Travel 7 Things To Do During Your Visit to Fredericksburg, Texas Don't miss out on one of Texas Hill Country's most getaway-worthy towns. By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on July 6, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article View All In This Article Enjoy Local Cuisine Get Outside Learn Something New Visit Like a Local Located in the Texas Hill Country, the quaint town of Fredericksburg is nestled between San Antonio and Austin and is worth a weekend stopover the next time you're traveling deep in the heart of Texas. Discover this hidden gem with these local-approved things to do to make the most of your trip to Fredericksburg. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the town of Fredericksburg is one of the most getaway-worthy small towns in the whole Lone Star State—and that's saying something. Located between the popular destinations of San Antonio and Austin, it's not only easy to reach, but it still feels a million miles away from city life. This tiny town is dripping with old-fashioned traditions and authentic German roots, dating back to 1846 when German immigrants and settlers founded it. Present-day Fredericksburg's charm 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 discover this hidden gem and make the most of your trip to Fredericksburg. Stephen Saks / Getty Images Enjoy Local Cuisine Indulge in Authentic German Food and Biergartens Of course, 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 in Fredericksburg, 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. 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, 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 and operated countryside escape has over 200 acres of wildflower fields and a beautiful butterfly garden. Climb Enchanted Rock 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. 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. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, picnic, and camp overnight in the state park. Wynn Myers 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. 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 holiday season and is not to be missed. Now, off to plan your next trip to Fredericksburg. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit