While Austin is packed with personality and loads of things to do, there does come a time when you need to escape the city for a little while. When that time comes, consider heading out on a weekend road trip from Austin to Fredericksburg!
The drive to Fredericksburg from Austin is so great. This part of the Texas Hill Country is packed with charming Texas small towns, wineries, beautiful scenery, and loads of Texas state parks.
So whether you are setting out on a day trip from Austin, or a full blown Texas road trip, allow us to show you all of the fun options on your Austin to Fredericksburg (or Fredericksburg to Austin) drive!
Let’s check out all the things to do between Austin and Fredericksburg! So you can hop in the car and head out on your next adventure!
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What is the Drive Time and Driving Distance Between Austin and Fredericksburg?
There are 78 miles between Austin and Fredericksburg. 78 miles of gorgeous Texas Hill Country scenery that is!
If you were to drive straight from Austin to Fredericksburg, you could make the scenic drive in about 1.5 hours. I mean, really, it is relatively a short distance in Texas!
Don’t do that though! There are too many great places to stop along the route from Austin to Fredericksburg (and Fredericksburg to Austin).
So, commit to a mini-road trip and set out on a new adventure as you venture down Highway 290 (also known as Wine Road 290) stopping in the small towns and attractions along the way!
Tips When Driving From Austin to Fredericksburg
Make Reservations in Advance
If you are planning to see the state parks on your drive from Austin, be sure to check and see if you need reservations in advance. Several of the parks reach capacity quickly and therefor it is safer to have a reservation to ensure entry.
In addition to the parks, the hotels in Fredericksburg fill up on the weekends (I mean, Fredericksburg is a world-class wine region). Because of its popularity, be sure you secure your accommodations in advance if you are planning to spend a few days here.
Hit the Road Hungry
Really, we mean it. Your first stop is a short distance from Austin, and there are great places to grab some breakfast tacos or some lunch, so don’t eat before you leave.
Keep Your Eyes Open For Additional Stops
This area of Texas is full of little roadside stands (especially produce) and great little independent shops. Keep your eyes open and don’t be afraid to just drop in if something looks interesting to you.
This is especially true if you are traveling during the peach season (summer). The roadside produce stands have delicious fresh peaches and other produce for you to enjoy!
These roadside stands often have great salsas and other homemade good that make fabulous souvenirs from Texas.
Read Next: Weekend Getaways in Texas
Where to Stop on Your Austin to Fredericksburg Road Trip
As we mentioned above, the drive from Austin to Fredericksburg is one of the most scenic drives and full of great places to stop. This makes the distance between these two cities seem even shorter.
Honestly, a Fredericksburg road trip from Austin is so great that you might find yourself doing it time and time again!
Dripping Springs
As you head west on Highway 290, the “Gateway to the Hill Country” is waiting for you in the small town of Dripping Springs, Texas.
Dripping Spring is the definition of small town Texas and a great place to make your first stop on your Austin to Fredericksburg drive. Offering wineries, a cute downtown, and the infamous Hamilton Pool.
While Hamilton Pool is a bit out of the way for your Austin to Fredericksburg road trip, if you have never visited, I would highly recommend it as it is one of the best waterfalls in Texas and a great swimming hole.
Just be sure you make your reservations on their website in advance as this popular Texas swimming hole reaches capacity quickly!
If you want to stay close to the route, then check out the cute Mercer Street in Dripping Springs on this stop. Mercer Street is located a block off of Highway 290 and is full historic buildings housing cute boutique shops.
If you want to spend more time in Dripping Springs, then you can check out the many Hill Country wineries and distilleries in the area. Some of our favorites include Dripping Springs Distilling, Deep Eddy Vodka, Duchman Family Winery, and Fall Creek Vineyards.
Pedernales Falls State Park
A visit to Pedernales Falls State Park is a must on your drive from Austin to Fredericksburg. This is a Texas favorite as it is one of the Texas state parks near San Antonio and Austin!
The water falling over the beautiful limestone rocks is a gorgeous sight to behold. People love walking along the rocks through the falls when the water levels are low.
Speaking of water levels, be aware that this area is prone to flash flooding and the water levels rise quickly. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather during your visit to this state park.
Although you cannot swim in the falls, there is a designated swimming area in the park. This park also has miles of hiking trails, areas for horseback riding, camping, and more.
If you’re hungry, then stop in for lunch at Fat Boy Burgers as you enter into your next stop, Johnson City. This no frills restaurant serves up some delicious burgers!
This is also a great area to see the bluebonnets in Texas if you are visiting during the springtime!
Johnson City
A stop in Johnson City, Texas just makes sense or your Austin to Fredericksburg road trip. I mean, you pass right through this cute little Texas town.
Take time to explore the antique shops and look at the town square while here. If you want to relax for a few minutes, then you can grab a drink at Pecan Street Brewing in the center of town.
A short detour from Johnson City on Robinson Road will lead you to one of the great wineries in this area, Texas Hills Vineyard.
You can also visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Visitors Center while in Johnson City. This area features information and memorabilia from the life of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson.
On the way out of town, you can also visit the Johnson Settlement, home of President Johnson’s grandparents.
Hye
Your route to Fredericksburg will then take you through the tiny little town of Hye, Texas. And when I say tiny, I mean tiny!
It’s up to you if you stop here or not, but if you never have, then you might as well check it out.
The cute Hye Post Office has been turned into a restaurant, Hye Market. In the summer, Hye Market serves up delicious peach ice cream. Don’t miss it!
This area is also home to some great wineries and distilleries if you want to explore them also. You will see wineries all along Wine Road 290, including a castle winery!
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is located right off of Highway 290, so it is an easy stop when driving from Austin to Fredericksburg.
If you visited the Johnson Settlement that we noted above, then you have already visited park of this historical part. The other part of the LBJ Historical Park is LBJ Ranch located in Stonewall, Texas.
The LBJ Ranch is a fun and interesting stop. Here you can tour the Texas White House, see the active ranch, the one room schoolhouse where President Johnson went to school, his boyhood home, the living history museum, and more.
This is such a unique Texas state park and well worth about an hour of your time!
Luckenbach
Head about 10 minutes off of Highway 290 and you will find yourself in one of the small town in Texas, Luckenbach.
Although it is tiny, Luckenbach is mighty. This town is known for the great country music artists that perform here. With that being said, Luckenbach gets very busy on the weekends when they have live music playing, so plan accordingly.
If you visit Luckenbach during the week, you will find that you have the place virtually to yourself.
The town contains a general store, a post office, and a Texas dance hall. There are great outdoor areas to enjoy the live country music hosted here as well.
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What If I Don’t Want To Drive Myself?
If you don’t want to drive your car from Austin to Fredericksburg, don’t worry, there is another option. Granted you won’t get to stop at all of the stops we mentioned but you will be able to stop at a couple.
You can leave the driving to someone else and take this highly rated group tour. This tour will picks up at downtown Austin hotels and then whisks you into the Texas Hill Country. Your stops include LBJ Ranch, Luckenbach, and time to explore Fredericksburg and stop at a winery.
Book Your Hill Country Day Trip Today!
What to do in Fredericksburg Once You Arrive
There are so many great things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas. I guess that is why this Hill Country city attracts so many people.
Outdoor Activities
If you want more outdoor adventure, then head to Enchanted Rock State Park and climb the giant pink granite dome. Enchanted Rock does get busy on the weekends, so be sure to make reservations in advance if you want to add this to your list.
You will pass Wildseed Farms on your way from Austin to Fredericksburg, so go ahead and add it to your list as well. They have beautiful fields of wildflowers and even sell wildflower seeds in their gift shop!
Make a reservation to see the bats at Old Tunnel State Park if you are spending a few days in Fredericksburg. This magnificent sight takes place May-October when over 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats make their home in the abandoned railroad tunnel on the property.
Check out Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. This park is over 150-acres of outdoor recreation that you are sure to love.
Learn Some History
The Museum of the Pacific War is another popular attraction in the center of Fredericksburg. You might wonder why a national museum is in Gillespie County on the Main St. of Fredericksburg. Well, you see, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz was a leader during World War II was from Fredericksburg. Hence, the National Museum of the Pacific War located in Fredericksburg.
While visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War, be sure to visit the Japanese Garden of Peace and the George Bush Gallery.
Learn about the German heritage of the town by visiting the German Restaurants and the Pioneer Museum.
Fort Martin Scott is a historic Army complex in Fredericksburg. Built in 1848, this fort helped to protect the original settlers to the area. Today, you can tour the fort and see “live” history reenactments.
Drink Some Wine
Of course, no trip to Fredericksburg would be complete without checking out the best wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas. You passed many of them on your drive in from Austin on Highway 290.
Texas wine is strong is this region of Texas, drawing crowds from all over the United States, and especially from the cities of Austin and San Antonio.
Take time to visit several of the wineries in this area to decide which one is your favorite. Just take note, they get very busy on Saturday, so be patient.
During the summer months, be sure to visit Becker Vineyards. Not only do they have a great location and delicious wine, but their lavender fields will be in bloom as well!
Read Next: Driving From Dallas to San Antonio: Best Stops and Tips
Do Some Shopping
Be sure that you take time to shop on Main Street in Fredericksburg also. The Main St. shopping area brings visitors from all over the state.
You will also find many of the Fredericksburg hotels near Main St.
Indulge in All Things Peach
If you are planning your visit in the summer months, then you have to indulge in all of the delicious treats made from Fredericksburg peaches.
There are roadside stands everywhere selling peaches so be on the lookout. The local stores start to incorporate peaches into their cuisine this time of year as well.
You can find peach cobbler, peach wine, peach ice cream and more!
One of my favorite places to sample peach goodies is Das Peach Haus. Das Peach Haus is house in century old German buildings and has everything made of peaches! I’m talking peach jams, peach hot sauce, peach chutney, and more. The best part is you can sample the products before buying!
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About The Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel. Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.