Most Popular Things to Do in Fredericksburg, Texas

Frolicking through flower fields, sipping local wines, and hiking mountains are only a handful of the best things to do in Fredericksburg, TX. With the stunning scenery of Texas Hill Country as a backdrop, this home base for sophisticated adult outings is a wanderlust-filled dream and an ideal addition to any Texas road trip itinerary.

Fredericksburg is a charming historic town settled by German immigrants back in 1846. Even the tourism in the area remains true to its roots with top tourist attractions such as historical museums, monuments, and pioneer villages at the forefront of every bucket list. 

Wondering what to do on your Hill Country vacation? Start planning the ultimate trip to Texas Wine Country with this list of the best places to visit in Fredericksburg, TX.

Must-see places to visit in Fredericksburg, TX

National Museum of the Pacific War

All history buffs need to make time to visit the National Museum of the Pacific War during their trip to Fredericksburg, TX. Throughout the four main exhibits—Pearl Harbor, Doolittle Raid, Iwo Jima Victory, and Okinawa and the Atomic Bomb—you’ll learn all about the American contribution to the Pacific war during WWII. 

National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War is home to copious precious war artifacts, warplanes, submarines, war hero awards, and authentic bomb casings. To complete your experience, be sure to watch some of their feature video presentations, which will be sure to tug on your heartstrings.

Pioneer Museum

One of the top points of interest in Fredericksburg, TX, the Pioneer Museum sits on a 3.5-acre pocket of farmland, once belonging to the German pioneers who first settled in the area. The museum complex comprises 19th-century German homes amidst a pecan tree grove. It features a collection of historic buildings including a schoolhouse, bathhouse, and smokehouse.

Centrally located on Main Street, the Pioneer Museum makes for a great last-minute addition to your Fredericksburg itinerary. You’re free to roam the grounds at your pace and imagine life as a local pioneer. A trip to the museum can take as little as an hour, so there’s really no reason not to go.

Marktplatz von Fredericksburg

Marktplatz von Fredericksburg is an undeniable highlight of any Fredericksburg sightseeing experience. This park, located in the center of town, holds a lot of importance for the locals as it is the historical site of the town’s first school and church. 

There’s almost always something going on at Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, from festivals and concerts to farmers’ markets and fairs. Of course, even if there’s nothing on the calendar during your stay, the park is a lovely area to have a picnic or let your kids get some energy out on the playground. 

If you happen to be visiting during the winter holidays, plan a visit to Marktplatz von Fredericksburg to visit its outdoor skating rink. No skates? No problem. You can rent some right onsite.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area gives off a totally different vibe than the other nature parks in Fredericksburg, TX. It boasts more rugged and desert-like landscapes with cactus flanking trails of hot red sand. This pink granite giant has long been the source of Native American legends and is now one of the top tourist destinations in Fredericksburg for hiking, rock climbing, and cultural learning. 

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Located on Ranch Road 965, Enchanted Rock State Park is home to over 8 miles of hiking trails. The Loop Trail is the longest, most difficult trail, circumventing the entirety of the park. The effort is well worth it, though.

During your hike, you’ll dazzle at 360-degree views of the impressive batholith and enjoy spectacular photo opportunities. Of course, you’ll also want to tack on an ascent of Enchanted Rock itself with a quick detour up the Summit Trail.

Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Texas Hill Country—and that’s not even the most impressive thing you’ll see. You’ll feel as though you have been transported to a whole new world as you explore the summit’s ultra-rare vernal pools.

If you’ve got extra time, set up camp for an evening of stargazing. Enchanted Rock is a designated gold-tier, Dark Sky Park. It’s considered one of the most dazzling places to view shooting stars, constellations, and the Milky Way in Hill Country.

Old Tunnel State Park

A day trip to Old Tunnel State Park, located on Old San Antonio Road is a must during your Texas Hill Country vacation. Let the hustle and bustle of daily life melt away as you reconnect with nature and hike through mile-after-mile of nature trails.

Old Tunnel State Park

As you explore Old Tunnel State Park, be sure to plan a stop to see the park’s namesake, the cobbled train tunnel that once connected Fredericksburg to the San Antonio Railway. 

The main spectacle at Old Tunnel State Park, however, is the colony of Mexican free-tailed bats residing in the old railroad tunnel. Every night, you can gather around the tunnel entrance and watch these beloved residents, three million strong, wake from their slumber and fly out into the night sky. Park rangers are often stationed at these viewing areas to give onlookers conservation tips and fun facts about the bats.

Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm

The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm is an important piece of Fredericksburg history. It was once the private homestead of local legends: the Saurs, followed by the Beckman’s. The settled acreage has, over the years, been turned from a working farm into an interactive historical museum.

Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm

On a visit to the Sauer-Beckmann Farm, you can expect to observe daily homesteading activities such as gardening, churning butter, collecting eggs, blacksmithing, and knitting. All park staff members are dressed in historical garments. You’ll truly feel like you have been transported back in time to experience a quieter, settler lifestyle.

The farm is a part of the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site. You should plan enough time to embark on one of their free tours during your visit.

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park

Need to add a little nature to your Fredericksburg trip? Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is a great location for wildlife viewing while remaining close to town.

Wander the pretty gardens, serving as a natural butterfly habitat. Watch a family of swans, often seen pruning on the riverbank, or set out on the walking trail where deer sightings are common. As it’s only three miles from Main Street, a visit to the park should fit perfectly into any travel schedule.

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is also the epicenter of outdoor recreation in Fredericksburg. The park includes sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, a public pool, a stocked creek for fishing, and several playgrounds—all available for patrons to enjoy.

Grape Creek Vineyards

One of the most prized vineyards of Texas Wine Country is Grape Creek Vineyards. And lucky for you, it’s located in Fredericksburg. Though the patios and restaurants are reserved for members, first-time visitors can participate in a flight tasting or hop on the tram and tour their gorgeous estate. 

If you love your pour—and we’re certain you will!—you can even use your tasting fee as a credit towards bringing a bottle home.

Feeling like a little bubbly to celebrate your holiday? Not to worry. Grape Creek’s sister vineyard, Heath Sparkling Wines is located right on site. Heath is actually the first vineyard in Texas to specialize in sparkling varieties, so visiting is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Fredericksburg, TX, for wine lovers.

Pacific Combat Zone

The Pacific Combat Zone is an external exhibit of the National Museum of the Pacific War. Be sure to plan your visit at the same time—it’s just a quick away and admission is donation-based. 

Put yourself in a soldier’s shoes and step into history. In this interactive recreation of the battlefield on the Pacific Islands, you’ll peruse exhibits of artifacts, and watch live reenactments and weapon demonstrations. 

At the Pacific Combat Zone, you’ll also have the opportunity to get up close and personal with authentic, retired military equipment such as boats and planes.

Vereins Kirche Museum

An affiliate of the Pioneer Museum, the Vereins Kirche Museum is one of the top Fredericksburg tourist attractions. This multi-function church and schoolhouse was one of the first real meeting places of Fredricksburg, built in the town square in 1847.

Vereins Kirche Museum

Unfortunately, the original building was demolished in 1897. It didn’t take long for the city to realize that this important monument needed to be resurrected.

A replica of Vereins Kirche was built in 1945. Today, it acts as a showcase of vintage toys, photographs, artwork, and artifacts that work together to tell the story of Fredericksburg, Texas.

Vereins Kirche has become an iconic symbol of Fredericksburg, with its image gracing the city logo, school district crests, and on nearly every street sign.

Historic Fort Martin Scott

Another one of Fredericksburg’s historical gems, Historic Fort Martin Scott helps to paint the picture of the town’s military past. The site was an outpost for the U.S army for a short period of time between 1848 and 1853. It’s documented as the first fort on the Texas Frontier. 

Though many of the original buildings at Historic Fort Martin Scott have been damaged or closed to the public, one original guardhouse remains. You’ll also find replicas of officers’ quarters, a general store, and a jail. Each exhibit is accompanied by informational plaques explaining each building’s function at the fort.

Admission to Historic Fort Martin Scott is free and tours are self-guided. Need more info? You can always stop by the visitor’s center where volunteers will gladly enlighten you about the site’s history.

Wildseed Farms

The pride of Texas Hill Country, Wildseed Farms is the largest wildflower farm in the United States, growing over 200 acres of beautiful blooms. 

Wildseed Farms

If you’d like to visit Wildseed Farms during your Fredericksburg trip, be sure to visit during peak wildflower season. The peak bloom runs from February to October. The farm, however, is open year-round to visitors.

Visiting during wildflower season, you’re guaranteed the most spectacular views. You’ll also have an option to visit the farm’s newest addition. Wildseed Farms is now home to a butterfly garden where you can watch a handful of native species drink nectar and take flight.  

Fun fact: You can actually grab a glass of wine from Wildseed Farm’s private vineyard and bring it with you as you navigate the pathways and trails through the flower fields.

Before heading home, you should also plan to try their infamous peach ice cream, exclusively made with locally grown fruits. According to locals, this sweet treat is legendary!

Cross Mountain

Cross Mountain has been of historical and cultural importance in Fredricksburg throughout the years. Before settlers even began to make their way to the town, the limestone hill was used as a lookout by indigenous tribes.

The original wood cross at Cross Mountain was erected in 1847 as settlement began to increase. In 1946, the Fredricksburg icon was replaced with the cross we see today. Now, tourists travel from all over to see the cross lit up in the sky and to climb to the overlook.

If it fits into your schedule, making the trek in the early evening is worthwhile to see the cross illuminated and the sun sinking over the horizon. The park does close at dusk, but the hike is relatively short and easy.

If you’d like to extend your stay, you can always arrive earlier in the afternoon and have a picnic in one of three designated areas before ascending Cross Mountain.

Admiral Nimitz Gallery

Another external exhibit of the National Museum of the Pacific War, the newly opened Admiral Nimitz Gallery aims to tell the unique stories of the heroes of the Pacific fleet during WWII. Of course, the story of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, local to Fredericksburg, is the focal point of this honorary gallery. 

Admiral Nimitz Gallery

Throughout the exhibit, you will navigate interactive learning experiences, watch inspiring video presentations, and browse these heroes’ personal heirlooms, including medals of honor and uniforms. 

Texas Rangers Heritage Center

Located at Fort Martin Scott off Highway 290, the Texas Rangers Heritage Center is one of the coolest places to go in Fredericksburg for a quick pit stop or an afternoon of entertainment. At the center, you will find several historical monuments, including the Ring of Honour, the Campanelli Bell Tower, and a bronze sculpture of a texas ranger from the 1800s. 

That said, the Texas Rangers Heritage Center is more commonly frequented by those looking for western and cowboy-themed special events. Live country music performances and chuckwagon dinners are hosted all throughout the year. Be sure to check their events calendar prior to your holiday.

Becker Vineyards

You cannot visit Texas Wine Country and only visit one vineyard. Here’s another you’d be crazy to miss:  Becker Vineyards. Especially if you’re looking for somewhere to take in the sunset on a romantic getaway, you won’t find a prettier view in Fredricksburg than looking out over Becker’s 56 acres of grapevines, lavender fields, and historic windmill.

During your visit, be sure to indulge in a flight (or two) inside the stone chateau or outside on the verandah. The flight even includes a Becker Vineyards wine glass to take home.

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You can upgrade your experience to include a premium charcuterie platter, which seems like a given! (What goes together better than fine wine and cheese?)

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site

The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site is one of the most interesting places to see in Fredericksburg for visiting history buffs. Located west of Johnson City, this historic site surrounds former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s home in the countryside. Here, you can wander the visitor center, explore historic cabins and take a picture with vintage horse-drawn carts.

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This historic site is so much more than just a museum. Within the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park boundaries, you can watch the resident bison and longhorn cattle graze in the pastures, go for a hike on nature trails past wildflower fields, and even go for a swim at the onsite pool.

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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