The small town of Fredericksburg, TX, has a rich history and culture since it was founded in 1846 by German settlers. Over the years, it transformed from an agricultural community to a thriving trade center while maintaining its German heritage. Today, Fredericksburg encompasses the unique blend of Texas and German influences, including traditions, food, and architecture.
Fredericksburg is also renowned for its Texas wineries, annual festivals, well-preserved architecture, museums, and monuments. All while still maintaining its small-town feel despite its growth over the years. It is why a visit to this picturesque town is a must for visitors.
As there is so much to see, do, and eat in Fredericksburg, we prepared this traveler’s guide to help you plan and finalize your trip itinerary. Enhance your visit to Fredericksburg by staying at one of our luxurious Cozi Vacation Rentals, where you can pick a place to suit your needs, including pet-friendly properties.
Getting To and Around Fredericksburg
A 90-minute scenic drive from San Antonio or Austin will bring you to the downtown Fredericksburg area, and if you’re flying, you can look into flights in and out of these two cities. Once in Fredericksburg, there are several parking spots in and around Main Street and the visitor center.
Touring Fredericksburg in Style
Some businesses in Fredericksburg also offer trolley and wine tours. Our team at Cozi can also arrange private door-to-door pickup and drop-off wine tastings.
Best Time to Visit Fredericksburg, TX
We can argue that the best time to visit Fredericksburg is all year round as each season provides unique activities for you and the family. Here’s a seasonal breakdown.
Spring
If you’re looking to enjoy the blooming wildflowers and outdoor activities, Spring is the ideal time to visit. Temperatures range between mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, giving you the ideal conditions to walk through downtown Fredericksburg and hike in the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Summer
We won’t lie and tell you the weather always cooperates in Texas summers, with hot and humid weather, however between mid-May and early September, the harvest season will make you forget about the temperatures. This is when the peach orchards, vineyards, and lavender fields come alive.
Fall
Between September and November, you’ll also get to enjoy mild weather while enjoying the fall colors and some of the best festivals, including Oktoberfest, Texas Mesquite Arts Festivals, and the Fredericksburg Food and Wines Fest.
Winter
The winter season in Fredericksburg is full of magical ambiance, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Between the Christmas Nights of Lights and festive ice skating, a winter visit can bring the whole family together.
Where to Eat in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg boasts a range of restaurants where you’ll be able to pick a place to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you want German cuisine, American, Italian, or Hill Country meals, you’ll find there is a place to meet the demands of your taste buds. Here’s a breakdown of our favorites:
Breakfast
- Old German Bakery & Restaurant: 225 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX
- Woerner’s Warehouse Cafe & Catering: 407 E Live Oak St, Fredericksburg, TX
- Rathskeller Restaurant: 260 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX
Brunch
- Otto’s German Bistro: Only on Sundays, 316 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX
- Hill & Vine: Only on weekends, 210 S Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX
Lunch
- The Auslander: 323 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX
- Bistro | Vaudeville-Living: 323 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX
- Altdorf Biergarten: 301 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX
Dinner
- Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant: 2805 S State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, TX
- Sage Restaurant: 241 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX
- West End Pizza Co.: 207 E San Antonio St, Fredericksburg, TX
- Backwoods BBQ: 7152, 320 FM2093, Fredericksburg, TX
8 Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg
Explore the Historic Downtown Fredericksburg
It is at the historic downtown Fredericksburg, where you’ll get to see and experience the German historical and cultural heritage. Along Main Street, you’ll find Basse block buildings (a concrete building material unique to our town) housing charming shops filled with handmade crafts and Texas-style clothing. There are also art galleries and wine and craft beer tasting rooms where you get to try a myriad of Texas wines and eateries with inspired German food menus.
You can start your morning walking, visiting the boutiques on each side of Main Street, and rest at the Marktplatz, the central square with gardens and the main point of events and festivals. You’ll find the Vereins Kirche, a replica of the original church and a historical landmark at the center.
Relive History at the Museums
During the hot summer or cold winter days, one of the best things you can do is explore the history at the many museums in Fredericksburg. From the National Museum of the Pacific War to the Pioneer Museum to Fort Martin Scott or the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, you’ll get to learn the history of this small town in the Texas Hill Country.
Hike and Stargaze at the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
About 18 miles north of Fredericksburg is the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, known for its giant pink granite dome. Test your outdoor skills by hiking to the top of the dome, rising at 425 feet from its base to marvel at the views of the Hill Country. It is also one of the best spots for stargazing due to its Dark Sky Park designation; we highly recommend attending the Star Parties that happen during the year.
Go on a Wine Tasting Tour in the Texas Hill Country
Driving along Fredericksburg Wine Route 290, it’s had to miss the vineyards housing some of the best wineries in Texas. A perfect mix of climate factors makes Fredericksburg’s wine production top-notch, including its warm days and cold nights, elevation, well-drained soils, and extended growing season. It allows the wine grapes to reach optimal ripeness, yielding complex flavors.
As such, one of the best things to do in Fredericksburg is to go on a wine-tasting tour. Each vineyard has wine clubs where you can get to sample your favorite wines.Some of our favorite vineyards include
- Signor Vineyards
- Augusta Vin
- Grape Creek Vineyards
- Becker Vineyards
Shop at the Boutique Shops in Downtown
Fredericksburg has some of the most eclectic and charming boutique shops in the area. Between home decor, antique shops, art galleries, bohemian clothing, and even wine shops, shopping in Fredericksburg will guarantee you bring some unique pieces and gifts back home.
Attend the Yearly Events in the Town
Home to more than 400 festivals and events throughout the year, you can plan your visit based on what interests you the most. Here’s a breakdown of the major events you can partake in during the year:
Oktoberfest
This celebration of all things German starts on the first weekend of October each year at the Marktplatz. Wear your best traditional Dirndl dress or Lederhosen and enjoy the music, arts, children’s area, and around 50 varieties of national and imported beers and Texas Wine Country selections.
Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival
If you’re a foodie or wine lover, this is a must-attend festival taking place at the end of October at the Markplatz. There’s live music and food demonstrations, you can even learn to cook at the Fischer & Wieser Culinary Adventure.
Bluegrass Festival at Luckenbach
This annual music festival is on the 4th Saturday of April, enjoy live bluegrass music and food.
Lavender Festival at Becker Vineyards
A two-day celebration taking place in April filled with artisan vendors, food and wine pairings, and all things lavender.
Gillespie County Fair
Held in late summer, the fair is an annual agricultural event showcasing the region’s farming community, including livestock shows, rodeo events, and handcrafted goods. There’s also live music, carnival rides, etc.
Fredericksburg Trade Days
If you’re searching for treasures, then you might try your luck during the Fredericksburg Trade Days that happen on the third Saturday of each month at 355 Sunday Farms Lane.
Go on an Adventure in the Outdoors
If you are a lover of the outdoors, you can’t leave the Fredericksburg area without visiting the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, but the area’s opportunities to get close to nature don’t stop there. You can go horseback riding through stunning Hill Country, get some tee time at one of the region’s golf courses, try some fly fishing, or visit the elephants at The Elephant Preserve.
Another option is to visit one of the many state parks near Fredericksburg to enjoy nature and disconnect for a while. There’s the Old Tunnel State Park with its abandoned railroad tunnel, Blanco State Park, perfect for hot summer days, and the Guadalupe River State Park, where you can enjoy kayaking or canoeing.
Enjoy Live Music and Nightlife
Evening in Fredericksburg brings fun and uniquely Fredericksburg activities. You can visit some of the best bars offering the tastiest craft cocktails and live music.
If Hill Country dancing is what you prefer, then you can move your feet at the Albert Icehouse & Dancehall or the Luckenbach Dance Hall. For those looking for something spooky, you can take a ghost walk or take the Haunted Jolley Trolley tour to check out the ghosts that haunt Main Street.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg
Our Cozi Vacation Rentals have a range of unique amenities, including pet-friendly cottages with hot tubs, homes with pool-jacuzzi-outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and views of the Texas Hill Country.
Our homes can also sleep between 4 and 10+ guests, and many are within walking distance from the boutique shops and restaurants on Main Street. We can also help you arrange experiences to have at home, including a private chef, home massages, and pick-up and drop-off wine tours.
You won’t find a more charming place filled with friendly shopkeepers, German-inspired eateries, and rich in cultural heritage than Fredericksburg.
Discover all of what this small town has to offer and unwind at the end of the day at one of our Cozi Vacation Rentals. Book your Fredericksburg getaway today!