There’s an abundance of things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas. Some attractions are very well-known, but it’s also a place where a number of hidden gems lie within the community. Fredericksburg is known for many aspects including a rich German history, the tranquility of the gently sloping landscape of the Hill Country and a bustling downtown adorned with the century-old buildings that rose with the birth of the town from the very beginning. Read below to discover some of the best things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas, and plan to visit some fantastic sites on your next getaway!
Things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas: Wildlife, Wildflowers and Nature:
When journeying down the 290 Wine Trail, travelers will find a treasure that lies not too far from Fredericksburg. Wildseed Farms boasts an abundance of seasonal flowers almost all year long that line the fields just adjacent to the many vineyards that share the rolling landscape. Guests can purchase herbs, flowers and decorative pots at the large outdoor shop as they surround themselves with the beauty of unending blooms.
Several miles off the beaten track of the 290 Wine Trail is a hidden safari tour in the historic town of Grapetown, Texas. Safari-goers can take a tour of the grounds at Grapetown Vineyard and see kangaroos, camels, zebra, ostrich and many other exotic animals. Visitors can plan to
visit during the Grape Stomp or the Fredericksburg Polo Club when events are scheduled.
North State Highway 16 provides a perfect day trip for nature-lovers. Enchanted Rock is the perfect place to hike to find stunning 360° views of the surrounding hills and Willow City Loop boasts of some of the most abundant wildflowers in spring and summer. If you choose to stick closer to the 290 Wine Trail, the Old Tunnel State Park provides nature trails where hikers can view wildlife and wildflowers, and in the summer months, the Mexican free-tailed bats can be seen leaving their home in the Old Train Tunnel every evening.
Things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas: Shopping
Above: Grandma Daisy’s (Main Street Fredericksburg
One thing that is not lacking in the Fredericksburg area is a myriad of boutiques and shops along Main Street and beyond, such as the whimsical store Grandma Daisy’s and The Fredericksburg General Store where tourists can find unusual gifts and trinkets. Visit Lock, Stock and Barrel for a unique kitchen boutique or Savy Rays, a fashionable clothing shoppe that is nestled inside of Fiesta Winery’s Main Street tasting room. Along the 290 Wine Trial, shoppers can discover unusual treasures and bohemian-style clothing in the Magnolia Pearl or, for those who are searching for a country genre, Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters is a great stop.
Things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas: History
Above: The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
Right: The historic U.S. Post-Office in Luckenback, Texas
One of the most well-known historic attractions in the Fredericksburg area is the Lyndon B Johnson State Park and Historic Site, a Texas State heritage project that works to preserve the historic home of President Johnson and his wife, known as Lady Bird Johnson. In the same day, visitors to the Hill Country can also visit the historic town of Luckenbach where the history of Carl Luckenbach and the Engel family come to life along the South Grape Creek. Museums such as the Pioneer Museum, which will educated visitors about the early days of Fredericksburg, and the National Museum of the Pacific War which is housed in the old Nimitz Hotel and allows guests to learn about the life story of Admiral Nimitz which stretches from his childhood in Fredericksburg to his naval career during WWII and the eventual evolution of the old hotel.
Visit Fredericksburg’s One-Stop Destination for Relaxation
Just slightly southeast of town, there’s unique location where visitors can find a single-stop destination where one can discover all the charm that Fredericksburg has to offer. At Arch Ray Resort, guests can relax in a tranquil atmosphere complimented by one of our many drinks that we offer from our own winery, brewery and distillery. Pair your favorite drink with one of our delicious entrées or order some shareables for the entire table to partake from 1894, our Ranch-to-Table dining experience.
Middle: The Arch Ray Mercantile Shop
Every weekend Arch Ray Resort has live musicians playing outside on the large patio overlooking the serene landscape that slopes down to the peaceful Pedernales, and throughout the year we offer exciting concerts in our large Amphitheatre that can hold several thousand guests. For visitors who like to shop, Arch Ray offers our specialty Mercantile shop with options for everyone from clothing to wine and spirits, from our own line of Wagyu-Angus steaks to glassware, spices and kitchen items.
Visitors can visit for an afternoon, a week, a month or even a lifetime. Arch Ray Resort offers an on-site RV Resort just across the riverbank, but for the one who falls in love with the Texas Hill Country and never wants to leave, we are currently in the building process of a luxury gated community surrounded by the history and beauty of Gillespie County. The community is set right in the heart of the 290 Wine Trail with access to on-site nature trails that bring the raw and serene beauty to every resident’s doorstep.
Be sure to stop by Arch Ray Resort, Fredericksburg’s one-stop destination for peace and tranquility and all-things-Hill-Country, the next time you visit the Texas Hill Country, and become a part of the ever-growing story mixed with family, community and tradition.