A Perfect Day Trip to Fredericksburg, TX: A Quick Getaway to Wine, Dine, and Unwind
Looking for a relaxing and quick getaway from San Antonio or Austin? Consider a day trip to Fredericksburg, Texas!
Fredericksburg is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and boasts a rich German heritage with historical landmarks. It also offers a delightful small-town ambiance, providing a unique getaway from the city where you can savor food, wine, and serene surroundings.
I have family that has lived in Fredericksburg since the late 1990s before this once quiet small town blossomed into the hill country hot spot it is today. Despite its growth, I still love visiting Fredericksburg when I can.
There are so many places for you to enjoy here. From the scenic drive to the many wineries, restaurants, and experiences, you’ll have plenty of options to fill your day in Fredericksburg.
With some advance preparation and these helpful tips, you can make the most of your time in this charming Texas hill country town.
He Works So I Travel content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For full details, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.
Planning Your Day Trip to Fredericksburg, TX
How to Get to Fredericksburg From San Antonio
Fredericksburg is located just 70 miles north of downtown San Antonio, making it an easy drive for a day trip.
You can take several routes, but I recommend heading out I-10 W to US-87 N at the small town of Comfort. This route takes you through gorgeous hill country landscapes with rolling green hills and endless views. Depending on the time of year, you may even see fields of wildflowers or peach trees in bloom.
Stop along the way to shop in Boerne or stretch your legs and take in the scenery in Comfort.
I’d advise getting an early start on the road, leaving San Antonio by 7 or 8 AM if possible. That way, you can relax over breakfast before hitting the road.
On your way out of San Antonio, you will pass some top breakfast spots along I-10.
Stop at Magnolia Pancake Haus for giant fluffy pancakes, Box Street All Day for South Texas flavors, or grab something quick, like scrumptious pastries or savory breakfast sandwiches from La Panaderia at The Rim.
Are you visiting San Antonio without a car?
If you are visiting San Antonio but don’t have a way to drive to Fredericksburg, you can still visit this hill country gem on this full-day tour of the Texas Hill Country and the LBJ Ranch. The tour will pick you up from your downtown San Antonio hotels and whisk you away for a fun day.
How to Get to Fredericksburg From Austin
If you are starting your adventure in Austin, head west along Highway 290 W to Dripping Springs, about a 30-mile, 45-minute drive.
Your first stop is Mazama Coffee Co. for a pick-me-up and pastry. Then, just down the street, pop into Vintage Soul to browse for women’s clothing and accessories.
Once you’ve found a fabulous outfit, continue west on US-290 for 30 miles, about 40 minutes, to Johnson City.
This area is home to both Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park. Begin in Johnson City where you can stop at the National Historical Park’s Visitors Center to look through memorabilia, visit a working ranch, and pick up a free visitor map.
You can also visit nearby Stonewall on your way to Fredericksburg to take a driving tour of the LBJ Ranch, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s former home. The grounds are open for the public to explore, with scenic stops along the Pedernales River.
The last leg of your trip takes you to Fredericksburg, just 25 miles down the road.
Are you visiting Austin without a car?
If you are visiting Austin but don’t have a car to take a day trip to Fredericksburg, TX, book this full-day tour of Fredericksburg. The motor coach will pick you up from the Austin Visitors Center for a full day of exploration!
Exploring Downtown Fredericksburg
You’ll know you’ve arrived in Fredericksburg when you see the bustling Main Street, with the Vereins Kirche, the iconic German-style structure in the middle of town.
You will want to park on the street or in one of the public lots to begin exploring downtown.
Make your first stop at the Visitors Center behind the National Museum of the Pacific War, often called the Nimitz Museum, so you can pick up a map of the area.
Stroll along Main Street and browse the boutique shops, art galleries, and antique stores. You’ll find many unique stores, but what you won’t find are chain stores, as they are strictly prohibited in the historic area.
Don’t miss making a stop at Rustlin’ Rob’s Texas Gourmet Foods for a taste of Texas, Carol Hicks Brown to check out the antiques, and Hill Country Chocolate for their Premier Wine & Chocolate Experience. You really can’t go wrong by popping into any of the specialty shops along Main Street.
As you roam through downtown Fredericksburg, enjoy the historic buildings that reflect the German heritage.
You’ll find those same German roots in many of the downtown restaurants.
Enjoy the baked goods like pretzels and strudel at Old German Bakery. Or, taste authentic German food at The Auslander Restaurant & Biergarten while sitting in an 1800s building with an outdoor beer garden. These are just two of the many restaurants, bakeries, and shops to stop for a bite to eat.
One place I love to visit is the Fredericksburg Pie Co. It’s a block off of Main Street, but they have the best desserts!
Fredericksburg Things to Do
Historical Sites in Fredericksburg, TX
If you’re into history, you’ll have a blast in Fredericksburg.
The Pioneer Museum is the place to be to soak up the town’s history and get a feel for how the early German settlers lived. You can wander through ten historic homes, including a schoolhouse, a smokehouse, and a bathhouse.
In addition to the Pioneer Museum, Fredericksburg is home to the National Museum of the Pacific War, where you can check out some interesting exhibits about the Pacific War and learn all about the United States’ role in World War II. It’s really a neat and surprising museum in Fredericksburg.
Just outside the museum, make sure to take a moment to enjoy the Japanese Peace Garden, a serene and peaceful spot to visit.
Wineries, Vineyards, and Breweries
The Texas hill country could also be called Texas wine country with almost 100 wineries in the area.
You can stay in downtown Fredericksburg and visit the ten tasting rooms on the Urban Wine Trail, or you can travel east on Highway 290 toward Johnson City to visit one of the many stunning wineries.
Some of my favorite wineries are Grape Creek, Singing Water Vineyards, and Barons Creek Vineyards. For a unique winery visit, stop at Rhinory, where you can enjoy a glass of wine and interact with Blake, the resident rhino.
For a convenient way to see up to fifteen wineries without driving, park at the Inn on Barons Creek and take the 290 Wine Shuttle. The shuttle offers a hop-on, hop-off service for one flat fee.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Park, near Fredericksburg, is a great spot for outdoor lovers from San Antonio or Austin looking for adventure in the beautiful Hill Country.
The park has easy trails like the Loop Trail, perfect for a relaxed walk through nature.
It’s close to town, so it’s a perfect stop to add to your day trip. Just remember to bring lots of water and wear a hat, because it gets hot out there!
And did you know, Enchanted Rock is the first Texas state park to be named an International Dark Sky Park? That means it’s awesome for stargazing!
You might want to consider making it a weekend trip to Fredericksburg to catch the amazing sights under the dark, starry sky.
Wrapping Up Your Day Trip to Fredericksburg, TX
As your day trip to Fredericksburg, TX comes to an end, I recommend visiting the F&W Farmstead, a paradise for foodies.
At the farmstead, you can indulge in a variety of activities like wine tasting, cooking classes, and shopping.
Explore the delightful Das Peach Haus and sample a wide range of delicious specialty products from Fredericksburg, like Fredericksburg fudge or peach preserves.
When you visit the F&W Farmstead, make sure to wander out the back for the most delightful surprise, a beautiful tree lined lake.
Order your favorite drink and some light bites to enjoy as you find a comfortable seat to relax in the shade of the pine trees. As you lounge in the Adirondack chairs, take in the lovely surroundings.
Enjoy the atmosphere as you listen to live music, or play with the yard games nearby.
Finally, don’t miss the stunning Texas sunset in the evening, creating the perfect backdrop for your memorable time in Fredericksburg.
If you’re not quite ready to end your day trip to Fredericksburg, TX, plan to stop in Luckenbach for live country music at the historic dance hall.
Then sit back and enjoy the nighttime drive under the stars, reminiscing on your perfect day in the hill country.
With its beautiful scenery, charming small-town vibes, and endless things to see and do, Fredericksburg makes an ideal day trip to the Texas Hill Country from Austin or San Antonio.
Stay for a Fredericksburg Weekend Getaway
After a day of wine tasting, shopping and great eats, you may decide one day in Fredericksburg just isn’t enough time. In that case, unwind in style at one of Fredericksburg’s luxurious accommodations.
Choose from charming bed and breakfasts, cozy cottages, or upscale hotels. Relax in a hot tub under the stars, curl up with a good book by the fireplace, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the Texas Hill Country.
Fredericksburg has many great places to spend the evening or a long weekend. Here are my top recommendations if you want to extend your day trip to a weekend getaway:
- Inn on Barons Creek – Central location with free breakfast
- Wildflower Cottage – Perfect downtown Fredericksburg location
- Main Street Retreat – Great location with a pool
- Tiny Home at Das Peach Haus – Overlooks cute lake
