8 Best Things To Do In Fredericksburg, Texas

Located in the Texas Hill Country, the quaint town of Fredericksburg is nestled between San Antonio and Austin and has become one of the most popular small towns for weekend getaways for those looking for culture, food, shopping, adventure, and small-town charm. Discover this gem with these local-approved finds and activities that make the most of your trip to Fredericksburg.

Considered the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the town of Fredericksburg is the perfect destination for seasonal escapes, family outings, and girlfriend trips in the whole Lone Star State—and that's saying something. Located between popular cities San Antonio and Austin, it's not only easy to reach, but it still feels a million miles away from city life. The tiny town dates back to 1846 when German immigrants and settlers founded it and is dripping with old-fashioned traditions and authentic German roots still to this day.

Fredericksburg's appeal attributes to many things: The picturesque Hill Country scenery, the town's uncanny ability to maintain its dual German-Texan heritage, and many other impressive (and group-friendly) attractions. From over 100 wineries and tasting rooms to a Main Street bustling with shops, galleries, restaurants, and biergartens, here are the best things to do when visiting Fredericksburg.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Indulge in Authentic German Food and Biergartens

It wouldn't be a trip to Fredericksburg without Tex-Mex cuisine, schnitzels, sauerbraten (German pot roast), and German beer gardens. You can find delicious food and handcrafted spirits at more than 70 restaurants, including upscale eatery Cabernet Grill and German specialty restaurant Der Lindenbaum. Head to Old German Bakery & Restaurant for a hearty breakfast but make sure to get there early to snag a table. (And taste the German pancake!)

Sip Your Way Along the Wine Trails

They don't call this part of Texas "wine country" for nothing. Over 100 vineyards and tasting rooms are located in and around town, providing the ultimate vino experience while learning about Texas grapes. Fredericksburg is one of the most-visited wine destinations in the country. Book the 290 Wine Shuttle for safe all-day transportation between the wineries. Our favorite recommendations include Grape Creek Vineyards, Messina Hof Hill Country Winery, Signor Vineyards, and Barons Creek Vineyards.

Get Outside

Pluck Some Texas Wildflowers

Unlike most floral fields where you can look but not touch, you can pick a bouquet at Wildseed Farms. This family-owned countryside escape has over 200 acres of wildflower fields and a beautiful butterfly garden.

Climb Enchanted Rock

Just a short 20-minute drive outside of Fredericksburg brings you to the enormous batholith that's part of Enchanted Rock State Park, which was once Native American sacred grounds. An incentive for reaching the peak of this pink granite dome is the breathtaking view of the Texas Hill Country that awaits you at the top. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, picnic, and camp overnight in the state park.

Learn Something New

Remember the Pacific

Probably the last place you'd expect to hear detailed accounts and witness bona fide relics of World War II in the Pacific is in this little Southern Texas town. But alas, history is waiting to be explored in Fredericksburg's National Museum of the Pacific War. In its vast gallery space, patrons can participate in interactive exhibits and view tanks and aircrafts used in the war.

Revisit the Pioneer Days

Glimpse into the daily lives of the German settlers of the Texas Hill Country at the Pioneer Museum. Located in downtown Fredericksburg, it features historic homesteads and buildings donated by founding families of Gillespie County. Among the exhibits are a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, a Sunday house, a bath house, a barn, and a smokehouse that all showcase artifacts and architecture. 

Visit Like a Local

Spend Time on Main Street

Shops and tourist attractions may come and go, but one aspect of Fredericksburg has stood the test of time: the historic storefronts up and down Main Street. In addition to stores, art galleries, and artisan gifts and treats, the epicenter of Main Street is the Marktplatz. You can even see "Wilkommen" (translation: welcome) signs on full display throughout town. For drinks and live music, start the evening at 78624 Bar before heading to dinner at acclaimed Vaudeville, a French-style bistro on Main Street. Other great dinner spots include Hill & Vine and Otto's German Bistro.

Attend a Festival

Depending on what time of year you visit, there is almost always a seasonal festival on the lineup. In spring, expect events surrounding the Texas bluebonnets in bloom. In the fall, the town is gearing up for Oktoberfest (which celebrates the town's German heritage) and the Food & Wine Festival. Fredericksburg also gets decked out for the holidays and is not to be missed.

Now, off to plan your next trip to Fredericksburg.