Read about all the fun things to do in Fredericksburg Texas – written by a former Texan!
Some people might not be aware of just how much they can do in Central Texas. I certainly wasn’t – until I visited Fredericksburg and discovered just how interesting and fun this area is.
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is one of the oldest German-settled towns in the area. Founded in 1846, it’s maintained much of its charm and German influence.
It’s a lovely place for a relaxing weekend (or even a few days mid-week after the weekend day-trippers have headed home), which is exactly how we spent our time here, escaping the big city of Dallas for a few days. As an Australian living in Texas only temporarily, I spent a lot of time exploring this state, and Fredericksburg was one of our favourite stops!
Whether you want to enjoy the Texas wine country, eat some German food or you’re looking to hike Enchanted Rock State Park on an early Saturday morning, you’ll be able to squeeze it all in over your weekend in Fredericksburg Texas. From museums to outdoor recreation, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone who visits to enjoy themselves.
So pack your bags and let’s head to your weekend bed and breakfast and get ready to explore. Here are my tips on some very fun things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas.
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Things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas
1. Drive the Willow City Loop
The Willow City Loop is a 13-mile drive that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Fredericksburg. The drive starts and ends in Fredericksburg, and there are several different points of interest along the way.
Some of my favourite spots are the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Luckenbach Texas, and the Pedernales Falls State Park. This loop will take you out of town but of course, bring you back to Fredericksburg.
The Willow City Loop is an excellent way to get a taste of what Fredericksburg has to offer. It’s one of the ideal things to do in Fredericksburg to start crossing off several of the must-see tourist attractions on this list.
2. Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War is one of my favourite museums in the area. It’s dedicated to telling the story of the Pacific War, and it has a wealth of exhibits and artefacts on display. If you’re interested in history, this is definitely a museum worth checking out.
Some of my favourite exhibits are the interactive displays, which allow you to learn about different aspects of the war. I learned so much when I visited the National Museum of the Pacific War. It’s a great place to learn about one of the most important wars in modern history.
The museum is open from 9am to 5pm Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday)
The admission fee is $24 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $10 for children.
3. Taste wine
Did you know that Texas is one of the top five wine-producing states in the Unites States? Granted, its production is a long way behind that of California, but it’s a surprising fact nonetheless.
The wine area around Fredericksburg covers 110 miles and most wineries are have tasting rooms (for a fee). With wine tastings, tours, and events happening all year long, there’s something for everyone who enjoys a good glass of hill country wine.
The most popular wine in Central Texas is the Fredericksburg Zinfandel, and it’s a must-try if you’re visiting the area. This fruit thrives in Texas due to the dry winters, allowing it to produce abundantly.
Some of my favourite wineries in the area are Grape Creek Vineyards, Fredericksburg Winery, and Becker Vineyards.
You can visit the wineries by yourself – but better to keep it safe and book a seat on the 290 Wine Shuttle. This weekend shuttle stops off at up to 18 different wineries. You’re free to jump on and off as you like so you can visit as many wineries as you like.
If you’d prefer something more structured, book a wine tour (this one includes lunch).
4. Visit Luckenbach
About 15 minutes from Fredericksburg is Luckenbach, a trading post established in the mid-1800s.
Head there on a weekend to check out the old dance hall. Spend the day on the back porch of the General Store, and relax in the shade at one of their picnic tables. The Luckenbach Texas General Store is an old-fashioned general store that sells everything from groceries to T-shirts. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs, and it’s always filled with friendly people.
They’ve had many famous Texas country artists play at their venue, such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. If you’re looking for a laid-back day in the Texas Hill Country, Luckenbach is the place to go.
Even on weeknights you’re likely to find a few musicians sitting around the bar in a planned – or impromptu – jam session. We stumbled upon one on a Wednesday night and it was so cool to be part of.
It’s one of the coolest places to visit in the USA for casual, live music.
5. Stroll through the Japanese Garden of Peace
The Japanese Garden of Peace is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Fredericksburg. It was installed in the National Museum of the Pacific War in 1976, and it features a number of different gardens and water features.
This Japanese-American garden was created as a symbol of amity and cooperation between the two countries. After World War II, the Japanese government hoped that this garden would help to start a fresh relationship with the United States.
I always enjoy visiting the Japanese Garden of Peace when I’m in Fredericksburg. It’s a great place to relax and take in all the beauty that nature has to offer and reflect on the peace we can bring into the world.
6. Visit the Pioneer Museum
The Pioneer Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Fredericksburg and the surrounding area. It has a number of exhibits on display, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of the region.
It has exhibits on everything from pioneer life to local military history. Some of my favourite exhibits are the ones that focus on local pioneers. These exhibits tell the story of how people in the area first settled and started building their lives.
It’s a great place to learn about the history of Fredericksburg and the surrounding area.
The museum is located on the Main Street in Fredericksburg. It’s open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday.
Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children (under 5 free).
7. Shop along Main Street
One of the best Fredericksburg attractions and most popular reasons people make their way to Fredericksburg is to shop on Main Street!
There are dozens of different stores and boutiques. You can find some unique and interesting items, and it’s a great way to support the local community.
Every weekend main street is bustling with people from all over the area. It’s always a fun place to wander around and explore. You can grab some yummy German food to eat, enjoy a cold beer or maybe stop in a few different stores for homemade ice cream.
One of my favourite stores is Dogologie where you can pick up something unique and quirky for your furry friend!
8. Eat at Vaudeville
A post of mine wouldn’t be complete without food. Our first meal in Fredericksburg was at Vaudeville, located on the cute Main Street.
Upstairs is a rather pricey home decor store, but head downstairs and you’ll be surrounded by a delectable range of cheeses, meats, sweet things and local wines.
The Bistro features new American comfort food, and I ate a more-ish pork belly taco with Asian slaw and roasted peanuts.
9. Visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Just 25 minutes out of Fredericksburg is The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
The park is dedicated to the story of President Lyndon B. Johnson. It has exhibits on his life and career, as well as on the history of the Johnson administration.
While you’re in the area, you can also check out the LBJ ranch. This was where President Johnson lived for most of his life, and it’s now a national historic site. You can tour the ranch, and learn more about how LBJ governed and lived his life.
If you’re interested in politics or American history, the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is definitely worth checking out.
10. Explore the distilleries in Fredericksburg
If wine or beer doesn’t tickle your fancy, Fredericksburg is also home to several distilleries, and there’s no better way to learn about the distilling process than by taking a tour.
Distilleries in Fredericksburg offer tours and tastings, and many of them also have gift shops where you can buy souvenirs.
Some of my favourite distilleries in Fredericksburg are Garrison Brothers Distillery (whiskey), Dietz Distillery (gin, vodka, and peach and pear eau de vie) and Elk Store Winery & Distillery (whiskey, rum and moonshine).
11. Experience life at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm
The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm is a working farm that’s open to the public. You can experience life on the farm in the early 20th century, and it’s a great way to learn more about how people lived back then.
The farm is open to the public, and it’s a great way to spend a day or weekend. It’s located on the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, so it’s easy to combine the two in a visit.
12. Take a walk through Fredericksburg’s Historic District
The Fredericksburg Historic District is a district that’s located in the heart of the city. It has more than 150 buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Fredericksburg Historic District is a lovely area to stroll about and discover. The district contains several museums, galleries, and historical structures.
It’s an excellent location to learn more about Fredericksburg’s German heritage.
13. Visit a brewery in Fredericksburg
Like most small towns in the USA, Fredericksburg has quite a few local breweries.
Spend the day at a brewery (or two), trying out different beers and chatting with the locals. If you get hungry, most of the breweries have food trucks on site.
A few top picks are Fredericksburg Brewing Company and Altstadt Brewery.
My favourite time to go enjoy these breweries is in the fall for Oktoberfest. The seasonal beers are so good and the weather always seems to be perfect – and there are usually Oktoberfest festivities.
14. Eat at a German restaurant
Fredericksburg is known for its German heritage and what better way to celebrate it than through eating. Several restaurants in the area will give you a true German dining experience.
Some of my favourite German restaurants in Fredericksburg are Der Lindenbaum, The Auslander and Friedhelm’s Bavarian Inn. Otto’s German Bistro is a popular place – I’ve tried to go there twice but each time the waitlist was at least an hour long!
15. Attend First Friday Art Walk
One of my favourite outdoor activities is the First Friday Art Walk. On first Friday of each month, the event is free and open to the public.
Galleries and businesses in the downtown area open their doors late and showcase local artists.
If you’re in town on a Friday evening, this is a great opportunity to see some amazing artwork, meet local artists and explore Fredericksburg’s downtown area.
16. Spend a weekend at one of Fredericksburg’s famous festivals
Fredericksburg is home to several festivals throughout the year, and each is more fun than the last. Some of my favourite special events are the Oktoberfest, the Gillespie County Fair and the Christmas Nights of Light.
These festivals are a great opportunity to experience some Texan culture and traditions.
My personal favourite is the Christmas Market. The main street in Fredericksburg is closed to traffic and it’s filled with Christmas lights, booths and live music.
It’s the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done. They also have an ice skating rink, community events throughout the week and plenty of German food shops to try plenty of different treats.
17. Go antiquing in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is home to several antique shops, and they’re the perfect place to find a unique piece of furniture or jewellery or a rare or favourite book.
Some of the most popular antique stores are Farm Haus, Antique Mall of Fredericksburg, and the Hill Country Trading Post.
Many of the antique shops are located on Main Street making it easy to wander from shop to shop.
18. Buy fresh peaches at Das Peach Haus
Das Peach Haus is the most famous local farm in Fredericksburg. Started as a peach farm, it’s now a place to buy fruit-based products, taste some wine or even take a cooking class.
The best time to go is in the summer when they have peaches, plums, and apricots.
Take some time and stroll through their 60-acre farm and through their peach orchard and tall pine trees. Some weekends they allow guests to pick their own peaches if the crop is ready.
Make sure to try their in house freshly made peach cobbler, it is some of the best cobbler in the state.
19. Watch bats at the Old Tunnel State Park
The Old Tunnel State Park is a great place to watch hundreds of bats take flight. Of course, the best time to see the bats is at dusk.
These Mexican free-tailed bats started migrating to Fredericksburg in the early 1990s, and there are now around 3 million bats living in the abandoned railroad tunnel.
You need to have a bat-viewing ticket to stay in the park after 5pm.
20. Stop in at Vereins Kirche Museum
Vereins Kirche is a historic building in Fredericksburg and was built by German immigrants in 1846. The one that stands now in the Marktplatz in Main Street is a replica of the building that was a town hall, church and school.
It’s a great place to stop in for a quick visit and browse the artefacts, paintings and photos of Fredericksburg’s history.
21. Enjoy flowers at Wildseed Farms
Wildseed Farms is a must-visit for anyone who loves flowers. The farm is the country’s largest working wildflower farm, home to over 100,000 different types of flowers over 200 acres
There are trails to walk, gardens to explore, plants to buy and a gift shop where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs. There’s even a a wine tasting room where you can try local drops.
The best time to visit Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg is March through October when the flowers bloom.
22. Pick peaches at an orchard
Fredericksburg is known to have some of the tasty peaches in the state. You can explore one of the local orchards and pick your own fruit. There’s nothing quite like biting into a peach that you picked yourself!
Mid-May to mid-August is when peaches are in season.
Some of my favourite roadside farms that let you pick your own fruit are Jenschke Orchards, Wahl’s Peaches and Studebaker Farms.
23. Hike Enchanted Rock
The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a beautiful park that’s home to one of the largest boulders in Texas. It’s a great place for hiking, camping and bird watching.
This hike is a must-do if you’re visiting Fredericksburg and love outdoor activities. At 425 feet high (and 1,825 feet above sea level), Enchanted Rock is the second-largest pink granite dome in the United States.
The hike to the top is moderate, and once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding Hill Country.
The best time to go to Enchanted Rock is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the hot Texas sun.
24. Stop and smell the Texas wildflowers
Texas is known for its beautiful wildflowers and Fredericksburg is no exception. The hills around town are covered in bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and other wildflowers from March to May.
The wildflowers are one of main Fredericksburg attractions in the spring, and the best way to see the wildflowers is to stop by the side of the road and take a walk through the fields – just be careful not to trample on the flowers! Use the paths around the flowers.
25. Fredericksburg Trade Days
Fredericksburg Trade Days is a must-go for anyone who loves shopping.
This monthly event is held at Sunday Farms and it’s home to over 350 vendors. You can find anything from clothes and jewellery to furniture and home decor. It’s also one of the most famous antique spots in Texas, where you can pick up vintage items.
Most of the vendors are from Texas, so you’re sure to find something unique and local. There is also a beer garden with live music.
Trade days are on the third Saturday of every month and they welcome visitors from all over!
Final thoughts: Things to do in Fredericksburg TX
Fredericksburg is a great place for visitors of all types, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area.
Whether you want to explore history or spend some time outdoors with your family, Fredericksburg has something that will make it memorable.
We had such a great weekend there, and you can make it your sole destination or make it parter of a larger road trip through Texas Hill Country.
Things to do in Fredericksburg TX: FAQs
When is the best time to visit Fredericksburg?
The great thing about Fredericksburg is that it can be visited all year round. On our trip, we visited just after Christmas. It was chilly but pleasant. In summer, Fredericksburg can be swelteringly hot (like the rest of Texas!) but there are plenty of places to cool down.
Holiday weekends like July 4 and Memorial Day are always busy in this small town, so plan ahead.
Where to stay in Fredericksburg?
The best place to stay in Fredericksburg is one of the many beautiful B&Bs in the area.
A gorgeous getaway that gets rave reviews is The Barn at the Quarry. This B&B has a hot tub and lovely terrace. Check availability and pricing online with Booking.com or Expedia
If you want some space to cook for yourself while you’re visiting Fredericksburg, check out the lovely Studio B Guest House. Check pricing online now and book with Booking.com
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What are your tips for fun things to do in Fredericksburg, TX?
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- Book flights to and around the USA online with Skyscanner. I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
- Find a great hotel in the USA. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout the USA on GetYourGuide or Viator. There’s something for everyone.
- A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to the USA will be handy.
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
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Nice place to visit with lots to do and see. Plan on coming June 10th.