THIS POST WAS WRITTEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW BRAUNFELS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU. AS ALWAYS, ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
While I love exploring Texas with my little family, girlfriend trips are just good for the soul. Being sure to leave my wife and mom hat at home, my sister and I embarked on a small town Texas road trip. First stop!? New Braunfels, Texas!
Just nearly a three hour drive from Houston, New Braunfels is the perfect weekend getaway. This small Texas city knows how to draw tourist with its historic vibe and mecca hub for tubing lovers. I love visiting small towns in Texas! The charm and culture is unmatched. There are so many fun and unique places that have their own unique character and high up on my list is the pristine city of New Braunfels, TX. Bustling with the cutest little boutique and antique shops. It’s the perfect destination for a quick getaway with your gal pals!
New Braunfels, intertwined by two beautiful rivers is home to limitless adventures. Whether you’re craving arts & culture, water sports, unique shopping options, or a wide variety of cuisine there is sure to be something to peak the of interest of anyone.
Catch The Ultimate Girlfriends Guide To New Braunfels Below!
Where To Stay
Fairfield Inn & Suites // While in New Braunfels my sister and I were hosted at Fairfield Inn & Suites New Braunfels, situated right off of Interstate 35. The hotel was in the perfect location to enjoy travel anywhere in the city with ease. The hotel has a distinctive mix of amenities to draw both families and business goers alike.
The rooms were very spacious and comfortable. It afforded us the right amount space to spread out, get comfortable and relax. The minimalist design carried darker tons with modern accents and in my opinion this really gave a nice boost to relaxing after a long day on the town. The mini fridge housed the cool drinks we needed to combat the extreme Texas temperatures and we were thankful for the in room microwave to heat up the good eats we acquired while out on the town. We had such a blast catching up over the complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Even our designated hot tub night was just the therapy our muscles needed after a long day exploring this vibrant city. We were also sure to fit in a brief workout together at the 24 hour fitness center.
Ample parking and complimentary Wi-Fi are other amenities that made our stay in New Braunfels memorable and convenient. So, the next time you’re in New Braunfels, be sure to book your stay here and enjoy!
What To Do
Historic Gruene // This area of town is packed with so much history and iconic staples that the city of New Braunfels is known for. Wear comfortable shoes for in depth exploration and prepare to be wowed at every turn. Restaurants, Bars, Boutiques, and antique shops all await you, each with it’s own historic charm.
Murals // My favorite way to document my travels is by posing with the city’s cool murals about town. I was able to locate a really cool mural not far from our hotel, “Greetings From New Braunfels”. Be sure to stop by and grab a picture for Instagram before you leave town.
Location: Plant K – 1691 N. IH 35
Canyon Lake // If you’re looking to go make a splash in some water you’ll have plenty of options in New Braunfels. However, if you’re in the mood for more of a beach like flair you can take the short drive over to Canyon Lake. A $5 entry per vehicle will have you wading in the beautiful lake in no time. The views are really nice and its a great scene at sunset.
Faust Street Bridge // This little gem is tucked away in a residential neighborhood. The parking is limited but the views sure aren’t! Taking a stroll across this bridge is a must. If you’re in the mood for water, head underneath the bridge for the opportunity to try out the river. Patrons were living their best life with tents, coolers, tubes, chairs and music so join the party! If you’re a strong swimmer I suggest sliding down the mini waterfall, its so cool.
Tubing // This small Texas City is iconic for tubing lovers. There are tubing companies and patrons walking with tubes at every turn. If you’re a thrill seeker, take your pick and head out for a day of fun in the sun!
Landa Park // Grab your gal pals and take a train ride through Landa Park. This is the best way to view the park! For just $3 you can take this scenic route. Landa park offers a ton of adventure for any interest. They have playgrounds, mini golf, an aquatic complex, a natural spring fed pool, paddle boats, volley ball courts, and plenty of picturesque opportunities. A ton of fun awaits you and your girl friends so get out and explore!
Shopping // With tons of unique boutiques and antique shops at your disposal, not shopping is really not an option.
Buc-cee’s // You can’t visit New Braunfels and not stop at Buc-cee’s! I’m sure you’ll need a cheap bag of ice to keep your drinks cool in your cooler. You may even want to snack on some Beaver Nuggets. Either way, go in and grab some snacks for your party! This location is massive.
Where To Eat
Gristmill River Bar & Restaurant // Grabbing a meal at Gristmill River & Bar Restaurant is a complete experience you definitely don’t want to miss. This is the second largest restaurant in Texas and if the seating Gods are working in your favor you can grab some great views of the river while you indulge on good eats. Don’t be alarmed if the wait is too long. Be prepared to be entertained as you wait by the musical entertainment on center stage during your visit. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the bustling environment. They also have a really cool way to let you know your table is ready. An outdoor, elevated chalk board will display your name when your table is ready. The spinach and artichoke dip is awesome by the way!
Gruene Coffee Haus // This cute little coffee house located in the historic Gruene area is a must! Its a small space packed with big charm. Its definitely an Instagram worthy environment, which is all people really care about these days, right!? The patio is nice, the inside is quaint and the Frappuccino options are endless! I grabbed a Green Tea Frappuccino and it was made in a jiffy.
2 Tarts Bakery // OMG, the key lime pie is so good! This bakery is very popular and very cute. Located in downtown New Braunfels, it’s a cool place to hang out with the girls and chat. Trendy, four chair tables adorn the sidewalks just outside the doors if you want fresh air. If you’re looking to walk off your dessert, there are a ton of other sights to see in the area that you can walk to. They offer a good selection of baked goods for reasonable prices.
Tipsy Cow Creamery // I am so in love with the creamery! I can still taste my bourbon and brown sugar ice cream. You have to try it! As a first timer, the menu is really extensive. However, they were really sweet about allowing us to sample a couple of flavors and even recommended their favorites. This would be the perfect place to host an ice cream tasting with your girl pals! Don’t be alarmed, there are virgin ice cream flavors as well.
Dos Rios Mexican Bar & Grill // Mexican restaurants are plentiful in Texas. However, they are not all created equal! Fajitas, Margaritas and girl friends just kind of go together and this is exactly what my sister and I ordered. They have a really nice happy hour menu. We were able to grab $4 margaritas and they were delicious! The atmosphere is casual, the patio is perfect for a cool day and service was attentive.
You may also like: Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Make It A Day Trip and The Best Of Denver With Kids
Will New Braunfels be your next Texas vacation?
What are you waiting for!?! GO OWN YOUR FANCY!!!
Keep in touch: Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter/ Pinterest
Kate Findley says
I grew up in Texas and my family would always go to the Gristmill and of course Schlitterbahn, so this brings back memories. You made me realize there are lots of other great places to visit in New Braunfels too, though! And great pictures!
Brandi Beasley says
Thank you so much! It was my first time exploring the area and I had a really great time. I look forward to returning!