When temperatures rise, summer thoughts turn to water. While Louisiana has more than its share, sometimes being in the water in the hot and humid weather doesn’t offer much refreshment.
About a day’s drive from south Louisiana is one of the country’s best ways to enjoy cool water, as well as a darn good time in a variety of water-related activities.
New Braunfels, north of San Antonio, does double duty when it comes to water relief. The former German settlement — the town still showcases its unique heritage — is home to both the spring-fed Comal River, perfect for tubing, kayaking and paddleboarding, and the Schlitterbahn waterpark, the largest collection of water rides in the world.
Robert and Billye Henry created Schlitterbahn, which opened in 1979.
Yes, the world. It’s that big.
Top those experiences off with a town restoring historical properties for new hotels and restaurants, and New Braunfels makes for an ideal summer escape.
Comal River
Texas has suffered through years of drought but received nice rainfall this spring, said Melissa Welch-Lamoreaux, owner of Loud & Clear Communications, who promotes the town of New Braunfels.
“Our springs are flowing beautifully,” she said.
This makes for ideal tubing and other water sports on the Comal River. There are numerous outfitters to choose from, many of which offer shuttle services to and from the river. Most people prefer tubing down the slow-moving waterway, but kayaks and paddleboards may be rented as well, Welch-Lamoreaux said.
Restrictions are enforced to keep the river pristine, including what visitors may bring in their 30-gallon or less, lockable, nondisposable containers. Glass, foam and Styrofoam are prohibited.
“No Jello shots,” Welch-Lamoreaux explained with a laugh.
The Comal’s a good bit chillier than what Louisiana offers, but when the temperatures rise, it’s just the thing.
“When it’s 110 degrees, 72 feels lovely,” Welch-Lamoreaux said. “I love it. It’s so refreshing.”
The Boogie Bahn, the world’s first surfing ride, mimics ocean waves to allow park visitors a chance to ride swells with boogie boards at Schlitterbahn.
Schlitterbahn
What began as a family amusement resort in 1979 to entice Houstonians away from the traffic and noise of a Texas summer has turned into a massive water park.
Robert and Billye Henry created Schlitterbahn and made up its name — Schlitter, the German word for slippery, and bahn, the German word for road — and filled the property with water rides, pools and a way to float on the Comal River. Over the years, Schlitterbahn expanded into two sections and is now owned and operated by Six Flags, but the water slides and activities still provide days of fun.
There’s the most award-winning attraction in Schlitterbahn history, the Master Blaster, which starts at the top of a six-story tower and has been voted many times the best water ride in the country. The Boogie Bahn, the world’s first surfing ride, mimics ocean waves to allow park visitors a chance to ride swells with boogie boards. Schlitterbahn also created the world’s first uphill water coaster, utilizing several pumps throughout the ride to keep visitors flying up and down for a roller coaster feel.
The Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn starts at the top of a six-story tower and has been voted many times as the best water ride in the country.
New this year is Wasserbahn Racers, a high-speed, head-first mat racing slide where guests go lane-to-lane on three parallel tracks to see who’s the fastest.
The Torrent River operates as a lazy river but in a loop, which keeps folks floating without breaks. Every few minutes, however, tidal waves wash by, giving floaters a fun boost.
Another river with a twist is The Falls, the longest water ride in the world that contains both fast and slow-moving waterfalls. To get folks to a certain height to enjoy these falls, there’s a conveyor belt that pulls floaters up, a fun experience in itself. There are many entrance and exit spots, so it’s a fun way to get from one part of the park to another.
Naturally, there’s plenty for small visitors to do, and much of the park offers shaded areas for those who need a break from the sun and fun.
New Braunfels
Naegelins Bakery, in New Braunfels, is the oldest bakery in Texas.
The quaint town of New Braunfels began in 1845 as part of the German settlement named for Solms-Braunfels, Germany. That heritage is evident today in the town’s architecture and some businesses, such as Naegelins Bakery, the oldest bakery in Texas.
The town has recently seen a surge of historic property renovations, Welch-Lamoreaux said, many of which celebrate the German origins.
Sophie’s Gasthaus, for instance, built in 1906, serves as a boutique hotel with curated art and community spaces for events and private gatherings. The hotel was included in the Michelin Guide 2026 recommendations on places to stay, the first hotel in New Braunfels to receive the distinction and one of 70 Texas hotel properties to be selected.
The Faust Hotel in New Braunfels, Texas, completed a $10 million dollar renovation and reopened in May.
The Traveler’s Hotel, spearheaded by local businessman Walter Faust Sr., opened in 1929 and not only survived the stock market crash and World War II but prospered. Now The Faust Hotel, the property completed a $10 million renovation and reopened on May 19.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” Welch-Lamoreaux said.
For dining options, Welch-Lamoreaux recommends two new restaurants in the city: Old City Hall from the Wiggins Hospitality Group, and Saludos Cocina, which is in a 1877 building. At the end of the year, chef Tim Love of Fort Worth’s Paloma Suerte is opening a restaurant in the city.
For information on New Braunfels and Schlitterbahn, visit www.visitnbtx.com.
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