Day Trips from New Braunfels: San Antonio, Austin and the Hill Country
June 7, 2026 · 6 min read
Staying in New Braunfels puts you inside an hour of most of central Texas. It is a practical base for a trip that touches two cities and the Hill Country without changing hotels.
San Antonio, about 35 minutes
The River Walk, the Alamo, the Pearl district and the missions all sit within a short drive. The Pearl farmers market on a Saturday morning is a good half day if you do not want a full tourist itinerary.
Austin, about an hour
Barton Springs, South Congress and the food scene make Austin an easy single day. Traffic north on IH-35 is the deciding factor, so leave early and come back after the evening rush.
Wimberley and Canyon Lake, 30 to 45 minutes
Canyon Lake offers boat rentals, swimming areas and the Gorge. Wimberley has a square full of shops, Blue Hole and Jacob's Well, both of which require reservations in summer.
Fredericksburg and the wine road, about 90 minutes
Highway 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg is lined with tasting rooms. Build in a designated driver or book a tour, and stop in Luckenbach on the way back.
Why base yourself here
Hotel rates in New Braunfels usually run below Austin, the drive access is direct and you come home to a pool and a kitchen instead of a lobby.
From The Mercer, IH-35 is minutes away, and parking is gated and on site.
