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Fredericksburg is a historic city in Texas that lies 70 miles northwest of San Antonio and 80 miles west of Austin. It was founded by German settlers in 1846 and its architecture and culture have been greatly inspired by its German heritage. Fredericksburg is the home of “Texas German,” a dialect that many first-generation settlers spoke and is still spoken by some of their descendants today. The city’s rich past makes it a fantastic vacation destination for history enthusiasts — there are many interesting historical attractions and museums to explore, and plenty of original 19th-century properties to admire.
Set within the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg also makes a great base for those who want to explore the area’s wineries. There are ample opportunities for wine tasting both in the rolling countryside surrounding Fredericksburg and in the city center’s many sophisticated wine bars and restaurants. You can also expect elegant art galleries and charming boutique shops here, plus a welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals.
If you’re planning a getaway in Fredericksburg and wondering where to stay, start by checking out these five main neighborhoods. We describe their pros and cons, highlight some of their most popular attractions, and point you toward their best accommodation options.
Downtown District for First-Time Visitors
Highlights: Bars, Restaurants, Marketplatz, Fredericksburg Farmers Market, Pioneer Museum
Downtown Fredericksburg is the liveliest part of the city, particularly after dark. There are some excellent live music venues, bars, and restaurants, so if you’re looking for great nightlife this is the perfect area to stay in. As one of the oldest parts of the city, Downtown also has some popular historic attractions and museums, including the Pioneer Museum which provides insights into the lives of the German settlers who made Fredericksburg their home.
Marketplatz (Market Square) is considered the heart of Downtown and historic Fredericksburg. It’s a unique green space that serves as a peaceful park and playground for kids, as well as a hub for many of the city’s social events. The weekly Fredericksburg Farmers Market takes place here every Thursday afternoon, and it serves as a great opportunity to sample delicious fresh produce, wines, cheeses, baked goods, and other tasty treats from local growers and makers. Marketplatz also hosts live concerts and festivals on a regular basis, including the annual Oktoberfest: a celebration of traditional German food, drink, music, and games. Marketplatz even hosts an ice skating rink during the holiday season to help locals and visitors get into the festive spirit.
Downtown is a great base for almost anyone — including solo travelers, couples, groups of adults, and families with older kids — because it provides easy access to plenty of excellent attractions. The downside is that it can be a little noisy at night, so it’s not ideal for families with young children or those who value their beauty sleep.
Where to Stay in the Downtown District
These are some of the best hotels and guesthouses in Downtown Fredericksburg:
- Inn on Barons Creek is a popular three-star hotel that lies at the heart of Downtown. It has a great range of amenities and services on offer, including a relaxing spa.
- Peach Tree Inn & Suites is a family-owned and operated establishment with rooms, suites, and entire houses available to rent on its pretty property which lies a few blocks from Main Street.
- Comfort Inn & Suites offers true Texan hospitality in its spacious, pet-friendly hotel. Amenities include free WiFi, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool.
- Fredericksburg Inn & Suites lies in a scenic spot on Barons Creek, but it’s just a five-minute walk away from Downtown. Guests can make use of a large hot tub, an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, firepits, and a picnic area.
- Best Western Plus Fredericksburg is a quiet, pet-friendly hotel with an outdoor pool. It has a range of rooms on offer, including deluxe suites that are ideal for long stays.
- Holiday Inn Express is a comfortable hotel with modern rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy free parking, breakfast, and coffee in the hotel lobby.
Highway 290 Wine Road for Wine Enthusiasts
Highlights: Wineries, Jenshcke Orchard, Fort Martin Scott State Historic Site
The Wine Road is a scenic section of the U.S. 290, a long highway that runs east-west across Texas from Segovia to Houston, cutting through Fredericksburg along the way. What is known as the “Wine Road” portion is a stretch east of Fredericksburg city center that is particularly scenic and home to several wineries that produce exceptional wines. There are more than 100 wineries and vineyards dotted across Texas Hill Country and you can be within easy reach of dozens of them when you stay on Wine Road.
Most wineries in Fredericksburg offer tastings, but some also provide tours of their vineyards and wine making facilities so you can learn more about the production processes. Highlights include Baron’s Creek Vineyard and Kuhlman Cellars. Wine Road 290 is also home to several standalone restaurants, many of which serve classic Texan dishes such as barbecue brisket and chili. For something a little out of the ordinary, visit Jenshcke Orchards to pick your own fresh peaches, strawberries, and blackberries in the summer, or pumpkins if you’re in town during fall.
There are plenty of lodging options along the Wine Road for those looking for private vacation rentals. Some wineries have villas on their vast properties and these tend to work well for groups or families looking for an idyllic break. Keep in mind that you might feel disconnected from the city itself if you stay out in the scenic wine country. If you want to be within easy reach of both Downtown’s sights and the Wine Road wineries, check into one of the many hotels on East Main Street.
Where to Stay on Highway 290
La Quinta by Wyndham is a comfortable motel within easy walking distance from Main Street’s shops and art galleries yet on the way to the wine route. It has an outdoor pool and a fitness center, and it provides a free breakfast with unlimited juice and coffee.
Cedar Hills for Hiking
Highlights: Cross Mountain, hiking trails, Pioneer Cemetery
Cedar Hills is a residential neighborhood that lies in the northern portion of the city and is known as such because it offers fantastic views of the surrounding hills. A highlight in this area is Cross Mountain, a marl and limestone hill that was once used as a lookout by Native Americans before early German settlers arrived in the area. When Fredericksburg was founded in 1847, a timber cross was installed on the hill and it quickly became a beloved landmark. The cross has since been replaced several times and its latest iteration, installed in February 2024, is illuminated at night so it can be seen from surrounding areas.
The walking trails in the park surrounding Cross Mountain are well-marked and easygoing. Those who enjoy more challenging hikes are sure to find them further north in the lush rolling countryside that surrounds the city. If you want easy access to beautiful scenery, Cedar Hills is a great base.
Given that Cedar Hills is a little way out of the city center, accommodation rates tend to be very affordable. If you’re planning a trip to Fredericksburg on a tight budget, it could be a great place to stay.
Where to Stay in Cedar Hills
Country Inn Motel is our top recommendation for where to stay in Cedar Hills. It’s a warm and welcoming establishment that is dog-friendly. It has a seasonal outdoor pool, free WiFi, and free parking, and rooms are equipped with desks and televisions.
Main Street for Shopping
Highlights: Independent boutiques, traditional German bars and bakeries, National Museum of the Pacific War, Japanese Garden of Peace, Admiral Nimitz Gallery
Main Street, which lies within the Downtown area, cuts through the heart of Fredericksburg and is where many of the city’s most popular attractions, restaurants, and bars can be found. There are excellent shopping opportunities here and the majority of stores are independently owned, meaning that you can support the local community and find a unique array of products compared to shopping in chain stores.
If you’re looking for a taste of traditional German cuisine, Main Street is the place to find it. Altdorf Biergarten is a popular restaurant with a relaxing beer garden in which to sip delicious German beer and eat hearty dishes like Wienerschnitzel and Bavarian goulash. The Old German Bakery is a must-visit to pick up traditional German pastries like apple strudel and Bavarian cream ‘crumps’. Craft beer fans will enjoy a visit to the Fredericksburg Brewing Company which has been brewing lagers and ales since 1994.
Main Street is also home to the National Museum of the Pacific War which is made up of several buildings and attractions, including the Admiral Nimitz Gallery and the Pacific Combat Zone. The museum’s campus also contains the Japanese Garden of Peace which symbolizes the friendship between Japan and the United States.
There’s plenty to do on Main Street and it’s easy to get around, so consider staying here if you want to be at the heart of the city’s action. There are plenty of good hotels to choose from either on Main Street itself or close by.
Where to Stay on Main Street
Some of the best Fredericksburg hotels are situated on Main St., including:
- Super 8 By Wyndham Fredericksburg is a handy motel conveniently located for easy access to many of the city’s attractions. It offers a free grab-and-go breakfast, plus complimentary WiFi and parking.
- Hampton Inn & Suites is a timeless and comfortable hotel with excellent amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a business center. It provides a free hot breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking, and pets are welcome in the rooms and suites.
- Sunday House Inn is an attractive bed & breakfast with spacious rooms and suites. It has two pools to choose from and provides guests with free WiFi and a complimentary hot breakfast.
- Hoffman Haus is a large, peaceful property that blends the charm of a boutique hotel with the spaciousness of private rentals, making it ideal for romantic getaways. It has a range of lodging options to choose from, including rooms, suites, and full houses.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for Family Vacations
Highlights: Hiking, camping, climbing
Enchanted Rock is a large pink granite dome that has an otherworldly quality that has drawn people to it for thousands of years. It lies some 18 miles north of Fredericksburg but it attracts many visitors keen to explore its scenic trails and enjoy the fantastic view from its summit, which has an elevation of 425 feet. The rock itself is surrounded by a 1,643-acre Natural Area where there are opportunities to hike, climb, spot wildlife, explore caves, and camp.
If camping is not your thing there are other lodging options nearby, including bed & breakfasts and cabin rentals. Staying in this area is a great idea if you plan to spend lots of time outside, but keep in mind that you won’t have the choice of eateries, stores, and amenities that the city has to offer and you’ll have to drive to explore other attractions. If you’re planning an active family adventure, Enchanted Rock is a great base.
Book Your Stay in Fredericksburg
Now you’re clued up on the best Fredericksburg neighborhoods for visitors to stay in, you can get started looking for vacation rentals that suit your style of travel. Which part of this charming city will you call home?
