Fredericksburg, founded by German immigrants in the 1840s, is about an hour north of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. The town is now filled with historic limestone buildings, some of the sweetest peaches in the world, luxurious B&Bs, world-class shopping, art galleries, restaurants, wineries, museums, and plenty of outdoor fun.

Get Outdoors

The Texas Hill Country is renowned for the wildflowers that blanket the area from spring through fall. One of the best places to check out the wildflowers—and even pick up seeds to plant at your own home—is at Wildseed Farms. This family-owned business is the country’s largest producer of wildseed, and the fields of flowers that stretch across more than 200 acres, along with the associated birds and butterflies, are breathtaking.

Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg. Photo courtesy Wildseed Farms

About 18 miles north of town is Enchanted Rock, the country’s second largest granite dome, which reaches 500 feet high. the Summit Trail to the top is fairly strenuous, but an easier four-mile Loop Trail is popular with hikers and bikers. Rock climbers prefer the park’s many climbs, including the 1,000-foot-long Enchanted Rock Fissure.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Photo courtesy S. Rawls and Visit Fredericksburg

A Touch of History

Fredericksburg is home to several museums, including the Pioneer Museum, which details the town’s history. the National Museum of the Pacific War, which also includes the Admiral Nimitz Museum, George H.W. Bush Gallery and Japanese Garden of Peace, is a spectacular interactive experience that chronical U.S. life during the Pacific War years and is ideal for visitors of all ages.

George H.W. Bush Gallery at the National Museum of the Pacific War. Photo by Marc Bennett courtesy Visit Fredericksburg

Shop ‘Til You Drop

The quaint shops lining Main Street are filled with unexpected treasures. Art galleries line the street, and you can find everything from contemporary art to Americana to European antiques.

Shopping Main Street in Fredericksburg. Photo by Blake Mistich courtesy Visit Fredericksburg

Be sure to stop by Vaudeville, one of the most unique shops anywhere. It features a gallery with rotating exhibits, a boutique with treasures for your home, a supper club, a gourmet market, and a chic bistro with tasty bites.

Wander off Main Street to find Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqüités for the most unusual treasures. The massive warehouse is filled with French cabinets, antique books, European curiosities, old farm tables, and intriguing industrial objects.

Wine, Dine and Unwind

You won’t go hungry or thirsty on your visit to Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg Herb Farm is a fantasy garden filled with walking paths. You will also be able to check out the luxurious Sunday Haus Cottages, the indulgent Nature’s Spa, farm-fresh dishes at The Farm Haus Bistro, and a selection of homemade soaps and lotion in the gift shop.

Cabernet Grill serves up only Texas wines with its delicious steaks, and portions out the best peach cobbler in the state. Peaches are a specialty in Fredericksburg, so if they’re in season, pick up a few at one of the roadside stands.

Peach cobbler at Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg. Photo by Marc B courtesy Cabernet Grill

One of the best ways to experience Fredericksburg is to head out on Wine Road 290. Now the country’s second most visited wine region, you can visit 15 local wineries.

Vineyards near Fredericksburg, Texas. Photo by Mary Ann McClain courtesy Visit Fredericksburg

For more about Fredericksburg, check out visitfredericksburgtx.com online.