The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg, Texas, is a historic German town located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Known as the wine capital of Texas, the city features over 50 wineries, making it the perfect destination for bachelorette parties, weekend getaways, special occasions, or just a quick trip out of the city!

Fredericksburg is located just over an hour from Austin, and under four hours from both Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, making it a convenient destination from most major cities in Texas.

I’ve visited Fredericksburg several times, and have compiled the ultimate guide for your next trip, including where to stay, where to eat, the best wineries, and things to do. PLUS, I’ve detailed the best times of year to visit, special events, and tips for your trip!


WHEN TO VISIT FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

There is no bad time to visit Fredericksburg! Depending on the occasion and experience you want to have (fewer crowds, special events, etc.), you may find one time of year more pleasant than others.

January and February are relatively slow, and accommodations will be much less expensive during these months. March and April tend to be busier, attracting families for spring break, plus additional visitors in search of Texas bluebonnets!

Holiday weekends including Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s, are typically very busy. However, if you don’t mind the crowds, these particular holiday weekends usually offer a break from the summer heat, when it’s much more pleasant to sit outside and enjoy the Hill Country.

October – December bring the most pleasant temperatures, albeit large crowds, eager to celebrate Oktoberfest, the Food & Wine Festival, and the many Christmas-themed festivities.

All year long, weekends are the busiest times in Fredericksburg, while on Sundays and Mondays you’ll find many businesses closed for the day, or closing earlier than usual. I recommend at least two full days in Fredericksburg to enjoy, explore, and relax.

I’ve visited Fredericksburg in January, March, April, July, and December. If you don’t mind the heat, the summer months aren’t any worse than in the rest of Texas. If you don’t mind the crowds, seeing the town all dressed up for Christmas in December gives the illusion that you’re in a Hallmark movie.


TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT

  • Fredericksburg is very pet-friendly! As you walk down Main Street, you’ll see tons of happy dogs enjoying their vacation, too. Here’s a list of dog-friendly restaurants in town.
  • Have a plan for transportation. If you plan to visit the wineries, be safe and take an Uber, the 290 Wine Shuttle, or a wine tour experience like Absolute Charm Wine Tours or Texas Wine Tours.
  • Fredericksburg hosts over 400 festivals and events each year! Check out their calendar to know what’s going on in town before reserving your trip.
  • Peach season runs from mid-May through August in Fredericksburg and Stonewall. During this time, you’ll find many farm stands come to life, and many peach-focused dishes are served at local restaurants.
  • Restaurants close much earlier than in bigger cities. Be sure to factor this into your plans!

WHERE TO STAY IN FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

Fredericksburg and the surrounding area are booming with adorable Airbnbs and hotels. Whether you prefer to stay downtown, closer to nature, or just a little further out of town, there are options for everyone.

Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Fredericksburg, Texas:

Blue Skies Retro Resort | 13372 N State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
If you’re looking for a unique stay just a short drive out of town, Blue Skies is for you! Located between the Texas Wine Trail and Enchanted Rock on Hwy 16, the resort offers five retro Shasta trailers with private yards, additional private bathrooms, a pool and a covered pavilion.

Inn on Barons Creek | 308 S Washington St. Suite #1, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
This creekside all-suite hotel is within walking distance of downtown. Your stay includes a free breakfast bar, plus an on-site spa & saltwater pool.

Lincoln Street Inn | 106 S Lincoln St, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
Built in the 1860s, this luxury vacation rental is a Texas Historic Landmark and a Condé Nast Traveller-recommended inn located steps away from Fredericksburg’s Main Street.

Pet-Friendly Cabin | Luckenbach, Texas
This group of six rustic guest cabins over-looks the creek in Luckenbach, Texas. Just steps away from the historic Luckenbach dance hall, each cabin has its own private entrance and covered deck.


BEST WINERIES IN FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

Fredericksburg is home to over 50 wineries, with many located along Highway 290 and Main Street downtown.

Below are my top recommendations for wineries to visit in Fredericksburg:

Signor Vineyards | 362 Livesay Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Named Texas’ most beautiful vineyard by Austin Monthly, Signor Vineyards is a 200-acre estate that specializes in hearty reds and crisp white wines.

Barons Creek Wine | 5865 Hwy 290 East, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Barons Creek offers four locations throughout Texas. Unique to their Fredericksburg location are gorgeous villas among the vineyards, available by reservation only.

Das Peach Haus | 1406 S US Highway 87, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
The country store where it all began for Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods. This Hill Country treasure offers beautiful outdoor surroundings, light bites, cooking classes, wine tastings, and seasonal live music.

Grape Creek Vineyards | 10587 E. US Hwy 290 Fredericksburg, TX 78624
With two locations in Fredericksburg – one on Highway 290 and one on Main Street downtown, you can’t miss Grape Creek! The “Tuscany in Texas” themed tasting room on 290 offers three different tasting experiences, plus a tour.

Becker Vineyards | 464 Becker Farms Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Family-owned vineyard offering tastings & tours as well as estate-grown lavender products. *Complimentary tastings for active military with ID!

Pontotoc Vineyards | 320 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Nestled in a quaint cottage with a stone-walled courtyard, this fifth-generation Texas farming family takes great pride in bringing the fruits of their labor to your table!


BEST RESTAURANTS IN FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

With a wide variety of cuisines, including many German-inspired restaurants as a nod to the town’s heritage, even the pickiest eaters will find something they love in Fredericksburg!

Caliche Coffee Bar | 338 W Main St | Coffee + breakfast in a modern setting | $$ *Great for remote work!

Java Ranch | 114 E Main St | Coffee & pastries in a saloon-style setting | $$ *Great for remote work!

Sunset Grill | 902 S Adams St | Full breakfast in a casual setting | $$
*Pet-friendly patio!

Hondos on Main | 312 W Main St | Burgers, BBQ & Tex-Mex | $$

Burger Burger | 209 E Main St | Burgers, shakes & cocktails | $$

Fredericksburg Brewing Company | 245 E Main St. | Southern + German eats | $$

West End Pizza Co. | 207 E San Antonio St | Pizza, salad & cocktails | $$

Vaudeville | 230 E Main St | Local New American cuisine | $$$

Hill and Vine | 210 S Adams St | Homestyle burgers, small plates & draft beer | $$


WHERE TO SHOP IN FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

Shop until you drop. Fredericksburg has over 150 stores, with clothing, jewelry, hats, boots, and every kind of souvenir you could dream of! My favorite shops include:

Dogologie | 148 E Main St

Hill Country Outfitters | 115 E Main St

San Saba Soap Co. | 102 W. Austin St

Luckenbach Outpost | 251 E Main St

Gypsies and Cowgirls | 151 E Main St


THINGS TO DO IN FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

Fredericksburg truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, avid hiker, history buff, shopping fanatic or anything in between, this city has it all.

Hike Enchanted Rock | 16710 Ranch Rd. 965
The pink granite dome boasts mesmerizing 360 views of the Texas Hill Country, and its rural location makes for one of the best spots in Central Texas for stargazing. Wear shoes with good traction and don’t forget to bring water. Reservations are required. *If you’re a morning person, watching the sunrise from the top is an incredible experience!

Farmer’s Market at Marktplatz | 126 W. Main St.
Held during the spring, summer and fall, the Farmers Market aims to bring together vendors from across the Hill Country selling fresh produce, meats, fish, cheeses,wines, baked goods, vinegars and more. 

Take a Day Trip to Luckenbach, Texas
Locally known as the place where “Everybody is Somebody,” Luckenbach is a country music mecca, home to a general store, saloon, and dance hall just 13 miles from Fredericksburg.

National Museum of the Pacific War | 311 E Austin St.
The museum is recognized as a world-class, cultural institution, providing the nation’s most comprehensive account of World War II.

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park + Historic Site | 199 Park Rd. 52 Stonewall, TX 78671
The LBJ State Park and Historic Site honors and shares the life story of the 36th president of the United States. Explore memorabilia from President Johnson’s time in office, visit his birthplace, the Johnson family cemetery where he is buried, the Texas White House, and more. Reservations are recommended.

So, will you be adding Fredericksburg, Texas, to your To Go List?

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