A guide to Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country
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In the spring, you can see bluebonnet fields like this at a fun-filled farm just outside Fredericksburg. Photo: Megan Stringer/Axios
About an hour north of San Antonio, on a pretty, winding drive on U.S. 87, is Fredericksburg, the historic heart of the Hill Country and a great jumping-off point for Central Texas wineries and state parks.
What to expect: Delightful century-old homes, a smorgasbord of German food — thanks to Germans who settled here in the 19th century — and lots of great antiques.
Between the lines: Fredericksburg has gained attention in recent years, as travel sites position it as a Napa rival and Yelp praises its family-friendly atmosphere.
- A 2022 economic-impact survey commissioned by WineAmerica estimated that Texas' 443 producers drew more than 2 million tourist visits that year.
Yes, but: As the Texas Hill Country's wine scene matures, it's much more approachable than its California counterpart, as delightfully explained in Texas Monthly.
- Visitors can drink at a rhino sanctuary, get a $45 cellar and production tour with a tasting or gather at the come-as-you-are Fat Ass Ranch Winery and Brewery, where reservations aren't needed for tastings — or dancing.
Zoom out: While the blanc-and-blush belt burgeons, hospitality groups and businesses are expanding options for visitors.
- The Albert Hotel, a boutique stay, is opening on East Austin Street later this year.
- Junebug's, a barbecue spot, and The Restaurant at Albert, a gourmet experience, are expected to open at the hotel later this year.
- A 117-acre mixed-use development called The Sycamore is slated to open along the wine trail next year. It will feature a Salt Lick BBQ with a wine-tasting room.
What's next: Explore our guide to Texas' dynamic destination below.
Where to stay
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa: A winery with villas on-site, so you don't need to worry about a designated driver.
- Price per night is around $289 for the summer.
Onera: A site of luxury treehouses, lodges and container homes integrated with nature.
- Prices range from $319 to $850 per night, depending on the kind of home.
Hill Country Herb Garden: A set of cottages closer to downtown and Main Street.
- The standard rate is $239 a night.
Where to eat and drink
Keidel Pharmacy: A spot for coffee, baked goods, breakfast and lunch in a historic pharmacy building.
- What to try: Lavender lemon shortbread
The Auslander: A German restaurant popular with tourists — it's literally in the name, which is the German word for tourist — looking for classic German Hill Country fare.
- What to try: vegetarian sausage, grilled redfish, German beers
- What to skip: Spätzle
Prometheus Pizza: A food truck with "Neopolitan/New Yorkish" style.
- What to try: Galatea pizza with white sauce, mozzarella, olive, prosciutto and spring greens
Brooke's Bubble Bar: A bright, all-pink bar with "Barbie" vibes. There's a bevy of champagne and similar bubble options, and even a pink sour beer.
Piccolina: A Main Street spot for small-batch Italian ice.
- What to try: The proseccolina, a scoop of Italian ice topped with prosecco
What to do
Wildseed Farms: A 200-acre wildflower farm and vineyard perfect to visit in the springtime, when you can frolic among the bluebonnets and other wildflowers. Plus:
- Grab a glass of wine made at Wildseed Farms Vineyards.
- Cool down with a soft serve ice cream in vanilla or Texas peach flavor, or a swirl of both.
- Enjoy a bellini float — frozen peach wine from the vineyard topped with peach ice cream.
- Shop wildflower seeds in the gift shop, or find specialty foods to go at the Brewbonnet Biergarten.
Das Peach Haus: Wander around the old-timey country store for specialty goods, light bites and sometimes live music.
- Head to the pond area behind the building for views of the peach orchard and towering pine trees.
National Museum of the Pacific War: Take in World War II history and enjoy the Memorial Courtyard and Japanese Garden of Peace.
- A regular adult ticket costs $24.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Hike the mini-Ayers Rock that affords vast views of the Texas Hill Country.
- Adult daily entry costs $8, and reservations are highly recommended.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park: In nearby Stonewall, visitors can tour the ranch on their own.
- The "Texas White House" is closed for renovations, but the free Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at the adjacent LBJ State Park is worth a visit, and don't miss the resident bison herd.