I’ve long wanted to explore the Texas Hill Country since we moved to Texas, and after nearly five years, we finally made it happen. Although we’ve made plenty of trips to San Antonio and Austin, we never took the time to visit the iconic towns that define the Texas Hill Country. Fredricksburg has always been at the top of my list, and recently, my husband and I enjoyed a relaxing weekend getaway there.
A Little History of Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, Texas was founded by German immigrants in 1846 and was named in honor of Prince Frederick of Prussia. The entire town paints a rich history that is deeply rooted in German heritage and early Texan settlements, which are influenced by German-inspired architecture and art. Despite having a population of under 12,000, it has so much to offer.
Our Weekend Getaway
We set off for Fredericksburg around noon, opting for the scenic route along US 281. This allowed us to take in the charm of smaller towns and the beautiful rolling countryside. If you decide to go via I-35, do make a stop at Waco, TX to check out the Magnolia Silos by Chip and Joanna Gaines.
With country music playing and a few detours to explore hidden gems along the way, the journey from Dallas to Fredericksburg ended up taking nearly four and a half hours.
You can also do a weekend getaway to Hot Springs from Dallas.
Suggested Things to See/Enjoy along the way
1. Glen Rose
Dinosaur World
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Dinosaur Valley State Park
A few years back we did the Dinosaur Valley State Park & Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, a fantastic safari park to visit especially with kids.
2. Hamilton
Hamilton Courthouse: Historic building that serves as the center of government & judicial activities for Hamilton County
3. Lampasas
World’s Biggest Spur: The spur is visible from Highway 281 but there is a parking lot if you want to stop and enjoy it.
4. Burnet
Bluebonnet Capital of Texas:Check out the bluebonnets from early March to April
5. Marble Falls
Bluebonnet Cafe: Famous for its pies and home-style cooking.
Lake Marble Falls: A beautiful spot for a quick stop to stretch your legs.
6. Hye
Various Vineyards & Wineries
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg?
If you are a nature lover or need something secluded but glamorous, I highly suggest the Blue Skies Retro Resort or Onera. For downtown lovers, Barons Creekside, Inn on Barons Creek, Lincoln Street Inn, and Truheart Hotel are great.
If hotels are not your thing, there are many vacation rentals available.
We rented a newly built condo with a hot tub, a few minutes from downtown, perfect for us.
After checking in and catching our breath, we decided to head downtown. Our first stop was the Fredericksburg Visitor Center to get info about events happening that weekend but we got there late and it was closed. By now we were super hungry so we directly headed for dinner.
Upon research, we found out that most of the shops and restaurants close earlier in this town so plan accordingly.
In the mood for some Chinese, we enjoyed dinner at Panda Chinese restaurant and Sushi Bar. The food was delicious and there were so many choices to choose from. Budget-friendly with good portion sizes.
After dinner, we strolled on Main Street to enjoy the downtown nightlife. There are many locally-owned stores, boutiques, home decor, and art galleries. You can tell that Fredericksburg is a pet-friendly city as there is a premier store, Dogologie on the main street, and most of the restaurants and wineries are dog-friendly too.
Breakfast Fredericksburg?
There are many local breakfast places to enjoy. Coffee lovers head over to KaffeeHaus but if you wanna enjoy a proper breakfast, Sunset Grill or Old German Bakery are good options.
After breakfast, we enjoyed various art galleries and boutiques. Around noon we made our way to Marktplaz, the central city park that surrounds Vereins Kirche, an octagonal-shaped building that was the site of the first church as well as the first school in Fredericksburg. Marktplatz hosts multiple festivals, and concerts throughout the year.
The Marktplaz was full of people as they were having the Craft Beer Festival. There was food and games but the best part was that we enjoyed live music and dance.
Dining Options in Fredericksburg?
You cannot come to Fredericksburg and not enjoy authentic German Cuisine. With so many options to choose from it was a difficult decision but we decided to try The Auslander. The place was jam-packed. The wait to get a table inside was long, so we ended up sitting on the covered patio but luckily it was not that hot. The German cuisine was scrumptious and we got a front seat to the live music.
Other options to try are Otto’s, Vaudeville, Pasta Bella, Burger Burger, West End Pizza
Cannot forget the dessert now, can we?
Leave ample room for dessert! Enjoy ice cream, shakes, and other bakery items at the retro ice cream parlor, Clear River, or how about a small batch of Italian ice at Piccolina not to forget the yummy pie at Fredericksburg Pie Company.
Things to Do in Fredericksburg
With the rich German heritage, beautiful landscapes, wineries, and historic attractions, there are so many things to enjoy in and around Fredericksburg. We were able to squeeze in a few exciting places like the Enchanted Rock State Park and Museums on our weekend getaway from Dallas to Fredericksburg, but we will surely be coming back again with kids to soak in the rest in a relaxed manner.
Here are some popular things to see/do in Fredericksburg:
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: A large pink granite dome that’s great for hiking and offers stunning views. There are almost 11 miles of hiking trails. The entrance fee is $8 for anyone 13+ and “Rock Hours” are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Wildseed Farms: The largest working wildflower farm in the US. The farm has over 1,000 cultivated acres in Texas and over 200 acres of wildflower fields. OpOpen 7 Days a Week 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Main Street: Explore downtown Fredericksburg’s shops, galleries, and German-inspired restaurants. Recommended shops:
Barefoot
Carousel on Main
Pritzer Sweet Shop
Fisher & Wieser
Fredericksburg General Store
BuddyLove
Flying Cow
Black Chalk
Lock, Stock and Barrel
Jenschke Orchards: Family-owned peach farm since 1961. You can pick our own fruit or purchase ones grown right on the farm. Your next family outing!
National Museum of the Pacific War: Offers an in-depth look at the Pacific Theater of World War II through extensive exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays, honoring the history and heroism of that era. Open Wednesday to Monday 9 am-5 pm and closed on Tuesday.
Pioneer Museum:The Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas, showcases the area’s German heritage with exhibits on early settlers’ lives, including historical artifacts, restored buildings, and cultural displays. The Pioneer Museum Complex includes the Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche Museum & Gillespie County Jail within 3 walkable blocks.
Das Peach Haus: Cute little shop/winery loaded with specialty items like jams, sauces& dips, and a wonderful outdoor seating area around a little pond. They offer cooking classes too so check out the calendar.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site & Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm:LBJ State Park preserves the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson, featuring his birthplace, the Johnson City home, and the LBJ Ranch, offering insights into his early life, presidency, and impact on American history. Stop first at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site for a map and a free driving permit.
Final Thoughts
Fredericksburg is a fantastic destination for a family weekend getaway. With its mix of engaging activities, historical charm, and family-friendly attractions, there’s no shortage of fun for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant downtown, enjoying the outdoor spaces, or diving into the local history, Fredericksburg promises a memorable experience for the whole family. So pack your bags, bring the kids, and get ready for an adventure that everyone will enjoy.
