After more than 15 years of driving between San Antonio and Austin as a longtime Texas local, I’ve found my favorite detour: Fredericksburg.
Part of the scenic Texas Hill Country, it’s a walkable city with German roots, popular for its array of wineries, boutique hotels, and lively downtown.
Although I love Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg provides a small-town feel that the aforementioned cities — with populations close to a million each — could never quite achieve.
In my opinion, Fredericksburg’s small population of about 12,000 people only lends to its charm. It’s a great break from bigger Texas cities, as it’s less than a two-hour drive from Austin or San Antonio.
Here are a few reasons I visit Fredericksburg twice a year and highly recommend it as a travel destination.
In this area, wine is a huge draw
Fredericksburg is situated in the heart of Texas wine country, so visiting without enjoying one of its many wineries is like a crime in Texas. (Another crime? Dry brisket.)
In Fredericksburg, you can either stop by a multitude of tasting rooms on Main Street or drive out past a ranch or two to find Tuscan-style wineries hidden in plain sight.
One of my favorite wineries is Augusta Vin Winery — and it’s worth the extra drive. I always enjoy sipping reds in the spacious tasting room, with large open windows perfect for taking in the Texas sunshine.
A few other wineries worth visiting in Fredericksburg include the Rhinory for the unique experience of drinking at a rhino reserve, Slate Theory for a touch of modernity, and Grape Creek Vineyards or Barons Creek for classic experiences with beautiful views.
There’s no shortage of great places to grab a meal in Fredericksburg
Consider leaning into the city’s German heritage at The Auslander, one of the many locally owned restaurants on Main Street. Reminiscent of a classic Bavarian beer hall, it has beer, a whole section of schnitzel entrées, sausage plates, and German sandwiches.
For a guest more partial to upscale fare, try The Restaurant at Albert Hotel. It’s fairly new and a great place for date night.
Led by Michelin-starred chef Michael Fojtasek, The Restaurant pays homage to seasonal Texas Hill Country-inspired cuisine with fresh local ingredients (like peaches) and spins on German dishes.
For good Texas barbecue, stop by Junebug’s BBQ. Its menu is filled with smoked meats — the pulled pork is especially impressive — and all the fixings.
Other notable local bites include Vaudeville’s famous gumbo that’s only available on Saturdays, Otto’s decadent cinnamon rolls, and Alstadt Brewery’s ice-cold beer and tasty Reuben sandwiches.
Main Street is also home to several nice coffee shops — and the Old West-themed Java Ranch is my go-to for a perfect iced latte. I also suggest checking out Kaffee Haus and Caliche Coffee and Roasters.
Lastly, if you want to visit an Instagram-worthy spot with lots of bubbly, head down Main Street to the all-pink paradise that is Brooke’s Bubble Bar. It’s a very cute place to snap photos and enjoy a drink.
There’s so much to do and try here, and I know I’ll keep coming back
I often switch up which vineyards, cafés, and eateries I visit, and Fredericksburg’s variety of accommodations makes it easy to change up where I stay, too.
I can sleep in one of several boutique hotels, go for a more rustic stay at the Onera treehouse resort near Main Street, or enjoy a cozy guest cabin at Cross Mountain Vineyards.
Hotels and eateries aside, Main Street also has tons of art galleries, antique shops, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, and more.
I appreciate that I can spend a whole day exploring downtown without ever moving my car. (Plus, I’ve always been able to find ample free parking on Main Street).
If you want to enjoy a big Texas city, check out Austin or even San Antonio. However, if you’re looking for a quieter alternative with a small-town feel, Fredericksburg is a great choice.
After each visit, I know I’ll be back soon.
This story was originally published on September 30, 2025, and most recently updated on October 16, 2026.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The post As a Texas local, I skip the crowds in Austin and head west to a charming nearby city with amazing wineries appeared first on Business Insider.
