Small towns in Texas are the heart and soul of our state, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find one more charming than Fredericksburg. Approximately 11,000 people call this historic German settlement home, meaning you experience all of its highlights in one quiet, relaxing weekend. It’s definitely the best small town in Texas for a weekend trip!

From the Hawaiian Island of Oahu to the coast of Massachusetts and everywhere in between, come along with OnlyInYourState as we introduce you to the best Small Town Getaways you can take this year. From nature lovers and foodies to history buffs and shopaholics, there’s something for everyone within these unforgettable, two-day itineraries curated by our local travel experts just for you.

Is Fredericksburg Worth Visiting?

Welcome — or Willkommen, we should say — to Fredericksburg! Tucked away in the heart of the beloved Texas Hill Country, this charming small town is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Facebook/Visit Fredericksburg TX
With award-winning wineries, phenomenal restaurants, events in every season, and beautiful nature, there’s always something to do here. The best part is that the abundance of activities in Fredericksburg comes without any of the chaos of big cities, where everyone is always on the go. Combine that with a rich German heritage that can be seen and felt all over town, and you may just want to pack up and move here. Life is good in Fredericksburg, likely the best small town in Texas — and you’re about to not only find out why but experience it firsthand.

How To Get To Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is located about 80 miles west of Austin on Highway 290.
Google Maps
It's just north of I-10 and west of I-35, so no matter where in Texas you're visiting from, the town is very easy to find. You're in for more of a drive if you don't already live in the Hill Countr which is home to several small towns in Texas, but there's a reason people drive from all over Texas to experience the magic of Fredericksburg. No matter how long it takes you to get here, we can promise you won't regret your visit. 

Getting Around Fredericksburg

Downtown Fredericksburg is extremely walkable, so for most of the trip, you won't need your car to get around. Even better, our chosen hotel is just a few blocks from Main Street, where most of the attractions in this guide are located.
Wikimedia Commons/Preiselbeere
You'll have to drive to a few destinations — including a 20-minute excursion to a state park just outside of town — but overall, your own two feet will be of much greater use than your gas tank.

Best Time To Visit Fredericksburg

An important thing to note about Fredericksburg is that every season brings additional activities you can add to your itinerary wherever you see fit.
Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, 126 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Facebook/Visit Fredericksburg TX
During the holiday season, for example, the Marktplatz comes alive in a display of traditional German Christmas cheer. Between festive shopping on Main Street to the 30-foot tree and authentic German Christmas pyramid, the most wonderful time of the year is especially magical here. A holiday stroll around the town square would be perfect for your first night since you’ll already be exploring the Marktplatz!
Spring is another great time to visit, as the roadsides are bursting with Texas bluebonnets.
Willow City Loop, Texas, USA
Flickr/Dave Hensley
Take a scenic drive down Willow City Loop on your way to Enchanted Rock and prepare to be amazed. As you can see, this Fredericksburg travel guide is just a template. The list of things to see and do in this quaint little town is endless and ever-changing, so don’t shy away from paving your own path once you get there (while referencing our suggestions, of course.)

Where To Stay In Fredericksburg

We recommend staying at the Hoffman Haus.
Facebook/Hoffman Haus
The Hoffman Haus is located on East Creek Street, a mere block away from Fredericksburg’s historic Main Street. A luxury bed and breakfast, Hoffman Haus is the definition of southern charm and the impeccable attention to detail makes every guest feel special.
Spanning five acres, the property boasts a variety of accommodations.
Hoffman Haus
They range from rooms and suites to private cottages, and each one has its own unique style. There’s even a rustic, two-story log cabin! It is among the best accommodations in Texas.
Breakfast is generally delivered to your room around 9 a.m. and consists of seasonal, locally-sourced gourmet fare.
Hoffman Haus Facebook Page
You’ll see things like quiche, pastries, and fresh fruit — all homemade and with love being the primary ingredient. If you have any dietary restrictions, don’t hesitate to speak up. The kitchen staff is more than happy to accommodate your needs!
Guests can also enjoy the on-site day spa, offering several different types of massage.
Hoffman Haus, 608 E Creek St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Hoffman Haus
Rooms generally start a little under $200 and go up to close to $300 for cottages, depending on the amenities and time of the year.

Day One: Hiking, a Wine Shuttle, an Underground Restaurant, and more

To beat the crowds (and the heat, if you’re visiting when it’s warm outside), Day One starts bright and early with...
Flickr/Jonathan Cutrer
...a trip to Enchanted Rock! Fueled by a hearty homemade breakfast, you'll be ready to hike the morning away! Each year, thousands of people come from all over Texas to scale this imposing granite monolith and discover its mysteries.
There are 11 miles of trails that wind through the park.
Flickr/Alex Thomson
These trails range in length from 0.1 miles to nearly five miles.
The park is open from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily, and the gate closes at 8 p.m.
Enchanted Rock, Texas 78643, USA
Flickr/Karen
All trails close 30 minutes after sunset — except the Loop Trail, which is open for hiking until 10 p.m. The entrance fee is nominal and children 12 and under get in free.
If you finish up at Enchanted Rock around mid-morning, that leaves plenty of time for another activity.
290 Wine Shuttle Facebook Page
A great idea is to hop on the 290 Wine Shuttle to visit some of the best wineries in and around Fredericksburg. Easily one of the most popular things to do in Fredericksburg, this wine tour is pure heaven for oenophiles. The shuttle departs from the Inn on Barons Creek every 10 minutes and travels between 16 award-winning wineries and vineyards.
You can hop on and off any time, visiting however few or many wineries your heart desires. After all, the shuttle traverses the entire route every 10 minutes, so you'll never have to wait long.
Mendelbaum Cellars, 10207 E US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Mendelbaum Cellars Facebook Page
There is a separate price for the shuttle as well as for the wine tastings per location. Some wineries require reservations for tastings, so please check before booking your shuttle trip. You could totally make an entire trip out of the wine tour alone, but we recommend limiting it to a few stops to maintain a leisurely pace for your day. Don't forget to book the shuttle well in advance — wine tours are such a coveted activity in town that if you Google "What is Fredericksburg known for?" the shuttle is likely to be one of the first links.

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To refuel after your busy morning, head to The Rathskeller Restaurant.
Flickr/Kevin Trotman
Located in the basement of the 1800s Keidel Hospital, The Rathskeller Restaurant is the place for a delicious and memorable lunch.
This underground eatery is everything we love about Fredericksburg: culture, class, charm, and character.
Google/Jackie Cottongame
A hidden staircase leads to the dining room, which imparts a rustic and unique ambiance with dim lighting and rocky, cavern-like walls. Can you see yet why we think Fredericksburg is one of the most charming small towns in Texas?
On the menu, you’ll see a variety of German and American classics, from prime steaks and seafood to bratwurst and schnitzel.
The Rathskeller, 401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA
Google/Leighton Luckey
Make sure to save room for dessert — their peach bread pudding with caramel sauce is world famous. Prices are moderate, with almost all entrees coming in at under $20 (most hover around the $15 range.)
Next up, it's time to frolic through flower fields at Wildseed Farms., the nation’s largest working wildflower farm.
Wildseed Farms, 100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Wildseed Farms Facebook Page
Wildseed Farms. is open year-round, seven days a week, and showcases the most beautiful blooms every season has to offer. Half a mile of walking trails meander through the flower fields, and there are several covered seating areas where you can stop and smell the roses (pun intended) and a seasonal butterfly garden. The trails are all ADA-compliant. Inside, you’ll find a gift shop with everything from home decor to the latest fashion trends, and the nursery offers live plants, glazed pottery, and gardening products. The best part is that admission is free!
What a fun-filled day — and it isn’t over yet! You still have dinner to look forward to and we’ve chosen a place that’s so quintessentially Fredericksburg.
Cabernet Grill
Cabernet Grill is a nationally-acclaimed eatery with a rustic ambiance that looks like something out of the Italian countryside.
On the menu, you’ll see fresh seafood and certified Angus beef steaks, plus an extensive wine list with more than 150 selections (all Texas-grown, to boot.)
Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant, 2805 S State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Cabernet Grill
Cabernet Grill exudes Hill Country charm, and we can’t imagine a better way to end your first — and last — night in town.
Since you’ll already be downtown for dinner, carve out a few minutes for a leisurely stroll after your meal. The historic town square is as charming as it gets with shops and restaurants at every corner.
Fredericksburg General Store, 143 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
TripAdvisor/Patrick D
Don’t forget to stop by the 100-year-old Fredericksburg General Store for a blast from the past. The shelves are stocked with nostalgic candies and other retro finds, taking you back to the good ole days.
You’ll also see the Marktplatz, or Market Square. Paying homage to Fredericksburg’s German heritage, the park is centered around an octagonal building known as the Vereins Kirche.
Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, 126 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Facebook/Visit Fredericksburg TX
The building served as the town’s first school and church and the Marktplatz now serves as a gathering place for picnics and seasonal events. Now, it’s time to head back to the B&B for a good night’s sleep.

 

Day Two: A WWII Museum and Brunch

We have one more activity planned for the morning (after you enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed, of course.)
Google/National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War is a must-do attraction when in Fredericksburg.
Spanning more than 55,000 square feet, this world-class institution tells the story of World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific theater.
TripAdvisor/management
A variety of exhibits feature original photos and artifacts, offering an immersive experience that allows visitors to step into the shoes of the brave men and women who contributed to the war effort.
The museum is also dedicated to honoring Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
National Museum of the Pacific War, 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
TripAdvisor/management
Nimtz was a Fredericksburg native who played an important role in commanding Allied air, land, and sea forces. Part of the museum is actually located in his boyhood home! Hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (last tickets are sold at 3:30 p.m.) Tickets range from $0 for certain groups to right around $20 for adults.
On your way out of town, we highly suggest stopping at Otto’s German Bistro for brunch.
TripAdvisor/tamjan
It's right next to the museum, so you could easily leave your car and walk! Otto’s German Bistro is a fine dining restaurant that puts a gourmet twist on German classics and emphasizes fresh and in-season ingredients.
Chow down on everything from steak and eggs to loaded Reuben sandwiches while sipping some bubbly on the patio. Soak up the final moments of vacation mode before heading back into the real world.
Otto's German Bistro, 316 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
TripAdvisor/Inge J

 

We’re ready to pack our bags – are you? Fredericksburg is definitely one of the best small towns in Texas for a weekend trip. Between the history, culture, scenery, and that quintessential small-town Texas charm you feel from the moment you arrive, this little slice of paradise will undoubtedly capture your heart.

Do you know of any other Fredericksburg attractions that should be included in this itinerary? Tell us about them in the comments! If a day trip to Fredericksburg is all you have time for, check out this award-winning winery while you’re in the area.

Not Your Average Bucket List Podcast

Only In Your State’s podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List takes a deep dive into Fredericksburg, Texas, and everything it offers. Our hosts, Marisa Roman and Sara Heddleston discuss what their “Perfect Day” in Fredericksburg would consist of. From abandoned railroad tunnels to sleeping in a brewery, take a look at the infographic below to get your suggestions for the perfect day exploring this small town.

Not Your Average Bucket List

To discover even more about Fredericksburg in a fun, easily-digestible manner, tune in to OnlyInYourState’s podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List, where we talk all about this charming Texas town. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Just like the old real estate adage (Location! Location! Location!), we’re making our own: We love small towns in Texas! We love small towns in Texas! We love small towns in Texas!

One more thing! If you’re still in the mood for more Lone Star State adventures, take a look at this video:

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Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 27, 2023

Where can we find waterfalls in Texas?

  • The falls at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin are accessible via a 6.5-mile hiking trail loop.
  • The Westcave Preserve Falls in Round Mountain feature a 40-foot waterfall that spills into an emerald pool below.
  • The Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park features a 65-foot cascade.

Read on to learn more about the many waterfalls in Texas.

Where can we find hidden gems in Texas?

  • Bracken Cave in San Antonio is a cave that is home to the world's largest bat colony that take to the skies in the evening hours.
  • Tonkawa Falls in Crawford is a beautiful natural area with a refreshing swimming hole and waterfall set against a backdrop of huge rock formations.
  • Campbell's Hole in Austin is a fun swimming hole that feels more like a creek or river not far from the Mopac/360 access point.

Read on to learn more about hidden gems in Texas.

What are some of the other best road trips in Texas?

  • Fall Foliage – Extending close to 700 miles, a Fall Foliage Road Trip in Central, West, and East Texas just can’t be beat. When the seasons change in this part of the state the colors are beyond breathtaking.
  • Hill Country – The Texas Hill Country region is among the most beautiful in the state. Embarking upon a Hill Country Road Trip will capture your imagination and titillate your senses.
  • Barbecue – it just wouldn't be Texas without a Barbecue Road Trip! The Lone Star State is famous for its savory barbecued meats so this adventure is a must for carnivores everywhere.

Read on to learn more about some of the best road trips in Texas.

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Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA