Austin to Fredericksburg Road Trip Guide

The drive from Austin and Fredericksburg is a beautiful drive between two of the most popular destinations in Texas! They each offer their own blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

A road trip from Austin to Fredericksburg is a great way to experience the best of both worlds (and two of my favorite Texas spots!) with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

Seriously one of my favorite drives in all of Texas – I just drove it again last week on a summer fun day with my children!

Starting in Austin, visitors can explore the vibrant music scene, indulge in some of the best barbecue in the country, and take in the city’s many museums and art galleries. From there, the drive to Fredericksburg takes about an hour and a half, with stunning views of the Texas Hill Country along the way.

Once in Fredericksburg, visitors can explore the town’s German heritage, with plenty of opportunities to sample local wines, beer, and cuisine. The town is also home to a number of historic sites and museums.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, a road trip from Austin, TX to Fredericksburg, TX is the perfect choice for a Texas road trip!

How Far is Fredericksburg from Austin?

The most common route is to take Highway 290 west, which takes approximately 1.5 hours and covers 78 miles.

This short but amazing road trip showcases some of the best that Texas has to offer. I will usually suggest a scenic route in addition to the fastest route on road trips, but in this case, the direct route is WONDERFULLY SCENIC!

Some of the links below are affiliate links which means that we earn a small commission if you choose to purchase – at no additional cost to you. See our full Privacy Policy here.

Planning the Road Trip

When planning a road trip from Austin to Fredericksburg (or from Fredericksburg TX to Austin TX), there are a few things to consider to for a smooth and fun drive. Here are some tips to help plan the perfect trip.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Fredericksburg is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. In the spring, wildflowers bloom and Hill Country is at its peak beauty. The temperatures are comfortable and close to perfection. In the fall, the leaves change colors mildly and the weather is great for outdoor activities.

Summer can be hot and crowded (but great for swimming holes!), while winter can be chilly and less scenic, but lending the opportunity to explore some of Texas’ best Christmas towns.

Packing Essentials

When packing for the road trip, it’s important to consider the activities you plan to do and the weather. Comfortable clothing and shoes are a must for exploring the town and hiking trails. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are absolutely necessary for protection from the sun.

Don’t forget to bring a camera or great photo taking phone for capturing the beautiful scenery along the way.

I would usually always remind you to pack snacks, but there is not much of a need on this road trip. Roadside stands and small town markets will have plenty to satisfy your hunger and thirst!

Austin Attractions on the Route to Fredericksburg

Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or outdoor enthusiast, Austin has plenty of incredible things to do. You may be based in Austin as a local or flying into Austin-Bergstrom Airport and then moving on to Fredericksburg.

Either way, before leaving this fun city, here are some of the top things to do in Austin!

Austin Hot Spots

Austin is known for its live music scene, and no visit to the city is complete without catching a show. Some famous music venues include the Continental Club, Antone’s, and Stubb’s BBQ.

If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Texas State Capitol, which is the largest state capitol building in the US. You can also explore the LBJ Presidential Library, which features great exhibits on Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency.

Take a walk through the gorgeous Driskill Hotel for a piece of history, beautiful architecture (even the bathrooms!), and a tasty beverage.

We also always recommend a self-guided tour of Austin’s street art! It is one of our must-do activities in Austin as locals. If you prefer to have someone else do the navigating, we love this street art tour. An urban photo shoot around town would also make a GREAT souvenir.

Tasty Eats

Austin has a thriving food scene with a variety of cuisines to choose from. Some of the must-try dishes include breakfast tacos, barbecue, and Tex-Mex.

For a unique dining experience, you can visit the food trucks at South Congress Avenue or East 6th Street. If you’re a beer lover, you can check out the many local breweries, including Jester King Brewery and Austin Beerworks.

Outdoor Activities

Austin has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking, and swimming. You can hike the trails at the Barton Creek Greenbelt or bike along the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail.

If you’re looking to cool off, you’ll definitely want to head to Barton Springs Pool, which is a natural spring-fed pool located in Zilker Park.

Kids will love getting their energy out at Alliance Children’s Park or on the lawn at Auditorium Shores (Bonus! Its a great photo spot too with the skyline over the lake!)

Best Austin to Fredericksburg Road Trip Stops

Dripping Springs

This charming town is known for its wineries, breweries, and distilleries, such as Bell Springs Winery and the Duchman Family Winery, as well as its beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can explore the Hamilton Pool Preserve, which is an absolutely stunning natural swimming hole *be sure to make advance registrations if this is on your itinerary).

Hungry visitors will want to plan a meal here- from farm-to-table cuisine at the Creek Road Cafe to classic Texas barbecue at the Salt Lick BBQ.

Johnson City

The hometown of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, Johnson City is home to the LBJ National Historical Park, which includes the LBJ Ranch and the Texas White House.

Families with children will want to stop by the Science Mill for an AMAZING interactive museum that is fun for all ages. Exhibits are geared toward children 5-12, but there is plenty to keep littler ones entertained. We visited with ages from 2-13, and had to drag them all away after 4 hours!

Pedernales Falls State Park

This stunning park features cascading waterfalls (some of the best waterfalls near Austin) and swimming holes, as well as hiking and biking trails. Expect layers of limestone and a series of pools and rapids that are perfect for swimming, tubing, and hiking. There is also camping, fishing, and birdwatching in the park if you wish to extend your stay here.

Hye

Hye is a cute little stop between Johnson City and Stonewall. If you blink you might miss it! But this charming little stop has beautiful wineries and an old historic post office with some fascinating history to explore.

Stonewall

This small town is home to the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, which includes the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm.

Stonewall is also known for something else very important…Texas peaches! If visiting in the late spring or summer, you absolutely must stop for a box. And if you pick up some homemade ice cream too, you won’t be sorry!

Blanco

If you want to check out the smallest of towns (population 3!) and lavender instead of Stonewall and Johnson City, you can add just a few minutes to your route and hit up Blanco and Luckenbach. Or detour off the main route but head back and see them all for an extra 45 minutes on your total drive time from Austin to Fredericksburg.

Blanco is known for its picturesque courthouse and the Blanco State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and swimming. Blanco is also home to the annual Blanco Lavender Festival and many gorgeous lavender fields nearby.

Luckenbach

Made famous by the Willie Nelson song, Luckenbach is a tiny town with a big personality. Stop by the general store for some live music, cold drinks, and a wonderful taste of history.

Drive from Austin to Fredericksburg Final Destination

Fredericksburg is a charming town in the heart of the Texas Hill Country with plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the best Fredericksburg activities to enjoy your stay there.

Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War is dedicated to telling the story of World War II in the Pacific and is a must-see for history buffs. Check out their calendar to see if any special events, such a fil screenings or behind the scenes presentations, are happening while you are in town.

Pick Your Own Fruit at Jenschke Farms

From blackberries to peaches, strawberries to plums, and plenty of vegetables to boot, this farm is a true gem. They offer an epic Texas corn maze in the Fall, and fruit for picking or just buying in their shop seasonally. We picked 8 pints of blackberries in an hour just last week (May 2023).

Main Street

Fredericksburg’s Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, making it the perfect place to shop or window shop.

Tour the Wineries

Fredericksburg is home to over 50 wineries and vineyards, making it a great destination for wine lovers! Grape Creek Vineyards and Texas Wine Collective are some of the most popular spots to get a glass or two.

Visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

This park features a massive pink granite dome that is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. Avoid the hot summer days for the best experience, and for a real treat check out the area at sunset.

Learn about German heritage

Fredericksburg was founded by German immigrants and is still home to many German restaurants and shops. Be sure to visit the Pioneer Museum to learn more about the town’s history, watch a short informative video (it even kept my kiddos’ attention!), browse the old blacksmith shop, and sit in the old desks at the schoolhouse.

For a fun souvenir for kids, pick up a “Jacob’s Ladder” wooden toy in the gift shop. My kids love theirs and it is a great road trip activity.

Take a scenic drive

The Texas Hill Country is known for its beautiful scenery, and Fredericksburg is a great starting point for a scenic drive! If you are visiting in Spring, please promise me you’ll go see the Texas bluebonnets!

A drive into Marble Falls, a stroll through Wildseed Farms (amazing wildflower farm!), or a drive through Willow City Loop are all great choices!

Oh! Staying overnight in Fredericksburg?!

This lovely town has adorable cottages, historic accommodations, family friendly stays, and romantic spots for two. Here are some of our favorite spots to stay overnight:

• Winchester Lodge – for central location, lovely rooms, and beautiful pool + terrace
• Hill Country Herb Garden – for luxurious accommodations + a fabulous spa
• The Evers House – solid budget option for a romantic stay
• Breezy Hills Cottages – cute cottages that sleep 4