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. 

New Braunfels is home to several unique attractions and successful businesses, but there comes a time when you may need a break. Vacations are a great way to unplug from your daily routine and get some much-needed relaxation. However, if your pet can’t come along, or you need a break from your pet as well, there are many pet boarding businesses in New Braunfels to consider meeting with ahead of time. 

Country Cottage Pet Resort 

One of Mayfair’s northern neighbors, Country Cottage Pet Resort, has cared for several different types of pets since 1997. You shouldn’t have to worry about anything back home while you’re on vacation, and Country Cottage Pet Resort aims to keep it this way. This business offers the following accommodations for your pets to ensure they’ll be nurtured and entertained. 

• Tiny Town: If you have a smaller pet, Tiny Town includes everything they need to feel safe and taken care of. This area of the resort comes with a large TV, customized feeding, luxury bedding, daily maid service, and scheduled potty and play times. 

• The Villa: For larger pets, The Villa contains enough space and accommodations for these guests. Along with customized feeding, a daily maid service, and scheduled play and bathroom times, The Villa includes larger doors, private areas for each pet, and raised beds with Mexican blankets. 

• Kitty Condos: For vacationers who need a place for their felines, Country Cottage Pet Resort offers Kitty Condos. These spaces include some of the features of the other two locations while also providing a window and sunning shelf. 

Comal Springs Pet Resort & Spa 

If you’re looking for cat or dog boarding in New Braunfels, Comal Springs provides several different services to keep your pet safe and healthy while you relax wherever you go. 

A unique feature of Comal Springs Pet Resort & Spa is the spa itself. If your dog would enjoy a day at the spa, there are bathing services available for dogs of all sizes. Many pet owners may think a spa is only for fun and not necessary, but this isn’t the case. A day at the spa can help your dog’s skin stay healthy and clean. The spa team also provides other services at the spa, including: 

• Nail trimming 
• Ear cleaning 
• Teeth brushing 
• Blueberry facial 
• Anal gland expression 

Comal Springs also provides what they call “Doggie Daycare,” which allows your dog to socialize with other dogs, increase their physical activity, and experience new sounds, smells, and sights. Before applying for Doggie Daycare, Comal Springs staff recommends doing a Meet & Greet session. This is to determine if your dog is a good fit for the daycare and resort. 

For cat owners, Comal Springs offers unique accommodations for felines. The cat boarding area is kept separate from the dog boarding area so cats can enjoy a more relaxing and quiet environment. For example, the cat boarding area offers the following features: 

• Cat condos with a separate place for their litter box 
• Large playroom with a window for sunbathing and looking at nature 
• Comfortable bedding 
• Catnip and 1:1 playtime with a staff member, per request 
• The ability to leave their condo to walk or run around the cat room 

Bedding and litter boxes are changed out once a day, and staff will ensure cats are fed and content with their surroundings daily. If your cat needs a certain vaccination to qualify for our boarding area, they can provide it. 

Comal Springs staff supervises pets at all times at their resort and spa, and they’re prepared to keep your pet fed, hydrated, clean, and entertained while you enjoy your vacation! 

Jin’s Bed & Biscuits Pet Resort 

Jin’s is another great option for dog and cat boarding while you take a vacation. They provide both boarding and day boarding services, so if your pet sitter  works during the day, they can let Jin’s care for your pets during that time.  

Jin’s feeds all pets the Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin diet, but you can request a special diet and bring your own food to the facility should your pet need it. The same can be done with any medications your pets take. 

Jin’s also includes a playground for running and other activities, though all pets aren’t mingled together unless they come from the same family. The staff at Jin’s are also prepared to provide flea and tick treatment should something occur. The owners of Jin’s work hard to create an environment for pets that feel just like home. This way, your pets feel safe and secure in a clean, inviting atmosphere. 

Enjoy Your Vacation 

New people continue to move to New Braunfels thanks to recent developments and construction. With that comes more pets, and if you need a break from the city, you can do so without worry thanks to several welcoming pet boarding areas in New Braunfels that can protect and supervise your pets while you take time to relax from your hectic daily life. 

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.

Welcome to Mayfair, coming to life in New Braunfels, just down the road from historic Gruene. Soon offering a variety of inspired new ways to live in a community filled with parks, connected by trails, energized by events and anchored by Midtown Mayfair — a vibrant shopping, dining and workplace district. Where food, friends and fun are a short walk away.

Here are just a few facts and figures about the small town, big living that we’re building.

Join Chip Mills, Senior Vice President of SouthStar Communities, overseeing the Mayfair development, as he takes us on a tour of the Mayfair property in its early construction phase. 

“New Braunfels is a special place, and what we’re building is going to stand the test of time,” he said.

Watch the video below to see the vision for how a landscape of grass and brush will soon be home to a thriving community full of amenities for residents of varying economic means and lifestyles—and how he’s carrying on a family legacy by bringing this project to life.

Located in the heart of the Austin-to-San Antonio corridor, bisected by I-35, Mayfair will offer 6,000 residential units, 70 acres of commercial development, 120 acres of mixed-use space, and more than 2,000 new jobs in the region. More than 330 acres of public parks will also be added to the area, connected by trails and bike paths connecting to schools, homes, and retail offerings for easy accessibility.

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Check back soon for more Mayfair news and sign up to receive email updates, or visit us on social media at @MayfairTX on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

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