Things to Do in New Braunfels — and the #1 Spot Most Visitors Miss
The honest local list: waterparks, rivers, caverns, dance halls — and the one private island just 11 miles east built for family fun, friend time, and real relaxation.
Wait — a Real Island?
3.5 Private Acres on Lake Placid
Yes — Son's Island is an actual island near New Braunfels, Texas. To get there, you actually cross a 100-foot wooden bridge, park on the island and then step onto your own reserved cabana with a private dock, kayaks, paddle boards, a BBQ grill, hammocks, the frog slide, and all-day shade.
11 miles east of downtown New Braunfels — about 15 minutes via TX-46 or FM-725. A beautiful lake fed by the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers with calm water, and your own lake-front, private cabana with dock.
Capacity-controlled, family-friendly, and quietly hosting Texas friends and families since 2014.
Check AvailabilityEverything You Need. Nothing You Don't.
Every cabana comes fully equipped for the perfect lake day.
Private Dock with Ladder
Hammock
Picnic Table + Bar Top
Charcoal BBQ Pit
Electricity + Fan
Running Water
Shaded Cabana
Beach Volleyball Access
Frog Slide Access
Cornhole + Lawn Games
Why Families & Friends Keep Coming Back
Moments of joy, relaxation, and togetherness on our private island.
What's Included With Every Cabana
One price, everything ready before you arrive. No add-ons required to have a full day.
- Reserved private cabana — yours all day
- Private dock with swim ladder
- Charcoal BBQ grill + picnic table
- Hammock + all-day shade
- Electricity + running water
- Beach volleyball + frog slide
- Entry for 8 guests (up to 15 with add-ons)
- Free parking for 2 cars
- Capacity-limited island — never overcrowded
Add Kayaks, Paddleboards & iFloats
Our most-loved upgrade. One wristband, unlimited 45-minute sessions all day — life jackets included.
Kayaks
Single & tandem sit-on-tops — paddle the calm Lake Placid perimeter.
Stand-Up Paddleboards
10'–11' all-around SUPs — flat, spring-fed water, great for beginners.
iFloats
Big floating lily-pad mats — lounge, jump, repeat.
$24.99
per person
All-day watercraft wristband
Unlimited 45-minute sessions · life jackets provided free
What to Bring (and What We Provide)
Pack light — the essentials are waiting on the island.
You Bring
- Cooler with ice
- Food & drinks (alcohol OK in cans)
- Sunscreen & hats
- Charcoal & lighter fluid
- Towels & swimsuits
- Fishing gear (optional, license required)
- Bluetooth speaker (kept neighborly)
We Provide
- Reserved shaded cabana
- BBQ pit + grate
- Picnic table + bar top
- Hammock
- Life jackets (all sizes)
- Restrooms + free parking
- Ice for sale on the island
House Rules — Quick Look
So everyone has a calm, easy day. No surprises at check-in.
-
No pets
Service animals welcome
-
No glass
Cans & plastic only
-
Alcohol OK
21+, please drink responsibly
-
Designated smoking
Marked areas only
-
Keep it neighborly
Low-volume music
-
All ages welcome
Kid-friendly island
-
Check-in 10:30 AM
Bridge opens then
-
Check-out 6:30 PM
Full daytime access
Affordable for Groups, Priceless for Memories
Split among 8 people? That's as low as $12.50 per person for a full day.
Weekdays and off-season = lower prices. Summer weekends = book early!
Cabana Pricing
One flat rate per private waterfront cabana. Up to 8 guests included.
Saturday
Sunday
Weekday
Add-on: all-day tubing + kayak wristband $24.99 per person.
Rates shown are average summer pricing. Spring and fall are typically lower, and holiday weekends run higher. Submit an inquiry for an exact quote on your dates.
The Cabanas
55 private waterfront cabanas, each with its own private dock and swim ladder. One cabana reserves entry for up to 8 guests (15 max).
Things to Do
All included with your cabana — no upcharges.
15+ Things to Do In & Around New Braunfels
The local list — waterparks, rivers, caverns, dance halls, and the one private island most visitors don't know about.
-
1
Son's Island — Private Island Cabana Day
Reserve a private cabana on a 3.5-acre island just 11 miles from New Braunfels. Swim, kayak, paddle board, and grill with your own dock, shade, and space for 8 — from $99/day.
- 2
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
The original Texas waterpark — world-famous slides, the Master Blaster uphill coaster, and river rides on the Comal.
Prefer a calmer water day without the lines? A private cabana at Son's Island is 20 minutes away. Reserve a cabana →
- 3
Comal River Tubing
Float the spring-fed Comal — one of the shortest rivers in the world, with the famous Tube Chute at Prince Solms Park.
Summer weekends get packed. Son's Island offers calm, reserved water without the crowds. Reserve a cabana →
- 4
Guadalupe River Tubing & Rafting
Longer floats, cypress-lined banks, and outfitters all along River Road below Canyon Dam.
Bringing little kids? Son's Island's shallow, calm swim area is the easier family option. Reserve a cabana →
- 5
Gruene Hall & Gruene Historic District
Texas' oldest continually operating dance hall, plus boutique shopping, the Gristmill restaurant, and live music nearly every day.
- 6
Landa Park
51 acres of springs, paddle boats, a miniature train, golf, and the spring-fed Landa Park Aquatic Complex.
Public pools fill up fast in summer — a reserved cabana day guarantees your spot. Reserve a cabana →
- 7
Natural Bridge Caverns
Texas' largest commercial caverns — guided underground tours, zip rails, and a ropes course 180 feet below the surface.
- 8
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
A drive-through African safari minutes from the caverns — feed zebras, giraffes, and ostriches from your car.
- 9
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
A quirky New Braunfels classic on I-35 with 500+ animals, from cobras and crocodiles to capybaras.
- 10
McKenna Children's Museum
Hands-on exhibits for younger kids — a kid-sized town, water play, art studio, and outdoor discovery areas.
Pair a museum morning with an afternoon swim at Son's Island, 15 minutes down the road. Reserve a cabana →
- 11
Downtown New Braunfels & the Plaza
Browse the shops, bakeries, and restaurants around the historic Main Plaza — don't skip Naegelin's, the oldest bakery in Texas.
- 12
Wurstfest (November)
The legendary 10-day 'Salute to Sausage' — German food, music, and beer on the banks of the Comal every fall.
- 13
Canyon Lake
The 'Water Recreation Capital of Texas' — boating, swimming coves, and scenic overlooks 20 minutes northwest.
Want lake time without fighting for a public ramp or beach? Son's Island sits on calm Lake Placid with everything reserved. Reserve a cabana →
- 14
Faust Street Bridge
A beautifully preserved 1887 iron truss bridge over the Guadalupe — a favorite walking and photo spot.
- 15
Sophienburg Museum & Heritage Village
Dive into New Braunfels' German pioneer history with exhibits, archives, and restored 1800s buildings.
- 16
New Braunfels Farmers Market
Saturday mornings year-round in downtown — local produce, baked goods, live music, and Hill Country makers.
Why a Private Island Beats the Crowds
Private Cabana Day at Son's Island
- Reserved cabana — your space is guaranteed
- Private dock for swimming & launching kayaks
- Free parking steps from your cabana
- Capacity-limited island — never overcrowded
- BBQ grill, shade & picnic table included
Comal & Guadalupe Tubing, Schlitterbahn
- First-come, first-served — arrive early or miss out
- Shared banks and busy exit points
- Paid lots that fill up by mid-morning
- Peak-season crowds and long shuttle lines
- Carry in your own shade, chairs & coolers
Don't Take Our Word For It
Trusted by thousands of Texas families since 2014
"This was so much easier than the river. We'll be back every summer."
Rachel
Houston
"Wow!! What a wonderful place to take the family!"
Kevin
New Braunfels
"A bit of paradise in an unexpected location!"
Carole
Austin
"Clean, private, no riff-raff. Well worth the money."
Jim
San Antonio
"The kids had the best time kayaking and exploring. Already planning our next trip!"
Sofia
Dallas
"Such a peaceful spot for mommy-daughter time. We felt so relaxed."
Jasmine
Round Rock
"Perfect for our friend group getaway. The cabana was all ours!"
Marcus
Houston
"Best weekend ever! The water was amazing and the vibes were unmatched."
Carlos
Austin
"We come here every year for girls' day. Nothing else compares!"
Ashley
San Marcos
"Had my bachelorette here and it was absolutely perfect. Highly recommend!"
Brittany
Seguin
"Brought the whole family and everyone had a blast. Great for all ages!"
David
Corpus Christi
"So relaxing floating together. This place is a hidden gem!"
Maria
San Antonio
"Dad of the year award! The kids talked about this trip for weeks."
Ryan
Waco
"Even while expecting, I felt comfortable and relaxed here. Beautiful spot!"
Jennifer
Boerne
"The staff was amazing. The whole experience was awesome!"
Heather
College Station
What Your Day Looks Like
A typical Son's Island day — yours can be slower, livelier, or anywhere in between.
- 1
10:30 AM
Arrive, park free at 110 Lee St, cross the 100-ft bridge.
- 2
11:00 AM
Settle into your cabana. Swim off your private dock.
- 3
12:00 PM
Paddle the lake on kayaks, SUPs, or iFloats.
- 4
1:00 PM
Fire up the charcoal pit for a BBQ lunch at your picnic table.
- 5
3:00 PM
Hammock nap. Volleyball. Frog slide. Repeat.
- 6
6:30 PM
Pack up, head home tan, tired, and calm.
Simple as 1-2-3
Book, arrive, and enjoy. We handle the rest.
Book Online
Choose your date and cabana. Entry for 8 included.
Cross the Bridge
Drive across our 100-foot wooden bridge onto your private island.
Relax All Day
Swim, grill, kayak, nap in a hammock. Your cabana is home base.
Getting Here
Just 11 miles from New Braunfels (about 15 minutes via TX-46 or US-90). Also roughly 45 minutes from San Antonio, ~1 hour from Austin, and ~2.5 hours from Houston. We're at 110 Lee St, Seguin, TX 78155 on calm Lake Placid.
- Address: 110 Lee St, Seguin, TX 78155
- Parking: Free parking for 2 cars per cabana, steps from the bridge.
- Questions? Call 877-577-7667
Want to Make It a Weekend? Stay Overnight Nearby
Son's Island is day-use only this season — but our two nearby sister properties on spring-fed creeks have you covered for the night.
Son's Geronimo
21 identical creekside cabins on spring-fed Geronimo Creek.
- 2 queen beds + 2 day beds
- Full kitchen
- Private bath, hot shower
- A/C + Wi-Fi
- BBQ pit, fire pit, picnic table
- Large porch on the creek
Son's Rio Cibolo
100+ acres along 2 miles of spring-fed Cibolo Creek.
- Glamping cabins, bell tents & family cabins
- 2 miles of spring-fed Cibolo Creek
- 100+ acres of Hill Country
- Fire pits & BBQ pits at every site
- Kayaks & paddleboards on-site
- 20 min from San Antonio
Explore the Son's Island Getaways, LLC. Family
Six unique waterfront properties across the Texas Hill Country.
Check Your Date
Live availability — tap a date to pick your cabana.
New Braunfels FAQs
What are the best things to do in New Braunfels?
Top picks include Schlitterbahn, tubing the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, Gruene Hall, Landa Park, and Natural Bridge Caverns. For a crowd-free water day, friends and families book a private cabana at Son's Island — 11 miles east on calm Lake Placid, entry for 8 from $99/day.
What is there to do near New Braunfels with kids?
Families love the McKenna Children's Museum, Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo, Landa Park, and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Son's Island is the easiest family water day near New Braunfels — calm shallow swimming, reserved shaded cabana, and free parking.
How far is Son's Island from New Braunfels?
11 miles (about 15 minutes) east of downtown New Braunfels on calm Lake Placid in Seguin.
Is river tubing in New Braunfels crowded?
On summer weekends, yes — the Comal and Guadalupe draw big crowds and parking fills early. Son's Island is the calmer alternative: capacity-limited, reserved cabanas, a private dock, and free parking, 15 minutes from town.
Hours, Parking & FAQ
Open daily — reopened Spring 2026.
Make Son's Island Your New Braunfels Day
Reserve your private cabana online in under 2 minutes. Weekends and holidays sell out — book early.