San Marcos & New Braunfels

The population centers of the southern reaches of Hill Country, San Marcos and New Braunfels, located between San Antonio and Austin, are known for their superlative rivers, busy with tubers and rafters all summer long. Fed by the cool springs of the Edwards Aquifer, the Guadalupe, San Marcos, Frio, and Comal rivers are prime destinations for escaping the summer heat. San Marcos sits on the banks of the river of the same name, and is thought to be one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in North America, with a history of human inhabitants for more than 10,0000 years. New Braunfels was founded by German immigrants in 1845 and its roots ...

The population centers of the southern reaches of Hill Country, San Marcos and New Braunfels, located between San Antonio and Austin, are known for their superlative rivers, busy with tubers and rafters all summer long. Fed by the cool springs of the Edwards Aquifer, the Guadalupe, San Marcos, Frio, and Comal rivers are prime destinations for escaping the summer heat. San Marcos sits on the banks of the river of the same name, and is thought to be one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in North America, with a history of human inhabitants for more than 10,0000 years. New Braunfels was founded by German immigrants in 1845 and its roots are still evident. The city is perhaps best known as the home of one of the top water parks in the United States, Schlitterbahn, as well as the annual celebration of sausages, Wurstfest. Also within New Braunfels city limits is the historic community of Gruene, home of the oldest operating honkytonk and dancehall in the Lone Star State, the incomparable Gruene Hall.

About the Expert

Eric Peterson has written and contributed to numerous Frommer’s guidebooks covering the American West, including Montana & Wyoming, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Texas.