39+ Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg, Texas (original!)

Fredericksburg is a city in Central Texas, west of Austin and north of San Antonio, and as of 2000, their population stands at just under 11,000 people, with a strong German spirit and heritage, beautiful Hill Country.

It’s renowned for its many wineries and tasting rooms, over 50 in the area, as well as the growing number of Texas breweries.

The area is known as the Peach Capital of Texas, and along with peaches, grape culture, herb farms, lavender production and wildflower seeds are all among the thriving businesses.

Discover the annual events including the Hill Country Film Festival, Oktoberfest, and a German Christmas Old World getaway and more.

Image: Main Street and Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, Texas. Regina Rodriguez. [CC BY-ND 2.0], via Flickr

Still not convinced?

It was named “The Prettiest Town in Texas” by Architectural Digest, the “Best Small Town for Shopping” and “Best Wine Region” both by USA Today, and “My Top 10 American Artsy Towns” by World Property Journal, among others!

Here are top things to do in Fredericksburg.

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How to get around Fredericksburg

Like most of Texas, the best way to get around Fredericksburg is to explore on your own by car!

If you’re visiting and need to rent a car, we highly recommend Discover Cars where they find you the best car rental deals from all of the competitors (has saved us so much money!).

Where to stay in Fredericksburg

From renovated VRBOS to boutique hotels, here are the best places to stay in Fredericksburg, Texas on every budget!

  • ($) Super 8 by Wyndham Fredericksburg – want free WiFI, BBQ facilities, and a clean and safe place to sleep? The Super 8 in Fredericksburg offers budget prices with a comfortable and pleasant experience. It’s walking distance to the shops and restaurants of Fredericksburg without breaking the bank, and the perfect place to rest your head for the night. Check prices and read reviews here.
  • ($$) Comfort Inn and Suites Fredericksburg – just a 5 minute drive away from one of Fredericksburg’s main attractions, the National Museum of the Pacific War, this Comfort Inn is a great mid-range hotel in Fredericksburg featuring an outdoor pool and jacuzzi and a hot breakfast each morning. Guests rated it excellent for a short stay in terms of cleanliness and comfort. Click here to check prices and reviews.

1. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock Texas
Image: Hill Country Sunrise – Enchanted Rock, Texas. G Lamar. [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr

18 miles north of Fredericksburg, climb the ancient pink granite dome of scenery and rock formations for amazing Hill country views.

Camp, picnic, or hike through 11 miles of nature trails.

Experience nature exhibits, birding, stargazing, rock climbing and wildlife watching…and geocaching!

Wondering what geocaching is? 

They offer an introduction here.

2. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site

Image: Wild flowers. Plum Pine. [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr

Also about 25 minutes away in Stonewall, explore a unique historical site where our 36th president was born and raised, while experiencing life on a Texas-German farm, marveling at Texas Longhorns and the American Bison.

Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm – park rangers wear historical clothing and work the farm, with self-guided tours showing daily chores and a working blacksmith shop. Learn about seasonal activities including canning, sheep shearing or butchering and sausage makin.

Explore the park that has a nature trail about 1.2 miles long, as well as picnicking, a group dining hall, and an aquatic complex open for swimming during the summer months.

3. LBJ Ranch

Image: LBJ Ranch. Nick Pomes. [CC BY-ND 2.0], via Flickr

An International Dark Sky Park with public access to the ranch, Texas Whitehouse (currently being renovated), Johnson Family cemetery, old Junction School, LBJ’s grandparents’ home and the ranch show barn, his vintage car collection and his “Air Force One-Half plane”, with 30-minute guided tours offered from the Hangar Visitor Center, which also has exhibits and films.

4. Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course

Opened in 1969 and fully renovated in 2012, it’s considered one of the best municipal courses in Central Texas and includes a pro-shop and the Redbird Grill.

5. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park

Image: Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella). Ed Uthman. [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr

With rolling hills and the rambling Live Oak Creek, this 330-acre place allows you to enjoy nature, rest and relax, with a one-mile walking trail along the creek, an RV park, and a handicap accessible trail about 500 feet long connecting the bird feeing area and the butterfly habitat along the Vista Loop Trail.

Better yet, it’s completely free!

6. The Preserve

With only about 35,000 Asian Elephants remaining in the wild, the Preserve helps build awareness through contact and partnership with their animal ambassadors by providing life-enriching experiences with them, such as assisting in giving an elephant a bath, taking a photo with the elephants, and more.

7. Longneck Manor

A 90-minute experience that offers close encounters with giraffes and rhinos, where animal care experts assist guests to safely feed the animals and learn more about how they are being saved from extinction.

Take it a step further and book an overnight stay in the Giraffe Suite, a 1,200 square foot suite overlooking the Giraffe Barn, aka the Giraffe Mansion, where you can wake up in the morning with them right outside your door for a private “Meet & Greet” experience with feeding opportunities!

8. Horseback Riding

Among several riding offerings from Bit and Bridle Stables, Circle K Trailrides, GF Ranch Trail Rides, and Tres Molinos Ranch & Resort, experience an authentic western riding, heading out in the beautiful Hill Country.

9. Old Tunnel State Park Bat Cave

At the end of a ½-mile nature trail where you can enjoy the hike, bird-watching and wildlife along the way, you’ll find an abandoned railroad tunnel that is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats (seasonally, May-October).

Purchased online, reservations/permits required after 5pm, which is when you can view the bat emergence on any night of the week during their season.

10. The National Museum of the Pacific War

Image: ( 1855 ) Hotel Nimitz. Thank You. [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr

The Admiral Nimitz Gallery, a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Plaza of the Presidents, George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War, Memorial Walk, Pacific Combat Zone and the Japanese Garden of Peace are all part of the National Museum, named the 5th best history museum in the US in 2020 by USA Today readers, and dedicated to all those who served in the Pacific War.

11. The Vereins Kirche Museum

This fascinating museum reopened after an extensive renovation, right in the center of Marktplatz, a well-known landmark in the heart of town and Fredericksburg’s most iconic structure.

Inside, you’ll find “Society’s Church,” an all-new collection of paintings, photos and artifacts on the buildings and Fredericksburg’s interesting history, along with a great selection of books on Texas with a focus on the history and settlement of the Texas Hill Country, and a shop that stocks a varied selection of items.

12. The Pioneer Museum

See what life was like in the 1800’s for the town’s founders and settlers, located on 3 acres, where this complex of original buildings has a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, a home and a “Sunday House” (which was the “in-town” accommodations for farming families when they traveled in for church on Sundays.)

13. St. Mary’s Catholic Church

A lovely church began in 1846 with a small group of German immigrants restored to its original simplicity and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Short guided tours are available on Sundays after each service.

14. Art Galleries

All along Main Street and spilling out onto others, browse around the many art galleries of all styles and enjoy the monthly “First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg”, where you can watch demos, talk to the artists, and enjoy some of the local wine.

Just a few offerings of the many galleries include the Charles Beckendorf Gallery Heart of Texas art, InSight Gallery – Western and wildlife art and sculptures, and the Good Art Company Art Gallery – with a Diverse selection.

15. The Fredericksburg Theater Company

Catch a show where for over 20 years, they’ve produced professional quality dramas, musicals and comedies, as well as hosting a variety of special events throughout the year and have been voted “Theater of the Decade”, and “Best Theater, San Antonio Region”.

16. Martin Scott Historic Site

Explore one of the first frontier Army forts in Texas with a self-guided walk around a pre-Civil War military outpost that operated 1848-1953, with a restored original garrison building and others.

The Texas Rangers used it as a camp, and during the Civil War, the Confederate States Army occupied the fort for a time.

17. Fredericksburg’s National Historic District

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, there are over 80 places with historic significance; free self-guided walking tour maps available at the Visitor Information Center.

18. Fredericksburg Trade Days at Sunday Farms

Over 350 vendors in 7 barns, and acres of every imaginable item for sale, including collectibles, antiques, tools, décor, crafts, clothing, candles, jewelry, furniture, food and more, on the 3rd weekend of each month, one of the popular things to do in Fredericksburg!

Sweet Dreams – Buy, Sell and Trade high quality vintage automobiles, from street rods and muscle cars to classics, and there is no cost to view the current collections!

Wildflowers Galore – Hill Country is not your average flower garden, and seasonally is a must see!

Wildseed Farms – Producing seeds for over 35 years, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm with over 200 acres, where the spring time is when the flowers put on their greatest show; visit their wine tasting room, a gift boutique and nursery with pottery and plants.

Willow City Loop – A 13-mile road best known for its exquisite wildflowers in Texas Hill Country in the Spring.

Lavender Farms and Products – Fredericksburg Farms, Cherry Mountain Lavender Farm, Becker Vineyards, and others in surrounding areas have beautiful views of their lavender fields and products made from them.

19. A Walkable Shopping District

Shopping is considered one of the major attractions among Fredericksburg activities, with a staggering collection of over 150 shops and boutiques on or around Main Street’s 7-block area.

Red Baron Antique Mall and One Quilt Place, Rustlin’ Robs Texas Gourmet Foods, Home Simple Goods + Design, and Amish Market + Furniture, are just a few of the notable and unique shops available among the Fredericksburg attractions.

20. The Axe House

As in Axe throwing… yes, seriously! 

Specializing in private groups from 2-20, they’ve created a safe and fun venue to try something new and turn it into a party, so book a lane; reservations recommended, but walk-in’s allowed.

21. Fred Moped

Offers moped rental services to easily get around town, where scooters can be delivered to local bed and breakfasts or picked up; staff is on hand for instruction, must be 18 years or older with valid driver’s license.

22. Crosswind Aviation

Scenic flight tours out of the Gillespie County Airport on Saturdays or by reservation on other days.

23. The Race Barn

Located at the Gillespie Country Fairgrounds, offers simulcast horse and dog racing in a climate-controlled building, with over 30 televisions, a full bar and casual dining, 12 years or older for admission.

24. Rockbox Theater

With a tribute band lineup and original artists, you’ll find a truly unique experience of a variety of live music shows, with an ever-changing lineup of wholesome entertainment that includes spot-on tributes to Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, The Rolling Stones, Reba McEntire, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Elton John, Shania Twain and many more!

25. Haunted Ghost Walk and Haunted Jail Tour

1-mile, 60-minute walking tour, you’ll journey through the past of this historic German Settlement.

26. Barrel and Brew Tour Service

This company offers tours of more than wineries, and can include breweries, distilleries or popular attractions, as well as standard limo service if needed.

27. Fredericksburg Cable Car Wine Tours

Photo credit: Viator

The Jolley Trolley has come, with tours available for groups or individuals to sip, relax and explore the historic region, with a selection of touring options.

28. Fredericksburg Tours

Offers elegant and unique transportation options for private charters and narrated tours of the Texas Hill Country in a wide variety of theme options seasonally, including vintage Cadillacs, luxury shuttles, and 26-30 passenger trolleys.

Music, Dance, Food, Cooking, Wine and Breweries

With a love of music that remains from the German settlers, you’ll find some of the best performers in Texas every weekend, with dance halls, restaurants, and numerous festivals and events throughout the year, and most to all of them include amazing food to go along with them so would be nearly an impossible challenge to separate. 

29. Fredericksburg Farmers Market

Seasonally Thursdays, from 4-7pm, and in the later Fall at the Pioneer Museum, local vendors, ranchers, coffee roasters, gardens of vegetables and flowers, dairies, wineries and more, with live music!

30. Albert Texas Ice House & Dance Hall

Built in 1922, they provided the community a place for Saturday night dances and social gatherings, still happening today.

Stop by for a Texas tradition at the Dance Hall with live music, and a cold beer or cocktail from the Ice House, as well as some food from the Cowboy Cantina Food Truck outside!

31. Hill Country Herb Garden

Combination of a luxury Spa, with cottages and a restaurant with salads and bowls, handhelds, soups and shareables, a bar menu, and a juice and smoothie menu.

The Cottages feature front porch with swing and rocking chairs, and a full breakfast in the morning, a relaxing place to retreat after time at the on-site Spa, surrounded by beautiful nature.

32. Luckenbach Texas

Image: Luckenbach, Texas. Nicolas Henderson. [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr

Where “Everybody’s Somebody!”

Established as a trading post in 1849, and made famous by “Willie, Waylon & The Boys” and others who wrote and recorded music there in the 1970’s, (and Willie Nelson still returns annually for his 4th of July Picnic with thousands of his friends) with a legacy of great music where you can sit back under 500 year old trees and listen to live music daily, with a historic dance hall open on weekends, a General Store and a bar.

33. Das Peach Haus

Visit what’s becoming a “theme park for food and wine”, at this lovely farm with pond and vegetable garden that includes a historic store (located on Main Street), a wine tasting room, Dietz Distillery, a roadside fruit stand and a Bed & Breakfast!

  • Also home to Fischer & Wieser’s Culinary Adventure Cooking School, and Culinary Adventure Tasting Room – Sign up for a demo Class, for 2 to 24 people, where their chef shows participants how to prepare a 4 course meal and offers wine suggestions; open for questions and with samples to taste and recipes to take home.

Or take a hands-On class, for 2-10 people, where the chef teaches participants to prepare a full 4 course meal to eat once completed, with chef-recommendations based on the menu.

Want a private dinner? The chef will prepare a full four-course meal for you, including wine.

34. Elk Store Winery & Distillery

Two Czech “brothers from different mothers” produce small batch moonshine, gin, whisky and run from a handmade Kentucky copper still, and serve wines from all over the world along with Texas, as well as offering small batch handmade liquors.

  • The Elk Store is a lounge with a gourmet, small plates menu and an 1100 square foot covered back patio with a fire pit and offering outside movies.
  • Altstadt Brewery – An authentic Bavarian brewery

With 120-acre Old World destination featuring a fine dining restaurant, a tap room with pints and flights, a Biergarten and patio to enjoy the scenic views of rolling hills, sunsets and stars, a Rathskellar basement bar hang out spot for live music, live sports games and entertainment, a Tractor Museum, and brewery tours on Thursdays and Fridays.

35. Fredericksburg Brewing Company

Housed in a restored 1890’s era building, it’s the oldest Brewpub in the state of Texas, serving fresh ales and lagers brewed on-site in copper kettles, stored In stainless tanks, along with a full service restaurant that serves German fare, pizza, burgers, salads and more, with a large, air-conditioned bieregarten and a “Bed & Brew” with 12 guest rooms.

36. Do a Self-Guided Wine Tour of More Wineries

These are just a few more of the 50 wineries:

  • Grape Creek Vineyards on Main – Travelers Choice Award 2022
  • Barons Creek Vineyards
  • Texas Wine Collective
  • Cross Mountain Vineyards

Andreucci WineRoom Fredericksburg; Becker Vineyards; Messina Hof Hill Country; Lost Draw Cellars; Heath Sparkling Wines; Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten; William Chris Vineyards

  • And more Distilleries and Breweries:
  • Fredericksburg Brewing Company; Salvation Spirits Distillery; Iron Goat Distillery

37. Dine at one of Fredericksburg’s Best Restaurants

  • Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant – Travelers Choice Award, rustic, charming upscale Southern Favorites
  • Prometheus Pizza – Pizza, American
  • Sunset Grill – American, Café – local growers, classic Bistro, BEST breakfast, lunch
  • Alamo Springs Café – American, Bar – Travelers Choice Award
  • Vaudeville – American International, vegetarian and vegan options, hip art gallery/boutique, reinvented dishes locally sourced, set in an iconic feed store, brunch, lunch, dinner
  • Pasta Bella Restaurant – Italian, with all the favorites, plus low-carb options
  • Hill Top Café – Interesting and eclectic menu, housed in a quaint 1926 Filling Station and owned by Grammy-winning blues artist Johnny Nicolas, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner
  • Otto’s German Bakery and Restaurant – German Café
  • Backwoods BBQ – Authentic Texas BBQ, brisket, ribs, steaks, homemade pies, live music in the evenings
  • Hondo’s on Main – American Tex Mex and BBQ Classics, Bar, known for “food, music and fun” with an amazing outdoor seating area – no reservations, come early
  • Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse – Fine Dining and a beautiful atmosphere, amazing steaks, AND live music and a dance floor along with specialty cocktails in the saloon
  • Tubby’s Ice House – Neighborhood burger, taco joint, with full bar, frozen drinks, ice cream sandwiches, vegan/vegetarian options
  • Mamacita’s Restaurant – Mexican, Southwestern
  • Squeeze In – unique breakfast options and extensive vegan/vegetarian options
  • Martini’s Seafood House – fresh oysters, surf and turf, crawfish boil, 10 martinis options
  • Altdorf Biergarten – Authentic German Biergarten, extensive beer menu, bratwurst, pork sausage, reuben sandwiches, TexMex favorites like enchiladas and nachos
  • Emma + Ollie – American, Café – Beignets, Avocado toast, restaurant/bakery – fresh/in season, elevated menu
  • Nury’s on Main, Nury’s Breakfast and Lunch, and Nury’s Food Truck – 3 Locations with 3 different menus
  • Burger, Burger – Quality American burgers and comfort food, family friendly and evening cocktails on the patio atmosphere

38. Experience the Food Truck Vibes

  • Münch Food Park – Features a wide selection of Food Trucks (Authentic Mexican, Shaved Ice and Ice Cream, traditional American, Snacks and Sides), a beer & wine bar, live music and a kid’s playground
  • Boudreaux Swamp Truck – Cajun
  •  CC’s Tortas – Mexican
  • Enchanted Inn Roadside – Mexican, with breakfast taco offerings as well
  • Nury’s Food Truck – Mexican
  • What Cha Got – Soul Food, Southern
  • Dos Hermanitas Kitchen – Burgers, Sandwiches
  • Fredericksburg Mini-Donut Co. – Donuts, coffee, tea, hot and iced

39. Wake up with some Fredericksburg Coffee!

  • Caliche Coffee Bar & Roastery – Coffees and good dine-in food menu, grab and go options
  • Java Ranch Espresso Bar & Café – hot or iced coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch, smoothies, beer, wine and more
  • KaffeeHaus – Specialty espresso coffees and fresh baked from scratch pastries
  • Sweetbriar Rose – coffee bar, café with homemade, from-scratch food, beer and wine
  • Good Foundation – Coffee and yoga
  • Sunday Supply – Coffee house favorites, to-go lunch options and supplies for building your own picnic
  • RockHaus Coffee – Coffee and fresh baked croissants
  • Twisted Sisters Bake Shop – Full service espresso bar, unique baked goods, changing menu
  • Frisch Juicerie – House-made beverages from wholesome and organic ingredients

40. Treat Yourself to These Sweet Treats!

  • Clear River Ice Cream, Bakery and Deli – Over 60 flavors of homemade ice cream, 30 per day, bakery, deli and coffee
  • Fredericksburg Pie Company – Enjoy a slice of your favorite pie (or a whole one!) along with private label coffees and other beverages, along with quilts and vintage treasures and gifts.
  • Pritzer Sweet Shop – Sweet German Pretzels, cookies, candies and more
  • Chocolat – Every known variety of decadent chocolate treats
  • Hill Country Donuts & Kolaches – (Kolache – sweet Czech pastry), donuts, coffee, drinks, croissants, breakfast tacos
  • Big Pop’s Popcorn Co. – Every flavor known to man and then some

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