Serene, rustic, and scenic are noteworthy words to describe the Texas Hill Country, known for its rolling hills, wineries, and fields of lavender and wildflowers. This region is also full of many small and historic towns.
One unique small town that deserves a visit is Fredericksburg, located about 80 miles west of Austin and 70 miles northwest of San Antonio. Perfect for a weekend getaway.
There is so much to see and do in downtown Fredericksburg that you won’t want to miss a thing! As such, we prepared this visitor’s guide to downtown Fredericksburg to help you plan and finalize your trip itinerary, all close to many of our cozy vacation rentals.
So, pack your bags and enjoy your scenic road trip in the Texas Hill Country on your way to this must-visit town.
About Fredericksburg, Texas
In the late 1800s, German immigrants founded the small town of Fredericksburg and created a peace treaty with several tribes of Comanche Indians. Due to its prime location, Fredericksburg grew rapidly, and today, it is a town proud of its heritage with great examples of German and Texan architecture on its Main Street.
This charming, eclectic town serves as the perfect getaway for families, couples, and girl trips thanks to its historic buildings, museums, art galleries, tasting rooms and bars, home decor shopping, boutiques, and annual festivals.
A Visitor’s Guide to Downtown Fredericksburg
Downtown Fredericksburg has it all while maintaining its small-town charm with German and Texan influences. A stroll through Fredericksburg’s Main Street will show you the signature Basse block buildings with shops galore, tasting rooms, breweries and distilleries, and some of the best German food in Texas! The locals are friendly and will make you feel welcome as you explore all Fredericksburg can offer.
Read along to discover the best places to eat and shop in downtown Fredericksburg along with the best attractions and tasting rooms with wine samples from the surrounding vineyards.
Where to Eat
You will find a little bit of everything in downtown Fredericksburg, from authentic German cuisine to Texas Barbecue and steaks, even gourmet candy shops the little ones (and adults!) will love. Many of the restaurants locally source their ingredients and, of course, the wines from Texas Hill Country.
Here are some of the best places to eat based on different cuisines.
German-inspired
- The Ausländer Restaurant & Biergarten: This spot specializes in Bavarian cuisine and great location to eat a good Schnitzel dish.
- Der Lindenbaum Restaurant: Authentic German dishes and Black Forest cakes.
- Old German Bakery & Restaurant: Serves breakfast meals and pastries.
BBQ
- David’s Old Fashioned Pit BBQ: Tasty smoked barbecue with sides in Texas style.
- Eaker Barbeque: Excellent Central Texas-style barbecue with traditional sides and Korean-inspired options (try the homemade Kimchi!).
- Slims BBQ: Family-friendly Texas BBQ and Mexican Barbacoa.
Tex-Mex
- Campo Azul Mexican Grill & Bar: Great tacos and Margarita drinks.
- Leroy’s TexMex BBQ: Located on US 290, great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a kids’ menu.
- La Tequila Jalisco: Authentic Mexican dishes located on State Hwy 16.
In Hill Country
- Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant: Enjoy your meal with paired wine in a relaxed and rustic setting in one of the best restaurants in the country.
- Hill & Vine: Pet-friendly and with outdoor seating, Hill & Vine offers brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. If there are wait times, you can enjoy a cocktail or beer from their Das Bar Bus (‘74 Volkswagen microbus) located on their patio.
- Granite House Lounge: Great food and a special place for both locals and visitors.
Family-dining
- Altdorf Biergarten: Great traditional German cuisine, great atmosphere, and great live music.
- Hondo’s on Main: Housed in a cute traditional building, the menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and kids’ food they’ll love.
- Woerner Warehouse: Bakery and cafe serving bistro style and flavorful dishes on Lincoln Street.
Fine dining
- Vaudeville Bistro & V Supper Club: Housed in a renovated three-story landmark building, great dinner menu with a great wine selection.
- Sage Restaurant: Intimate indoor setting perfect for date night.
- Otto’s German Bistro: Upscale farm-to-table German dishes and drinks.
On fine-dining establishments, we recommend making reservations ahead of time.
Gourmet snacks and candy
- Big Pop’s Popcorn Company: All things popcorn!
- Quintessential Chocolates: Perfect location for wine-filled chocolate assortments.
- Lone Star Candy Shop: Kids will love the assortment of candy, fudge, and chocolate-covered sweets.
The Best Places to Shop
There is no shortage of shopping options in downtown Fredericksburg as it has over 150 shops and boutiques. All you need to do is head down to Main Street, where all the main shops are located.
Visitors can also head to the Warehouse District, Fredericksburg Trade Days, or Marktplatz to find some unique items. From clothing, home decor, antiques, wine, kitchenware, and “pawfect” accessories for your furry best friend. Here are some of the places to shop you’ll find in downtown Fredericksburg.
- All Gussied Up: Women’s apparel
- Artisans, A Texas Gallery: Collection of fine arts
- Carousel on Main: Men’s and women’s apparel, home decor, and gifts
- Itz Market: fresh pecans, canned goods, and preserves
- Hudson & Taylor the Corner Store: Gift shop
- Fredericksburg Jewelers: one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, artifacts, and artwork
- The Grasshopper: Gallery of international and local fine gifts and wood items
- Dogologie: All things you need to spoil your pups.
Our recommendation is to walk up and down Main Street and explore all the shops that may interest you. There is a little bit of everything for everyone.
The Best Attractions to Visit
Pioneer Museum Complex
If you would like to learn more about the history of Fredericksburg, you can visit the Pioneer Museum Complex to learn about the German heritage of Gillespie County. It is a 3.5-acre museum complex where you can explore homesteads, including a schoolhouse, a Sunday house, and a smokehouse showcasing how the settlers lived.
Markplatz
The Markplatz (Central Market) serves as the center for annual activities and festivals, such as Oktoberfest, Christmas Markets, PCAA concert series, and Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market
Vereins Kirche Museum
Across the street from the Pioneer Museum Complex is the Markplatz, which houses the Vereins Kirche Museum. Vereins Kirche translates to Society Church, and it was the first public building in downtown Fredericksburg in 1847. The current structure is a replica of the original building that serves as a museum showcasing the German settlement in the area and the Texas Hill Country history..
National Museum of the Pacific War
On East Austin Street, you will find the National Museum of the Pacific War, depicting some of the major WWII events in the Pacific. It houses the Admiral Nimitz Gallery, the Plaza of the Presidents, and a Japanese Garden of Peace.
Other areas in and around downtown Fredericksburg that you can visit and explore include the nearby state parks, and fun activities fit for different types of travelers.
- Fort Martin Scott Historic Site
- Wildseed Farms
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park
Unique Fredericksburg Experiences
Haunted Fredericksburg Ghost Walks
For those who are interested in the paranormal or who like to hunt for ghosts, you can attend one of the Haunted Fredericksburg Ghost Walks to learn some of the local folklore history. We also recommend a visit to the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, where they show a free 10-minute movie about the history of Fredericksburg.
It is also one of the only locations in downtown Fredericksburg with additional free parking and public restrooms (you can find additional restrooms at the Markplatz).
Take a Wine Tour
When you think of wine country, the first things that come to mind are probably Sonoma and Napa Valley. However, Texas Hill Country is home to over 100 wineries and vineyards, making it an excellent place for wine lovers. Fredericksburg Wine Tours is the perfect way to get a guided tour through Texas Hill Country’s local blends.
Wine Tasting Rooms on Main Street
The Texas Hill Country has over 60 unique wineries, with many of them located on the Wine Route 290 as you arrive in downtown Fredericksburg, perfect for a day trip during your time in town. Because Fredericksburg serves as the center of the Texas Wine Country, many visitors will find various tasting rooms on Main Street for those unable to visit the wine estates and vineyards.
Texas wines have won state and national awards for their flavors and aromas, so you will certainly enjoy some white and reds during your trip. Most wineries around Gillespie County also offer tours of their facilities.
For visitors who wish to stay within walking distance of downtown Fredericksburg, you can still get a taste of the local vineyards in the following wine-tasting room on Main Street:
- Perspective Cellars (247 E Main St)
- Texas Vineyards & Beyond (329 ½ E Main St)
- Texas Wine Cellars, ETC. (217 ½ E Main St)
- Velvet Lounge (401 E Main St)
- 78624 The Bar (229 E Main St)
- Der Daiwel (321 E Main St)
- Andreucci Wineroom (401 E Main St #1C)
- Becker Vineyards on Main (307 E Main St)
- Ferris & Flecht Wine Co. (409 E Main St)
- Grape Creek Vineyards on Main (223 E Main St)
- Elk Store Winery & Distillery (327 E Main St)
But wines are not the only drinks you will get to taste since many breweries and distilleries craft tasty beers and spirits. Here are some of the best wineries and breweries you can visit around downtown Fredericksburg.
- Fiesta Winery 290
- Alexander Vineyards
- Cicada Cellars
- Fat Ass Ranch & Winery
- Altstadt Brewery
- Dietz Distillery
- Luckenback Road Whiskey
Enjoy Downtown Fredericksburg
We hope this visitor’s guide to downtown Fredericksburg gives you a taste of all the amazing things there are to see and do in this small German town, all within a small distance of one of our many guesthouse and vacation rentals.
Whether you are planning to visit as a couple, with the family, or on a girl’s trip to celebrate upcoming nuptials, downtown Fredericksburg is a place we can guarantee will give you some pretty unique memories of your time here. We even dare say you will come back for more.
Featured Image Credit: ShengYing Lin
