious environment, you can rent a cottage with two king-sized beds, a pull-out sofa, cable TV, WiFi, an outdoor grill, and more. 

No matter if you’re simply taking a break or need a space for a special occasion, Comal Inn can provide the accommodations you need to make long-lasting memories. 

Gruene River Inn 

One of the more recent lodging sites in New Braunfels is the Gruene River Inn. With excellent interior design and worthwhile amenities, this bed and breakfast is excellent, especially for those who enjoy fishing or swimming. This inn is located near the Guadalupe River, one of the most historic locations in the area that spans over 200 miles. Guests are welcome to enjoy the river’s refreshing stream or improve their fishing skills. 

Gruene Mansion Inn Hotel 

Arguably one of the most known B&Bs in the area, the Gruene Mansion Inn Hotel’s quaint design and vast array of amenities allow families and individuals alike to feel refreshed, entertained, and satisfied. Vacations should be memorable and allow you to relax and relieve your daily stresses. With an on-site coffee shop, picnic area, golf course, and more, this inn includes everything you need to enjoy a wonderful trip to New Braunfels. When you need a break from the entertainment and want to relax, Gruene Mansion Inn Hotel offers city and landmark views, which may help you relax and take in the nearby scenery. 

Lamb’s Rest Inn 

For couples in love looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway in New Braunfels, Lamb’s Rest Inn offers a gorgeous inn located near the Guadalupe River. While breakfast, WiFi, and parking are included in your rates, this inn is home to several vivid sights, including colorful gardens, decorative guest rooms, and more. Every amenity needed for a memorable and romantic lodging area can be found at Lamb’s Rest Inn, and it’s no surprise this is one of the most recommended B&Bs in the Gruene area. 

Gruene Homestead Inn 

New homeowners continue to arrive in New Braunfels thanks to its increasing opportunities and beautiful agriculture. This community was first founded in the mid-1800s and continues to be a tourist attraction for many across the globe. If the history of New Braunfels intrigues you, Gruene Homestead Inn offers a historical B&B location. Whether you want to relax and take in the local scenery or explore the Comal River with your raft or inner tube, Gruene Homestead Inn may be the inn of choice for you. 

Kuebler Waldrip Haus Bed and Breakfast 

This B&B is a fantastic option for those interested in history. Here, you can stay in a former one-room schoolhouse built in 1863 that has been authentically restored, as well as a renovated house built by German pioneers in 1847. For a newer option, the B&B has a beautiful cottage on the property built in a vintage style. They have choices for everyone, whether you’re just taking your partner or your whole family. You can choose to rent out one structure, individual rooms, or every building on the property for a family reunion. You also get a delicious, hot breakfast when you stay here. 

Gruene River Haven 

Located on the Guadalupe River, this property is a beautiful option. Choose the Gruene River Haven if you’re planning on taking a large group, as it is a house for rent with nine bedrooms. However, you may be able to rent individual rooms. Here, you can enjoy a number of different outdoor activities. Sit in the backyard and watch the river on the heated patio, make dinner on the grill or wood smoker, make a bonfire to roast marshmallows, or use the kayaks and tubes for a day on the river. If you have more than 22 people in your party, there’s even a luxurious camper available with several amenities.  

Experience Everything Gruene Can Offer 

Gruene includes history, attractions, and a thriving community. Whether you’re looking for somewhere close to shopping, the rivers, or the wilderness, you’re sure to find a quaint, comfortable place to stay.  

If the local B&Bs and attractions have inspired you to relocate to New Braunfels, Mayfair is currently working to construct new homes that could be yours in the future. 

Several attractions make New Braunfels, Texas, a memorable and enjoyable location. From museums to zoos, the New Braunfels community has it all. Other activities like shopping, biking, and sports may be enjoyable, but if the heat is too much or you want something less physical, going tubing is a fantastic alternative. For those who enjoy river tubing or want to experience it for the first time, consider planning a day of tubing at the Comal or Guadalupe Rivers! 

What Is River Tubing? 

River tubing involves riding an inner tube down a river. This can be done in a relaxing or energetic manner, as many people who use river tubes do so for sport. No matter your physique or age, anyone can enjoy Comal and Guadalupe river tubing. 

River tubing is most often a more gentle activity than other water activities. You can either bring your own tube or rent one from a local company. Tubing usually takes place at a part of the water with a strong enough current to let you travel. While you may get wet, you can avoid falling off of the tube entirely. Of course, it’s highly recommended to wear a safety vest in case you do go in the water. 

Comal River Float 

Both residents and vacationers in New Braunfels have enjoyed navigating the Comal River, and for good reason. The river is shorter than the nearby Guadalupe River, and the water is generally more calm. The Comal River spans nearly two and a half miles, with a temperature fluctuating between 70 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. For beginners or those wanting a shorter and more relaxing experience, Comal River tubing may be the activity for you. 

The Comal River tends to get quite busy during the late spring up to early fall. Texas is known for its significant heat in the summer, and the river’s calm and refreshing water may be just what you need. 

Guadalupe River Float

The Guadalupe River is much larger than the Comal River, spanning nearly 230 miles from the San Antonio Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. 

For more experienced swimmers and tubing enthusiasts, the Guadalupe River offers a longer and more scenic view of New Braunfels. If you don’t mind a longer and more involved tubing experience, the Guadalupe River can be a memorable break from the intense Texas heat. 

The Rules of River Tubing 

If you’re considering visiting either the Comal or Guadalupe River to enjoy a day of tubing, there are some ground rules you must be aware of. 

Any disposable items, including cans, cups, bags, boxes, and bottles, are banned from the rivers. A New Braunfels disposable can ban was put into effect in order to keep rivers clean. With clean rivers, more people continue to come to visit the local community and enjoy tubing, swimming, fishing, and more. 

If you still want to bring food and beverages to the river, you’re allowed to bring resealable containers and bottles. Every person is allowed to bring one cooler, which can’t exceed 30 quarts in size. 

There are other rules to keep in mind to protect both the rivers and each other: 

• Any noise devices (stereos, phones, etc.) cannot be audible past 50 feet. 

• No glass or foam containers. 
• No littering. 
• All inner tubes cannot exceed five feet in diameter. 
• Each person is limited to two tubes. 

By adhering to the local law, everyone can enjoy this wonderful attraction without worrying about becoming injured or put in danger. 

How to Prepare for Your Tubing Adventure 

Once you’ve decided which river you’d like to experience and what the rules are, it’s time to prepare for your fun and exciting day! 

There are certain items you’ll want to consider bringing along to either river. While none are required, each can make the tubing experience more enjoyable for everyone. 

• Sunblock – The Texas heat can become intense, and you don’t want to dismiss the sun’s beaming rays, either. Make sure you bring sunblock and apply it before and during your tubing journey. The water may help you cool off, but your skin will gain extra protection from the sun by applying sunblock. This is especially true for anyone looking to experience the Guadalupe River, as these tubing sessions can last much longer than those on the Comal River. 

• Drinking water or beverages – Nothing beats relaxing in a tube navigating gently down the river alongside a cold, refreshing beverage. Keep in mind that your beverage should be kept in a resealable bottle, as disposable bottles and cups are banned from both rivers. If the heat is a bit much, you’ll want to cool off with a cold beverage of your choice. 

• Athletic shoes – Both the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers contain rocks, vegetation, mud, and other elements commonly found alongside water. It’s crucial you wear proper footwear while tubing, as this will protect your feet should you need to get out. If you fall out of your tube, you can walk along the ground without worrying about injury. 

• Waterproof phone case and dry sack – It may seem tempting to bring multiple items along for the tubing journey, but it’s recommended to only bring what you need. If you’re bringing your phone, put it in a sack or waterproof case to protect it. 

Once you’ve gathered all of the necessary items, you’re ready to experience a tubing adventure you can only find in New Braunfels. 

At Mayfair, we believe in the power of vision to drive progress and shape the future. Our Mayfair Map serves as a compass, guiding us through the evolving landscape of our project in New Braunfels, Texas. We embrace the idea that visions are not set in stone but rather a culmination of insights, learnings, and innovative thinking. Our Vision encapsulates our dreams, ambitions, and the collective wisdom of our team. It outlines the path we envision for our project and acts as a strategic guidepost, empowering us to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of our ever-changing landscape.

Covid-19 created ongoing changes and trends that we are still experiencing over two years later. The way we interact with others, the way we work, and even the way we live have all been affected and changed due to the pandemic. Some changes that have taken place have proved positive, improving our way of life and ensuring ongoing health and happiness.

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