Sometimes, the best vacation destinations are closer than you think and are just a car ride away. If you call the Austin area home, you are less than two hours away from Fredericksburg.
Located in the Texas Hill Country between San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, this town is the perfect escape when you need a break from everyday life.
Before arriving at your vacation rental from Cozi Vacation Rentals, make the most out of your drive by checking out stops along the way.
Fredericksburg Road Trip Stops
The drive from Austin to Fredericksburg is under two hours, no matter which of the three main routes from Austin to Fredericksburg you select.
It’s great to do as a day trip, but we recommend making a weekend or a week of it. A great way to enjoy a vacation within your vacation is by taking your time and exploring stops you find along the way to your Fredericksburg vacation rental.
The driving time to these stops are calculated from our starting point, Austin, TX.
Austin
Driving distance: 0 miles/0 minutes
Even if Austin is home, be a tourist in your own city and enjoy a couple of hours discovering some of the best attractions.
Start with a visit to the Museum of the Weird to see the range of oddities and curios found inside this downtown Austin museum — you can even grab a curio of your own at the on-site gift shop. Then, head to a couple of art galleries — we recommend Austin Art Garage and Martha’s Contemporary.
If you’re still around at lunchtime, chow down on some tasty tacos at Con Todo before hitting the road again.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Driving distance: 2 miles/6 minutes
On your way out of town, wander the beautiful flora found at Zilker Botanical Garden. Located on Barton Springs Road in the Zilker Metropolitan Park, it features a range of themed gardens including a Japanese garden, a prehistoric garden, and the wonderfully fragrant rose garden.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Driving distance: 21.5 miles/36 minutes
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a spectacular swimming hole and nature preserve in the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan. Here, you’ll have the chance to see a huge variety of flora and fauna including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler.
There are picnic tables and bathrooms available on-site, making it an ideal place for a lunchtime stop-off. Reservations are required so be sure to plan ahead.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Driving distance: 39.8 miles/50 minutes
Give yourself plenty of time to explore Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City. There are numerous activities to enjoy including exploring the many hiking trails, swimming in the river, geocaching, and bird watching. If you’d like to make an overnight stop-off, this is a great place to do so as the camping site is charming and comfortable.
Johnson City
Driving distance: 12.4 miles/1 hour
See what you can find exploring the shops in Johnson City. The whole family will have fun exploring the sights of this small Texas town.
If you pass through on the 4th weekend of the month between March and November, don’t miss the charming markets. Here you can pick up local Texan crafts and accessories, plus plenty of hand-crafted candy that’ll make the perfect on-the-road snack.
Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park
Driving distance: 12.5 miles/1h 15 min
Learn about life on a Texas-German farm at Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park in Stonewall. Spend some time walking along the trails as you take in the bison, wildflowers, historic cabins, and longhorns found on the property. If you happen to be here in summer, bring your swimsuit to enjoy the Olympic-size swimming pool.
LBJ Ranch
Driving distance: 1.2 miles/1h 20 min
While you’re just a 5 minute drive outside of Fredericksburg, make your final stop and go for a tour the LBJ Ranch found across the Pedernales River.
Known as the Texas White House, this is the former home of President Johnson and was an important center of political activity for more than 20 years. After the passing of President Johnson, his wife continued to live at the ranch and kept the many gifts on display that they received during his time in office.
Discover the Best Texas Wineries
You don’t have to wait until you arrive in Fredericksburg to discover Texas’ wine scene. During your scenic drive, be sure to stop at a winery or two along the way.
Just be sure to not indulge too much, otherwise it’s best you check-in to your vacation rental home first and arrange a taxi or shuttle to your wine tour.
Some of our favorite wineries in Fredericksburg include:
Lost Draw
- Website: https://lostdraw.com/
- Address:
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Monday to Thursday / 10 am – 6 pm Friday to Sunday
Lost Draw Cellars prides itself on planting grapes that thrive in Texas Hill County’s semi-arid climate, and their sustainable techniques enhance the character and structure of their wines. Treat yourself to a signature wine tasting to discover five of the team’s best bottles.
William Chris
- Website: https://www.williamchriswines.com/
- Address:
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday to Wednesday / 10 am – 6 pm Thursday to Saturday
William Chris was named one of the World’s Best Vineyards for 2022, meaning if it’s not already on your list to visit, it should be now. The owners are proud believers in authentic Texan wine and offer a variety of unique experiences and tastings for you to see just what the hype is about.
Slate Theory
- Website: https://www.slatetheory.com/
- Address: 10915 East US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday to Thursday / 11 am – 6 pm Friday & Saturday
Looking for something more unique? Slate Theory offers “artistic” variations of their wine, meaning you most likely won’t try a blend here that you’ve sipped before. Although 100% Texas grapes, Slate Theory loves experimenting to find something new yet delicious for you to try on site or bring back home with you.
Baron’s Creek Vineyards
- Website: https://baronscreekvineyards.com/
- Address: 5865 Hwy 290 East Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday to Thursday / 11 am – 6 pm Friday & Saturday
Head out to their family vineyard in East Fredericksburg for a picturesque day in Texas Hill Country. Choose between tours, tastings, or dining, or a combination of it all, for a fantastic day sipping some of the best wines in the area.
Make Memories Exploring All That Makes Texas Unique
You don’t have to wait until you check into your Fredericksburg vacation home from Cozi Vacation Rentals to start your vacation. Let the fun of your getaway begin the moment you start your drive from Austin to Fredericksburg.
Once you arrive, the adventures on offer in this quintessential American small town with fascinating German heritage are endless, from a day of shopping along Main Street to enjoying live music and indulging in delicious German food.
If you’re a history fan, be sure to check out Fredericksburg’s excellent museums including the Pioneer Museum and the National Museum of the Pacific War where you can learn about Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and his invaluable contribution to World War II.
After a day of discovering all this Texas Hill Country has to offer, unwind in comfort in your home away from home. While every rental comes with all the comforts of home, each one is unique. Find your ideal Fredericksburg vacation rental home with Cozi.
