Award-winning Texas travel destination is New Braunfels

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — The Texas Travel Awards released its top destinations to travel to in 2024 and New Braunfels took home a variety of awards. See the best spots to visit in the Texas Hill Country town this spring break.

New Braunfels was named Destination of the Year, the most sought-after award on the list.

Located approximately 50 minutes south of Austin and 40 minutes north of San Antonio, New Braunfels is filled with small-town charm, stunning views and interesting history.

It’s also home to the Best Winery on the list. Dry Comal Creek Vineyards is owned by the Romero family and uses 100% Texas grapes.

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity with animals, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in New Braunfels is a good option. Taking home the award for Big Market Outdoor Activity, the ranch is a safari adventure right in the heart of Texas. Visitors can view and feed over 700 animals from the comfort of their car.

For those who are looking for a picture-perfect vacation, check out The Dolly Cottage, which won the award for most “Instagrammable” spot in Texas. The cottage, which has a pink Dolly Parton theme, is located within 8Sages-Gruene, an estate across the Guadalupe River from the center of historic Gruene, a German-Texas town.

Winning two awards — one for best big market Under The Radar Activity, and one for best big market Community Event — was the Thru the Chute Cardboard Boat Race in New Braunfels. Competitors race in their handmade, cardboard boats along the banks of the Comal River. The 2024 race is scheduled for April 27, 2024.

The top Iconic Tourist Attraction on this list is none other than Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, one of Texas’ oldest and continuously operating dance halls. Built in 1878, the hall has retained much of its old timey charm and is a landmark for those wanting to learn about Texas history.