As we approach the summer season, Central Texans become rapidly reacquainted with the intense and often-oppressive heat that inevitably befalls the region. Being an industrious bunch, those of us in the Austin area find ways to keep cool and one of our favorite techniques includes a leisurely afternoon of rafting down a local river on an inflatable tube. 

Interested in joining in on the fun? For the best tubing in Central Texas, consider these four rivers. 

San Marcos River - San Marcos

Photo courtesy of Lions Club

While Central Texas contains a number of excellent rafting rivers, only one has earned a top position on USA Today’s list of the nation’s best tubing spots: the San Marcos River. 

This lengthy aquatic stretch flows for almost 90 miles, beginning at the San Marcos Spring in the town of San Marcos (35 minutes from Downtown Austin) and ending in Gonzales County where it converges with the Guadalupe River. The San Marcos features beautiful parkland vistas on both sides, and it’s home to a wide range of river wildlife, from fish to turtles to birds. The river’s mild temperatures (72 degrees year-round) and clear waters make it especially popular for floating. Prospective tubers can select from a variety of local tour companies like the Lions Club and Texas State Tubes. Alcohol is allowed on the river, but make sure to clean up after yourself, as litter won’t be tolerated. 

Guadalupe River - New Braunfels

Photo courtesy of River Sports Tubes

Known as the “party river”, the Guadalupe River is a prime destination for those who want to knock back a few cold ones, blast some tunes, and have a generally raucous good time. Tubing tours begin in the town of New Braunfels (a 45-minute drive from Downtown Austin) and carry riders through the scenic Texas Hill Country. Book tours through companies like River Sports Tubes and Tube Texas, with rental prices ranging from $18-24 per person. You’re more than welcome to imbibe on the Guadalupe, but make sure to pack some reusable cups and Thermoses; no glass or Styrofoam is permitted.

Comal River - New Braunfels

Photo courtesy of Comal Tubes

For a shorter but equally pleasant tubing trip, check out the Comal River. Like the Guadalupe, the Comal begins in New Braunfels, but because the Comal only flows for about three miles, it’s a great option for a brief float and is especially popular with families. If you’re out for a tube ride with the kids, it’s worth noting that the Comal River drifts past the Schlitterbahn water park, making it a perfect route for a day of aquatic activities.

Affordable tour packages including shuttle rides to and from the starting point can be purchased through companies like Comal Tubes and Landa Falls. You’re welcome to bring alcohol on the ride but drinking on public parkland is prohibited, so make sure you’re keeping an eye on your float route. 

Barton Creek Greenbelt - South Austin

Barton Creek Greenbelt photo by Shutterstock

If keeping your tubing adventures within Austin city limits is a priority, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is your best option. Located in South Austin, the Greenbelt counts among the city’s most beloved greenspaces and the creek offers a flexible opportunity for tubing. You can start your tube ride wherever you like, but because no tour companies serve Barton Creek, you’ll need to bring your own tube and arrange your own transportation. It’s free to raft down the creek but make sure to stop off for a cocktail beforehand, as alcohol is prohibited here.