There are so many staggering things to do in Fredericksburg, TX that you may want to take a week off!
There are so many amazing things to do in Fredericksburg, TX—all worth seeing. You’ll want to plan, from shopping to visiting wineries to learning how much history circles this town. Main Street is not the only street to hang out on in Fredericksburg. It’s just a part of what makes this small Texas town the most admired by many people, including the locals. But it’s most definitely a great street to start on!
Fredericksburg is an authentic Texas-German community about an hour’s drive from the San Antonio airport. With local German cuisine, historic buildings up and down Main Street, and to every living being in town, it’s the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
I was hosted on a media trip with other travel writers in Fredericksburg, Texas. All opinions are my very own.
Outside of the Vereins Kirche Museum
Things To Do In Fredericksburg, TX
If you’re new to the Texas Hill Country in Central Texas, the town of Fredericksburg is known the most from all the small towns that make up the area. An out-of-state travel guide recently voted Fredericksburg the most picturesque small town in America. The town really does hold up to its award.
There are many things to do in Fredericksburg, TX, on this list, and a few “must-dos” that I think everyone would find favorable. Take this list with you and have the time of your life!
WILLKOMMEN
26 Amazing Things To Do In Fredericksburg, TX
The Texas Hill Country is known for many things – rolling hills, scenic views, waterfalls, hiking, wineries, and more, and Fredericksburg is in the midst of it all. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Fredericksburg several times, and every time, I wish I could stay longer. There are many tourist attractions in Fredericksburg, so you may need a week to see them all. But if you’re visiting just for a weekend, you’ll want to pick and choose what you want to see and do. Many ideas are below.
1. Swing By The Fredericksburg Visitor Center First
Make the Visitor Information Center your first stop. Not only can you pick up every brochure imaginable about attractions in Fredericksburg, but you’ll also be able to see a 10-minute video about the brief history of Fredericksburg and talk to a volunteer or employee who can help you pinpoint your plan. They can help tailor your visit so you can get in as much activity as possible. It is located at 302 E. Austin St.
Also, there are plenty of free parking spots behind the building.
2. Shop In Fredericksburg
Shopping on Main Street and side streets in downtown Fredericksburg is one of the primary reasons visitors come to Fredericksburg. You’ll find art galleries and some of the best places to shop for the latest fashions, home decor, jewelry, antiques, gifts, wine accessories, and so much more.
You could spend a whole day just on Main Street – shopping, having lunch, and perhaps indulging in a glass of wine at Becker Vineyards on Main. Shop Local!
3. Take A History Of Fredericksburg Tour
I’ve always said, “If you want to know the deep meaning of a town, take a guided tour.” Stands true with this one, too. We would have never known so much about the settlers that roamed this town in the 1800s and what it meant to survive back then. It was a fantastic hour of our time.
Hop on the little red vintage-style trolley for an adventure with Fredericksburg Tours and learn a history lesson or two about the German settlers. Our tour guide (in the photo above) was very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the history of Fredericksburg. I recommend requesting him by name. David Schafer is a historian, trolley driver, and a great narrator.
There are several tours available. See them all at Fredericksburg Tours. Trolleys are climate-controlled.
4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Another reason I love the Texas Hill Country is I finally got to hike Enchanted Rock – well, sort of. I didn’t make it to the top because it was too hot, but it’s very doable, as many people hike up to the top daily. If visitors aren’t shopping or visiting the wineries, they are most likely coming to Fredericksburg to hike in the park.
The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is so large it’s located in two counties – Gillespie and Llano Counties. The park offers camping, picnic areas, 8.4 miles of hiking trails, a nature trail, interpretive exhibits, rock climbing, and more. This could be a great day trip to immerse yourself in the experience. Bring more water than you think you’ll need for the day.
Parking is close to the trails. There are benches, restrooms, some shade, and a water fountain, and when we visited, someone was selling chilling drinks and snow cones. You may want to familiarize yourself with the park before you go. And, by all means, make your reservations online before you go.
Travel Tip: They only allow a certain amount of people in the park on any given day. Saturdays get sold out quickly.
5. Enjoy Das Peach Haus All Day Long
Das Peach Haus is a family-owned business that started over 50 years ago as a roadside fruit stand. Today, it’s much more, offering award-winning jams, jellies, sauces, wines, and so much more. It’s the only place you can taste every product before buying. They’ve expanded to include a wine-tasting room and even started a cooking school using their products.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with their amazing chef and cooking school instructor, then enjoyed our time outdoors underneath the pine trees by their lake. If you ever can stop by, may I suggest asking for a sample of their award-winning Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce? It is a best seller and a well-known product of theirs. Das Peach Haus is truly a one-of-a-kind, as is the family. They were very moving and cared a lot about family and Fredericksburg.
6. Dietz Distillery
Just when you think you’ve seen it all with this fabulous family, Fischer & Wieser has expanded into a distillery. Located right next door to Das Peach Haus is Diestz Distillery – owned and run by the oldest son – Dietz Fischer. The distillery offers Five Judges Gin, a London-style Gin with a Texas twist, and much more. When coming here, plan on a long, slow time so you can enjoy the outside.
7. National Museum Of The Pacific War
Learn about the story of World War II in the Pacific and how Admiral Nimitz led his troops. See real-life combat planes, ships, and gear in this 55,000-square-foot museum. Join in on a guided tour to get the best knowledge about this war. We were in awe of what we learned (and thought we knew) and how well our tour guide told the story. His passion showed through, especially when he was telling the story of the struggle between Allied and Japanese forces.
The museum is working on engaging its young visitors with more interactive exhibits and more hands-on experiences. When coming to Fredericksburg, I highly recommend visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War. Chances are, if you have teenagers, they have heard the story, but not like this!
It is located across the street from the Visitor Center. Make it your second stop!
8. Pioneer Museum In Fredericksburg
Learn more about the German Heritage on this self-guided tour at the Pioneer Museum. See an outdoor collection of authentic structures preserved in the 19th century German Pioneer days, including a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, a Blacksmith shop, a Sunday House, and more.
Admission price includes the Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche Museum, and Historic Jail.
9. Take A Self-Guided Wine Tour
Fredericksburg has more than 60 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. I’ve been to more than a few, and not only are they spectacular, the scenic views are just as impressive.
Fredericksburg and Johnson City share Hwy 290, aka Wine Road. Between the two small towns, there are roughly 50 wineries just on Hwy 290. But Texas Wine Country has over 100 wineries, most in Fredericksburg.
A fun time with friends and family would be to take a self-guided wine tour for wine tastings and visit tasting rooms whether you drink wine or not. Some wineries also offer other drinks for those non-wine drinkers in the group. I have found most wineries are pet-friendly and kid-friendly, but always check before you go because there are a few that are neither.
We visited two wineries on our media trip – Kalasi Cellars and Signor Vineyards.
Kalasi Cellars – off Goehmann Ln. A darling couple owns and runs this winery inspired by Indian culture. Their wines are 100% estate-grown at their 140-acre vineyard in the Texas High Plains and crafted in small batches at their winery and tasting room in Fredericksburg. The property has two llamas and a few sheep on their property. Pets are welcome outside on a leash. It’s kid-friendly as well. We tasted one white, one rose, and four reds, all inspired by Nikhila’s roots from India. They offer vegetarian pizzas, vegan snacks, local meats & cheeses, non-alcoholic drinks, and Kalasi merchandise.
Signor Vineyards – Hwy 290. This upscale winery is beautifully dressed in French country white. They specialize in Texas Wines and Oregon Wines. One of the owners is from Oregon. We were wine and dined on some excellent wine and a luscious cheeseboard. The wine was so good I bought 2020 Rochambeau – a Texas High Plains Red Blend. The most expensive wine I’ve ever bought!
Rochambeau means Rock Paper Scissors – remember that game? In your spare time, look up why it’s called that. The meaning dates back to George Washington!
Signor Vineyards
10. Indulge In A Guided Wine Tour
Let someone else drive so you can enjoy the scenic views, music, and camaraderie. There are plenty of tour companies to book with, but you will want to book a reservation with one before you leave for Fredericksburg. I wouldn’t wait until you get there to book your tour, especially if you want to go on a Saturday.
11. Lunch, Spa, Stay At Hill Country Herb Garden
Hill Country Herb Garden (formerly Fredericksburg Herb Farm) offers 14 cozy curated cottages, luscious botanical gardens, and a 5,000-square-foot spa. Guests can enjoy garden-inspired craft cocktails, sake, wine and beer, and light fare from the restaurant and take a relaxing walk through the abundant gardens.
The onsite gardens are home to 154 unique botanical species, 60 native to Texas, and 33 herb species located in their new culinary garden. Stop by the Marigold gift shop, which provides hand-selected apothecary, jewelry, and home goods.
More about the restaurant below.
A historic Sunday House turned coffee shop.
12. Visit Historic Sunday Houses
There are over 200 Sunday Houses scattered all over Fredericksburg. Most have been renovated into other businesses, such as restaurants or gift stores.
What are Sunday Houses, you ask? German immigrants lived on farms – away from town. So they built small one-room houses in town to stay in on Saturdays so that they didn’t have to drive to town to attend religious services on Sundays. If you were a prominent family, your Sunday House had two or more rooms and may even have a large kitchen area. Families were large back then, and it would be nothing for a family of eight or ten staying in a one-room house.
There are several ways to learn about these historic Sunday Houses and why they were so important to the German settlers. One is by taking a history tour with Fredericksburg Tours. Another way would be to visit the Pioneer Museum. You’ll be able to go inside a two-room Sunday House. Asking anyone at the Visitor Center is a great option, or you can go by the Sunday Supply coffee shop at 206 S Adams St. and ask for Jesse or Sarah Barter. They own the coffee shop, which was a Sunday House many years ago. Jesse loves telling the story.
13. Wildseed Farms
If you’ve ever been to Fredericksburg, it’s possible this was your first stop. It was for me many years ago. Coming from Austin on I-35, it would be on your right off Hwy 290. Wildseed Farms is the place to go for all things Texas Bluebonnet gifts and souvenirs. Their gift shop is wall-to-wall with those pretty blue flowers. Since I’ve been, the wildflower farm has added a winery.
14. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park And Historic Site
Down the road on Hwy 290 between Fredericksburg and Johnson City is this outstanding state park full of history about our 36th President of the United States. History buffs will enjoy this park. With so much history to see, historic buildings, and nature trails to walk, plan on a half day to see it all. And if you go in springtime, you’ll see so many beautiful wildflowers growing on the property. If you want to see the LBJ Ranch, you’ll need to go to Johnson City, TX, where it’s located.
15. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park
The city-owned park is a large recreational park with rolling hills, live oak trees, and enough pavilions to serve many people. it also provides baseball fields, sand volleyball, and basketball courts. Bring a picnic and relax.
16. Old Tunnel State Park
Old Tunnel State Park, located on Old San Antonio Road, is where you’ll find up to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats and 3,000 cave myotis bats from May through October. Be sure to read about this state park before you go. It’s not like other state parks.
One of my many loads from Fredericksburg Trade Days
17. Go Antiquing At Fredericksburg Trade Days
Plan your visit to Fredericksburg on the 3rd weekend of any month to peruse this fabulous trade day. It’s one of the best antique/vintage outdoor markets I’ve visited. I find stuff here every time I’ve visited. Parking is $5, and no entrance fee. It’s right off Hwy 290. There is also a Biergarten with live music –an excellent place for someone to sit while you shop!
There is a special Thanksgiving Weekend show on Friday/Saturday after Thanksgiving.
18. Take A Workshop At Windmill Meadow Farm
Fredericksburg is home to many working farms and ranches. Windmill Meadow Farm is a local cut flower provider and farm. You’ll find the freshest, long-lasting flowers for purchase. They also offer year-round tours and workshops to help visitors create their own craft, such as a flower bouquet. They are located at 127 Sunshine Lane.
19. Elk Store Winery & Distillery – Main Street
While on Main Street, stop here for wine and something stronger! Located at 327 E. Main Street. They specialize in hand-crafted small-batch whiskey.
20. Altstadt Brewery
While visiting wineries, why not stop here between visits and enjoy a craft beer? They are conveniently located on Wine Road – 6120 E. Hwy 290.
21. Visit Luckenbach
A trip to Fredericksburg would be the same if you didn’t swing by Luckenbach! A local and visitor favorite. They offer live music daily. We happened upon this dude who sang great country music and a little Lynard Skynyrd.
Luckenbach is one of the area’s historic dance halls and was made famous by “Willie, Waylon & The Boys.” Grab a T-shirt at the general store – I did!
Location: 8 miles SE of Fredericksburg at Hwy 290 & FM 1376 intersection.
22. Visit Circle E Candles Showrooms
Are you familiar with Circle E Candles? I have been for a long time. Well, they make their candles in Fredericksburg. You can visit the 119 E. Main Street showroom on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10 am to 5 p.m. Fri/Sat 10-6, and Sundays from 12-4.
23. Take A Historic Home Tour
You can tour historic homes in town on Saturday, November 18th. This is a self-guided walking tour inside these fabulous homes.
24. Dance At Hondo’s Texas Music
Hondo’s offers a dancing scene with live music. But, before the night starts, Hondo’s offers lunch and dinner. I’ve been there before for the nightlife. But we also ordered food. Located at 312 W. Main Street.
25. Fredericksburg Nature Center
Discover a pollinator garden, a cactus garden, and a geology & rock exhibit. Friends of Fredericksburg Nature Center invite you to see its seven distinct habitats at the nature center. Over 650 Texas plants and animal species, including wildflowers, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. Location: Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park.
26. House Wren Antiques & Garden
On your way out of town on Hwy 290, stop by this incredible outdoor nature vintage home decor plant house. I’m not sure what to call it. On my first visit, I was mesmerized by all the unique succulents I’d never seen. She has many unique plants and planters and unique home decor. Just look for the blue truck and huge WREN sign. I’ve passed it up only to have to turn around.
Address: 12194 E Hwy 290, Fredericksburg
Places To Eat In Fredericksburg
Restaurants in Fredericksburg consist of German cuisine, Tex-Mex, American, Italian – you name it, it’s here.
Vaudeville Bistro
Located in the heart of Fredericksburg in historic downtown, this three-story historic building has much to offer. Vaudeville is a one-stop shop for gourmet market offerings, home decor, an art gallery, and a delicious bistro. A chef and an artist came together and made this dream come true.
I’ve had the pleasure of dining here twice, and believe me when I say you’ll want to go hungry. Big portions equal a full tummy. And you have to save room for that sharable (or not) huge chocolate chip cookie.
Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen
Family-owned and operated, Chase’s Place features unique craft cocktails with various delicious bites. Their lively cocktail list changes seasonally, and the menu currently features spirits with hemp seed-infused vodka, Chipotle Tabasco, and baked apple rye, among other inventive pairings.
Don’t come here expected to watch football, baseball, or any sport because Chase’s best famous star is Bob Ross himself. On any given day, you’ll see videos of Bob Ross doing what he did best – paint!!
Alla Campagna
One of the newest restaurants in Fredericksburg, owned by John and Evelyn Washburne, Not only will you adore the food, but you’ll love the hand-crafted patio fountain. Alla Campagna’s menu gains inspiration from the Italian countryside, featuring much more than pasta and pizza. The menu serves fresh veggies and locally sourced ingredients with decadent Texas wine pairings.
Above is the handmade lasagne I ordered. I knew it was big, but I also knew I would take what I didn’t eat home with me. OMG – the outer layer of pasta was burnt to my liking! I’d go back to Fredericksburg just to eat this again. Next time, though, I’ll share it!
Alla Campagna means “To The Countryside” in Italian.
This family also owns and operates several other restaurants in Fredericksburg.
- Otto’s – a German Bistro (next to Tubby’s)
- Tubby’s – burger & taco joint (next to the Visitor Center)
- La Bergerie Market and Wine Bar
- Caliche Coffee (roast your own coffee)
- August E’s – high-end steaks & seafood
- AND… Hoffman Haus, where I stayed
Sushi Roll
Enjoy Lunch At Hill Country Herb Garden
Enjoy a lunch of chef-curated fare, garden-inspired craft cocktails, sake, wine, and beer with your meal, then take a relaxing walk through the abundant botanical gardens.
While some of us enjoyed fresh juices, others ordered wellness shots – mine was anti-inflammatory of cinnamon, orange, lemon, ginger, and turmeric. That ought to do the trick! Everything we ordered was delicious. My sushi rolls were really good.
HILL & VINE
Another husband and wife owner. The same couple owns the Sunday Supply, which is located next door. Not just that, but they have credited an outdoor space between the two restaurants for special occasions, nights out on the town, and many fun events.
Texas food & wine was the inspiration behind creating the special dining location. I’m not sure I got in a glass of wine, but I sure did, along with everyone else, enjoy sampling all these foods. Jesse kept bringing out dishes they were trying and not on the menu. So we got to be the guinea pigs of their new dishes. This guinea pig girl ate up that pumpkin french toast (upper right in the photo above). I couldn’t stop eating it – so much I didn’t order dinner.
You must make a point to dine at Hill & Vine sometime during your visit just so you can experience the ambiance of it all. And the food and service were amazing.
Sunday Supply Coffee Shop
Stop by for fresh coffee and a pastry. Available tables are outside as well for your enjoyment. It was such a pretty morning, and we got to sit outside before the heat wave came through. But, hopefully, it’s October, so more than 100 degrees of heat! Jesse and his wife own the store, and the building is an old historic Sunday House. As I said above, if you can catch Jesse, I’m sure he would love to tell you the story.
Hoffman Haus
Where To Stay In Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg has many places to stay, including quaint guesthouses, vacation rentals (VRBO), hotel chains, and more. Prices do fluctuate depending on what time of the year you go. And if this isn’t enough, there are over 1,500 vacation rentals in and around town. The places where the others in my group and I stayed are below and are great options when coming this way.
Hoffman Haus, Fredericksburg, TX
This is where I stayed. I told everyone I could actually live in my cabin and be happy. It had a king bed, living area, table, TV, mini kitchenette, closet, and a darling bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. What more could you need? Outside to the right of the cabin is an area to sit and wonder. Plus, you get breakfast brought to you each morning in a picnic basket. Hoffman Haus is a collection of many cabins, plus there is a spa on the premises. I could get used to that!
Trueheart Hotel In Fredericksburg, TX
I saw photos of this hotel on my friend’s Instagram page, which looked amazing. I would love to stay here. Truheart Hotel is a 13-room boutique hotel – cottage style. They are so darling!
Onera Rental in Fredericksburg
Very unique cabins in nature. I loved the drive down to where one of our members was staying. I snapped this photo while waiting for her. Onera is definitely for the natural soul.
Fredericksburg Lodging – HoneyTree
For epic treehouse rentals in Fredericksburg, check out HoneyTree. I didn’t see these, but I know they were further out of town – close to Enchanted Rock.
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites
I saw these but didn’t snap a photo. But they remind me of an old 50s motel. My friend who stayed there just loved the vibe. Fredericksburg Inn & Suites is an award-winning property. 103 Rooms. Pet-friendly room. Full breakfast. Pool. Free parking and more.
Albert Hotel In Fredericksburg, Texas
I hoped this hotel would be finished so we could tour, but it’s still being constructed. Albert Hotel is a boutique hotel in a historic building on Main Street. I can’t wait to see it. Expect to see:
- 110 Rooms
- 5 Restaurants onsite
- Pet-friendly
- Pool
- and more
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