Austin River Tubing Attractions & Activities
Discover dining, shopping, entertainment and attractions near San Marcos, Guadalupe, and Comal Rivers
San Marcos Area Attractions
Extend your San Marcos River tubing experience with these nearby attractions, all within easy reach of river transportation pickup points.
Texas State University Campus
Education & CultureBeautiful campus with the iconic Old Main building and Bobcat statue. Great for photos and exploring between tubing sessions.
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San Marcos Premium Outlets
ShoppingMajor outlet mall with 140+ stores including Nike, Coach, and more. Perfect for post-tubing shopping.
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Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
AdventureUnderground cave tours, anti-gravity house, and scenic chairlift. Great family activity after tubing.
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Aquarena Springs
Nature & HistoryHistoric springs and educational center showcasing the San Marcos River's ecosystem and history.
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New Braunfels & Comal River Area
New Braunfels offers the perfect combination of river tubing and Hill Country attractions, with convenient shuttle services connecting everything.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Water ParkWorld-famous waterpark with spring-fed rides and attractions. The ultimate water adventure destination.
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Historic Gruene
Historic DistrictCharming historic town with live music, antique shopping, and authentic Texas atmosphere.
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New Braunfels Downtown
Shopping & DiningGerman heritage downtown with unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
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Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural WonderUnderground limestone caverns with guided tours showcasing stunning rock formations.
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Guadalupe River & Hill Country
The Guadalupe River area offers access to some of Texas's most beautiful Hill Country attractions and natural wonders.
Canyon Lake
RecreationLarge recreational lake perfect for boating, swimming, and camping. Multiple parks and marinas.
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Wimberley Square
Shopping & ArtsCharming arts community with galleries, shops, and restaurants in the Texas Hill Country.
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Jacob's Well
Natural Swimming HoleCrystal-clear natural spring and swimming hole. Requires advance reservations but worth the planning.
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Best Dining After Tubing
Refuel after your river adventure with these highly-rated restaurants near each tubing destination.
San Marcos Dining
The Root Cellar Cafe & Brewery
$$Craft beer and elevated pub food
Tubing Groups: Large groups welcome, outdoor seating
Joe Allen's Pit Bar-B-Que
$Authentic Texas BBQ since 1979
Tubing Groups: Perfect post-tubing fuel, casual atmosphere
Palmer's Restaurant Bar & Grill
$$Burgers, steaks, and river views
Tubing Groups: River views, group-friendly seating
Taphouse Kitchen + Bar
$$Creative cocktails and shareables
Tubing Groups: Great for celebrating, craft cocktails
New Braunfels Dining
Krause's Beer Garden
$$Traditional German food and beer
Tubing Groups: Large outdoor biergarten, perfect for groups
The Gristmill
$$$Steaks and river-side dining in Gruene
Tubing Groups: Historic atmosphere, great for special occasions
Smokehouse Bar-B-Q
$Texas BBQ with German influences
Tubing Groups: Quick service, perfect for hungry tubers
Naegelin's Bakery
$Oldest continually operating bakery in Texas
Tubing Groups: Perfect for morning pastries or afternoon treats
Lodging & Accommodations
Stay overnight to make the most of your Austin river tubing adventure. Many accommodations offer group rates and shuttle coordination.
San Marcos Lodging
Hampton Inn & Suites San Marcos
HotelFeatures:
- Pool
- Free breakfast
- Close to outlets
Tubing Perks: Shuttle to river available, group rates
La Quinta Inn San Marcos
HotelFeatures:
- Pet-friendly
- Pool
- Free WiFi
Tubing Perks: Budget-friendly, easy river access
San Marcos River Cabins
Vacation RentalFeatures:
- River access
- Full kitchens
- Multiple bedrooms
Tubing Perks: Direct river access, perfect for groups
New Braunfels Lodging
Gruene Mansion Inn
Historic B&BFeatures:
- Historic charm
- River views
- Victorian architecture
Tubing Perks: Historic atmosphere, walking distance to river
Holiday Inn Express New Braunfels
HotelFeatures:
- Pool
- Free breakfast
- Modern amenities
Tubing Perks: Group bookings, convenient location
Landa Park Golf Course Cabins
CabinsFeatures:
- Golf course location
- Multiple occupancy
- Kitchen facilities
Tubing Perks: Large groups, golf and tubing combo
Planning Your Extended Austin River Adventure
Half-Day Itinerary
- • Morning: River tubing (3-4 hours)
- • Lunch: Local restaurant
- • Afternoon: Shopping or attractions
- • Transportation: Same-day shuttle return
Weekend Getaway
- • Day 1: Arrival, tubing, dinner, lodging
- • Day 2: Attractions, activities, shopping
- • Day 3: Second river or relaxation
- • Transportation: Multi-day packages available
Group Coordination Tips
Transportation: Many shuttle companies offer extended packages that include stops at attractions, restaurants, and lodging with pickup/drop-off coordination.
Advance Planning: Book transportation, dining, and attractions together for group discounts and seamless coordination between activities.
Plan Your Complete Austin River Experience
Everything you need to plan the perfect river tubing adventure