Cypress Bend Park

Natural Setting

Nestled along the Guadalupe River, Cypress Bend Park stretches across 26 acres of scenic landscape right within New Braunfels city limits. The park offers a nice mix of open grassy fields and tall mature trees, with the cypress trees (yep, just like the park's name suggests) creating a beautiful silhouette along the riverbank.

These gentle giants offer much-needed shade when the Texas sun decides to show off during summer. The riverside location is especially nice, featuring a small beach area where you can dip your toes or take a full plunge depending on the river's flow. Water depths vary nicely - shallow spots for the little ones to splash around and deeper pools where more confident swimmers can enjoy a proper cool-down.

Recreational Amenities

Packing a lunch? Cypress Bend has several picnic tables and a covered pavilion that works well for gathering. The pavilion has some tables, but many visitors simply bring their own blankets and chairs to create their own little riverside retreats on the grass.

Kids will make a beeline for the playground with its climbing structures, slides, and swings (just a heads-up: those metal parts can transform into mini stovetops during peak summer heat). For water enthusiasts, the park functions as a convenient entry or exit point if you're kayaking, paddle boarding, or floating down the Guadalupe on a tube.

Activities

Fancy some fishing? The riverbank welcomes anglers, but you'll want to check local regulations before casting your line. The river houses a variety of fish - sunfish and small largemouth bass are common catches according to local fishing tales.

Four-legged family members are welcome too! The park is dog-friendly, with plenty of open space for your pup to explore (while leashed, of course - those are the rules).

Facilities

When nature calls, you'll discover public restrooms near the playground and pavilion area. They're nothing fancy, but they do the job when you're spending a day outdoors.

One thing to note: parking can get tight, especially when everyone has the same weekend plans as you. Arriving early is your best bet for snagging a spot close to the river access points, particularly during holidays and summer weekends.

Water Recreation

The Guadalupe River steals the show with its clear waters that seem to invite you in for swimming, wading, or just floating along. The river's diversity is part of its charm - shallow enough in spots for toddlers to safely splash around, deep enough in others for a proper swim.

Paddle boarding and kayaking enthusiasts find this stretch of river particularly inviting, and the park makes for a great launching pad for water adventures. The relatively calm current is especially welcoming if you're new to water sports or have young ones in tow.

What makes Cypress Bend special is its low-key vibe compared to some of the more developed parks nearby. It's a place where natural beauty takes center stage, offering a peaceful retreat for both locals and visitors looking to connect with nature in New Braunfels.