Outdoors
Prince Solms Park
One cant mention New Braunfels without mentioning the famous Comal River. At 2 miles long, its the shortest river in Texas and perfect for an afternoon float. The most popular place to start your float is Prince Solms Park. Grab your tube, your beverage of choice, and hop in. While most of this river is slow moving, the city tube shoot near the beginning will give you all the whitewater you can handle and has been known to flip many a floater. You might want to hold onto your stuff, or else be prepared to make an involuntary donation to the river depths.
Texas Ski Ranch
For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, head to the Texas Ski Ranch, where you can learn to wakeboard without a boat. Just grab a board and hold on tight as a cable-system pulls you around a circular lake. My advice for first timers: watch out for the turns, and be prepared to spend more time under the water than on top of it!
Food
Naegelin's Bakery
To start your day, visit Naegelins Bakery, the oldest bakery in Texas dating back to 1868. The fresh baked goods are made with age-old German recipes. The apple strudel is amazing and the old-fashioned German cookies like spingerles and Pfeffernusses will have you thinking youre back in the motherland.
Phoenix Saloon
If youre looking to add a little spice to your day, then stop by the Phoenix Saloon, a chili parlor housed in the building where chili powder was invented in 1894. They serve it the Texan way (read: the right way), as every bowl of chili is served bean-free with chunks of sirloin and lots of spice. Be warned, the ring of fire bowl requires a waiver. Theyve also got burgers and sandwiches for all those who dont like chili (if thats even possible )
Culture
Sophienburg Museum
The best way to learn about the German roots of New Braunfels and Prince Carl, the German Prince who settled the area, is to visit the Sophienburg Museum. Here, youll see tons of German artifacts like a life-size model of the ship that families took to arrive in Texas.
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Another place that is historic in its own right, and one of Americas most iconic roadside attractions, is Snake Farm (cue the Ray Wiley Hubbard). This zoo sits right on the highway and has been curing snake fears since 1967. Theyve got a wide range of the worlds creepiest snakes from Black Mambas to Rattlers and Cobras. If snakes arent your thing, step outside to an incredible zoo with lions, hyenas, and more. Dont miss the weekly gator feedings. CHOMP!
