When we are listing our favorite great escapes from Austin, Fredericksburg is always at the top of the list. Just an hour-and-a-half drive west from the Texas Capital— a gorgeous drive full of Hill Country scenery—this charming town is brimming with German heritage. You can shop on Main Street, explore the natural beauty of the area, and taste what’s new at the many wineries that are popping up all over the region.

We recommend staying for at least a weekend, but a day trip is never a bad idea. Here’s our guide to making the most of whatever time you have in Fredericksburg.

WHERE TO STAY

Sunday Haus

This charming Fredericksburg trio includes Stone Haus Ranch Haus, and Cottage, sleeping 10 total. The homes are located just one block from downtown Main Street, providing great access to shops, restaurants, wineries and more. Each has a private hot tub and patio.

511 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg TX 78624


Hangar Hotel

This aviation-themed hotel features rooms designed to look like vintage aircraft hangars, a WWII-era diner, and a flight-themed bar.

155 Airport Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Hill Country Herb Garden

This bed and breakfast is excellent if you want the spa experience alongside your trip to the Hill Country! Guests can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps, or facials.

405 Whitney St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Hoffman Haus

This charming bed and breakfast is located in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg and features cozy rooms, beautiful gardens, and a delicious breakfast each morning.

608 E Creek St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Fredericksburg Inn and Suites

This hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and cottages. It also features a pool, hot tub, and a complimentary breakfast.

201 S Washington St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


WAKE UP

Caliche

Caliche Coffee serves small-batch coffee roasted in-house by Hill Country coffee pioneers Ranch Road Roasters. They have a spread of full breakfast menu items as well as pastries.

338 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Sunday Supply

Smack dab in the middle of Fredericksburg, Sunday Supply is a great place to get something simple and quick before you hit the shops, enjoy a curated picnic, or explore local Texas wines.

206 S Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Hill & Vine

This is a homestyle venue serving classic burgers, small plates, and desserts—plus draft beer and wine.

210 S Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Old German Bakery

This homey German bakeshop and eatery has a breakfast/lunch menu of potato pancakes, schnitzel, and more.

225 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


SAVOR

William Chris Vineyards

This winery creates Old World-style Texas-grown wines. They have contemporary tasting rooms and a patio cafe, plus concerts on the weekends.

10352 US-290, Hye, TX 78635


Lost Draw Cellars

Lost Draw Cellars is committed to producing quality wines that highlight the unique terroir of the Texas High Plains. Explore Texas wines in a non-intimidating environment with their wine ambassadors.

113 E Park, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Augusta Vin

As a new Fredericksburg estate, Augusta Vin is devoted to being a transcendent Texas Hill Country winery. Be sure to try the chef-inspired food menu to complement the exquisite wines in the two-story tasting room.

140 Augusta Vin Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Southhold Farm + Cellar

This vineyard prides itself on its thoughtful winemaking and has the best views of Texas Hill Country.

330 Minor Threat Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Signor Vineyards

A boutique family vineyard that offers a tasting room, French country gardens, and farmhouse shopping at Joanna’s Market.

362 Livesay Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Altstadt Brewery

German-style beers are brewed on the premises at this large restaurant and pub with an Old World vibe.

6120 East, US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


TREAT

Chocolat 

Chocolat (Quintessential Chocolates) specializes in liquor and wine-filled chocolates. Stop in for a complimentary piece!

251 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


DINE-IN

Woerner’s Warehouse

This airy eatery has local American breakfast-lunch fare, such as soups and sandwiches, plus wine and beer.

305 S Lincoln St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Tubby’s Ice House

Tubby’s is a creative burger and taco joint with no-frills indoor/outdoor seating, plus a playground for the kids.

318 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Otto’s German Bistro

This cozy spot has fine German fare using locally sourced ingredients, with cocktails and a patio.

316 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Prometheus Pizza

Photograph by Robert Gomez / Texas Monthly

Here’s an unassuming food truck with limited outdoor seating and delicious 12-inch Neapolitan pizzas.

1180 US-87 South, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Ausländer Biergarten and Restaurant

This German-themed restaurant and bar has a large selection of beers on tap and classic German dishes like bratwurst and sauerbraten.

323 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Vaudeville

This unique restaurant and marketplace offers a fine dining experience and a gourmet grocery and gift shop. The menu features French-inspired cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients.

230 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


VIBE

La Bergerie

This artisanal wine bar and market specializes in fine wines, cheeses, and charcuterie. This is the perfect spot to relax when you’re in between shops.

312 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Hondo’s

This is a charming spot for burgers, barbecue, and Tex-Mex, with indoor/outdoor seating, a full bar, and live music.

312 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Garrison Brothers Distillery

This is the first bourbon distillery outside of Kentucky. Come for a tour, and stay for the cocktails and pub fare.

1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX 78635


Salvation Spirits

The only speakeasy in Fredericksburg, this specialty cocktail lab is hidden in plain sight on a 10-acre orchard surrounded by blackberries, peaches, pears, plums, pecans, and grapes.

10091 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


EXPLORE

National Museum of the Pacific War

Dedicated to all those who served in the Pacific War, the museum has expanded and gone under expansive renovation to make it the world’s premier museum about World War II’s Pacific Theater. In 2020, it was recognized as the fifth-best history museum in the United States.

311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Felt Boutique

This local shop sells custom hats, dresses, clothing, shoes, and jewelry.

339 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Simple Goods + Design

This home store brings you relaxed, modern home furnishings and accessories.

109 N Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624


Enchanted Rock

This is a must-see in Central Texas, a dramatic 425-ft. pink granite monolith and wilderness area offering hiking, climbing, camping & more.

16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Kristy Owen
In her previous life, Kristy was an uninspired realtor who was feeling a little bit bored with her day to day. So on January 1, 2010, she made a New Year’s resolution to write about one thing to do each day in her beloved city of Austin, Texas. And thus, 365 Things Austin was born.