Historic downtown New Braunfels, TX, remains a four-season dining, art, and entertainment hub for locals and travelers alike. There’s no better place in Texas Hill Country to spend an afternoon (other than floating on the heavenly Comal River). New Braunfels Escapes, the region’s premier vacation rental management company, boasts a fleet of Comal River rentals within minutes of downtown New Braunfels, TX. Thus, we’ve pieced together a comprehensive guide to San Antonio Street, the city’s beating heart.
Trendy Bars, Southern Cookin’, and Award-Winning Libations
Historic downtown New Braunfels, TX, is known for its bustling nightlife and marvelous culinary scene. But many folks gravitate toward San Antonio Street for the libations, whether that’s a glass of Chilean merlot or a fruited sour beer. Savor a gourmet pairing at Water 2 Wine, an award-winning Seguin Avenue staple. Or, stroll over to the New Braunfels Brewing Company for a flight of mixed-culture sour ales inside its modest taproom.
Meanwhile, the bar scene in downtown New Braunfels, TX, remains the main draw, especially for those who enjoy live country music, a laid-back ambiance, and a head-turning happy hour. Downtown’s best watering holes include Moonshine & Ale (a rare piano bar), the Pour Haus (connected to the Downtown Social), and the Phoenix Saloon. The finest downtown eats can be found at Huisache Grill, Krause’s, Myron’s Prime Steakhouse, and Calahan’s Pub & Pizza.
Still hungry? Nab some artisan cheese at Gourmage, a sweet roll at Naeglin’s Bakery (the oldest bakery in Texas), or colorful gelato at Scoop Street.
Shopping in Downtown New Braunfels, TX
Shopping for artisan jewelry, long-forgotten antiques, kitschy keepsakes, and hand-crafted artworks in downtown New Braunfels, TX, is a Texas Hill Country “rite of passage.” Start your search at the New Braunfels Farmers Market, a year-round event that runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the vendor list to get a glimpse of its many offerings. The New Braunfels Art League showcases artworks from dozens of the region’s best artists.
Meanwhile, some of our favorite places to shop for apparel are the Dancing Pony Boutique and Lot 59. The kiddos will love the eclectic mixture of old and new toys and games at the aptly-named Got Toys. An all-natural soy candle from the New Braunfels Candle Co. makes the perfect gift for a loved one. Lastly, the 20,000-square-foot Downtown Antique Mall is the best place in town to unearth a true hidden jewel.
Downtown Attractions
As noted in our area hiking guide, Landa Park’s Panther Canyon is an idyllic destination for an afternoon stroll. It requires a short, northerly detour from downtown New Braunfels, TX, as does a trip to the family-friendly Schlitterbahn Waterpark. If you hope to experience downtown’s very best in a short period, we highly recommend seeking out Spass Walking Tours. Otherwise, some of our favorite downtown attractions include the 1940s-style Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, the McKenna Children’s Museum, Clay Casa (a paint-your-own-pottery party), the Railroad Museum, and the downtown district’s various artworks. Meanwhile, the Circle Arts Theatre features community theater at its finest, and the aforementioned Downtown Social is an attraction in and of itself.
To browse through New Braunfels Escapes’ luxurious Comal River and Guadalupe River vacation rentals, please visit our website. Booking an escape to Texas Hill Country has never been this easy or glamorous! You can also call us directly at 830-632-5455.