17 Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg, Texas

Fredericksburg, Texas, is a small city that packs a big punch, and you won’t be short of fun things to do here.

Originally founded by German immigrants, Fredericksburg’s unique culture attracts tourists from far and wide. Whether you want to shop at traditional Texan markets, sample local wine and beer, or discover the rich history of the Southern US, you’ll find all that and more right here in Fredericksburg.

If you’re planning a getaway to the city and need help with your itinerary, look no further. Here are the 17 best things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas.

1. Hike the Enchanted Rock

Photo Credit: Tricia Daniel

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located on Ranch Road, just 20 minutes outside Fredericksburg and is a popular destination with local and visiting nature enthusiasts. This site was once a sacred Native American ground and is now home to many picturesque walking trails.

Head to the peak of the pink granite dome to be rewarded with spectacular views across the Texas Hill Country. Camping overnight is permitted, and bringing a picnic is welcome.

2. Enjoy Breakfast at a German Coffee Shop

Fredericksburg is proud of its German roots, and you’ll find plenty of cuisine and culture that represent the city’s European heritage. For the best possible start to your day, grab breakfast at one of these German-inspired cafes:

• KaffeeHaus – an espresso bar and bakery. Lines can get long on weekends, but it’s worth the wait.
• Old German Bakery & Restaurant – an authentic, family-owned spot. Hearty breakfast plates will set you up right for the day.

3. Stroll Among Texas Bluebonnets

Photo Credit: Bonnie Taylor Barry

Wildseed Farm is the world’s largest supplier of Texas Bluebonnet flowers, and they have more than 200 acres of wildflowers to wander among. The farm also has a pretty butterfly garden and a wine-tasting room. Special events are frequently held here, so be sure to check the program to see what’s scheduled during your visit.

4. Go Wine Tasting in Texas Wine Country

Texas wine country is any wine lover’s dream, and there are dozens of vineyards and tasting rooms dotted around the area just waiting to be explored. For an effortless wine tour, hop aboard the 290 Wine Shuttle. This handy service will transport you among some of the region’s best wineries that showcase just how fantastic Texas wine can be. Don’t miss these stops:

• Grape Creek Vineyards – a picturesque winery specializing in European varietals. Join an informative tour and discover the Italian-inspired tasting rooms.
• Texas Heritage Vineyard – the native Texan owner works hard to produce bottles that showcase the state’s optimal wine-making climate.
• Barons Creek Vineyards – a family-run vineyard with a laidback vibe. Barons has tasting rooms throughout Texas as well as right here in Fredericksburg.

5. Buy Fresh Produce at Fredericksburg Farmers Market

Photo Credit: EWY Media

Fredericksburg Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 4 pm until 6 pm in spring and summer and then again in fall. It’s one of the best places in the city to buy fresh produce to enjoy in your vacation rental or to take home with you. Expect to find everything from meat and fish to cheese and wine.

6. Check Out Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park

Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, hails from Stonewall, Texas and you’ll find historic sites around Fredericksburg that commemorate his life. Visit the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site to learn about his fascinating life and plentiful achievements. Highlights include:

• LBJ ranch – where Johnson was born, lived, died, and was buried. Visit sites including the president’s birthplace, the family cemetery, and the president’s first school.
• Boyhood home – take a tour of where the President lived from the age of five until his high school graduation in 1924.
• Settlement – See where Johnson’s grandfather and great-uncle established a cattle droving headquarters in the 1860s.

7. Discover Luckenbach’s Country Music Heritage

Photo Credit: TLF Images

This historic community has existed since the early 1800s when Jacob Luckenbach and a group of German heritage established a colony here. Fast forward to 1970, when Luckenbach was bought by a group of locals. From then, the town thrived on the country music scene, with icons including Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and Waylon Jennings all having performed here.

Luckenbach is now a popular day trip from Fredericksburg — come for the peaceful small-town atmosphere or to attend one of the frequent live music events.

8. Get to Know Fredericksburg’s Best Breweries

As we’ve already noted, Fredericksburg’s German heritage is evident across the city. It’s probably most prevalent, however, in the city’s many breweries and tasting rooms. Beer fans shouldn’t miss throwing back a few at these three breweries:

• Fredericksburg Brewing Company – this is the oldest brewpub in Texas and has been operating since 1994. Craft beer is brewed on-site, with over 20 brews being prepared throughout the year. German food is also available.
• Altstadt Brewery – this brewery’s focus is the celebration of German beer culture and will transport your tastebuds to Bavaria. Take a brewery tour, listen to live music, and enjoy delicious food and drink right here at Altstadt Brewery.
• Ogle Brewery – a family-run brewery located at Arch Ray Resort. The best thing about Ogle is that they also offer specialty wines, so beer and wine lovers can drink alongside each other here.

9. Learn About Texan History

Photo Credit: ShengYing Lin

Texas has a long and fascinating history and no visit to Fredericksburg is complete without a trip to one of the city’s fantastic museums. Choose from these three, or better yet: visit them all!

• Pioneer Museum – learn about Gillespie County’s history and the region’s rich German heritage. The exhibits of setters’ homesteads and artifacts are extremely interesting.
• National Museum of the Pacific War – learn about Texas’ own Admiral Nimitz’s heroic efforts during World War II. Don’t miss the tranquil Japanese Garden of Peace.
• Fort Martin Scott – this Main Street site was the first US Army outpost on the Texas Frontier. Visit this historic site to see an original garrison building and an 1800s farm shed.

10. Enjoy Delicious Food and Drink at Das Peach Haus

Das Peach Haus started life as a peach orchard in 1928 and has grown continuously since then. Nowadays, this iconic Texas Hill Country destination is a must-visit spot for food and drink in an idyllic location.

These culinary adventures are three of the most fun things to do at Das Peach Haus:

• Wine Tasting Room – try five wines for just $20. No reservations are required to join a tasting session.
• Fischer & Wieser’s cooking school – choose from private and public cooking classes across a wide range of global cuisines.
• Dietz Distillery – this distillery is committed to preserving old-world distilling techniques. Enjoy a cocktail at the distillery itself or take cocktail mixes home with you.

11. Pick up a Souvineer at Fredericksburg Trade Days

Photo Credit: Diann Bayes via Flickr CC 2.0

Fredericksburg Trade Days are held during the third weekend of every month and are lively events where you can shop, eat, drink, and listen to live music. There are typically more than 350 vendors to explore offering everything you could ever want to buy, including art, antiques, fashion, home decor, and fresh produce.

12. Take a Day Trip

Fredericksburg offers more than enough to do within the city limits, but if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’ll be happy to learn that the city is ideally located to explore Texas’ most exciting metropolises.

• San Antonio – as the closest big city to Fredericksburg, this is an ideal day trip. Don’t miss the historic Alamo and the vibrant River Walk.
• Austin – Texas’ capital is just 90 minutes away and is a leading destination for country, blues, and rock fans.
• Houston – it’ll take around four hours to drive to Houston, so consider staying overnight to visit the Space Center and the nearby coastal gem of Galveston Island.

13. Go Gallery Hopping

Photo Credit: Philip Arno Photography

Fredericksburg’s art scene may not be as iconic as that of Texas’s bigger cities, but you’ll still have no trouble finding a handful of spaces to scratch your art itch. Whether you want to shop or browse, here are the best three art galleries located right here in Fredericksburg:

• InSight Gallery – an airy gallery located in the historic Schwartz Building that dates back to 1907. Expect to see a diverse range of paintings and sculptures here.
• Good Art Company – a popular art gallery displaying contemporary sculptures, modern art, and classic oil paintings by a range of domestic and international artists.
• Vintage Texas Paintings – history buffs should visit this gallery to see an impressive collection of early Texas paintings and antiques.

14. See the Bats in Old Tunnel State Park

Old Tunnel State Park is a former railroad tunnel that ceased operating in 1942. Nowadays, visitors come to catch a glimpse of the huge population of bats that call the tunnel home. The best time to see the colony is during August and September once the females have returned from giving birth to their juveniles in July.

15. Visit a Christmas Market

Photo Credit: kbrandau

If you happen to be visiting Fredericksburg during December, you’re in for festive treats galore. The Christmas celebrations last all month and include a 30-foot Christmas tree, an ice skating rink, and a full calendar of special events. A single stroll through the Marktplatz will make you feel glad that you chose to spend your winter vacation here in Fredericksburg.

16. Go Swimming

If you choose to visit during the summer months, you’ll be grateful for somewhere to cool off in the Texas heat. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park Pool is the perfect place to do this. The pool offers lane swimming, a diving board, and two zero-depth pools. The pool is located in the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, so a trip to the pool combines perfectly with an al fresco picnic lunch.

17. Feed Giraffes at Longneck Manor

If you’re an animal lover or visiting Fredericksburg with kids, Longneck Manor is a great afternoon out. Take a 75-minute tour to meet giraffes and rhinos, safely feed them, and learn about their conservation. Be sure to make a reservation as this popular activity tends to sell out in advance.

Get to Know Fascinating Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a historic city offering a unique combination of German heritage and Texan charm. Whether you have a single day to explore or you’re visiting for longer, you’ll have no trouble finding fun things to do. What activity will you tick off first?