35 Fun Things to do in Fredericksburg Texas
Some people might not be aware of just how much they can do in Central Texas. This article is a list of 35 Fun Things to do in Fredericksburg Texas that you may find interesting and worth checking out while visiting the area.
Whether you want to enjoy the texas wine country, eat some german food or you are looking to hike Enchanted rock state park on an early Saturday morning you will be able to squeeze it all in over your weekend in Fredericksburg Texas. From museums to outdoor recreation, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone who visits to enjoy themselves.
So pack your bags and lets head to your weekend bed and breakfast and start exploring these 35 Fun things to do in Fredericksburg texas.
35 Fun Things to do in Fredericksburg Texas
Drive the Willow City Loop
The Willow City Loop is a 13-mile drive that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Fredericksburg. The drive starts and ends in Fredericksburg, and there are several different points of interest along the way.
Some of my favorite spots are the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Luckenbach Texas, and the Pedernales Falls State Park. This loop will take you out of town but of course, bring you back to Fredericksburg!
The Willow City Loop is an excellent way to get a taste of what Fredericksburg has to offer. It’s one of the ideal things to do in Fredericksburg to start crossing off several of the must-see tourist attractions on this list!
Explore the Distilleries in Fredericksburg
If wine or beer doesn’t tickle your fancy (a southern expression for liking something that everyone should learn!) Fredericksburg is also home to several distilleries, and there’s no better way to learn about the distilling process than by taking a tour.
Distilleries in Fredericksburg offer tours and tastings, and many of them also have gift shops where you can buy souvenirs.
Some of my favorite distilleries in Fredericksburg are Garrison Brothers Distillery, Rebecca Creek Distillery, and Twin Sisters Brewing and Distilling.
Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War is one of my favorite museums in the area. It’s dedicated to telling the story of the Pacific War, and it has a wealth of exhibits and artifacts on display. If you’re interested in history, this is definitely a museum worth checking out.
Some of my favorite exhibits are the interactive displays, which allow you to learn about different aspects of the war. I always learn something new every time I visit the National Museum of the Pacific War. It’s a great place to learn about one of the most important wars in modern history.
The museum is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.
Admission fee is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $6 for children.
Stroll through the Japanese Garden of Peace
The Japanese Garden of Peace is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Fredericksburg. It was installed in the Museum of the Pacific war in 1976. It was built in honor of the Japanese who died during World War II, and it features a number of different gardens and water features.
This Japanese-American garden was erected as a symbol of amity and cooperation between the two countries. After World War II, the Japanese government hoped that this garden would help to start a fresh relationship with the United States.
I always enjoy visiting the Japanese Garden of Peace when I’m in Fredericksburg. It’s a great place to relax and take in all the beauty that nature has to offer and reflect on the peace we can bring into the world.
Visit the Pioneer Museum.
The Pioneer Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Fredericksburg and the surrounding area. It has a number of exhibits on display, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of the region.
Some of my favorite exhibits are the ones that focus on local pioneers. These exhibits tell the story of how people in the area first settled and started building their lives.
The Pioneer Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Fredericksburg and the surrounding area.
It has exhibits on everything from pioneer life to local military history, and it’s a great way to learn more about the area.
The Pioneer Museum is located on the Main Street in Fredericksburg.
It’s open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.
Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children.
Visit the National Museum of the American Soldier
The National Museum of the American Soldier is a museum dedicated to telling the story of American soldiers from all wars. It has several exhibits on display, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of the American military.
The ones that concentrate on particular conflicts are some of my favorite exhibits. These exhibits chronicle how American troops have fought in each significant war in the nation’s history.
It’s always fascinating to learn more about our military’s history, and the National Museum of the American Soldier is a great place to do so.
The museum is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.
Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $6 for children.
Check out the Gillespie County Historical Society
Another great place to stop in if you’re interested in local history, is the Gillespie County Historical Society located inside the Pioneer museum. It has exhibits on everything from early German settlers to the history of the Texas Hill Country. I always learn something new every time I visit.
This society started as a small gathering of people who were interested in the history of their community, and it has since grown into one of the largest historical societies in the state.
The Historical Society is located on the Main Street in Fredericksburg. It’s open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.
Admission is free.
Shop along Main Street
One of the best Fredericksburg attractions and most popular reason people make their way to Fredericksburg is to shop on Main Street!
There are dozens of different stores and boutiques. You can find some unique and interesting items, and it’s a great way to support the local community.
Every weekend main street is bustling with people from all over the area. It’s always a fun place to wander around and explore. You can grab some yummy german food to eat, enjoy a cold beer or maybe stop in a few different stores for homemade ice cream.
One of my favorite stores is Dogologie where you can pick up something unique and quirky for your furry animal!
During the holidays, the main streets are sparkling with string lights and decorations on every corner.
Visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
For a day trip out of Fredericksburg head to The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park located in Johnson City.
The National park is dedicated to the story of President Lyndon B. Johnson. It has exhibits on his life and career, as well as on the history of the Johnson administration.
While you’re in the area, you can also check out the LBJ ranch. This was where President Johnson lived for most of his life, and it’s now a national historic site. You can tour the ranch, and learn more about how LBJ governed and lived his life.
If you’re interested in politics or American history, the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is definitely worth checking out.
Experience life at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm
The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm is a working farm that’s open to the public. You can experience life on the farm in the early 20th century, and it’s a great way to learn more about how people lived back then.
The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm is a great place to learn about farming techniques from the early 20th century.
The farm is open to the public, and it’s a great way to spend a day or weekend.
Take a walk through Fredericksburg’s Historic District
The Fredericksburg Historic District is a district that’s located in the heart of the city. It has more than 150 buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Fredericksburg Historic District is a lovely area to stroll about and discover. The district contains several museums, galleries, and historical structures.
It’s an excellent location to learn more about Fredericksburg’s German heritage.
See a performance at the Faust Playhouse
The Faust Playhouse is a local theater that puts on productions throughout the year. Because the theatre is always putting on productions, there is always something new to see.
It’s also a great way to support the community. The theater is run by local volunteers, and all of the proceeds from ticket sales go back into the theater. So if you’re looking for a fun night out, be sure to check out the Faust Playhouse.
The Faust Playhouse screens a variety of programming, including dramas, comedies, and musicals. Each year, there is generally a children’s program presented. So whether you’re a theater buff or not, the Faust Playhouse has something for you.
Visit a Brewery in Fredericksburg
If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, head to one of the local breweries. Fredericksburg has quite a few breweries and each one offers its own unique experience.
Spend the day at the brewery, trying out different beers and chatting with the locals. During the summers you can catch a live music show. If you get hungry, most of the breweries have food trucks on site.
A few of my favorite breweries are Pedernales Brewing Company, Fredericksburg Brewing Company, and Real Ale Brewing Company. They all have a great selection of beer, food, and live music. Be sure to try out their seasonal beers too!
My favorite time to go enjoy these breweries is in the fall for Oktoberfest, the seasonal beers are so good and the weather always seems to be perfect.
Eat at a German Restaurant
Fredericksburg is known for its German heritage and what better way to celebrate it than through eating. Several restaurants in the area will give you a true German dining experience.
Some of my favorite german restaurants are Der Lindenbaum, Gasthaus Alte Post, and Brauhaus Faust. They all have a great selection of beer, bratwurst, and other German dishes. Be sure to order a giant pretzel to share with your friends!
Attend First Friday Art Walk
One of my favorite outdoor activities is the First Friday Art Walk. Every first Friday of the month, the Fredericksburg Arts Commission hosts an art walk. This event is free and open to the public.
Galleries and businesses in the downtown area open their doors late and showcase local artists.
As a solo traveler, this is a great opportunity to see some amazing artwork, meet local artists, and explore Fredericksburg’s downtown area.
Tour Fort Martin Scott
Fort Martin Scott was an active army fort from 1848 to 1853. It was used to protect settlers from attacks by Native Americans and Comanches. The fort has been restored and is now open to the public.
It’s a great place for history buffs, as there are several buildings on the fort that have been restored to their original condition.
There’s also a museum on the fort that has exhibits on the history of the fort and the area.
Spend a weekend at one of Fredericksburg’s famous festivals
Fredericksburg is home to several festivals throughout the year, and each one is more fun than the last. Some of my favorite special events are the Oktoberfest, Hill Country Arts Festival, and the Christmas Market.
These festivals are a great opportunity to experience some of Texas’s culture and traditions. You can also buy and support plenty of local artisans at these festivals!
My personal favorite is the Christmas Market. The main street in Fredericksburg is closed to traffic and it’s filled with Christmas lights, booths, and live music.
It’s the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done! They also have an ice skating rink, community events throughout the week and plenty of German food shops to try plenty of different local treats!
Visit an Art Gallery
Fredericksburg is home to several art galleries, and they’re the perfect place to find a unique piece of art to take home with you.
Some of my favorites are the Gillespie County Society Art Gallery, the Pioneer Museum, and the National Museum of the Pacific War.
These galleries feature a variety of art, from traditional paintings and sculptures to local folk art. They also offer classes and workshops, so be sure to check their schedules before you visit!
Go Antiquing in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is home to several antique shops, and they’re the perfect place to find a unique piece of furniture or jewelry. Some of my favorites are Antiques on Main, The Rusty Hinge, and Lamplight Antiques.
These shops have a variety of different items, from vintage furniture to Civil War memorabilia. Most of the antique shops are located on Main Street making it easy to wander from shop to shop.
Buy Fresh Peaches at Das Peach Haus
Das Peach Haus is the most famous local farm in Fredericksburg. They sell fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
The best time to go is in the summer when they have peaches, plums, and apricots. They also have a variety of other fruits and vegetables, so it’s a great place to stock up on fresh groceries for the week.
Take some time and stroll through their 60-acre farm through their peach orchard and tall pine trees. Some weekends they allow guests to pick their own peaches if the crop is ready!
Make sure to try their in house freshly made peach cobbler, it is some of the best cobbler in the state!
Watch Mexican free tailed bats at the Old Tunnel State Park
The Old Tunnel State Park is a great place to watch hundreds of bats take flight. The park is open from 7am to 10pm, and the best time to see the bats is at dusk.
These mexican free tailed bats started migrating to Fredericksburg in the early 1990s, and there are now around 1.5 million bats living in the abandoned railroad tunnel.
The bats migrate through the tunnel twice a year, and it’s a sight to see! Be sure to bring a flashlight and some insect repellent.
The Old Tunnel State Park is also a great place for hiking and camping, you will have access to different nature trails, picnic areas, and a playground.
Spend the weekend in a cozy bed and breakfast
Downtown Fredericksburg is home to a variety of bed and breakfasts, and they’re the perfect place to spend a weekend away. Most of the bed and breakfasts are located in historic buildings, and they offer a variety of different rooms.
Some of my favorites are the Inn on Barons Creek, the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
All of these bed and breakfasts offer a unique experience, and they’re all within walking distance of Fredericksburg’s Main Street and local restaurants.
Stop in at Vereins Kirche Museum
Vereins Kirche is a historic church in Fredericksburg and was founded by German immigrants in 1846. The church is open to the public and it’s a great place to stop in for a quick visit.
The church is home to some beautiful stained glass windows, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of the town as well as explore the relationship that settlers had with the Comanche Indians.
Spend a Saturday night bar hopping
Fredericksburg is home to a variety of different bars, and they’re the perfect place to spend a Saturday night.
Don’t expect a club environment but you can enjoy a tasty cocktail or beer at the bar with some country dancing. This is a great way to meet locals as well as other visitors in town for the weekend!
Most of the bars are located on Main Street, and they offer a variety of different drinks and food options. Some of my favorite bars are The Hangar, The Back Porch, and The Faust.
They all offer a unique experience, and they’re all within walking distance of each other.
Day trips from Fredericksburg Texas
Spend a day in Luckenbach
Luckenbach is a small town located in the Texas Hill Country. It’s known for being a hippie haven, and it’s a great place to spend a day or weekend. Luckenbach has a whopping population of 3 people.
It’s a great place to visit for the day and enjoy a beer and some live country music.
Spend the day on the back porch of the General Store, and relax in the shade at one of their picnic tables. The Luckenbach Texas General Store is an old-fashioned general store that sells everything from groceries to T-shirts. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs, and it’s always filled with friendly people.
They have had many famous texas country artists play at their venue, such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. If you’re looking for a laid-back day in the Texas Hill Country, Luckenbach is the place to go.
Explore the vineyards in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is well-known for its wineries, and with good reason. The texas wine country has a rich history of wine production, and today there are dozens of wineries in the area that produce some of the best wine in the country.
With wine tastings, tours, and events happening all year long, there’s something for everyone who enjoys a good glass of hill country wine.
The most popular wine in Central Texas is the Fredericksburg Zinfandel, and it’s a must-try if you’re visiting the area. This fruit thrives in Texas due to the dry winters, allowing it to produce abundantly.
Some of my favorite wineries in the area are Grape Creek Vineyards, Fredericksburg Winery, and Becker Vineyards.
A fantastic option for meeting people is to join a hill country wine tour. This will allow you to visit several different wineries in a single day while enjoying the company of others.
Also, it will allow you to drink without having to worry about driving.
Take a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country.
If you’re looking to enjoy nature, the Texas Hill Country is a great place to do it. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, and there’s plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation.
There are several scenic drives that you can take, and they’re all worth doing at least once. We already talked about the Willow City Loop, but another one of my favorites is the Grapevine Loop.
It’s a little under 30 miles, and it takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Texas Hill Country.
You can also check out the Enchanted Rock Loop. It’s a little over 50 miles, and it takes you to one of the largest pink granite formations in the state.
Both of these loops are great options if you are looking for a scenic drive to explore.
You can also stay in one of the romantic Texas hill Country Glamping spots.
Enjoy flowers at Wildseed Farms
Wildseed Farms is a must-visit for anyone who loves flowers. The farm is home to over 100,000 different types of flowers, and it’s constantly changing with the seasons.
There are trails to walk, gardens to explore, and a gift shop where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs.
I always enjoy visiting Wildseed Farms when I’m in Fredericksburg. You will find a few hiking trails among the farm and its a great place to relax and take in all the beauty that nature has to offer.
Wildflowers in Texas is also home to the some of the best sunflower fields in Texas.
Pick peaches at an orchard
Fredericksburg is known to have some of the tasty peaches in the state. You can explore one of the local orchards and pick your own fruit. There’s nothing quite like biting into a peach that you picked yourself!
Some of my favorite roadside farms are Schaefer Farms, Becker Farms, and Neumann Farms. They also sell other fruits and vegetables to keep you satisfied during your trip to Fredericksburg.
Hike Enchanted Rock
The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a beautiful park that’s home to one of the largest boulders in Texas. It’s a great place for hiking, camping, and bird watching.
This hike is a must-do if you’re visiting Fredericksburg and love outdoor activities. At 612 feet high, Enchanted Rock is the second largest pink granite dome in the United States.
The hike to the top is moderate, and once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding Hill Country.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even scramble up the rocks after rock climbing on the east side of the summit.
The best time to go to Enchanted Rock is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the hot Texas sun.
Stop and smell the Texas wildflowers
Texas is known for its beautiful wildflowers and Fredericksburg is no exception. The hills around town are covered in bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and other wildflowers from March to May.
The wildflowers are one of main Fredericksburg attractions in the spring and the best way to see the wildflowers is to stop by the side of the road and take a walk through the fields.
Be sure to take some pictures while you’re there and be aware of private property!
While you are driving through central texas make sure you check out some of the best lavander fields in the region.
Visit the Fredericksburg Herb Farm
The Fredericksburg Herb Farm is a great place to learn about herbs and their medicinal properties. The farm has a garden that is open to the public, as well as a gift shop and cafe.
The staff at the farm are very knowledgeable about herbs and they offer classes on how to use them for cooking, medicinal purposes, and even some beauty products.
The farm is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Fredericksburg Trade Days
Fredericksburg Trade Days is a must-go for anyone who loves shopping. This event is held at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds and it’s home to over 400 vendors. You can find anything from clothes and jewelry to furniture and home decor.
Most of the vendors are from Texas, so you’re sure to find something unique and local. There is also a food court on-site with a variety of different food options.
Trade days are on the third Saturday of every month and welcome visitors from all over!
Explore a ghost town
Texas is home to several ghost towns, and Fredericksburg is home to one of them. The ghost town of Shafter is located about 25 minutes outside of Fredericksburg, and it’s a great place to explore.
The town was established in the late 1800s, and it was home to a variety of different businesses. But, once the railroad was built, the town declined and eventually died. Today, it’s a great place to explore and imagine what life must have been like in the 1800s.
Visit a painted church
There are several painted churches in the Fredericksburg area, and they’re all worth a visit. 20 to be exact, and each church has its own uniqueness to it. Most of these churches were established in the 1800’s. Once you walk in you will be surrounded by beautiful paintings and colorful decorations.
The best way to see all of the churches is to drive the Painted Churches Loop. The loop starts and ends in Fredericksburg, and it’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the area.
Some of my favorite churches on the loop are the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Friedens Lutheran Church, the Sisterdale Church of Saint Katharine Drexel, and the Zion Lutheran Church.
Fredericksburg is a great place for visitors of all types, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area.
Whether you want to explore history or spend some time outdoors with your family, Fredericksburg has something that will make it memorable.
The 35 different things listed here should give you an idea of what’s in store when visiting this charming town.