Ultimate Hill Country Escape: Your Guide to a Fredericksburg, TX Getaway

June 2024

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country is a beautiful town called, Fredericksburg, TX. It’s a small town that doesn’t feel like a small town and has its pioneered German heritage that is still very present today. It’s home of the oldest brew place in Texas: Fredericksburg Brewery Company and has several buildings that are over 130 years old! Lots of historic history in this small town that was founded in 1846.

Why is Fredericksburg, TX so popular?

I have traveled to this area several times in the last few years. In my opinion, Fredericksburg has become so popular for several reasons. The people that live here in this area of Texas are what makes Fredericksburg so special. The community is warm, and welcoming, and strives to keep Fredericksburg thriving without forgetting its authentic German heritage. Another reason would be that there is a ton of things to do in Fredericksburg. From boutique shopping, Smithsonian-affiliated museums, art galleries, vineyards, dining, festivals, and outdoor fun! There is something for everyone who visits the area.

Unique Lodging in Fredericksburg?

Blue Sage at Honey Tree

I stayed at Blue Sage at Honey Tree and I LOVED IT! I want to go back again! The best way to describe the new property is that it’s a grouping of cabins in the Texas Hill Country. What I liked about it was that the units were all beautifully and thoughtfully curated. Even though I was about 15 minutes from downtown Fredericksburg and in the country, I didn’t feel scared to sleep alone at night since I had other units surrounding my unit. It’s perfect for a solo getaway trip or a romantic getaway.

Onera

If glamping is more your style, Onera is a unique lodging option. They currently have 11 stand-alone treehouse units to choose from. Each one is carefully curated and is fully immersed in a wooded area. Onera Fredericksburg maintains a focus on nature, sustainability, and mindfulness. When I toured the property, there were expansion plans and there were some areas with construction. Please keep that in mind when booking your stay.

The Albert Hotel

If you are looking to stay downtown and in the heart of it all, The Albert Hotel will be opening up soon and is located on Main Street. It’s a newly constructed hotel with 105 guest rooms and 13 suites. event, spa, and restaurant space. Will have valet parking for guests, a spa that focuses on massages, facials, and wraps, a pool with 4 private cabanas, an onsite restaurant, 2 story event venue that can accommodate about 100-150 fully seated, and will have a BBQ place on the property as well.

Hill Country Herb Garden

Hill Country Herb Garden is the perfect place for a tranquil escape. The property has 14 cottages, a restaurant on site, a stunning spa, and beautiful outdoor spaces to meditate and relax. Each of the cottages has a front porch swing and as a guest staying in one of the cottages you get a complimentary fresh breakfast delivered to your door every morning. It is on my list of places I would like to stay at next!

If you are looking for more lodging recommendations here is another Fredericksburg, TX guide that includes other lodging accommodations or you can check out the updated lodging list on the Visit Fredericksburg website.

Things to do in Fredericksburg?

Enchanted Rock is located 17 miles north of Fredericksburg and every time I travel to the area I make it a point to hike it. The park offers camping, picnicking, 8.4 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, a park store and so much more! It’s fun for all ages. I would recommend going early in the day if the weather is too hot.

Luckenbach if outdoor music is your thing, add this rustic little town (population 3) to your itinerary. It’s a small town but it’s famous for its country music scene, which has attracted legends like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Lyle Lovett. On-site primitive RV camping is available for $25 per night (max stay 2 nights)

Fredericksburg Tours offers a fun way to see and learn all about Fredericksburg while touring the area in a vintage trolley. The tours have an experienced driver and guide. The trolley can also be rented out for private parties as well.

Gillespie County Jail you can tour this 1885 2-story structure and get a glimpse of what a jail looked like back in the day. The first floor was housing quarters for the jailer. The second floor is where the steel jail cells are located. Halloween Haunted tours are also available.

Pioneer Museum Complex travel back in time on this 3.5-acre museum and historical site located in downtown Fredericksburg. The museum shares the story of how Fredericksburg came to be. Self-guided tour through historic homes and buildings, a schoolhouse, Sunday house, bathhouse, barn, smokehouse, and so much more!

Hill Country Herb Garden Spa offers massage, organic facials, scrubs, and waxing. You do not have to stay in one of the cottages on the property to visit the spa. It’s a beautiful escape to relax and renew yourself.

Main Street Shopping This is what many come to Fredericksburg for, the main street! With over 150 boutique-like shops, restaurants, art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, etc. You literally could spend the whole day just on the main street alone. Most shops and boutiques close at about 5:00 PM daily. Public restrooms are located at the Pioneer Museum, Marktplatz (our Market Square)

Wildseed Farms is a beautiful family-run farm of wildflowers, award-winning wine tasting, plants, home items and so much more. The seed production at Wildseed Farms are sold globally and are considered some of the best-produced seeds in the world.

The Museum Of The Pacific War is recognized today as a world-class institution. A Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The museum provides a comprehensive account of World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific theater.

Das Peach Haus is a charming country store that sits on a farmstead that has delicious food products, cooking classes, wine tastings, a gorgeous pond, peach orchards, and stunning sunset views. Be sure to give them a visit before heading home.

Dietz Distillery is a small artisan distillery practicing old-world distilling techniques and located right next door to the Das Peach Haus. “Working and gaining experience in Austria made me realize that a distillery focused on producing smaller batches of high-quality spirits out of fruits from our family farm was exactly what I wanted to do.”— Dietz Fischer

photo by: Dietz Distillery

Halter Ranch Texas celebrated its grand opening in May of 2024. The 32-acre oak-studded landscape has an upscale n tasting room that features a selection of wines made from 100% USDA Organic grapes. Just recently, California’s Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) granted 1.17 acres at Halter Ranch Texas organic certification. Making it the first-ever organic vineyard in Fredericksburg, TX. Their elevated restaurant offers locally sourced cuisine dishes.

photo by: Halter Ranch Texas

photo by: Halter Ranch Texas

White Elephant Saloon serving beer, wine, cocktails, and a wide collection of whiskeys. Located on Main street on the Albert Hotel property. It’s a tourist and a local favorite spot.

Where to dine?

Hill & Vine serves seasonal favorites for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Items like avocado toast, grain bowls, crispy chicken sandwiches, onion rings, and so many more delicious dishes. Take a picture of the converted 1974 type 2 Volkswagen microbus that’s located on the expansive outdoor patio.

Fresh Pickens is located at 58 Farm to Market 1376 and serves breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, snacks, sweets, and party trays. It’s a great place to stop to pick up food & snacks before heading on a picnic or listening to live music at Luckenbach.

Photo by: Fresh Pickens

Photo by: Fresh Pickens

Hill Country Herb Garden has a wellness restaurant on site and is open to the public. Specializing in light and fresh American cuisine dishes with international influences.

Otto’s German Bistro opened in 2013 this restaurant makes everything from scratch with ingredients that are locally sourced. The menu rotates seasonally and focuses on having a fun approach to German cuisine, that it doesn’t need to be heavy.

Keidel Pharmacy sits on the Albert Hotel property. It’s a historic building on the main street and it’s a cute spot to grab a cup of Merit coffee serving housemade pastries, sandwiches, and specialties for in-person pickup. 

Best Time to Visit?

Fredericksburg is a wonderful destination all year long! If I had to suggest the best time to visit would be during wildflower season and traveling here from Sunday to Thursday. During these days, you will experience shorter wait times at restaurants, less busy overall, and cheaper rates for overnight accommodations. Weekends are a popular time to visit Fredericksburg so it can get very busy.

Additional Travel Tips

-Please to sure to check out the helpful Fredericksburg, TX website that has a full listing of everything you can eat, see, and do.

– Also read this Guide To Fredericksburg, TX