During our spring road trip from Austin to San Antonio, we decided to stop in the Texas Hill Country and spend a few days in Fredericksburg, Texas. I am so glad we did — our couple of days in Fredericksburg ended up being a highlight of our trip!
I had a feeling I would love Fredericksburg, TX. This town combined a bunch of my favorite things — fascinating German history, great wineries and breweries, fantastic local dining, stunning scenery, and a cute downtown — all into one location! After visiting, I can confirm Fredericksburg is the perfect spot for a weekend trip, particularly for a romantic couples’ weekend or a fun-filled girls’ getaway!
If you’re planning to spend a weekend in the Texas Hill Country — you’re in luck! Below, you’ll find my ideal itinerary for how to spend a spring weekend in Fredericksburg, TX (and though spring is the ideal time to visit, this itinerary can still be used during other seasons, too!).
And, for good measure, I’ve also included some extra recommendations for where to stay, the best places to eat and additional things to do in Fredericksburg if you’re planning to stay longer than just one weekend. Let’s jump in!
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Friday – Willkommen (Welcome) to Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is located in the Texas Hill Country, 80 miles west of Austin and 70 miles northwest of San Antonio, making it the perfect addition to a longer road trip through central Texas. I recommend flying into Austin or San Antonio and driving to the Texas Hill Country for your weekend in Fredericksburg. You will need a car for this Fredericksburg weekend itinerary!
Since you’ll likely be arriving in Fredericksburg later in the afternoon after traveling, this evening is more “low key” to prepare for tomorrow’s busy day. However, if you arrive earlier in the day and have more time, see my additional recommendations for things to do in Fredericksburg, TX, for ideas of how to fill your time!
Check In: Contigo Ranch
If you’re looking for a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path place to stay in the Texas Hill Country during your weekend in Fredericksburg, TX — I cannot recommend Contigo Ranch enough!
Contigo Ranch is a charming bed and breakfast, located 15 miles from Downtown Fredericksburg on a working ranch, that offers five charming cabins and ten modern cottages for guests.
Each classic log cabin (built in the 1800s!) ooze rustic charm with wood-burning fireplaces, cozy living rooms, and kitchenettes with cookware. We stayed in Cabin No. 3, which also had a large soaking tub and a gorgeous wraparound porch. Since the cabins are a little larger, more spaced out, and have working kitchens, they’re the perfect place to stay with kids (or dogs — the cabins are dog-friendly!). It was perfect for us, since we were traveling with our baby!
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that is a bit more minimalist and modern than a log cabin and offers convenient amenities — you’ll likely love the beautiful look of the guest cottages!
Though the cottages are more like hotel rooms than the cabins (no kitchens and less living space), they’re incredibly stylish and would be a stunning place to stay for couples on a romantic weekend or for a small group on a girls’ trip, especially if you’re planning to eat out for most meals.
At Contigo Ranch, you’ll be treated to a breakfast delivery on your doorstep each morning. This was such a special touch! The property also offers pasture trails, a scenic overlook, and a fishing pond. This is a fantastic place to stay if you want to relax, unplug, and enjoy the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. I loved sipping coffee on our porch in the morning!
Piccolina
After getting settled in at Contigo Ranch (or hotel of choice — I have more recommendations below!), head to Downtown Fredericksburg for dinner, drinks, and dessert. I recommend stopping for dessert first at Piccolina, since it closes at 7 PM on Fridays and Saturdays!
Piccolina serves small batch, handcrafted Italian ice made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the Texas Hill County. We absolutely loved this spot! We went back for an Italian ice every day we were in Fredericksburg. My favorite flavor was blackberry lemon, though the pineapple coconut was in close place for second (it tasted like a pina colada!)
If you’re feeling fancy, you can try “The Proseccolina,” a scoop of Italian ice topped with prosecco and served in a coupe glass. My husband tried this, and he really liked it. It’s the perfect refreshing treat for a hot summer (or spring!) day.
Dinner & Drinks: Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen
While savoring your Italian ice, walk down the street and around the corner to Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen for dinner and drinks. Though this spot is known for its cocktails, the food was amazing, and I would highly recommend stopping here for dinner!
For dinner, my husband and I split a few “Texas Tapas” — the Brussels Sprouts and Spinach Artichoke Dip — and both were amazing. However, the highlight was the Filet Tips, served with mashed potatoes. They were so tender and delicious! Our experience here was a 10/10. You definitely don’t want to skip out on this spot during your weekend in Fredericksburg!
Saturday – Wildflowers & Wine
After an amazing first night in Fredericksburg (and hopefully, a great night of sleep!), today, you’ll get to experience two things the Texas Hill Country is known for… wine and wildflowers!
However, before we find bluebonnets and poppies and pour a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon (my favorite!), head into Downtown Fredericksburg to grab some coffee and breakfast at a charming local spot — Caliche Coffee Bar & Ranch Road Roasters.
Breakfast & Coffee: Caliche Coffee Bar & Ranch Road Roasters
Caliche Coffee Bar & Ranch Road Roasters is such a cute spot to grab coffee in Fredericksburg. Located in what was once a local beer shack (but feels like a cozy little house!) this small-batch coffee roaster serves espresso, coffee, and breakfast. We loved the coffee so much that we grabbed a bag to bring home with us!
My husband had a breakfast burrito at Contigo Ranch, but I grabbed a bite to eat here since I was eating gluten free on this trip. I got a breakfast sandwich on gluten free bread, and it was good (gluten free bread is nothing special… if you know, you know!). If you’re not gluten free though, the Avocado Toast looked amazing!
Wildseed Farms
After breakfast, head to Wildseed Farms — this was easily one of the highlights of our spring trip to Texas, and one of the biggest reasons I wanted to visit the Texas Hill Country!
Wildseed Farms is a 200-acre farm and vineyard and one of the best places to see wildflowers in the Texas Hill Country from March through October! The property has a half-mile walking trail that is the perfect place to see wildflowers in the spring, like bluebonnets and poppies. It is also in the migratory path of butterflies and hummingbirds.
In addition to the blooms, Wildseed Farms also offers a tasting room and vineyard, a biergarten, and a gift shop that sells seasonal gifts and home decor. You can even buy wildflower seeds to bring home with you!
Though there are lots of great places to see wildflowers throughout the Texas Hill County, this is the best way to guarantee seeing them all in one place. Wildseed Farms is open from 9:30 AM – 5 PM. We spent almost two hours here walking through the gardens and the gift shop, but you could definitely spend longer if you stayed for a wine tasting!
Jenschke Orchards
After finishing at Wildseed Farms, head a couple of minutes down the road to Jenschke Orchards. This orchard is known for its sweet, delicious peaches, but also grows strawberries, blackberries, and pumpkins.
We just missed peach season, which runs from May through September, during our March trip to Fredericksburg. We were bummed to miss out on u-pick peaches — they looked phenomenal!
However, as long as you aren’t spending your weekend in Fredericksburg during the winter, there is almost always something to pick at Jenschke Orchards. Strawberries are in season from March to June, blackberries are in season in May and June, and pumpkins are in season September and October.
Hours vary depending on the season, so check the website before visiting (and be sure to snag tickets for peach picking — they are $5 per person!).
Lunch: Alstadt Brewery
After getting your fill of fresh fruit, head back down the road to Alstadt Brewery for a delicious lunch and a beer!
Did you know that Fredericksburg, TX, was founded by German immigrants in 1846? If not — you’ll quickly realize it after spending some time in town! Fredericksburg’s German heritage has been well preserved and is reflected in its architecture, food, and culture. Don’t worry — we’ll learn all about the history of Fredericksburg tomorrow!
Though there are several places to enjoy German cuisine in Fredericksburg, like The Auslander Restaurant and Otto’s German Bistro (both highly recommended!), one of the most fun places to immerse yourself in the old-world German culture is at Alstadt Brewery. First — the brewery is giant (everything is bigger in Texas, right?). Second, the atmosphere feels just like something you’d find in Bavaria. It’s super charming and authentic! Third, the German-style beers (made with yeast, hops, and barley imported from Germany!) are smooth and delicious, and the menu is extensive, featuring German favorites like Chicken Schnitzel and Bavarian Pretzels.
It was raining while we were at Alstadt, so we sat inside the restaurant, but if the weather is nice, I recommend sitting in the biergarten — it’s gorgeous!
Wine Tasting
Now that you’re (hopefully!) full after chowing down at Alstadt Brewery, it’s time to spend the afternoon exploring the wineries in the Texas Hill Country!
There are more than 100 wineries in the Texas Hill Country (yes, really!), and 75 are in or around Fredericksburg. You’ll have time to visit at least two wineries this afternoon (most wineries close between 5–6 PM), and you might have time to squeeze in another one tomorrow, if you want to “sip and savor” your way through the Texas Wine Country!
Here are my top winery recommendations in Fredericksburg — these wineries are located close together and near Downtown Fredericksburg, making it easy to visit 2–3 of them in one afternoon before heading back into town for dinner:
- Rhinory — If you only have time to visit one winery in the Texas Hill Country, it should be the Rhinory. This winery is dedicated to rhino conservation and has a rescued rhino, Blake, on the property! I was a little skeptical that this winery would be a “tourist trap,” but it definitely was not. The wines were phenomenal! My husband and I tried a Cabernet Sauvignon that we liked so much, we purchased a bottle to bring home with us! The service and the ambiance were also top-notch. Highly, highly recommend!
- Texas Wine Collective — If you’re on the hunt for a winery in the Texas Hill Country with several options, Texas Wine Collective is a great option. We each grabbed a glass of wine and sipped it while enjoying the beautiful property, but this spot also has a ton of fun tasting experiences, like a wine and cheese pairing or wine and chocolate pairing.
- Grape Creek Vineyards — Grape Creek Vineyards is a beautiful (and popular!) winery in the Texas Hill Country that looks like it belongs in Tuscany. You can enjoy a wine tasting of four wines for $30 per person or a tasting and tour of the working vineyards and barrel room for $45 per person. If you don’t have time to squeeze in Grape Creek during your afternoon of wine tasting in Fredericksburg, you can also stop at their tasting room on Main Street!
A few other highly rated wineries that we didn’t get the chance to visit were Augusta Vin and William Chris Vineyards — both are a little further from Downtown Fredericksburg. If you’re still in the mood to visit a winery tomorrow, consider paying one of these a visit!
Optional: Wine Tour
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive wine adventure in the Texas Hill Country, I recommend booking the Boutique Winery Experience with Fredericksburg Tours — one of the best small-group wine tour experiences in Fredericksburg!
This highly rated 5.5-hour luxury tour stops three local wineries, where you’ll be able to enjoy a wine tasting at each stop while learning more about the winemaking process. The tour also includes a delicious chef-prepared lunch and bottled water, and you can opt for hotel pickup and drop-off (super convenient if you don’t want to worry about driving back to your hotel!).
Looking for some other great wine tours in Fredericksburg, TX? Consider the Classic Cowboy Wine Adventure with Cowboy Tours, the All-Inclusive Social Wine Tour by Cable Car Wine Tours, or an Exclusive Hill Country Wine Tour (this would be great if you’re traveling with a large group, like a bachelorette party!).
Note: Most wine tours start between 10 AM and 12 PM from Downtown Fredericksburg. If you decide to book a tour, I recommend heading back to town after Wildseed Farms and visiting Jenschke Orchards and Alstadt Brewery tomorrow (you’ll still have plenty of time for both!).
Dinner & Drinks: Hill & Vine
After a day of wine tasting, head back into Downtown Fredericksburg for a delicious dinner at Hill & Vine. This local restaurant focuses on serving the flavors of Texas in its appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. They also serve tons of local wines from Texas (and beyond), as well as cocktails and draft and bottled beer.
We loved Hill & Vine — the food and drinks were amazing, the service was fantastic, and the atmosphere was so beautiful! We both ordered the Texas Cheeseburger, and it was delicious. The Texas 2 Step cocktail was amazing (my husband ordered this, but I tried it, since maple old fashioneds are my go-to!) and I sipped on a glass of red wine from a local winery.
Luckenbach Dance Hall
Speaking of two-stepping… strap on your dancing boots and end your night in Fredericksburg with one of the most iconic pastimes in Texas — country dancing!
Texas is home to dozens of dance halls and honky-tonks that date back to the 1800s, when two-stepping originated. However, one of the most famous is Luckenbach Dance Hall, located just a short 15-minute drive from Fredericksburg! Luckenbach is a tiny town (it has a population of three people — seriously!), but over the years, the dance hall has attracted several famous country stars, like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, and thousands of visitors!
My husband and I love country dancing (it is one of our favorite things to do in Scottsdale and Phoenix when we’re at home!), however, since we were traveling with our baby, we didn’t visit Luckenbach Dance Hall this time. However, I have no doubt this would be such a fun way to spend the night during a couples’ trip or a girls’ weekend in Fredericksburg!
Sunday – Hill Country History
Your weekend in Fredericksburg, TX, is already coming to a close — but don’t worry, we still have a fun day planned before heading home. We’ll be returning to Downtown Fredericksburg this morning to take a deeper look at the town’s history and heritage — and enjoying some more fantastic dining and shopping, of course!
Coffee: RockHaus Coffee
Start your day with a coffee from RockHaus Coffee! We stumbled upon this place on accident when we were exploring Downtown Fredericksburg, but I was so glad we did, because it ended up being my favorite coffee spot in Fredericksburg!
This small coffee shop is inside an antique store and offers espresso drinks and assorted pastries. I had an iced mocha, and an almond croissant (my go-to pastry) and both were delicious — the rustic, old-world vibes of the coffee shop were also on point!
Historic Sightseeing
After grabbing a cup of coffee, walk around Downtown Fredericksburg to learn a little more about the town’s history.
Fredericksburg was founded by Germans in 1846. The city’s heritage has been well preserved, making it one of the best Bavarian towns to visit in the United States (P.S. — if you fall in love with the German heritage in Fredericksburg, be sure to visit Leavenworth!). Here are a few historic spots to consider visiting in Downtown Fredericksburg:
- Marketplatz von Fredericksburg — Marketplatz von Fredericksburg is a popular gathering place for seasonal and weekly events, like Oktoberfest and the Fredericksburg Farmers Market. It’s also a beautiful spot to walk around with plaques documenting the city’s history, and it is home to the Vereins Kirche Museum.
- Pioneer Museum — The Pioneer Museum is a great place to learn about Fredericksburg’s German heritage, complete with buildings, displays, and artifacts from the town’s pioneers, like a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, and more! Admission to Pioneer Museum is $12 and includes free admission to the Vereins Kirche Museum and Gillespie County Historic Jail.
- Vereins Kirche Museum — This multipurpose building was a church, school, and meeting place for the community. The building you see now is a replica of the original building that was completed in 1935 and is now a great place to learn about the first German settlers in Texas! Admission is included with a day pass to Pioneer Museum but is otherwise $5 per person.
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church — St. Mary’s was founded by German immigrants in 1846, though it was transformed from a log cabin to the Gothic Revival style in 1908. This church is a classic example of Gothic Revival architecture and features colorful stained-glass windows, beautiful artwork, and other intricate details that make it a must-see!
Note: Pioneer Museum and Vereins Kirche Museum are closed on Sundays. If you want to tour the inside of the museums during your weekend trip, a great time to visit both would be on Friday evening before dinner, drinks, and dessert. They’re open from 10 PM – 5 PM every day except Sunday!
Brunch: The Standard Public House
The Standard Public House opened after our trip to Fredericksburg, and I’m so bummed we missed out — this restaurant looks incredible! The food looks fantastic, the atmosphere seems beautiful, and the reviews are great, so I can imagine this spot is a 10/10 (I’ll be adding it to my list of places to eat in Fredericksburg next time!).
The Standard Public House serves a weekend brunch on Sunday mornings, so after getting your fill of historical sightseeing, head over to this cozy local joint to grab a table between 9 AM – 2 PM. The menu blends English and French cuisine with a twist from the Texas Hill Country, featuring fresh, seasonal dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans.
Shopping: Main Street
After brunch, take a walk up and down Main Street to check out some of the local and boutique shops in Fredericksburg. There is also a ton of gorgeous architecture downtown — be sure to peek down some of the charming alleyways and look at the storefronts to appreciate the historic charm of downtown when you’re shopping!
Here were some of my favorite places to shop on Main Street in Fredericksburg:
- Fritztown Mercantile — Whether you’re looking for coffee mugs, puzzles, jewelry, tee shirts, or concessions… you’ll find it here. I loved all the trendy clothes and home decor!
- Barefoot — This store is huge and sells a ton of Fredericksburg and Texas merchandise, like clothing, hats, accessories, and home goods. I purchased a sweatshirt here, and it’s one of my favorites — it’s super cozy and high-quality!
- Lock, Stock & Barrel — First of all, this store was so pretty! Second, this is the place to go for delicious culinary goodies. Lock, Stock & Barrel sells condiments, sauces, spreads, oils, vinegar, pantry staples, kitchen items, and more. It’s like a kitchen store with local flair from the Texas Hill County!
- Camp Hayden — Similar to Barefoot, Camp Hayden sells Texas and Fredericksburg-themed apparel and home goods, like tee shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and mugs. The vibes inside were super cute too.
- Natural Baby + Kids — If you have kids, you definitely have to stop here! This store had a ton of high-quality baby and toddler toys and the most adorable little outfits.
- Allens Boots — Allen’s Boots is a must-visit in Texas for western wear… especially cowboy boots! Though the original is in Austin on Congress Street, you can also find Allens Boots on Main Street in Fredericksburg. If you had fun country dancing last night… consider picking up a pair of boots so you can keep practicing at home!
Afternoon Adventure
After spending the morning brunching, shopping, and sightseeing, it’s time for one last afternoon adventure in Fredericksburg! Though you won’t have time for all the following activities, you can choose one to experience to enjoy depending on your preferences.
History buffs will enjoy learning more about World War II at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Downtown Fredericksburg (Fredericksburg was the hometown of General Nimitz, the commander in Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet) or taking a deeper dive into the life of the 36th President of the United States at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park (Stonewall, just outside of Fredericksburg, was his hometown. Who knew so many important historical figures came from the Texas Hill Country?).
Outdoor enthusiasts can strap on their hiking boots to explore two of the state’s most popular state parks — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, known for its stunning scenery and rock formations, or Old Tunnel State Park, an old railroad tunnel that is now the seasonal home of three million bats from May to October!
Dinner
Before leaving town, grab one final dinner in Downtown Fredericksburg!
For authentic German fare, consider grabbing a table at Otto’s German Bistro. For an upscale, fine-dining experience, consider Vaudeville (I was super bummed to miss out on this restaurant during our weekend trip — I had heard great things! And for something laid-back and casual, savor some smoked brisket or pulled pork from Eaker Barbecue (when in Texas, right?).
More Places to Eat in Downtown Fredericksburg
If you’re looking for more dining options in Fredericksburg, here are a few restaurants that were not mentioned in this post that should be “honorable mentions” for dining in Fredericksburg!
- Old German Bakery & Restaurant — This bakeshop is the perfect stop for a traditional German breakfast or lunch. Try a German pancake, schnitzel, or sausage plate!
- Kaffee Haus — Coffee shop known for its delicious kolaches, pastries, and espresso drinks. This would’ve been our next stop for coffee had we been in town for longer!
- Woerner Warehouse Cafe + Bakery — Casual, spacious restaurant for breakfast and lunch in an eclectic, farmhouse-chic space.
- West End Pizza Co. — Laid-back restaurant with a game room and a spacious patio, with build-your-own pizzas, pastas, and appetizers.
- Pasta Bella — Cozy “mom and pop” Italian restaurant with authentic decor and hearty pasta dishes and other Italian favorites.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg
Aside from Contigo Ranch, the stunning property we stayed at that I shared more about at the beginning of this post (scroll back if you missed it!), here are a few additional recommendations for places to stay in Fredericksburg, TX:
Albert Hotel
Albert Hotel is a brand-new hotel (and the first luxury boutique hotel in Fredericksburg!) on Main Street. The hotel features 105 guest rooms, four restaurants (The Restaurant, The Pharmacy, Junebug’s BBQ, and The Saloon), a lobby bar, a full-service spa, and a beautiful cabana-lined swimming pool.
This hotel looks spectacular… it wasn’t open during our trip to Fredericksburg, but if so, I would have considered staying here. I highly recommend looking if you’re looking for a chic place to stay in the heart of Downtown Fredericksburg!
Fredericksburg Inn and Suites
If you’re looking for somewhere clean, comfortable, and convenient to stay, Fredericksburg Inn and Suites is a great option. This hotel offers cozy guestrooms and other amenities on the property, including two swimming pools (one is heated and has a slide!), a hot tub, and a gazebo with a cozy fireplace.
FAQs – Weekend in Fredericksburg, Texas
Is Fredericksburg, TX, worth visiting?
Yes! Fredericksburg is worth visiting, especially if you love wine tasting, beautiful landscapes, small southern towns, and fascinating history. It’s a fantastic spot to visit for a weekend trip in the Texas Hill Country, and it’s the perfect getaway for a romantic couples’ weekend or a fun-filled girls’ trip.
When is the best time of year to go to Fredericksburg?
The best time of year to go to Fredericksburg is the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom (usually from March to May). If you can’t visit in the spring, consider visiting in the fall for equally lovely weather and Oktoberfest!
Is Fredericksburg closer to Austin or San Antonio?
Fredericksburg is slightly closer to San Antonio. San Antonio is about 70 miles from Fredericksburg, and Austin is about 80 miles away. It takes just over an hour to reach Fredericksburg from San Antonio, and just under an hour and a half to reach Fredericksburg from Austin.
Experience All the Magic of the Texas Hill Country During a Weekend in Fredericksburg, TX
Whether you’re planning a trip to Fredericksburg for a fun-filled girls’ weekend or bachelorette party, a romantic couples’ weekend, or a memorable family vacation, I hope you fall in love with the historic charm of this small town in the Texas Hill Country as much as I did — and I hope this weekend guide to Fredericksburg help you plan the perfect vacation!
If you’re not ready to head home just yet, consider extending your vacation with a few days in Austin or San Antonio to experience the best of the Lone Star State!
Save This Weekend in Fredericksburg Itinerary for Your Hill Country Getaway
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Planning to extend your vacation in the Lone Star State? Check out these posts about more things to do in Texas!
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