German heritage and winemaking traditions may not spring to mind when you think of Texas, but they are Fredericksburg’s claims to fame. Wine-tasting tours are undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in this Texas Hill Country town, where you'll also find historic homes and scenic hiking trails at parks such as the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Fredericksburg’s German roots shine at the Pioneer Museum, Marktplatz town square, and the local restaurants, which are equally about brats and brews as they are Tex-Mex and barbecue.
Though Fredericksburg is hot in October, with daytime temperatures hovering between 75°F (24°C) and 85°F (29°C), the town is alive with its biggest celebrations of the year: Oktoberfest at the start of the month and the Food & Wine Fest at the end. It’s also fun to visit in the slightly cooler months of March, April, and May, when Texas bluebonnets and other spring wildflowers begin to blanket the Hill Country.
Fredericksburg is within a 90-minute drive from Austin and San Antonio, and you can get to most of the area’s wineries and state parks in about 20 minutes. Oftentimes, you can park your car and leave it; Fredericksburg is known for its walkable Main Street, while trolley tours can show you the town’s highlights in comfort. Most wine tours include a shuttle service, though taxis and rideshare apps are also available.
There’s more to Fredericksburg’s outdoorsy activities than Enchanted Rock. For offbeat fun, head to Old Tunnel State Park, where an abandoned railroad tunnel provides shelter for millions of bats from May through October. Some of the best spring wildflower viewing is on the scenic Willow City Loop, and in the summer, Das Peach Haus is locals’ preferred farmstead to stock up on Fredericksburg’s famous peaches and enjoy fun by the pond.
