Finding yourself in Fredericksburg is truly like finding yourself in a part of the Old World. Fredericksburg, with its German flair, historic buildings, attractions, outdoor activities, shopping and fine food, offers something for the entire family.
Fredericksburg has always prized its deep German roots that stem from its founding in 1846 by a group of German settlers led by John O. Meusebach.
State Attractions and More…
Among Fredericksburg area attractions are three state parks, one municipal park, one wildlife management area and a national park. They are the Admiral Nimitz State Historical Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, LBJ State and National Parks, Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park and The Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area.
The National Museum of the Pacific War is dedicated to everyone who served in the Pacific in World War II under Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Admiral Nimitz, the last of the five star admirals, was a native son of Fredericksburg. His grandparents were among the first settlers in the community and were the builders and proprietors of the Steamboat Hotel (c. 1852), the original building on the site. The complex now consists of (1) the Admiral Nimitz Museum (the restored hotel), which houses on the first floor the history of Fredericksburg and the story of Admiral Nimitz’s life; (2) the George Bush Gallery with life size and lifelike exhibits from American and Japanese battles during the War in the Pacific; (3) the Garden of Peace, a gift from the people of Japan; (4) the Pacific Combat Zone, lined with rare aircraft, tanks and guns from that era; (5) the Memorial Wall, commemorating individuals and groups from the war; (6) the Plaza of the Presidents, which recognizes the World War II contributions of ten U.S. Presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to George Bush; and (7) the Admiral Nimitz Foundation Bookstore, filled with hundreds of books and gifts relating to WW II.
Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock is a 1,643-acre park that is home to the second largest granite dome in North America. The grounds feature 60 primitive campsites as well as shade and picnic areas. A moderately strenuous trail leads visitors to the top for a spectacular view, while other areas provide challenges for serious rock climbers. Enchanted Rock received its name through Indian folklore that was passed through generations of native tribes.
LBJ State and National Parks…
The LBJ State and National Parks offer a historical look at the late President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson. The orientation/visitor center for the national park is located in Johnson City, as well as the Boyhood Home and the Johnson Settlement. At the LBJ Ranchlands, located 16 miles east of Fredericksburg near Stonewall, a guided bus tour shows visitors the Texas White House, Old Junction School, LBJ’s Birthplace and the Johnson Family cemetery. An additional attraction at the LBJ State Park is the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farmstead that depicts pioneer farm life.
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, located approximately three miles from Main Street, features an 18-hole golf course, picnic pavilions, The Live Oak Wilderness Trail, a swimming pool, an RV park and a “fishing hole.”
The Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area, or otherwise known as “The Bat Tunnel”, is open nightly from June through October. This abandoned railroad tunnel has become home to over one million Mexican free-tailed bats, which emerge each evening around dusk.
Historical Attractions
Fredericksburg is also filled with historical attractions such as the Vereins Kirche (Society’s Church) and the Pioneer Museum Complex that are both owned by the Gillespie County Historical Society. The Pioneer Museum Complex provides a glimpse of early life in Fredericksburg. Included on the site are the Kammlah House and Store, the Fassel Home, the Walton-Smith Log Cabin, the Weber Sunday House, the White Oak Schoolhouse and more.
The city’s architecture has also been preserved in a beautiful historic district. One of the outstanding features in the historical district are the quaint Sunday Houses, which are very small homes built in town by the German pioneers. At the time, most of the families lived in the rural areas surrounding Fredericksburg where they farmed and ranched. On weekends, however, they came to town to get supplies, visit neighbors and attend church and stayed in their “in town” homes giving them the name, “Sunday House.”
Special Events for Everyone
In addition to attractions, Fredericksburg is always brimming with activity with more than 50 special events and festivals held annually. Events include: The Easter Fires Pageant, horse race meets, Fourth of July Parade, Night In Old Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest, Oktoberfest, arts and crafts fairs, homes tours, Gillespie County Fair, Weihnachten in Fredericksburg and many more.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, Gillespie County has excellent hunting for the outdoorsman. The county has an abundant population of white-tailed deer and turkey. Hiking in the state parks and biking on the backroads of the Texas Hill Country are also popular pursuits for visitors.
Dining and More.
Wonderful dining and specialty food items are a tradition as well. Fredericksburg boosts more than 50 restaurants and bakeries that feature German, Bavarian, Texan, Mexican, Chinese and Italian foods. And just in case one is still hungry, homemade delicacies include sausage and meat products, smoked turkey, jams and jellies, fudge and specialty candies, pastries, and breads.
Fredericksburg lies in the top peach producing county in Texas and during June through August the town is filled with road side stands selling peaches and other fruits in season. Grapes also grow well in the Hill Country soil, and the area is the home of seven wineries that have produced award-winning wines, with most open daily for tours and tastings.
Wildflowers Abound at the Wildseed Farms
Fredericksburg is also home to the Wildseed Farms, the largest working wildflower farm in the United States, which includes a retail market, and the Fredericksburg Herb Farm, a celebration of scent and color featuring formal gardens, a tea room, retail shops and a day spa.
For the “shopaholic” in the family, Fredericksburg offers our historic Main Street lined with more than 100 specialty stores. Here one can find items crafted by many Hill Country artisans, fine apparel, home decor, kitchen wares, gift items, and antiques.
Contact Us…
Since there is more to do than a one day trip will allow, Fredericksburg has 700 hotel/motel rooms, over 300 bed and breakfasts/guest houses, and several RV parks and campsites.
To plan a trip to Fredericksburg, located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, call (830) 997-6523 or 1-888-997-3600 (toll-free in the U.S.) to request a free visitor kit or visit www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

Took the family for a weekend getaway in beautiful South Padre Island, Texas this past weekend and they had a blast. The weather was humid, but that is what you get when you are on the Texas coast. We stayed at the Bahia Mar Resort and Conference center and must say that I was pleasantly surprised. From the exterior, the property could use a little sprucing up, but the inside of our two bedroom condo was very nice. It was well-appointed with cool, art-deco style furniture and a full kitchen.
Probably the biggest benefit of staying there was beach front access. We were literally steps away from the pristine waters and my two little girls went wild in the waves.
One thing you can’t forget to do when you go to South Padre Island is eat at Blackbeard’s Restaurant. This neat eatery offers great burgers, steaks and most-importantly some of the finest seafood around. I ate the Shrimp Po-Boy Sandwich and have never tasted such delectable shrimp before. Very fresh!
Be on the lookout for more SPI editorial in my next edition of The Hotel Guide.

The latest digital edition of The Hotel Guide is out and online. It features some of Texas’ finest cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Corpus Christi, The Woodlands, Fredericksburg, Lubbock and so much more. Check out the issue at www.thehotelguide.com and plan your Summer Getaway!