Fredericksburg is a charming small town in the Texas Hill Country region. Rich in history and known for its excellent wineries, Fredericksburg is a great choice for a weekend getaway.
The town was named after Prussian Prince Frederick William Louis when it was established in 1846. Today Fredericksburg has a population of around 11,700 people.
Apart from the tourist attractions, the small Texas town has a strong German past, with antiquities and 19th-century homesteads on display.
And yes, of course, there is an annual Oktoberfest celebration in Fredericksburg Texas.
It’s only a 90 minute drive from Austin or 1 hour drive from San Antonio so it’s an excellent choice for a day trip or a romantic weekend away from big city life. It’s also a great stop while roadtripping to West Texas.
In this post I’m sharing 5 best things to do in Fredericksburg Texas.
Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is an exotic and mesmerizing site in Central Texas that offers plenty of activities.
You can go backpacking, birding, camping, geocaching, picnicking, rock climbing, and simply enjoy nature and getting outdoors.
Hiking to the top of Enchanted Rock is the main attraction. This gigantic pink granite dome is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist sites in central Texas, particularly in Fredericksburg.
It has a rich history, numerous legends, and is full of rock formations and breathtaking scenery.
Read more about visiting Enchanted Rock and hiking to the summit of the massive granite boulder.
READ MORE: Guide to Solo Travel in Texas
Hiking Enchanted Rock is great outdoor fun when visiting Fredericksburg Texas
Wineries around Fredericksburg
It’s no secret that Fredericksburg is famed for its excellent wineries.
In fact, as of 2021, there are over 30 distinct wineries within driving distance of the small town that welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
The following are some of the most popular wineries that you can pay a visit while you’re in the area:
- Grape Creek Vineyards Fredericksburg – they largest winery in the area with 22 acres under vine, plus a diverse portfolio of nearly 100 wines, and a number of Tuscan-inspired tasting rooms
- Grape Creek Vineyards on Main – they offer award-winning wines, historic/upscale tasting rooms, and over seventy 90+ scores for their work
- Barons Creek Vineyards – recognized for their Italian-styled architecture, the Barons Creek Vineyards offer one-of-a-kind wines, exclusive events, and a variety of locations in the US and Spain
- Signor Vineyards – this is a small, family-run vineyard with French country gardens, a farmhouse, and world-class wine, all in the ideal setting near the Pedernales River and Grape Creek
- Pontotoc Vineyard – another wine tourist attraction with authentic buildings, a quaint cottage, a chill family environment, and a range of approximately 100 wines
- Messina Hof Hill Country – this winery, which was formed less than a decade ago, has nearly 10 acres of wine, and is considered the second-largest wine destination in the United States
- Heath Sparkling Wines – they combine iconic panoramic vineyard views through windows capes, modern and clean lines, as well as modest meals and distinct sparkling wines
Cacti blooms in brilliant colors at the Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg
Wildseed Farms
The Wildseed Farms are one of Fredericksburg’s hidden gems.
The wildflower fields first opened their doors in 1983 and have been producing flowers and seeds for over 35 years now.
This is the country’s largest (functioning) wildflower farm, with over 200 acres in Fredericksburg. There are walking trails for you to enjoy the beauty of the flowers in the fields.
Wildseed Farms also sells cosmos seeds, culinary herbs, native grass seed, regional wildflower mixes, wildflower seeds, and zinnia seeds.
In addition, they sell many types of sunflowers such as autumn beauty, chocolate cherry, grey stripe sunflower, and paquito sunflower.
Plus, they started growing grapes a few years ago, so you can also visit the tasting room at Wildseed Farms.
Open 7 days a week year round Wildseed Farms is a gardener’s delight!
Walk the trails at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg
National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War is Fredericksburg’s most popular tourist destination.
The museum, which opened in February 1967 and was officially certified as a historical landmark in January 1983, honors those who participated in the Pacific War.
Long before it became a museum, the Nimitz Hotel (created by the German merchant seaman Charles Henry Nimitz) housed numerous guests such as presidents, editors, and generals.
Nowadays, the extensive exhibits and a notable World War II fighting zone are among the most important features of the museum.
Reenactment programs are regularly scheduled at the museum.
History buffs won’t want to miss out on this outstanding museum.
LEARN MORE: 15 Best Historic Sites in Texas
Main Street Fredericksburg
Another of the best of Fredericksburg things to do is to walk the city’s main street to enjoy the restaurants, museums, and cool shops.
The National Museum of the Pacific War and the Pioneer Museum are just a few minutes away from the many shops and boutiques on Main Street.
The Antique Mall, Ambriz Jewellery, Big Pop’s Popcorn, Christmas Store, DISH, Fischer & Wieser, and Insight Gallery are just a few of the many businesses and boutiques on the main strip.
Fredericksburg town square, the Marktplatz, is also on Main Street. It’s the location for many special events in the city such as Oktoberfest and the Food and Wind Fest which both take place in October.
With hundreds of special events and festivals each year you’ll always find something interesting and fun to do in Fredericksburg any time of the year.
