Discover New Braunfels
29 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Cypress Bend Park
Riverside park on the Guadalupe River framed by large cypress trees and river bends — ideal for reflections, long exposures of flowing water, intimate nature portraits and people tubing/kayaking. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side light and mist over the river; weekdays and early mornings reduce tube/crowd traffic. Easy street parking and paved paths; wheelchair-accessible sections. No special entry fees but river activity peaks in summer (bring waterproof protection for gear).
Demonstration Garden and Monarch Waystation
A compact demonstration garden and certified Monarch Waystation—ideal for close-up insect and plant photography, seasonal monarchs, native wildflowers and intimate garden compositions. Best visited in spring and fall monarch migration and on warm, calm mornings when butterflies are active. Golden hour backlighting highlights translucent wings; overcast days give even color for macros. Site is small and usually free or low-cost, with limited on-site parking—plan for weekday mornings to avoid any週
Landa Park
Landa Park frames the spring-fed Comal River with towering cypress, limestone banks, picnic areas and a historic park atmosphere — great for intimate waterscapes, tree-lined reflections, candid local life (tubers, paddle boats) and seasonal wildflowers. Best at golden hour or blue hour for soft light and reflections; spring and fall offer milder weather and blooms. Weekday mornings are least crowded. Free park entry and public parking; paved paths and boardwalks provide accessible vantage points
Tube Chute
Tube Chute is the lively exit and staging area where colorful inner tubes spill into the Comal River — great for capturing motion, candid portraits, splashes, and sunlit water reflections framed by cypress and riverbank greenery. Best shot early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds; summer weekends are busiest. Parking and tube rentals are available nearby (fees apply); expect wet conditions and lifeguards. Street and riverside vantage points give different perspectives; a
Panther Canyon Nature Trail
Panther Canyon Nature Trail offers intimate limestone canyon scenes, shaded oak and cedar forests, seasonal creek pools and wildflowers — ideal for close-up nature and moody landscape shots. Visit spring for blooms and after light rain for richer colors and reflections. Best light is golden hour or soft overcast; trail is unpaved with some uneven rock — wear hiking shoes. Free access and limited roadside parking at Gazebo Cir; weekdays and early mornings minimize visitors.
The Sophienburg Museum & Archives
Sophienburg Museum & Archives offers evocative shots of German-Texan heritage: the restored stone museum, period artifacts, archival exhibits, and surrounding downtown streets. Best visited mid-morning or late afternoon for soft side-light; weekdays are quieter. Small entry fee, limited interior tripods—free parking nearby on Coll St. Accessible with ramps; staff welcoming for research shots.
Landa Falls
Small cascading falls on the Comal River inside scenic Landa Park — great for intimate waterscape and landscape shots combining rushing water, limestone ledges, mature trees and park bridges. Best at golden hour (sunrise or late afternoon) for warm side-light and long shadows; after rains the flow and drama increase. Easily accessible via paved paths and nearby parking; expect crowds and tube traffic in summer—visit weekdays or shoulder seasons for quieter conditions. No special permits for non‑
Rio Guadalupe
Spring-fed Guadalupe River offers clear emerald water, oak/cypress-lined banks and lively tubing culture — great for intimate water shots, environmental portraits and motion studies. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft light and reflections; weekends and summer afternoons are crowded with tubers. Access is easy from Kuehler Ave with public river access points and nearby parking; check local outfitters for tube rentals and current water levels. Dress for wet conditions and respect swim
Prince Solms Park
Riverside park on the Comal/Guadalupe meeting area with limestone banks, large live oaks, a historic pavilion and clear river runs — good for reflections, water motion, portraits and environmental shots of tubers and kayakers. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and glassy reflections; weekdays and shoulder seasons (spring/fall) reduce crowds. Small parking lot off Liebscher Dr; park is public with easy river access but some uneven trails and steps — bring water and sun protection. No/
Hinman Island Park
Small riverside park on the Guadalupe with live oaks, shaded trails, river access and low limestone banks — great for intimate waterscapes, reflections, tree-lined compositions and candid outdoor lifestyle shots. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and long reflections; spring brings wildflowers, summer weekends are busy with tubers. Street parking is limited near Hinman Island Dr; no entrance fee but expect uneven paths and some steps to water.
Founders Oak
Founders Oak is a massive, centuries-old live oak in Landa Park beside the Comal River — a striking subject for portraits, tree studies, and environmental landscapes. Shoot wide to capture its sprawling canopy and roots, or intimate close-ups of bark and Spanish moss. Best light is golden hour (sunrise or late afternoon); weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Park admission/parking at Landa Park is nearby; paths and benches make access easy. The tree is a local historic landmark, often used
Fischer Park Nature Education Center
Small nature reserve with prairie, wetlands, pollinator gardens and an education center—good for wildflower and bird photography, intimate landscapes and macro shots. Best in spring for blooms and during migration for songbirds; golden hour provides warm side-light on grasses. Trails are mostly flat and family-friendly; free parking off Monarch Way and no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; expect Texas heat in summer and bring water.
Kraft Park
Small riverside park on the Guadalupe offering oak-shaded trails, rocky riverbanks, and elevated viewpoints over a meandering bend — great for river and landscape shots, seasonal wildflowers, and candid outdoor recreation photography. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and reflections; weekdays or early morning avoid tubers and crowds. Park along Pahmeyer Rd with free parking; some paths are uneven so expect short hikes and limited wheelchair access. No entry fee; respect swimmers/t
Landa Park Railroad
A charming narrow‑gauge park railroad that winds through oak-shaded Landa Park, alongside the Comal River and past picnic areas — great for capturing vintage train portraits, motion against lush parkland, and reflections on the river. Visit golden hour for warm light and long shadows; mornings and weekdays are quieter. Park entry is free; train rides charge per person and operate seasonally/for events (holiday lights popular). Onsite parking at Landa Park; paths and bridges offer multiple safe v
Puppy Playland Dog Park
Small off-leash dog park popular with local owners—great for action, portrait and candid pet photography. Capture running dogs, play interactions and expressive faces against grassy lawns and shade trees. Best light: golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for warm side/backlight; weekday mornings are quieter. Flat, accessible paths and limited on‑site parking with additional street parking nearby. Free entry; be courteous—ask owners before photographing pets and avoid flash that can spoo
New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society
Small heritage railroad museum and model shop capturing vintage locomotives, detailed scale layouts and period signage. Photograph museum interiors, restored rolling stock and miniature dioramas; good for textures, close-ups and environmental portraits. Best at golden hour for warm tones on exterior cars; weekends host events/operating trains with more action. Street parking and small lot nearby; modest admission or donation may apply. Indoor lighting is mixed—bring a fast lens and tripod if low
Mission Hill Park
Small hilltop park offering elevated panoramic views over New Braunfels and surrounding Hill Country — ideal for skyline, sunset/sunrise and seasonal wildflower shots. Easy roadside parking, no entry fee; short walks and some stairs to viewpoints. Best at golden hour for warm light; weeknights and early mornings are least crowded. Bring sun protection; modest accessibility on paved paths but some uneven terrain near edges.
Willard Canyon
Willard Canyon offers compact limestone slopes, oak-dotted ravines and small streams—good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots. Visit at golden hour or after light rain for saturated colors and flowing water. Trail access is short but possibly uneven; parking is limited on nearby residential streets—respect private property and leash rules. Spring brings wildflowers; late afternoon creates warm side-light on cliffs.
Fischer Park
Fischer Park offers winding trails, creek-side views, mature oaks and open fields—good for landscape, seasonal foliage and casual portrait sessions. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for warm side-lighting and long shadows. Park is free, accessible from Hilltop Summit Rd with on-site parking; weekends can be busy with families and sports. No permits for casual shooting; check city rules for commercial work.
New Braunfels Fire Museum
Small, hometown museum showcasing historic fire engines, helmets, apparatus and a classic brick engine house façade — great for documentary detail shots and character-rich exteriors. Best visited weekday mornings or late afternoon for softer light on the building; interiors can be dim so plan for low-light gear. On-site parking and modest admission typical; be respectful of artifacts and ask staff before close-up or flash photos. Compact layout makes it easy to frame both wide context and tight,
Pecan Crossing Park
Small community park centered on a mature pecan grove — ideal for intimate nature and landscape frames: tree canopies, textured bark, seasonal foliage and picnic scenes. Best light is golden hour (sunrise or late afternoon) filtering through branches; spring and fall give strongest color. Park is public with informal parking along adjacent streets; typically no fee. Weekday mornings are quiet. Expect shady pockets and uneven ground under trees; bring insect repellent in warm months.
Carroll "Udo" Hoffmann Park
Small neighborhood park with mature oaks, open lawns, a pond and walking paths—good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and casual waterscape shots. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and reflections; weekday mornings and late afternoons are quieter. Easy street parking, free entry, and short accessible trails make it practical for quick shoots. Bring insect repellent in warmer months.
Schlitterbahn East
Schlitterbahn East in New Braunfels is a colorful, high-energy waterpark — shoot dynamic action on slides, winding rivers, splash pools and architectural steel flumes. Best early morning or late afternoon weekdays for softer light and fewer crowds; golden hour adds warm reflections on wet surfaces and park lights at dusk create dramatic color. Park offers paid entry and large parking lots; bring waterproof protection, quick-change gear and permission checks for drones/tripods. Expect lively, fun
County Line Memorial Trail
County Line Memorial Trail follows scenic riparian woodland and limestone banks near the Comal/Guadalupe corridor — good for river and tree-lined trail shots, reflections, seasonal wildflowers and local birdlife. Best at golden hour or after rain for richer colors. Easy parking at Logans Pass; mostly flat, no fee. Weekdays are quieter; nearby tubing culture adds candid human-interest scenes.
Torrey Park
Small community park with lawns, mature trees, shaded paths and picnic areas—good for environmental portraits, intimate landscape details and seasonal foliage. Visit golden hour or overcast light for even tones; weekday mornings are quieter. On-site parking and no entry fee typical; lightweight gear suffices. Accessible paths make tripod use easy. Great for relaxed local scenes rather than dramatic vistas.
McKenna Children's Museum
Colorful, interactive indoor museum ideal for candid portraits, environmental portraits of kids at play, close-ups of hands-on exhibits and wide interiors showing scale. Visit weekday mornings just after opening to avoid crowds; light is mixed natural from windows and warm museum fixtures—bring a fast lens. Museum is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible; street and municipal parking nearby. Check child-photography policies and staff consent for close portraits.
Fischer Park Splash Pad
Small, family-friendly splash pad in Fischer Park offering colorful water jets, playground structures and shaded pavilions — great for candid action shots, motion studies of water and lively family scenes. Best light: early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds; summer midday produces strong backlight and reflections. Accessible free park with nearby parking, restrooms and picnic areas; no entry fee. Weekends are busiest; capture quieter compositions on weekday mornings. Be
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Indoor trampoline and adventure park offering high-energy action, colorful foam pits, dodgeball courts and obstacle runs—great for freezing motion, capturing expressions and dynamic compositions. Best visited weekday mornings or off-peak afternoons for fewer crowds. Lighting is mixed artificial—fast lenses or flash help. Easy parking at the plaza; expect entry waivers and age/height rules. Family-friendly, action-focused subject matter makes it a good choice for lifestyle and sports motion shots
New Braunfels Little League
Youth baseball complex offering dynamic action shots, candid fan moments, and graphic field geometry (bases, foul lines, dugouts). Best at late afternoon golden hour or night games under stadium lights. Weekends are busiest; weekdays or pre-game warmups are quieter. Easy roadside parking and ADA access; check with league for media/close-up access and player privacy. Expect hot Texas sun in summer—bring sun protection and fast lenses for action.