German heritage - Texas wine - hill country charm
Ready for the ultimate Texas getaway? Willkommen to Fredericksburg – the perfect blend of German culture, Texas wine and captivating hill country views. From outdoor adventures to quaint Main Street strolls, there’s something for every traveler – even the youngest in your crew.
I call Fredericksburg home, and I want to share it with you! Read on to hear about my favorite restaurants and recommended activities. Still have questions? Contact me! I’m happy to provide personalized recommendations based on your unique interests.
Where to stay in Fredericksburg
My top recommendation is always Tejas Hills Guest Haus. There’s no shortage of B&B’s in Fredericksburg, but Tejas Hills Guest Haus stands out as a visitor favorite. Situated on a quiet street within walking distance to Main, this family-owned and managed property is a clean and comfortable retreat following a day of exploration. Tejas Hills Guest Haus is a duplex with the option to rent one or both sides, making it an excellent choice for families with children, large groups or a “double-date” couples trip.
- Side 1 of the duplex sleeps 8.
- Side 2 sleeps 7 and has a private pool – perfect for cooling off in the Texas heat.
- Both sides have 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom, fully-fenced yards and are pet-friendly. Side 1 and 2 are separated by a locked privacy gate, but the gate can be opened if both sides are rented.
Did I mention Tejas Hills Guest Haus is family-owned and managed? Okay, I know I did, but it bears repeating because the owners are simply wonderful hosts who excel at customer service. You’re guaranteed hill country hospitality!
Sip and Savor - Wine, beer, whiskey & cocktails
Fredericksburg is the gateway to the Texas wine trail. For many visitors, wine tasting is the primary focus of the trip. There are over 50 wineries on “wine road 290” between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to go. Below are my top recommendations. Don’t drink wine? No problem. There are great breweries and distilleries as well.
- Andreucci – Italian wine paired with hill country views will leave you feeling like you’re in the heart of Tuscany.
- Cross Mountain Vineyards – Fine Italian wine in downtown Fredericksburg. This is a great option if you want to stay on Main Street.
- Whatley Wines – Local wine from a local family.
- Augusta Vin – Texas wines made from Texas grapes.
- Alstadt Brewery – German style beer in a German inspired setting.
- Garrison Brothers Distillery – This is a must for whiskey drinkers.
Wine tours are a popular way to visit multiple wineries responsibly. There are several options ranging from private tours to group tours. CLICK HERE to browse tour options.
Traveling with kids? I included a couple kid-friendly wineries in my “top things to do with kids” section below.
top things to do in Fredericksburg
Rightfully so, Fredericksburg is famous for it’s defining German heritage and ever-growing wine culture, but the good times don’t stop there. Below are my favorite things to do in town:
- National Museum of the Pacific War – Fantastic museum and a must for those who appreciate history. Check out the living history experiences scheduled throughout the year.
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – This is the highlight of town for outdoor enthusiasts. The park hosts 11 miles of trails including the iconic summit trail. The park frequently reaches max capacity so I highly recommend you make reservations!
- Make time for the legendary Luckenbach, Texas – Catch a show, attend a free dance lesson, play a round of corn hole and have a beer.
- Shop Main Street where you’re sure to find hill country attire, home decor and so much more. Der Kuchen Laden is not to be missed if you enjoy cooking like me!
- Learn to cook at a Fischer & Weiser cooking class.
- Climb aboard the trolley for a Fredericksburg City Tour or Historic District Narrated Tour.
- Relax with a massage at FredSpa.
Traveling with kids? The next section is for you!
Top things to do with kids in Fredericksburg
At first glance, Fredericksburg may not seem like a great place for kids. On the contrary, this town has a lot to offer families. Here are some of our favorite things to do:
- Enchanted Rock – Mentioned above, but kids love the space to roam and rocks to climb. Let me know if ya’ll make it to the top!
- National Museum of the Pacific War – Mentioned above, but I want to add that there is a designated, interactive space for kids in the museum. Additionally, every quarter the museum hosts a homeschool day with featured history lessons. Lastly, you may also want to check out the museum’s resources for youth and family.
- Playgrounds – There is a great playground at Marktplatz on Main and another next to HEB. The one next to HEB may be best for older kids because it includes a basketball court and skateboard ramp. There are smaller playgrounds at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. All have restrooms nearby.
- Swimming pools and splash pads – There is a city splash pad on West Schubert Street and a swimming pool directly behind it (swimming pool entrance faces Travis Street). There’s another swimming pool at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. Pools and splash pad are generally open late May to late August, but it’s best to check the city website to confirm hours.
- Animal Encounter – Get up close and personal with giraffe, rhino and more.
- Safari Tour – Take a behind-the-scenes tour of an exotic wildlife ranch. You can also book this tour with a wine tasting for the adults in your party.
- Look for the Main Street Mockingbirds – stop by the visitor center on E. Austin Street and ask about the Mockingbird search. Let me know if your kids find them all!
- Main Street must see stores (kid edition) – Recess Toy Store, Clear River Ice Cream and Lone Star Candy Bar
- Kid-friendly wineries – Coming soon!
Fredericksburg hosts a lot of festivals throughout the year, and they all have kid activities! Yes, even Oktoberfest!
Restaurant recommendations in Fredericksburg
If you’re a foodie like me, this might just be the section you’ve been waiting for. Here are my top restaurant recommendations:
- Kaffee Haus – My favorite for coffee and pastries.
- Schneider Charcuterie – These custom charcuterie boards are a fun way to celebrate your special occasion here in the hill country!
- Hill & Vine – Classic staples but elevated. This one is always a hit. My kids love the strawberry nutella sandwhich.
- Eaker BBQ – Exceptional Texas BBQ with a Korean influence. Try the kimchi fried rice.
- Leroy’s – Where Texas BBQ is perfectly blended with tex-mex in a fun, mostly outdoor environment.
- Otto’s – Upscale German bistro.
- Emi’s on Austin – Casual, family-friendly eatery with tortas, tacos, chiquitos and more. Their burger is my favorite in town!
- Belly Up Brew Pub – craft beer and delicious bar bites the whole family will enjoy. The outdoor seating is perfect for kids and dogs. They have a large connect four board and building blocks for kids. This is my youngest’s favorite spot.
- Hill Country Herb Garden – Excellent brunch, lunch and dinner.
- Woerner’s Cafe – American breakfast and lunch made with locally sources produce
- Granite House Lounge – Craft cocktails and fine food with a New Orleans flare.
- Quintessential Chocolate Co. – High quality chocolatier. This is my family’s favorite spot for a sweet treat.
Looking for something specific in your dining experience? Contact me for a personalized recommendation.
Where to park
Parking in Fredericksburg can be a hassle. Before you start making laps around Main Street, drive through the parking lot behind the visitor center on E. Austin Street. There’s often a spot or two there and it’s a short walk to Main. Enter “Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau” in your GPS. The lot is directly behind it.
Getting Here
I saved this section for last because most visitors are from Texas and simply follow the GPS to town. If, however, you are flying in for a visit, the two closest airports are the San Antonio International Airport and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
- San Antonio International (SAT) is about 1 hour and 20 mins from Fredericksburg.
- Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) is about 1 hour and 50 mins from Fredericksburg.
While AUS is 30 mins further, flights are often cheaper. That said, I personally prefer SAT because Austin traffic can be brutal.
I recommend renting a car so you can explore the hill country, but transfer services to/from the airport are available. Reach out to me if you need a transfer service and I’ll send you my recommendation.