Tubular Times

Feel like floating? Here are the top tubing destinations around Austin

The best prescription for a Texas fever is a trip down the river. Tubing is a popular pastime in Central Texas, and while we may not have many immediate options near Dallas, there are quite a few lazy rivers to be found around Austin. So when you feel the need to get out of town and refresh, we've created a guide to help you pick the perfect float.

San Marcos River
The San Marcos River is spring-fed, so even in the height of summer it's deliciously cold and clear. Tubing on the San Marcos is easy and enjoyable: two different sections of the river offer two different kinds of floats. For a more kid-friendly experience, check out the Lions Club Tube Rental at San Marcos City Park. Part of the float is through downtown San Marcos, but the surrounding vegetation makes you feel removed from the city. The trip is short and mild, ending in about an hour at the Rio Vista Dam. This is a great float for the family, and its central location means easy access to post-tubing grub and entertainment.

Those looking for a more grown-up good time should hit up Texas State Tubes. This stretch of the San Marcos River is wide, flat and slow, so the trip lasts about three hours and is great for large groups. This float is less crowded than most, but tends to attract college kids and young adults. Texas State Tubes offers two options: "park, ride, float" or "park, float, ride," so you can use the shuttle before or after your float.

Cost: $10-$17 ($20 cash deposit for Lions Club). Shuttle included. Alcohol permitted on the river, but not in public parks.

Comal River
The Comal River offers a similar experience to the downtown float on the San Marcos River. This urban stream winds through the city of New Braunfels, so you're covered if you need lunch or last-minute provisions. Not only is it a short trip (the Comal River is the shortest river in the country), but it's broad and leisurely, making it another great option for families. The only fast part is the single-person, man-made chute that diverts tubers around the dam. It's worth mentioning that in addition to a riverside tour of the town, you'll also float by Schlitterbahn.

There are quite a few choices for tube outfitters in New Braunfels. Landa Falls offers the longest float, but other top picks include Chuck's Tubes and Comal Tubes. Depending on the outfitter, the float can last anywhere between two and three hours.

Cost: $15-$19. Shuttle included. Alcohol permitted on the river, but not in public parks. Cooler restrictions apply.

Guadalupe River
Simply put, the Guadalupe River is the party river. Alcohol, music and co-eds are in abundance. Scenic limestone cliffs and lush views accompany this float, which includes intense and rapid waters in some areas.

The most popular floating destination is the Horseshoe, a little bend in the river that begins and ends along FM 366. This is where you'll have the most options for outfitters that offer different float lengths and shuttle packages. You can choose to just float the Horseshoe, which clocks in at around two hours, or continue beyond the first river crossing. The longest float can take five to six hours.

Some of our favorite tubing companies include Tube Haus, Shanty Tubes, Whitewater Sports, Armadillo Tubes and River Sports Tubes. Shop around to find the best deal based on party size and tube needs.

Cost: $15-$20. Shuttle included. Alcohol permitted on the river.

Barton Creek
The San Marcos, Comal and Guadalupe rivers are the "big three" for floating around Austin, but there's also an in-town alternative. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers a secluded, relaxed float closer to the city center.

For this float, you'll need to bring your own tube and sort out transportation. You can stop and start whenever you want, or just post up somewhere along the creek banks. A popular starting point is the Loop 360 Access, which offers a two- or three-hour float down to Barton Springs. Don't forget that you'll have to carry your gear, so pack light and bring only the essentials.

Cost: Free. No shuttles. Alcohol not permitted on the river.

Pro tips
New to tubing? Don't worry, we've got your covered.

Always bring cash. Some places don't accept credit cards. Certain outfitters will also ask for collateral, such as a cash deposit, your driver's license or your car keys.
Reserve ahead of time if you can. This will speed up the process, which is great if you're bringing young kids (or rowdy friends).
Don't be trashy. Bring your own bag for trash, or be prepared to buy one. An old potato sack will do just fine, but several outfitters will hook you up with a bag to stash all of your trash (specifically those cans). Or, you can throw it all back in the cooler where it came from.
Our list of must-bring items includes water shoes, sunscreen, plenty of water and snacks.
Don't bring glass or Styrofoam containers. Also, disposable containers less than 5 ounces are banned on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers.

A trip down the Comal River offers a leisurely tour of New Braunfels.

Tubing float Comal River New Braunfels Comal Tubes

Comal Tubes/Facebook

A trip down the Comal River offers a leisurely tour of New Braunfels.

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Checking in

Clara Hotel debuts in Plano with chef-driven dining and late-night lounge

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

A newly reimagined hotel in Plano aims to be as much a dining destination for locals as it is a place for visitors to stay: The Clara Hotel has officially opened in the Legacy Corridor with a chef-driven restaurant and chic new cocktail bar - all part of a $4 million transformation of the former NYLO Dallas/Plano Hotel.

Located at 8201 Preston Rd. on the Plano-Frisco border, The Clara remains part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection but has been overhauled by Dallas-based investment firm NewcrestImage, which acquired the property in 2025. The company has refreshed nearly every guest-facing space, from the hotel's 176 guest rooms to its food and beverage offerings.

Leading the debut are Field & Vine, the hotel's signature restaurant, and Archer, a new day-to-late-night cocktail lounge.

The Clara Hotel is now open at 8201 Preston Rd., Plano.Photo by Greg Ceo Studio

"The Clara was always envisioned as more than a hotel," says Mehul Patel, managing partner at NewcrestImage, in the release. "We wanted to create a place that locals would visit whether they were staying overnight or not. Field & Vine and Archer are central to that vision. Together, they create an experience that evolves throughout the day, from breakfast meetings to date nights, celebrations and late-evening cocktails."

Field & Vine is led by executive chef Daniel Armand, whose nearly four-decade career has included restaurants in Haiti, France, New York, Nantucket, the Hamptons, and Dallas before joining The Clara.

His menu blends French technique, Haitian influences, Texas ingredients, and seasonal produce. Highlights include:

Clara Ceviche with Gulf shrimp, citrus, and coconut water
Harissa Honey Wings with Texas honey
Steak Frites with herb butter and truffle fries
Heritage Chicken with roasted root vegetable purée
French-style Braised Short Rib
Citrus Shrimp Linguine
Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto
Herb-Crusted Salmon with citrus-sage beurre blanc

Field & Vine, Clara Hotel Clara ceviche at Field & Vine.Photo by Dan Padgett

The all-important hotel breakfast ranges from avocado toast and smoked salmon plates to Belgian waffles, breakfast tacos, fresh-pressed juices, overnight oats, and brioche French toast.

A distinctive feature is the hotel's on-site herb garden, where rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, and other herbs are harvested for both the kitchen and bar.

"Some of my earliest memories are in the kitchen with my mother, learning that food has the power to bring people together," says Armand. "Field & Vine is a reflection of that belief. We want guests to feel welcome whether they are joining us for breakfast, a special dinner or simply gathering with friends. The menu is personal to me, but ultimately it is designed to create memorable experiences around the table."

The cocktail program incorporates fresh herbs and housemade syrups with drinks such as the Clara Bloom, Rosemary Paloma, Smoke & Sage, and Garden Spritz.

For evening drinks, Archer offers a dramatically different atmosphere.

Replacing the Library concept originally announced during the renovation, Archer is a moody cocktail lounge with dark woods, leather seating, and low lighting. The space was inspired by celestial navigation, with signature cocktails named for stars, landmarks, and journeys.

Featured drinks include:

Polaris with vodka, elderflower, lemon, and sparkling wine
The Meridian with reposado tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, lime, and honey
Clara After Dark with bourbon, Amaro Nonino, honey, lemon, and black tea
Fixed Point with bourbon, black walnut, demerara, and bitters
Western Sky with rye whiskey, amaro, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters
Long After Sunset with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and vanilla

The Archer, cocktails, Clara Hotel Cocktails at The Archer.Photo by Dan Padgett

The lounge also serves shareable bites including lamb chops with mint chimichurri, tuna tartare, margherita flatbread, ancient grain hummus, and cinnamon pretzel bites.

"Archer was designed to feel like the room the evening finds after sunset," says Patel. "It offers something different from the traditional hotel bar experience. It's intimate, atmospheric and intentionally designed for guests who appreciate great cocktails, thoughtful conversation and a place that encourages them to stay awhile."

Originally opened in 2007, the property was the first hotel launched under the NYLO Hotels brand and is widely credited as the country's first loft-style lifestyle hotel. Under NewcrestImage's ownership, the hotel has introduced a warmer aesthetic with natural textures, wood finishes, greenery, and a more residential feel throughout its guestrooms and public spaces.

The renovation also refreshed the hotel's heated outdoor pool, landscaped courtyard, and meeting and event spaces, positioning the Clara for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Reservations for dining and hotel stays are available through The Clara Hotel's website.

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

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