Fredericksburg, Texas, is a small Hill Country town packed with big charm—think wildflowers, wine tastings, and live music under the stars. If you’re visiting for the first time, this one-day itinerary will guide you through authentic flavors, iconic stops, and can’t-miss experiences.
Morning
Start your adventure with a Bavarian-style breakfast at Old German Bakery and Restaurant, a cozy downtown favorite where the portions are as generous as the hospitality. Family-run since 1998, it sits at 225 W Main. Indulge in the signature German pancake—a light, oven-baked delicacy topped with powdered sugar and lemon. For something heartier, order the menu’s German Pancake with eggs and meat to add scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage. Swing by the pastry counter before you leave for warm streusels, danishes, and pretzels made from scratch every morning. Try to arrive before 9 a.m. if you want to beat the rush—this place fills up fast, especially on weekends.
Head to Wildseed Farms, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm. Wander past vibrant rows of Texas bluebonnets, poppies, and other seasonal blooms along a half-mile ADA-friendly trail (prime color is March–May, though there’s always something blooming). The farm is free to visit, making it a budget-friendly way to soak up Hill Country beauty. After a peaceful stroll, grab a glass or tasting flight of Fredericksburg peach wine in the open-air tasting room (flights are about $25). Prefer a pint? Order one in the Brewbonnet Biergarten, then swing by the nursery for Texas-native seeds, plants, and garden décor.
Next, embark on a scenic cruise down the 13-mile Willow City Loop Scenic Drive. Marvel at rolling hills, wildflowers, rugged cliffs, and striking overlooks. If you’re visiting between March and May, you’re in for a treat—spring blooms paint the hills in bright shades of blue, purple, red, pink, and white. Wildlife is abundant—white-tailed deer are common, and you might spot longhorns or even bison behind private-ranch fences, though bison sightings are a pleasant surprise, not a guarantee. Stay in your vehicle; the road weaves through private property.
Afternoon
Fuel up with an authentic German lunch at The Auslander, a downtown staple where live polka (most Thursdays–Saturdays) and a bustling biergarten make it feel like Oktoberfest all year long. Grab a table in the Bavarian-inspired dining room or dine al fresco. Dig into traditional bratwurst, or order the Jägerschnitzel—breaded pork loin cutlet smothered in mushroom gravy. Pair your meal with a side of German potato salad—it’s a fan favorite. Looking to embrace the Oktoberfest energy? Choose from more than fifty German and Texas beers. If you’ve got room for dessert, don’t skip the warm apple strudel served with creamy vanilla sauce.
Hop aboard the 290 Wine Shuttle to explore Texas Hill Country’s most popular vineyards. The shuttle loops roughly every ten minutes on Fridays (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and stops at 17 partner wineries, so you can hop on and off at your own pace for about $49.99 per day. Immerse yourself in a Tuscan-inspired setting at Grape Creek Vineyards or indulge in curated wine flights at Signor Vineyards. Many wineries either serve food, host on-site food trucks, or allow picnics, so check the shuttle website ahead of time to plan your adventure. If you plan to visit Grape Creek or Heath Sparkling Wines, make a reservation in advance—both enforce capacity limits and member-only areas.
Evening
Dine like a local with an upscale meal at Cabernet Grill, tucked inside the Cotton Gin Village. The rustic-chic hotspot is known for an exclusively Texas wine list that now tops 150 labels, chosen specifically to complement the restaurant’s menu. Come early to unwind in the Gin Mill Lounge before your meal. Sip craft cocktails made with Texas spirits, like the Cherry Mint Bramble or Sunset Sangria. When it’s time to eat, start with the Texas Twinkies, bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with beer sausage and cheddar, served with jezebel dip. Try the chicken-fried ribeye topped with lobster or the pan-seared Gulf flounder. If you’re visiting over the weekend, don’t forget to book reservations.
Don’t want to leave the irresistibly charming Cotton Gin Village? You don’t have to—the log cabins you passed on the way to dinner are available for overnight stays. Spend the evening cozied up by the wood-burning fireplace, then wake up to a home-cooked breakfast served in a picnic basket at your door.
Alternatively, cap off your Fredericksburg getaway with a short drive to Luckenbach for an unforgettable night of live music. Established in 1849, the tiny town-turned-iconic venue was made famous by country legends like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Join the many visitors who gather most nights for good music, cold beer, and laid-back vibes under the stars. Catch a solo acoustic set inside the old post office that’s been transformed into a bar, or test your two-stepping skills in the outdoor dance hall beneath the ancient oak trees during ticketed weekend shows. Either way, you’re in for a distinctly Texan night. Bring a lawn chair, dancing shoes, and cash for brews, and pop into the general store for quirky souvenirs. Keep an eye on your watch—Luckenbach is the kind of place that makes it easy to lose track of time.
