Fredericksburg: Day Trips and Tours from San Antonio

Are you looking to take a break from the big city? A day trip to Fredericksburg from San Antonio can provide you with a breath of fresh air among the wildflowers in the heart of Texas Hill Country.

Throughout the seasons, something always seems to be in bloom in Fredericksburg. Only a stone’s throw away from San Antonio, it makes for an easy weekend or even weekday getaway.

Visit one of the over 50 local wineries and tasting rooms, take a jaunt around Lyndon B. Johnson’s former home and ranch or explore the area’s German heritage — most evident in its elaborate Christmas market during the holiday season or in its local restaurants year-round.

Here's all you need to know about Fredericksburg for a perfect day trip from San Antonio.

How to get to Fredericksburg from San Antonio?

Fredericksburg is located northwest of San Antonio and nearly due west of Austin in the heart of Gillespie County — the epicenter of Texas Wine Country and the birthplace of the 36th president of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson.

From San Antonio to Fredericksburg by car

The fastest way to get to Fredericksburg from San Antonio is by car. The journey is 70 miles (110 kilometers), which will normally take about an hour.

The route is simple. Take I-10 west until exit 523 and then US-87 north for about 20 minutes until you reach Fredericksburg.

From San Antonio to Fredericksburg by bus

There is a bus connecting Fredericksburg and San Antonio once per day. It departs from San Antonio at 1 PM and from Fredericksburg at 4:30 PM. The journey lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes.

A roundtrip ticket can range from US$50 to US$95 depending on comfort level and date flexibility.

Guided tour to Fredericksburg from San Antonio

The easiest way to get to Fredericksburg from San Antonio is to book a guided tour with a coach or shuttle bus to pick you up directly from your hotel or at a nearby meeting point.

Pickup times range from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Drop off times are generally in the late afternoon or early evening, which will give you plenty of time to enjoy your jaunt to Fredericksburg.

What is the typical itinerary?

After breakfast, an air-conditioned coach or shuttle bus will pick you up directly from your hotel for a day trip to Fredericksburg. Each tour will stop at different points of interest.

Some of the main attractions you can expect to see in Fredericksburg include the LBJ Ranch, the Texas White House, the Nimitz Museum, and the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Many tours also include stops at vineyards and nearby towns, such as Luckenbach, Blanco and Bulverde. There is even the possibility to ride through Texas Hill Country on horseback, like a real cowboy!

Lunch is generally not included in the price of the tour, but you will have a chance to choose from one of many authentic German beer gardens to dine at.

You could also spend your lunch break browsing boutique shops or partaking in more wine tastings. After all, you are in the heart of Texas Wine Country and there are over 50 local wineries to try!

What kinds of tours are available to go to Fredericksburg?

Guided tours to Fredericksburg from San Antonio

Group size ranges from relatively small with 8 to 11 people maximum to larger groups of up to 56 people. All tours include an expert, local guide to explain the history and culture of Fredericksburg and its surroundings, including a visit to the LBJ ranch.

Some of the tours are more focused on the natural landscapes and history of those who have lived there, while other tours are more wine-centric and include in the ticket price tastings at several wineries.

Day trip to Fredericksburg from San Antonio with horseback riding

If you ever wanted to experience what it’s like to ride through the Texan hills on horseback, this is the tour for you.

Regardless of your skill level, you can giddy-up for a trail ride on a 5,000 acre ranch, where you are sure to see plenty of cattle and may even be lucky enough to spot different wildlife, such as deer, armadillo, rabbits and even wild turkeys!

Day trip to Fredericksburg from San Antonio with wine tasting

Do you already know your way around a wine glass? Then, consider an excursion to Fredericksburg from San Antonio that will take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of different wineries with an expert oenophile. Please note that this tour may not allow guests under 21 years old.

How much does a day trip to Fredericksburg from San Antonio cost?

The price for a day tour to Fredericksburg from San Antonio starts at US$100 per person. This includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or nearby meeting point and service of the guide.

Lunch is not included in any of the tours, but some include snacks, wine tastings and admission to one or several of the parks and museums. These extras, plus a smaller group size, can raise the price up to US$150 per person for the Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour.

However, the most premium excursion is by horse, of course. A 2-hour horseback riding experience will cost you US$160 per person.

What will you see and do?

Fredericksburg town center

If you’re thirsty, there are plenty of brewpubs, wine bars and even distilleries to wet your whistle. If you’re hungry, you have a selection of authentic German restaurants to choose from in Fredericksburg.

If you just feel like shopping, you can browse the local western art, antiques and Texas-European fusion furniture.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Explore the LBJ ranch, former home of the 36th president of the United States. Check out the hangar that houses his infamous private jet, or “Air Force One-Half.” Perfect for political junkies, history buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The National Museum of the Pacific War

Ranked the fifth best in the country by USA Today readers, this museum is dedicated to Chester W. Nimitz, who was born in Fredericksburg and served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces in the Pacific during World War II.

Sister Creek Vineyards

Have a short barrel room tour followed by a tasting in a rustic and historic tasting room at this award-winning winery.

Luckenbach

This tiny town was founded in 1849 and is one of the oldest settlements in Texas. It is known for its live country music and laid-back, old-school Texan vibe.

When is the best time to visit Fredericksburg?

Each season bears its own fruit. If you come in the winter, you can see why the town is often described as a Hallmark holiday movie with its 30-foot Christmas tree and 26-foot “Weihnachtspyramide,” or Christmas Pyramid.

In the fall, you have Oktoberfest celebrations. In the spring, the wildflowers are in bloom, while in the summer, the peaches are in season and will pop up in roadside stands and local restaurant menus.

Travel tips

• Bring water and wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
• Eat a hearty breakfast before the tour and/or bring snacks to hold you over until lunch.
• Tips are not obligatory, but much appreciated. Gratuity for the guide and driver is not included in the tour price, so consider this option if you are satisfied with the experience.
• Some tours are not family-friendly and only allow guests 21 years old and above (as wine tastings are included in the tour price and some travelers may prefer tour experiences without children).