Fredericksburg is the tourist hub of the Texas Hill Country. This charming town has really seen a boom in popularity in the past decade thanks to its burgeoning wine country and easy access from Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas.
The best time to visit Fredericksburg is during the April wildflower bloom when bluebonnets, red poppies, and several other varieties of blooms carpet the countryside. Texas families flock to the flower fields to take family pictures and enjoy the spectacle.
Another great option is in December when Fredericksburg is decked out for the holidays and there is a daily light show on the Marketplatz which has a 30-foot Christmas tree and a huge German Christmas pyramid. There is also outdoor ice skating and several special events taking place throughout town.
Of course, no matter which time of year your family visits Fredericksburg you will discover that there are lots of great things to do. Here are some of my favorite attractions, activities, shopping destinations, restaurants, and lodging options to help you plan your next getaway.
Use this guide to plan your own Texas Hill Country road trip.
Fredericksburg Family Getaway
Trekaroo Tip: Need to get you bearings? Fredericksburg Trolley Tours are offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and are a great way to learn about the history of the area while getting a good lay of the land.
Go Wine Tasting with Kids (Really!)
In the past decade, Fredericksburg has had a “glow up” and is now a legit wine destination. There are several dozen wineries in the region and Main Street has multiple tasting rooms which serve up wines grown locally and further afield. Feel free to walk down Main Street with your alcoholic beverage, there is an open container policy in town.
Several Fredericksburg area wineries welcome families with children, like Texas Wine Collective which has a large outdoor area to enjoy as you sample your flight and Rhinory, a winery that has Southern White Rhinos which you can meet while on property!
Meet the Giraffes of Longneck Manor
Another great wildlife experience in the area can be found at Longneck Manor. They have 75-minute tours where visitors can meet rhinos, giraffes, and their sloth, Bruno. Guests will have the opportunity to feed the animals and pose for plenty of pictures along the way.
If you are looking for a splurge, there are suites and villas which families can book for overnight stays.
Hug Elephants at The Preserve
The Preserve is another animal encounter in the Fredericksburg area that offers two different options for visitors- The Elephant Experience and The Animal Expedition.
The Elephant Experience is a year-round offering that tends to book out a couple months in advance. Visitors will get to help give an Asian elephant a bath and there will be plenty of opportunities for photos on this 90-minute, educational tour.
The Animal Expedition is seasonal and available spring through fall. During this experience you will meet kangaroos, wallabies, and Australian birds as well as have the chance to feed giraffes. This is also an educational tour full of photo opps and is about 90 minutes long.
See How Hill Country Settlers Lived at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Museum
If you want to enjoy FREE animal encounters while sneaking in a little bit of history, head to the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farmstead in nearby Johnson City. This working farm recreates life in the 1800s when Germans settled Hill Country. Kids can participate in activities such as egg collecting, cotton picking, and water fetching from the well.
This site is managed by the National Park Service and part of the larger Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park Site. The famed Texas White House and its hangar are currently closed for refurbishment until late 2026, but the driving tour of the ranch, the school house, and the showbarn which usually has cows inside are all still open.
Pioneer Museum
You can find more Hill Country history at Pioneer Museum on Main Street. There are nearly a dozen historic structures that are open for exploration and decorated to serve as a time capsule of life in the region during the 1800s. Visit on the first Saturday of the month to enjoy living history with highlights like scavenger hunts for kids as well as yarn spinning and blacksmithing demonstrations.
National Museum of the Pacific War
A World War II museum in the middle of Texas? Yes! The National Museum of the Pacific War, the nation’s premier museum about the Pacific theater of World War II.
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area is one of Fredericksburg’s most revered native sons, hence the Main Street location of this large museum.
The museum has three galleries filled with interactive exhibits and artifacts including uniforms and weaponry belonging to soldiers. The highlight for kids will likely be the Pacific Combat Zone which replicates a Pacific island battlefield, and has tanks, structures, and watercraft used for landing on the small islands dotting the vast ocean.
Trekaroo tip: Check the museum calendar and try to time your visit with one of the many live reenactments that take place throughout the year.
Climb and Explore at Enchanted Rock
My family always tries to include a hike or some time in nature when we travel and we loved our time at Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome that stands 425 feet above the surrounding country.
There are trails that go around the rock but the most fun is the one-mile hike to the top. It is steep but lots of fun to race your way up to the top. On the back side we found little caves and crevices created by stacks of boulders to explore.
Since this destination has become very popular over the years, they now require day-use reservations. Adults must pay a $8 fee but children under 12 are free.
Enchanted Rock is best experienced during the cooler months when rain is out of the forecast. Keep your eyes out for wildlife, including snakes who might be sunning on the rocks.
Watch the Bats Emerge at Old Tunnel State Park Bat Cave
An old railway tunnel on a line that served Fredericksburg until 1941 is now the seasonal home to three million of Mexican free-tailed bats in Old Tunnel State Park.
From May through October, the bats emerge from the tunnel at sunset in a sensational display as they feast on insects in the twilight sky.
Every person must have a ticket (purchase in advance) to be in the park after 5pm and there are often evening interpretive programs put on by park rangers and volunteers to accentuate your experience.
Shop, Drink, and Dine Til You Drop on Main Street
The heart of Fredericksburg is its Main Street which is lined with unique shops and restaurants (no big chains here!) which are so fun to explore. Most shops close at 5pm daily, so plan accordingly.
Be sure to take advantage of the ample free parking and bathrooms at the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau one block from Main Street. They are also happy to answer any questions you may have about the area and provide further info about area attractions.
Here are some of my favorite places to visit on the main drag:
Chocolat
You will definitely want to visit Chocolat where Lecia Duke, the Chocolate Diva, makes all sorts of incredible chocolates using traditional Swiss methods. Trust me, this is seriously divine chocolate.
Lecia is the only chocolatier in America trained in the Swiss art of “zuckerkrust”- spinning a fine sugar shell that is filled with liqueur and covered in fine chocolate. There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of these decadent treats you can sample and purchase.
In addition to the liquid-filled chocolates there are also more traditional favorites handmade on site like bon bons, fudge, chocolate barks, truffles, and more.
The Grasshopper
If you want to purchase traditional German Christmas items like ornate wooden Christmas pyramids, hand blown ornaments, Christian Ulbricht Nutcrackers and smokers, head to The Grasshopper. They also have Russian Santas and a variety of nativities from Fontanini.
In addition to Christmas-themed goods, owner Mary Ann Tubeville has curated a marvelous array of unique goods from around the globe. Treasures include jewelry, art, Venetian glass, inlaid wood creations, and gourmet cookware. Be sure to stop in Narrow Path Winery next door (also owned by Tubeville) to enjoy a glass of wine before or after you shop.
Auer Haus Home Furnishings
This kitschy-yet-sophisticated shop is filled with high-end home furnishings, but what drew me with the giant metal sculptures of cactuses in its front yard. Upon further inspection, there were also metal skunks and armadillos with the Texas flag painted on their armor. And no, I absolutely could not resist taking them home!
Fischer and Wieser on Main and Das Peach Haus
What began as a roadside fruit stand over 55 years ago has become one of Fredericksburg’s most beloved institutions.
Fischer & Wieser still has their original location, Das Peach Haus, on Highway 87. This country store is filled with all their specialty products. There is also a cooking school, distillery, wine tasting, and even glamping in Airstreams at the original location.
I had the privilege of enjoying a dinner at the cooking school while learning about the fascinating history of the company from the family that still runs the business. The meal cooked with their products was my favorite during my visit to Fredericksburg.
If you don’t make it out to Das Peach Haus, you can still sample and bring home all the delicious sauces, preserves, mustards, and meal starters at their outpost on Main Street.
Trekaroo tip: Don’t leave without picking up a bottle of the Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce, the item that put Fischer & Wieser on the national culinary map.
Blue Oak Trading Company
A block off Main Street you will find Blue Oak Trading Company which is a multi-vendor market with all sorts of homemade goods as well as vintage items and clothing. There are also a couple food vendors at the front of the shop.
We had the chance to take part in the candle making class with Seventh Sense, which was fun and totally chill. I grabbed a glass of wine to sip on while we chose our scents and vessels, learning the art of candle creation along the way. The class is just $45 and kids as young as 10 can participate. The large candle you create is included in the price. You can also learn to make bath bombs and car fresheners- just ask!
OroBianco
Your kids have been perfect angels the entire time you shopped Main Street (hey- a mom can dream, right?) so why not treat the kids to some gelato? OroBianco serves a variety of classic and inventive flavors in the traditional way- using water buffalo milk!
The result is a rich and creamy treat that has locals coming back again and again. Flavors do rotate but you will find favorites like chocolate and pistachio alongside creative varieties such as earl grey tea and maple bacon bourbon.
If you want a pick-me-up, try an affogato which is your choice of gelato drowned in espresso. There are also boozy options called Amaro floats in combinations such as Thin Mint- Chocolate gelato with Branca Menta- or Full Monte- Vanilla gelato with Amaro Montenegro.
Alla Campagna
Dining in HIll Country isn’t just Texas Barbecue. Alla Campagna is an Italian restaurant that was opened by a local family, the Washburnes. They use recipes from Italy to bring a taste of the Italian countryside to Fredericksburg.
Favorites like lasagna and pizza are served along less common dishes like wild boar ragu and dry aged pork tomahawk. But don’t worry, this is still a family-friendly establishment and kids pasta options are available. Make sure to save room for tiramisu!
Hill & Vine
A couple blocks from Main Street is Hill & Vine, a well known Hill Country food destination which specializes in Southern cuisine served with a Texas slant.
They serve dishes like the Texas Cheeseburger, Gulf Snapper Tacos, Chicken Schnitzel, and Watermelon & Green Tomato Salad. If you encounter a wait when you arrive (no reservations unless you are George Strait!), visit Das Bar Bus where you can pick up a drink and chill out on the patio until your table is ready.
Even More Shops to Explore
There are dozens of shops, winery tasting rooms and restaurants to explore. Here are a few more of my favorites for families.
Big Pop’s Candy & Popcorn– This shop makes more than 50 flavors of popcorn- yum! They also sell vintage candy and serve up vintage-style sodas made to order, which is a great treat for the kids.
Recess!– Check out this cute toy store filled with all kinds of games, books, toys, dress-up gear and cuddly stuffed animals.
Fredericksburg Natural Baby & Kids– This family-owned shop says eco-friendly clothing, toys, diapers, and more. This is a nice spot to purchase gifts for an upcoming baby shower.
Dogologie– Our dogs are our family so it is fun to bring home gifts for them on our travels. Dogologie has a huge array of treats and toys as well as many breed-specific gifts.
Explore (and eat!) in the Warehouse District
The Warehouse District is a group of revitalized buildings transformed into shopping and dining destinations. It is located just off Main Street and has an eclectic combination of shops and dining.
I highly recommend taking your family to Mesquite at the Warehouse, a BBQ restaurant that serves up smoked meats as well as a variety of upscale Southern style salads and sandwiches.
The restaurant is owned by Hunter and Amy Huffman and housed inside the historic Woerner Warehouse building. They bring their decades of experience in the restaurant industry and their desire to feed the community fresh, elevated cuisine. I suggest sharing a BBQ platter with your family which includes brisket, ribs, sausage, coleslaw, and cornbread. Order sides of German potato salad and collard greens and prepare to walk out stuffed and satisfied.
Walk off your meal by perusing a couple of the stores that either adjoin to or neighbor Mesquite at the Warehouse. Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities is also located in the Woerner Warehouse building and has an eclectic array of European antiques to browse. Carol Hicks Bolton also owns Gus Antiques & Wonders which is just next door.
Across the street you will discover, Blackchalk Home & Laundry, a shop which sells furniture, accessories, jewelry, and my new obsession- Fredericksburg Cast Iron.
During the pandemic, local business owner Jay Mallinckrodt decided that he wanted to use the equipment at his machining parts business, Heartland Enterprises, to improve upon the beloved cast iron skillet. The result is an heirloom-quality, cast iron skillet that is lighter than the most popular brands on the market and is truly non-stick without having any of the harmful chemicals found in non-stick pans.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg on Your Family Getaway
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites
I stayed at Fredericksburg Inn and Suites which is a nice value for families. Perks include two outdoor pools with a volleyball net and small slide, a hot tub, a seating area with an outdoor fireplace, and a free hot breakfast daily. The location is especially nice, just a five minute walk from Main Street.
Book a Sunday House
Sunday Houses were originally small homes built by farmers who lived further afield so that they had a place to stay in town while they ran errands in town and attended church. Today many of these home have been preserved and are great options for families who want a kitchen and living space. There are several adorable options on VRBO.
The Albert Hotel
The newly opened Albert Hotel is the first full-service property in town and is located just behind Main Street. This is the place to stay if you prefer a hotel with luxurious rooms, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a cabana-lined pool. There are multiple dining options on property, including a bbq joint and poolside dining. The hotel has a private gate from its backyard area to the shops and restaurants on Main Street.
A special thanks to the Fredericksburg CVB who hosted my stay so that I could explore Fredericksburg and bring the highlights to our readers. All opinions are my own.