Fredericksburg is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from my house in Austin. It's what most people think of when you say "Texas Hill Country". My favorite time to drive there is in the spring where you can see spring flowers (including Bluebonnets!) by the side of the road.
Fredericksburg, TX has a famously nice Main Street. So be sure to have plenty of time to stroll, shop and relax with a coffee.
If you can visit in October, you'll get to celebrate Fredericksburg’s German heritage at Oktoberfest.
Since you'll have to fly either to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) or San Antonio International Airport (SAT), you'll be driving. You'll find Fredericksburg 1.5 hours by car from Austin and .5 hours by car from San Antonio along US-290.
There are several great places to stay. Book a cottage at Hoffman Haus or Barons CreekSide (I wrote about it in my Weekend Getaways from Austin post). Family can stay at Fredericksburg Inn & Suites.
Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg, TX
1. Hike on granite trails in the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Rating: ★★★★★
Perched on the Llano Uplift about 17 miles from Fredericksburg, you can see a magnificent pink granite dome named Enchanted Rock from many miles around.
Covering about 640 acres and 425 feet high, humans have been visiting the rock for at least 10,000 years as the remains of spearheads and similar artifacts indicate.
There are more than eight miles of trails leading to the Rock. You can find plenty of interpretive exhibits, wildlife, picnic areas, camping, and rock climbing opportunities.
Address: 16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-685-3636
2. Watch bats emerge in the Old Tunnel State Park
If you come to the trail near the entrance to the Old Tunnel State Park around sunset, you will have an opportunity to see thousands of bats flying out into the cool night air.
The cave where the bats live is an abandoned railroad tunnel that belonged to the Fredericksburg and Northern Railway until 1942.
The tunnel, which is home to more than three million Mexican free-tailed bats and over 3000 Cave myotis bats, was designated a state park in 2012.
The cave is left to the bats, and the entrance is forbidden, but the half-mile trail that leads to the cave is a great place not only to watch bats but to take a pleasant hike, watch the birds and read fascinating information along the trail about the bats and the area.
Address: 10619 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 866-978-2287
3. Explore historic buildings at the Pioneer Museum Complex
Spread across three and half acres, the Pioneer Museum Complex showcases the history and culture of a Texas Hill Country community established by German immigrants who settled in the area in the early 19th Century.
You can see more than 300,000 artifacts that portray the rich German heritage of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County.
A few times a year, the museum organizes events that include docents dressed in period costumes, storytelling, rope and soap making, and sheep shearing.
Address: 325 W Main St, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-990-8441
4. See wartime artifacts at the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War is a six-acre museum located in Fredericksburg that is the only of its kind.
It is dedicated to honoring the people who fought in the Pacific War.
There are regular battle re-enactments named Living History. The Memorial Courtyard is home to the Veterans' Memorial Wall and Walk of Honor.
Address: 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, Phone: 830-997-8600
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Walk with elephants at The Preserve
Elephants in Texas? Oh yes, that is exactly what you will find when you visit The Preserve, where you can meet a happy band of Asian elephants who will steal your heart.
The preserve cares for these endangered animals and strives to spread the word about the importance of preserving elephants all over the world. The Elephant Experience is a bucket-list encounter that you will never forget.
You will get the great privilege of getting up close to these gentle giants, pet them, feed them and even groom them. Best of all, you will be contributing to world-wide programs dedicated to saving elephants in the wild.
Address: 650 Doublehorn Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 830 992 0373
6. Stroll down Fredericksburg's Main Street
Fredericksburg Main Street is the city's main artery, where everything starts and ends. It has two distinctive parts - The Magic Mile central shopping district, and the historic West Main Street.
Separating the two is the Marktplatz, with its pavilions, green lawns, waterwheel, the famous Maibaum (maypole), and picnic tables, is the heart of the city and the site of many big festivals and community events.
The Vereins Kirche Museum, the oldest building in Fredericksburg, is also on the Marktplatz.
The Magic Mile starts at the Admiral Nimitz Museum, and it is lined on both sides with beautiful historical buildings, many of which are home to high-end shops.
You get to enjoy wide sidewalks and beautiful courtyards. There is breathtaking architecture on every block!
7. See local exhibits at Vereins Kirche Museum
Located in the heart of Fredericksburg's Marktplatz, Vereins Kirche Museum is the oldest structure in the city.
It was built not long after the arrival of early German settlers in the beginning of the 19th century, and it is a beloved symbol of the city's culture and heritage.
The museum features a collection of photos and artifacts that tell the story of Fredericksburg and its pioneers.
Address: 100 W Main St, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-997-7832
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
8. Enjoy live music at the Rockbox Theater
Just off Fredericksburg's historic Main Street is a modern live music venue called the Rockbox Theater.
The Rockbox is a modern entertainment venue that artfully combines its industrial origins with the historic aura of the area.
Although its original focus was on rock and the music of the 50s and 60s, Rockbox eventually evolved to serve as a venue for many diverse touring bands, artists, and young groups such as Platters, the Diamonds, the Association, and the country music trio High Valley, as well as comedy shows.
Address: 109 N Llano St, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-997-7625
9. Explore old army barracks at Fort Martin Scott
Step back in time at Fort Martin Scott, a US Army outpost near Fredericks burg that was built in 1848 and abandoned in 1853.
It was one of several frontier forts built to protect settlers and travelers from Indian attacks.
The soldiers' job was to patrol the Fredericksburg-San Antonio road and the surrounding area.
Some of the most interesting parts of the tour of the fort are the commander's quarters, officers' housing, a supply store, laundry, warehouse, bakehouse with oven, enlisted men's barracks, military hospital, a stable, barn, and a blacksmith shop.
The only remaining part of the original fort is the limestone guardhouse.
Address: 1603 E Main St, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, Phone: 830-217-3200
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