Landa Park: A Respite for Nature Lovers

If you’re a nature lover in the New Braunfels area, there are few better places to get in touch with Mother Nature than at Landa Park. This public park is a truly wonderful place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re looking to explore, relax or even get in your daily workout. There is a series of running and walking trails that wind their way through the lush greenery, while the long bridges that traverse the rivers add a scenic view to your route.

If you want to get an even closer look at the gentle waters, Landa Park rents out tubes for adults and children that enable you to spend the day floating along the river’s lengths. There are also paddle boats and areas where you can feed the ducks, and you can even fish from the sturdy piers with the proper license. Picnic areas provide shady spots for lunch outdoors, and the sand volleyball court is the perfect addition to any fun-filled day in the park.

Landa Park
164 Landa Park Drive
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 221-4350
www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?nid=156
www.yelp.com/biz/landa-park-new-braunfels

Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars at Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre

Grab some lawn chairs and blankets, along with some snacks and head down to Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre and enjoy some movies and some nostalgia. It was not that long ago that theaters like Stars & Stripes were on the decline. However, with some good food at decent prices and a two-for-one deal that cannot be beaten, this theater has prevailed and remains one of the most popular spots in town.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and Stars & Stripes shows first-run movies starting around 9 p.m. every night of the summer and holiday season. When school is in session, they are open three to five nights a week. While you can see the screen from anywhere, it is best to come early to secure the spot you want. Then, you can enjoy a meal at the '50s-themed restaurant and the kids can burn off some steam on the playground before the movies begin.

Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre
1178 Kroesche Lane
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(806) 749-7469
driveinusa.com/nb

Let the Good Times Roll at Fiesta Lanes

Fiesta means "party" in Spanish, and that is exactly what you will be a part of at Fiesta Lanes. Whether you are coming to knock down some pins with friends, or arriving for a kids' birthday party, you are sure to have fun. After all, there is no other sport that you can play well while enjoying a cold brew.

Another great way to have fun is to join one of the alley's many leagues. Fiesta has leagues for youth, middle schoolers, and high schoolers, as well as a variety of different leagues that adults can choose to join. However, you do not have to bowl to have a good time at Fiesta Lanes. You can also catch the big game or play darts, billiards, or serenade the crowd during karaoke. And don't miss blacklight bowling on the weekends!

Fiesta Lanes
1202 Huisache Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-6263
fiestabowlinglanes.com

Open a New Chapter at the New Braunfels Public Library

If your idea of a library includes shushing librarians and dusty old tomes, then you're overdue for a visit to the New Braunfels Public Library. Owned by the city of New Braunfels, this modern library gives residents access to a catalog of more than 107,000 items—for free! It's all part of the library's mission: "To provide the community with equal access to physical and virtual environments that support and encourage lifelong learning and enrichment."

Materials available for check out span books and magazines to music and movies. What's more, the New Braunfels Public Library frequently plays host to community events such as storytimes, book and language clubs, writing workshops, lecture series, and much more!

New Braunfels Public Library
700 E Common St.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 221-4300
www.nbtexas.org/114/Library

Splish, Splash, Have a Blast at Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Encompassing 70 acres of water slides, pools, cabanas, and picnic areas, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a popular summer destination in New Braunfels. There's something for people of all ages here. The Blastenhoff beach is fun for the little ones and the adults. Check out the Black Knight waterslide for a wild ride, or take some time to enjoy Butterfly Bayou with the kids. If you want an adventure, the Congo River Expedition is the attraction for you, with the slow flowing river for a lazy day.

With access to their Riverbend Cabins and excellent package deals, you can bring the entire family for a break. Visit the Schlitterbahn Waterpark website to purchase tickets and season passes!

Schlitterbahn Waterpark
400 North Liberty Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(855) 246-0273
www.schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels

Picnic Under the Shade of Ancient Oak Trees at Landa Park

One of New Braunfels' most beloved community resources, Landa Park sits upon 51 acres and offers a wide range of attractions. Here, visitors can enjoy countless amenities, including a walking path, 60-plus benches and even more barbecue grills, plus playground areas, an amphitheater, horseshoe pits, well-maintained restrooms, and picnic areas located under the shade of ancient oak trees. Landa Park also boasts a miniature golf course, its very own lake with a fishing pier (don't skip a paddle boat ride!), and a miniature train that choo-choos around the perimeter of the park.

What's more, the park is known to be a major bird-watching destination, with a guide book to the park available for visitors. The Panther Canyon Nature Trail is right nearby!

In short, you can easily spend an entire day here!

Landa Park
164 Landa Park Drive
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 221-4000
www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?nid=156

Gruene Hall: Kick Up Your Heels at the Oldest Dance Hall in Texas

Gruene Hall has been a part of the New Braunfels landscape since its establishment in 1878. Artists from George Strait to Ziggy Marley have graced this stage for locals and tourists alike over the years.The outside remains essentially the same, with the white-washed wooden exterior, tin roof, and open air setup. The 6,000-square-foot interior boasts wood flooring and is decorated with historic photos and neon lights.

Gruene Hall is an entertainment hotspot for all ages. In the summer, be sure to visit for local favorite Two Ton Tuesdays to enjoy music by local band Two Tons of Steel. Arrive at 6 p.m. to take part in the ever-popular swing dance lessons for all ages, only $8 per person and you’ll be twirling in no time. Beer, wine, and small snacks are served at the cash-only bar.

Gruene Hall is open daily, but visit the website for a full calendar of shows and events!

Gruene Hall
1281 Gruene Road
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 606-1281
www.gruenehall.com
www.yelp.com/biz/gruene-hall-new-braunfels-3

Landa Park Golf Course: Where It’s Always Tee Time in New Braunfels

Spanning more than 122 acres, the 18-hole Landa Park Golf Course is not only a challenging, fun course—it's also a habitat for wildlife in the area. The course offers daily play options, private and group lessons for adults and kids as young as 5, and club rentals for those who might not have their own. Don’t forget to ask for your Landa Player Club Card, which is free for New Braunfels residents and only $70 for non-residents, as it will award you discounts on play and the pro shop. When you become hooked, look into their membership options as well.

Landa Park Golf Course offers much more than just standard daily play and mixes it up with family-friendly events throughout the week. Holiday tournaments, spring break deals, par 3 challenges, a “foot golf league” and other special events keep things interesting.

Visit their website and social media pages for full details. Landa Park Golf Course is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to dusk.

Landa Park Golf Course
180 Golf Course Road
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 221-4340
www.landaparkgolfcourse.com
www.yelp.com/biz/landa-park-golf-course-new-braunfels

Get Your Gluten-Free Sugar Fix at Red Oak Bakery in New Braunfels

Adapting to a gluten-free diet isn’t the easiest feat, but places like Red Oak Bakery in New Braunfels make it a whole lot more delicious.

While Red Oak Bakery prides itself on treats that are created entirely without gluten, they’re still just as decadent and flavorful as traditional sweets; from the incredibly chewy double-chocolate cookies to the savory bacon and cheddar scones, everything is made with all-natural ingredients that provide bold, authentic flavors. The pastry cases at this local, independent bakery also include cinnamon brioche muffins perfect for a special breakfast, icing-topped cupcakes in a variety of flavors, and indulgent brownies that you’ll dream about long after they’re gone.

With a charming, homey atmosphere and a sunny outdoor porch, Red Oak Bakery is the perfect place to go for dessert in New Braunfels.

Red Oak Bakery
596 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 214-6911
www.yelp.com/biz/red-oak-bakery-new-braunfels-2

Plan an Island Getaway Without Leaving Town at Hinman Island Park

While many area parks consist of large areas of grassy fields and walking trails, Hinman Island Park in New Braunfels also offers beautiful river views and swimming holes perfect for hot, Texas summer days. Venture down to this area park to discover some of the best of the area’s local scenery, including peaceful, rushing waterways, large, shady trees, and patches of grass perfect for sprawling out on a blanket.

Many area residents invest in their own inflatable tubes to use on the Comal River, which makes for a fun and exciting way to cool off. Relax on board your trusty tube while you float along the river, or make things a bit more exhilarating by going on a spin through the fast-paced chute (which often leaves you doing more swimming than floating). Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the wooden tables for a full day of fun at Hinman Island Park.

Hinman Island Park
Hinman Island Drive
New Braunfels, TX 78130
www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?NID=404

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