Fredericksburg is about halfway between Richmond and Washington, D.C., full of Colonial and Civil War history. It is also an excellent destination for a three-day gateway from the central city. Even though the city has a fascinating history, there are also many enjoyable things to do in the downtown area, such as award-winning breweries, restaurants, and shops in the downtown area. Take Friday off from work and use this step-by-step guide to Fredericksburg for a long relaxing weekend away from the office.
Book Your Stay Ahead
There are many places to stay in Fredericksburg, which is why it is often called the “unique lodging capital of Texas.” Whether you choose a modern hotel, a historic log cabin, a quaint inn, or a room with a beautiful view, you’ll feel right at home. Find the perfect place to stay while you’re away.
Stayonera is something to keep an eye out for if you like a high-end classy staycation. With 8 elegant properties from Onera, you can blend in with nature, making your 3-day vacation the perfect time to relax and think.
Immerse yourself in luxury and the natural beauty of Texas Hill Country, and book your escape beforehand.
First 24 Hours
Stop by the Visitor Information Center when you get to Fredericksburg for a friendly welcome, maps, directions, information about where to eat and what to do, and more. Be sure to take 10 minutes to watch the welcome video that talks about Fredericksburg’s history and sights. There are also public restrooms, free WiFi, and free parking at the Visitor Information Center.
For lunch, you can have a picnic at one of the picnic tables in the shade at the Visitor Information Center or buy a sandwich and eat it at your lodging place.
Spend the afternoon exploring historic Main Street, which is rich in history. Learn more about the unique limestone architecture by taking a walking tour of the nationally known historic district.
Then go to Main Street and shop until you drop off. More than 150 shops, boutiques, art galleries, and other places are owned by people in the area.
Insider traveler tip: Most of the shops on Main Street are open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but keep in mind that these are locally owned and run businesses, so hours vary.
You can have dinner at one of our restaurants, whether you want a casual place with patio seating or a place with fine dining.
Second Day @48 Best Hours
Now, plan your second day as per the activity that you would like to enjoy.
Visit the Pioneer Museum to learn about Fredericksburg’s history and culture. Learn about how Fredericksburg was started more than 175 years ago by visiting historic Sunday Houses and an old school house.
Stop by the National Museum of the Pacific War, a Smithsonian Affiliate museum that honors everyone who fought in World War II in the Pacific Theater.
Insider traveler tip: You can go into the museum from Wednesday to Monday, but the grounds are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There are only a few tickets available at the door, so it’s best to make a reservation. With special VIP tickets, you can get in for two days.
If wine is more your thing, there are more than 50 vineyards and tasting rooms in the area where you can try award-winning Texas wines. Most have places to sit outside where you can enjoy the nice weather and small bites that go well with it. And for those who don’t like wine, there are some great breweries and distilleries in Fredericksburg.
Tonight is perfect for a hearty German meal after a long day exploring the Texas Hill Country. In Fredericksburg, there are several places to eat and drink German food and beer.
Last 72 Hours to Treasure
Get up early this morning for a hike to the top of Enchanted Rock that will blow your mind. You can see all around you as the sun rises, and it will be cooler. Bring a lot of water, especially if you plan to stay here for most of the day.
Or, you can take a leisurely walk up to historic Cross Mountain, which has 360-degree views of the Texas Hill Country, and picnic tables where you can eat breakfast.
Insider traveler tip: You can make reservations for Enchanted Rock up to 30 days ahead of time. Weekends and holidays are the only times’ reservations are required to get into the park. The park has the most visitors in the spring. The Summit Trail is not a place for pets. When it starts to rain or when it’s full, the park has to close.
If you want to go on an adventure at night, you can stay in the park until 10 p.m. and look at the stars. Enchanted Rock is a member of the International Dark Sky Association and is one of the best places in Texas to look at the stars. Don’t forget to bring your flashlights with you when you walk back to your car.
You can end the night with live Texas music at one of the restaurants in the area that has live music, or you can go to Luckenbach, Texas, which is famous for two-stepping. Most Friday and Saturday nights, the historic dance hall has concerts, and picker circles take place every day under the oak trees.
If you are a seasonal person…
Depending on the time of year you visit, there are many things you can do in the afternoon. When springtime rolls around, stop by Wildseed Farms. It is the largest working wildflower farm in the country.
From the middle of May to the middle of August, you can stop and try some of the sweetest and most juicy peaches in Texas. In the fall, you can spend time outside by riding a horse through Fredericksburg or going on a ghost tour of the city.
One of the best times to visit the town is during the holidays when you can ice skate and do other fun things.
