In Downtown New Braunfels, you have the historic main plaza dotted with antique stores, quaint shops, and can’t-miss boutiques. The Historic town of Gruene is a great place to go for art galleries, specialty and antique shops.
View a list of the Shops at Gruene
Just up the road in San Marcos, the Premium Outlets have been voted among the “Best places to shop” by the Austin Business Journal and named the third-best place to shop in the world by ABC’s “The View.”
The San Marcos Premium Outlets represent the finest outlets that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. Not only are their stores the most exclusive and elite, but they also have some of the best discounts to be found in outlet shopping. Stores at the San Marcos Prime Outlets include 7 For All Mankind, Cole Haan, Fendi, Gucci, Guess, J. Crew, Juicy Couture, Lacoste, Kate Spade, St. John Outlet, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, True Religion, U.S. Polo Association, Tommy Bahama and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th—just to name a few.
Restaurants in New Braunfels reflect an international flavor rooted in the city’s German heritage. But it wouldn’t be the Lone Star state without some good ‘ole Texas barbecue, like you’ll find at Rudy’s. A few favorite local dining options include Huisache Grill & Wine Bar in New Braunfels and The Gristmill in Gruene.
The Top 5 Local Favorite Restaurants
The Top Family Friendly Hill Country Restaurants
It is no surprise that New Braunfels has been a vacation retreat for Texans for generations. From hikes that wind through wooded areas and up rolling hills to take in scenic lake views, to miles of bike trails offering varying levels of difficulty, to the watersports offered on Canyon Lake, New Braunfels is a recreational haven.
Pack a picnic lunch—and your swimsuit—and head out to one of the local parks for a day of smiles. Or maybe zooming down one of the waterslides at Schlitterbahn is more your speed. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort is the ultimate way to cool down in the summer heat. With over 3 miles of tubing, 7 playgrounds, 17 water slides, 3 uphill water coasters and the world's first surfing machine it is no wonder this family-owned waterpark is so popular. The waterpark is open every day this week starting at 10 am and has three different attractions & ride areas: Blastenhoff, Surfenburg and Schlitterbahn.
You could always take part in the favorite local pastime of tubing the Comal River. Owners at New Braunfels’ Vintage Oaks community enjoy their own nature trails, resort pool and lazy river—just a few of the amenities that have helped make this New Braunfels community a best-seller.
Family Friendly Thiings to do in the Hill Country
5 Popular New Braunfels Events You Don't Want to Miss
