Frequently recognized as one of the best and friendliest small towns in the United States, Fredericksburg is hardly a secret. Living in Austin, I’ve been making the trip for years for wine tastings, shopping, and a weekend reset that doesn’t require an airport. What continues to surprise me is how each visit feels different. Sometimes it’s as simple as striking up a conversation with a local who points me toward my favorite bakery of the trip, and another might introduce me to a new grape varietal. Those small, unplanned moments are part of what makes the “unofficial capital of the Texas Hill Country” special.
Founded in the 1840s by German settlers, Fredericksburg proudly leans into its German roots while offering a diverse food, wine and shopping scene. For a town of roughly 12,000 residents, it draws over a million visitors each year – a statistic that starts to make sense once you factor in the award-winning wineries, walkable historic district, and stunning Hill Country views.
How to get to Fredericksburg, Texas
Just over an hour northwest of San Antonio, Fredericksburg is close enough for an easy day trip yet offers plenty to make a weekend trip worthwhile. Depending on the time of year, the drive itself highlights the state’s beloved wildflowers in March and April, or roadside peach stands in late spring and early summer, where travelers can pull over and stock up. From San Antonio, you can take Interstate 10 to Highway U.S. 87, which leads directly to Fredericksburg’s Main Street.
What to do in Fredericksburg, Texas
There’s truly something for everyone in Fredericksburg. History lovers can start at the National Museum of the Pacific War or the Pioneer Museum, both of which offer insight into the town’s past and occasionally host living history demonstrations throughout the year. On the first Saturday of each month, join a guided historic walking tour through downtown Fredericksburg.
The outdoor area at Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten in Fredericksburg, Texas. (Annie Brown for MySA)
Shopping is best done on foot. Wander up and down Main Street for boutiques, art galleries and souvenirs, but be sure to duck onto side streets for local favorites like San Saba Soap Company, known for its Texas pecan-based soaps and fragrances. I like to spend hours browsing antique and home goods stores like Black Chalk Home and Laundry and Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities, which specialize in globally sourced pieces.
Don’t miss the tiny and beautifully curated Marigold, set inside Hill Country Herb Garden. Marigold offers apothecary, clothing, jewelry and more, including pieces from Texas-based designers.
The entrance of Marigold, a gift shop in Fredericksburg, Texas. (Annie Brown for MySA)
Once a roadside peach stand, head to Das Peach Haus to join a cooking class, sample wines or browse the market stocked with jams, sauces and other take-home favorites. For outdoor enthusiasts, Enchanted Rock sits about 20 minutes from downtown and offers unrivaled Hill Country views from the summit of the second-largest granite dome in the country. In spring, check out Wildseed Farms to wander the largest working wildflower farm in the U.S.
The store at Das Peach Haus in Fredericksburg, Texas. (Annie Brown for MySA)
There’s no better way to end the day than two-stepping and listening to live music at local institutions like Hondo’s on Main and Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse.
Where to eat and drink
Good eats are plentiful in Fredericksburg. Start your day at Sunday Supply for breakfast tacos and coffee, or at The Pharmacy for croissants and pastries. Lunch at Vaudeville is always a good idea, especially if you need to fuel up before wine tasting. Order one of the daily specials or tackle a mile-high sandwich. My go-to is the Reuben on marble rye. If you’re craving something lighter, Hill Country Herb Garden offers a refreshing change of pace, with fresh juices, herbal teas and salads served in a peaceful setting just outside downtown.
The Ahi Tuna Salad from Hill Country Herb Garden in Fredericksburg, Texas. (Annie Brown for MySA)
Wine is deeply woven into the Fredericksburg experience, with tasting rooms and vineyards stretching along 290 Wine Road, a well-marked corridor that makes winery-hopping easy to customize. For visually striking stops, begin at Becker Vineyards, known for its lavender fields, Slate Theory Winery and its massive underground cellar or Heath Sparkling Wines, whose modern estate feels worlds away from Texas.
For standout wines in a cozy setting, head to Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten to sample its house-made Tempranillo sangria alongside a picnic basket – featuring some of the best pimento cheese I’ve ever had. Prochnow Vineyard is a family-friendly estate where guests can sip under the oak trees or hop aboard the owner-led “vine train” for a tour of the property and a deeper look at its history and winemaking.
With several excellent dinner options in town, don’t miss the duck schnitzel at Otto’s German Bistro, or split a few pies at Prometheus Pizza – their rotating specials are also worth trying. And because no trip to Texas is complete without barbecue, round things out at Junebug’s Barbecue, Eaker Barbecue, or Leroy’s Tex Mex BBQ.
This article originally published at Good eats and shopping sprees: Spend a day in this Texas Hill Country hot spot.