Spring break is right around the corner and you may be thinking of things to do. Or you’re looking for ideas for the weekend or your days off. New Braunfels is just 15 minutes from San Marcos. This popular Texas Hill Country destination offers activities for all ages and interests. Here are some to consider.
Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo
“Snake Farm” has been a popular roadside attraction since 1967. Visitors would stop by to see its extensive collection of snakes, reptiles, and other mammals. In 2007, the place transitioned to Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo (5640 IH 35 S, New Braunfels, Texas 78132). It’s now home to more than 500 species.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake (Highway 306 West, New Braunfels, Texas 78130) offers recreation of every kind. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages eight parks and the property surrounding the lake. Located 16 miles northwest of New Braunfels, visitors go to Canyon Lake for swimming, boating, fishing, camping, sailing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and more. The property has eight pubic parks, two marinas, a golf course, and a yacht club.
Comal River
The Comal River (Landa Park Dr., New Braunfels, Texas 78130) is spring-fed, which means the water remains around 72 degrees all year. It’s the perfect place to go on the hottest days of the year. The river flows from the scenic Landa Park through Downtown New Braunfels. If you pick one thing to do on the Comal River, make it tubing. You can rent tubes, paddleboats, and canoes from places around the river.
Gruene Historic District
Pronounced “green,” Gruene Historic District (1281 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels, Texas 78130) is a fascinating place to explore. Gruene is on the National Register of Historic Places because many of its buildings have been standing since the 1800s or early 1900s. You’ll want to browse the Gruene General Store, socialize and Gruene Hall, and eat a memorable meal at Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar.
Landa Park
Sprawling across 51 acres along the Comal River, Landa Park (835 Fredericksburg Rd, New Braunfels, Texas 78130) contains more than 50 species of trees to keep it shady. You can ride a mini-train across the park, play a round of miniature golf, hit balls on the tennis court, hike, and more. It has restrooms, a wading pool, a wildlife viewing area, volleyball courts, and plenty of grills.
McKenna Children’s Museum
McKenna Children’s Museum (801 West San Antonio St., New Braunfels, Texas 78130) is an interactive learning environment that will rouse everyone’s imaginations. Exhibits cover everything from art and space to healthy eating habits and gardening. Children can create art in the Wonder Shop Art Studio and delve into a simulated Texas ranch.
Natural Bridge Caverns
You can experience two natural wonders in one day as Natural Bridge Caverns (26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266) and the Bracken Cave are a few miles apart. Natural Bridge Caverns is one of Texas’ largest show caves. You can take a guided tour through its underground chambers. On the surface, you can do gem and fossil mining, navigate a 60-foot high ropes course on the Twisted Trails, and more. Bracken Cave is the place for the bat flight experience. There’s something for all ages and heights.
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark
Located on the banks of the Comal River, more than 50 attractions await at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels waterpark (400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels, Texas 78130). If you go, try to make a day of it as it has so much to see and do with its two sections and a tram to take you between them. Everything you love in waterparks can be found here.
Stars and Stripes Drive-In
When you go to Stars and Stripes Drive-In (1178 Kroesche Ln., New Braunfels, Texas 78130), you feel like you went into a time machine that took you to the 1950s. The drive-in is open year-round, rain or shine. It offers not one, not two, but three screens. Whether it’s date night or family night, there’s bound to be a perfect movie to see. They suggest coming an hour early for the full experience.
Want to live in San Marcos with fascinating places to visit are near? Check out TRACE, a San Marcos master-planned community.
