6) New Braunfels
Established as a settlement for German immigrants, New Braunfels carries on its heritage with an annual sausage festivals; Wurstfest in November and Wassailfest in December. Water recreation is the primary draw for visitors to this town. The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers flow through town and Canyon Lake is nearby for vacationers interested in kayaking, fishing, and tubing. Schlitterbahn Waterpark has places to stay and more than 40 water attractions for all ages. You don’t have to stay wet the whole time, though. Shop in the downtown district, explore the historic district, check out a live music show, and shop the farmers’ market on Saturday’s. The Texas Ski Ranch Action Sports Complex has paintball, trampolines, and a skate park. The nearby zoo and snake farm are also great for kids. For an adult afternoon, it’s possible to book a shuttle to safely explore the Hill Country Craft Beer Trail.
