It’s almost as if I can smell when there’s wine country approaching, even if I’m visiting a part of the world that isn’t necessarily known for its wine.
When I heard we’d be driving through Texas on our way back West on one of our long road trips, those spidey senses started tingling. Sure enough, we’d be going straight through Texas wine country.
A weekend in Fredericksburg is the perfect amount of time to experience not only Texas wine country but an eclectic small town that offers more than tastings.
I mean, we definitely did quite a bit of that. We spent three full days here, so we had to occupy ourselves somewhere. I’m saying it’s not ALL we did.
Quick Tips for Your Fredericksburg Visit
Your Flight: Start at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport or San Antonio International Airport and drive from there for trips to Fredericksburg. Use Skyscanner to watch flights. Love deals? Subscribe to Going.
Your Accommodations: Browse Booking.com or Hotels.com for accommodation options in Fredericksburg. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.
Your Ride: You’ll want a car for this Fredericksburg itinerary. Book a rental car ahead of time.
Top Spots: Find your favorite winery, explore Main Street, and visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
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How many days do you need for Fredericksburg?
You need at least a few days to explore the best things to do in Fredericksburg.
We spent three days here but could have filled up a few weeks bopping around the wineries alone. If you’re traveling without wine intentions, a long weekend is still the perfect amount of time for Fredericksburg.
What is Fredericksburg known for?
Fredericksburg is known for being the center of the state’s wine country. There are over 60 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in Fredericksburg’s Gillespie County. If you include wineries in Texas Hill Country, the number goes over 100.
For locals, though, the town is so much more.
It has a rich history that you might not expect in Texas, including some of the most legit German food around the country. It’s an excellent base for couples’ travel, family trips seeking access to easy hikes and bats, and fans of springtime flowers.
Seriously, those Texas bluebonnets are something else.

How to Spend a Weekend in Fredericksburg
How can spend a weekend in Fredericksburg like this:
- Spend the day on Main Street Fredericksburg for museums, great food, and downtown wine tastings.
- Leave downtown for a Fredericksburg winery.
- Eat a hearty German meal.
- Explore Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
- Visit Wildseed Farms.
- Tour Fort Martin Scott and the Texas Rangers Heritage Center.
- Relax at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park.
- Leave room for dessert, especially if peach pie is in season.
A Weekend in Fredericksburg: Day 1
Fredericksburg is a central Texas town less than two hours from Austin, a starting point for most roadtrippers around the state. It’s even closer to San Antonio, one of my favorite budget-friendly Texas cities, at about an hour and 15 minutes.
If you’re taking a leisurely tour of Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country, you can arrive on the Willow City Loop.
The 13-mile drive shows off the ultra scenic side of the landscapes here. If you visit in the spring, you’ll likely want to pull over quite a few times for the wildflower show.
If you’re not arriving with three full days, pick up this itinerary wherever it suits you. Your first day is dedicated to Main Street, a natural starting point for Fredericksburg.
Stop 1: Coffee
If you need to perk up, Java Ranch was our go-to coffee shop in Fredericksburg. We picked up some local grounds to start along with some yummy cookies at their Main Street location.
They have a full bakery case of sweet and savory things to nosh on before you start your day.
If you love that java, Kaffee Haus is another great option on Main Street, especially if you like flavored coffee.
Stop 2: Main Street Fredericksburg

Main Street is one of the top places to go in Fredericksburg, and not only because you can drink wine while you shop. It’s a great area to people-watch, explore urban tasting rooms, and pop into boutique shops.
Note: Start at the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center just a block away from Main Street (302 E. Austin St.) if you want to get your bearings. This is essential if you thought you were visiting Fredericksburg, Virginia.
If you’re not into shopping while traveling — it’s not my scene, either — Main Street is also a great place to explore some of the best tourist attractions in town.
Stop 3: National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War is focused on, predictably, battles during World War II that occurred in the Pacific theater.
While you’re there, you’ll learn loads about Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the commander-in-chief of the Pacific Ocean Areas during the war.
He was actually from Fredericksburg, so there’s great local pride in that fact.
Don’t miss out on the Japanese Garden of Peace during your visit. It was a gift of friendship from Japan in 1976, the 130th anniversary of the founding of Fredericksburg.
Stop 4: Lunch

Fredericksburg has a lot of German food available, but we’ll get to that later.
Our tastes are pretty eclectic, but there’s always pizza involved. Our first stop then had to be West End Pizza Company, Fredericksburg’s best pizza shop.
There were no leftovers at this downtown pizzeria. The pizzas can come personal-sized, too, so you and your honey can order exactly what it is that you like as far as toppings.
It’s veggies for me and all of the meats for Brian, by the way.
Want some options? Here are a few more:
- Hill & Vine: This spot is popular, so expect a wait. (They don’t take reservations.) This is also a good breakfast option on Saturday and Sunday mornings. For lunch, any of their sandwiches are great but they’re known for their Texas burger.
- Vaudeville: This one is a little bistro and a little supper club, with a dash of curated concept store. You’re here to eat, though. Try their wood-fired pizza, cheese boards, or featured entrees. It’s usually some kind of fowl or seafood.
Stop 5: Popcorn Emporium

I’m a sucker for savory popcorn. Brian’s a sucker for sweet popcorn. Both are represented well at the Popcorn Emporium, a Main Street shop with easy access to the rest of your day downtown.
You may also want something crunchy when you’re having some wine later. We went home with a bag of their Cinnamon Toast Crunch variety and no regrets.
Stop 6: Vereins Kirche Museum

This small extension of the Pioneer Museum is close to all of the downtown things, right on the Marketplatz. If you don’t visit the museum, it’s an excellent gathering place down here nonetheless.
If you do, learn the story of the first German settlers here to explain why you have access to so much bratwurst — and painted churches — around these parts.
Fredericksburg is so influenced by German culture because it was founded in 1846 by German immigrants. They were led by John O. Meusebach, or Otfried Hans Freiherr von Meusebach if you go by the name on his birth certificate.
The German settlers were seeking religious and political freedom and economic opportunity.
If the Vereins Kirche Museum tickled your fancy, check out the rest of the Pioneer Museum on the other end of Main Street. Tours are self-guided.
You’ll see historic homesteads, a smokehouse, a one-room schoolhouse, and other buildings from the settler era.
If you’re here for even longer, you can complete your visit with trips to the rest of the sites under the Pioneer Museum umbrella. We didn’t tick these off, but they include:
- The Old Jail
- Schandua House
- Marschall-Meusebach Cemetery
Stop 7: Main Street Wine Tasting

You don’t have to go far to start enjoying the best Fredericksburg wines. Main Street is a hub for wine-tasting rooms.
Our favorite was Narrow Path Winery thanks to their excellent service and delicious pours. We got a bottle of their red blend, a summertime red.
Grape Creek on Main, the tasting room for Grape Creek Vineyards, is another great option with a location downtown. We went to their main winery, instead, but this may be an easier stop for you if you’re already here.
Fun fact: You can stroll around downtown with wine in hand. It’s all much classier than Bourbon Street.
Stop 8: Dinner
Try one of the options I suggested for lunch if you’d like to stick to Main Street. If you’re ready to explore elsewhere, the Hill Top Cafe is a fun idea.
This one isn’t downtown, but it operated out of an old gas station, so I’ll allow it. Indulge in chicken fried steak and Greek-style diner items. Try to time your visit around their live music schedule. This place has seen the likes of Bonnie Raitt over the years.
A Weekend in Fredericksburg: Day 2
This day is likely what you’re here for, wine tasting in some of Fredericksburg’s best wineries.
We spread out our wine tastings so they didn’t all happen in one day, but we also had the three full days to work with. If you only have Saturday and Sunday, you may just want to dedicate one day to tastings so that you have a sober day on either side for other stuff.
You already know there’s other stuff to do in Fredericksburg. Don’t act surprised.
Stop 1: Breakfast
You do NOT want to start your day of wine on an empty stomach.
The Sunset Grill is a popular option near downtown for diner favorites like scrambles and biscuits and gravy. Order something that will stick to your ribs for a while.
If you’re planning your own day at the wineries, Fresh Pickens is a good option for grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. There is a Fresh Pickens Market closer to downtown if that’s easier.
Stop 2: Self-Guided Wine Tour


The options are truly overwhelming when it comes to Fredericksburg wineries, and I’ll be plotting my return for quite some time. A DIY day of wine tasting in Fredericksburg allows you to plot out your day in a more leisurely pace.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a designated driver for this part unless you’re walking distance from any.
Here were a few of our favorites:
- Becker Vineyards: This winery boasts a big space with loads of outside seating even on a Saturday. Sit outside for live music, kicking off your tasting with a complimentary taste of rosé.
- Fat Ass Ranch & Winery: This one is definitely a woo girl kinda place thanks to all of the peaches posing on the outdoor signage here. I’m not talking about the fruit, by the way, although this is the place to try peach wine. Expect lots of girls trips here.
- Foyt Winery & Museum: Come for the wines but stay for the race car memorabilia at this one, an homage to professional race car driver A.J. Foyt. We visited just after their grand opening, but the wines were great.
- Grape Creek Vineyards: Despite the hard sell on the wine club, their reds are delicious and many of their grapes come from Napa. That’s another wine region that I adore despite the high prices.
The only one high on our list that eluded us was Heath Sparkling Wines. It’s next to Grape Creek and the place for bubbles. We just missed out on the necessary reservations. Don’t do as we did if you love sparkling wine!
Stop 2 Alternative: Guided Wine Tour


Booking a guided wine tour in Fredericksburg is a great option if you don’t have a designated driver.
It’s also nice for those who don’t want to bother with making reservations at the many options for wine tastings in and around town. Most will include a lunch stop, too.
Guided tours are generally how we experience wine country, but we were able to spread out the tastings on our trip. If we only had the one day here, we would have absolutely gone with a tour.
Here are a few highly-rated options:
Stop 3: Dinner

Most tours will take the better part of the day, as they start around mid-morning. Relax for a few hours before dinner, but avoid the dreaded post-wine country nap.
That’s when you lose all sense of time and sleep through your evening meal due to the effects of wine on the system.
Once you’re ready to interact in the world again, introduce yourself to the town’s German food scene. It’ll soak up whatever’s still left in your body.
If you’ve breezed through my historical notes throughout this post, I’ll take a moment to remind you here that this town was founded by German immigrants.
Fun fact: If you listen closely, you may pick up a unique dialect here known as Texas German. It was first spoken by early settlers who wanted to preserve their language over assimilating to English.
Alright, on to the food.
Our pick was The Auslander. It’s lauded as being the most legit option available, and as a traveler who has been to Germany a few times, I’ll have to agree. We indulged in their Jagerschnitzel, a cutlet smothered in red wine gravy, and the Käsewurst, a spicy sausage.
The sausages here are LONG and definitely shareable.
Here are a few more German establishments that were on our list:
- Otto’s: This German bistro is on the fancier side of things among Fredericksburg’s German eateries. Reservations are recommended if you have a particular night in mind, but that duck schnitzel looks well worth the effort.
- Altdorf Biergarten: This one was always crowded when we passed by, so I assume it’s got the goods. Their large outdoor seating area mimics classic German Biergartens if you’re coming for pints over sausages.
- Old German Bakery & Restaurant: The menu at this one is a little more varied if you’re traveling with picky eaters. Expect burgers and pork chops alongside German classics like schnitzel and brats.
A Weekend in Fredericksburg: Day 3
Give your liver a bit of a break today — it’s never completely safe in Fredericksburg — with touristy activities that have nothing to do with wine varietals.
Stop 1: Breakfast
You may feel like something substantial after yesterday. Keep things on theme with my dinner recommendations from last night with a visit to the Old German Bakery and Restaurant on Main Street.
Their breakfast menu is more diner-style, but you can also double down and order the German pancakes.
If a heavy morning is exactly the opposite of what you’re after, return to one of the coffee shops I mentioned to kick off your first day.
Stop 2: Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

We loved our visit to Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, even though we arrived a little bit unprepared as to how much there is to do there.
I put a lot of energy into winery planning, people.
Start at the visitor center where you can check out some maps and plan where to go next.
Our strategy was to head out to the LBJ Ranch before perusing the available exhibits nearby, as we arrived at the same time as a large school group. Pick up a driving permit before you leave for the ranch at the visitor’s center.
Note: You’ll also see this one referred to as the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site on some map apps. We’re all talking about the same place.
Along the way to the ranch, you’ll see the former president’s boyhood home and elementary school, and a likely herd of buffalo.
Once at the ranch, you’ll be able to see the Texas White House, the Johnson family’s airplane hangar, and some baby goats near the farm animal pens.
You can likely guess what the highlight was for me.


READ MORE: Seriously, I love goats. I’ve even done yoga with them outside of San Diego!
Additional exhibits are available inside the airplane hangar. You’ll get a look into life on the ranch in the post-presidency years, including Johnson family movie nights. If you time things right, guided tours of the ranch are available.
Stop 3: Wildseed Farms


You’ll likely see Wildseed Farms on your way from town to Fredericksburg wineries out in the country, so feel free to add a stop if you’re doing a self-guided winery tour.
You’ll know you’re there by the people pulling over on the side of the road to take pictures of the beautiful bluebonnet field adjacent to the shops.
The field is lovely, but I urge you to check out the offerings inside as far as what to see while you’re here. You’ll find herbs and plants for sale, a beer garden and deli, wine tastings, and an ice cream stand.
I picked up some lovely wine glasses for my mother-in-law on our visit to their boutique shop. I’m saying come for the flower fields, but stay for everything else.
Optional Stop 4: Altstadt Brewery
Fredericksburg also has some breweries. I’m labeling this one as optional depending on the breakfast you had at this point. If you avoided the snack opportunities at Wildseed Farms, this is a great stop for German-style pints and pub grub.
If you’re here to snack, they serve up shareable flammkuchen that will bring you back to the Alsace region of France if you’ve been. The taproom also has a variety of wines available for those who want to keep that party going.
READ MORE: Want to learn more about Alsace? Christmas is the BEST time to visit!
If you want to explore more of Fredericksburg’s brewery scene, Fredericksburg Brewing Company is an easy stop on Main Street. It’s also the oldest operating brewpub in Texas. Honestly, it was just fine, but the history is cool!
Stop 5: Fort Martin Scott

If you’re into historical travel, Fort Martin Scott should be on your Fredericksburg itinerary. A natural trail around the fort takes you along a journey through history with interpretive signage.
You’ll learn that this military fort was used by the U.S. Army from 1848 to 1853, then as a camp for state rangers.
Their modest visitor center is staffed with excellent volunteers who know this place inside and out. Seriously, they want to talk to you and answer your questions. Just stop by.
If you don’t know what to ask, inquire about where the phrase “sleep tight” came from.
Stop 6: Texas Rangers Heritage Center

The Texas Rangers Heritage Center is right next door to Fort Martin Scott. Check out the Rangers Tower and the memorial out front at the very least.
With more time, learn about the history of the Texas Rangers through a variety of exhibits and interactive displays. If you were at all into Walker, Texas Ranger, this may be of interest to you.
My mom loved it is all I’ll say.
Stop 7: Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park

This one will take you beyond past downtown in a direction you may not have explored yet, but it’s a lovely diversion.
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is a large park with golf, picnic spaces, and nature trails for those seeking a break from the wine scene. I mention ducks specifically because they seemed to be of the fancy variety.
Seriously, this park is a delight and a fitting tribute to the former first lady.
Spend a moment here thinking about all the fun you had in Fredericksburg as you plot out your next visit.
Stop 8: Dinner
On our last night, we went rogue and went out for some Asian fusion at the Asian Garden. The location doesn’t suggest anything momentous is about to happen, but their hot and sour soup will shut down any doubters.
For something that fits the setting a bit more, Cabernet Grill is a popular option for Texas wines, Hill Country fare, and rustic ambiance. If you don’t want dessert at any of the options below, their “Friggin’ Chocolate Yum,” is a chocolate lover’s dream.
Stop 9: Dessert

Finish off your Fredericksburg weekend with something sweet.
If you’re traveling during peach season, by all means hit up any of the fresh peach stands for peach ice creams and pies to fill your belly. If you’re like us and timed your visit just before those juicy peaches hit, you have other options.
We can’t deny frozen yogurt when it’s an option, so we had to make a stop at Kelani Yogurt in downtown Fredericksburg. This is one of those places that charge you by weight, so go easy on those toppings.
Brian filled his cup with a pound of frozen yogurt and other treats. I’m not kidding. They were so impressed they wanted to give him some sprinkles on top for good measure.
- Fredericksburg Pie Company: Treat yourself to cobblers and fruit pies whether you’re here during peach season or not at this bakery. If it’s a full pie you’re after, put in your order ahead of time so you’re not met with disappointment.
- Pritzer Sweet Shop: When in a German-influenced town, eat all of the German desserts. They’re known for their sweet German pretzels but have a variety of other sweets on hand for some variety.
- Twisted Sisters Bake Shop: You’ll find sweet and savory options at this bakery, with unique offerings no matter what you’re after. I’ve seen them do ruby chocolate malt balls, for starters, on top of more classic cookies and muffins.
More Things to Do in Fredericksburg

There’s only so much we could do with our time in Fredericksburg. Here are a few more things to see on a return trip to central Texas:
- I got my fill of flowers from Wildseed Farms, but if you’re interested in a decadent weekend, Hill Country Herb Garden doubles as a spa and cottage retreat.
- If you’re here from May through October, see the bat emergence at Old Tunnel State Park.
- During that same time, pick peaches at any of the peach farms near town or just eat a bunch of peach pie.
- Shop for antiques, unique gifts, and ranch-style furnishing at the monthly Fredericksburg Trade Days held at Sunday Farms.
- Visit the town’s distilleries at Elk Store Winery & Distillery, Dietz Distillery, or The Speakeasy at Salvation Spirits.
- Plan a trip to Luckenbach, a Texas town just 20 minutes from downtown Fredericksburg, for regular live music events.
- If you want to try peach cider, head to Das Peach Haus, a general store that’s also home to a cooking school and wine shop.
- Plan a Fredericksburg day trip to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, home to the pink granite dome that is Enchanted Rock.
What is the best time of year to go to Fredericksburg?
The best months to go to Fredericksburg are shoulder months like May and October when the weather isn’t too hot. If you’re here for peaches or the bat emergence, you’ll want to plan your trip between those two months.
We visited in April. While the weather was great, we were too early for peaches. It wasn’t too early for wine, though.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg
We stayed at the Peach Tree Inn & Suites on our trip to Fredericksburg. It was close to all of the shops, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms of Main Street. It’s pet-friendly, too, for an additional fee.
Need more options? Check out the map below:
Fredericksburg is definitely worth visiting.
Come for the wine, but stay for the rest. You’ll be charmed by the town’s German influence, delicious eats, and opportunities for outdoor activities even if you don’t drink wine.
If you do love wine, there’s certainly plenty of that to occupy your time. I know I had a ball there.
Traveling elsewhere in the Southwest? Use these guides:
- This Town Boasts the Best Texas Barbecue
- A Detailed Guide to the Best of Galveston
- Spend the Best Day in Charming Santa Fe
- Plan a Day of Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona
- How to Visit Arizona’s Saguaro National Park
Want more wine-country content? Read these next:
- Deciding Between Napa or Sonoma
- A Guide to Visiting Sonoma County
- Why Visit Oregon’s Wine Country
- A Guide to Cayuga Lake’s Wine Scene
- Wine Puns to Bring With on a Wine Trip

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