Real Estate Photographer in Fredericksburg, TX

Booking.com’s Traveler Review Awards spotlight the destinations that go above and beyond for their guests.

Travel is always better when a destination rolls out the welcome mat, and one Texas city is considered better at doing that than any other in the United States.

That honor belongs to the city of Fredericksburg, which was named the most welcoming destination in the country by Booking.com, according to data that was shared with Travel + Leisure.

Located about 80 miles west of Austin in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg has earned a reputation for its arts scene, shopping, history, and beautiful outdoor landscapes. Hike to the top of a large pink granite dome at the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, or hop in a vintage-style trolley to learn about the area’s German history, architecture, and more. The region is also home to more than 75 wineries, vineyards, and wine tasting rooms for travelers to explore, according to the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Second on the list was Palm Desert, California, which is located in the state's Coachella Valley and boasts close proximity to major facilities such as the PGA West, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, and the Empire Polo Club (home to the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals).

The beachy destination of Cape May, New Jersey, came in third on the list. As one of the most beautiful small towns in America, Cape May displays local charm in the form of independent boutiques, Victorian architecture, pristine beaches, and more.

Oklahoma's Broken Bow and Hawaii's Waikoloa rounded out the top five of the most welcoming destinations in the U.S.

The list of welcoming destinations was part of Booking.com's 14th annual Traveler Review Awards, which analyzed more than 370 million verified reviews in both in the U.S. and around the world.

“Recognition for places like Fredericksburg, Palm Desert, and Cape May reflects the care and consistency our partners bring to every stay,” Ben Harrell, the U.S. managing director for Booking.com, said in a statement shared with T+L. “We’re proud to celebrate them through the Traveler Review Awards and stay committed to making it easier for everyone to experience the world.”

Beyond the U.S., Booking.com found the red wine region of Montepulciano, Italy, was by the top of its international list for the most welcoming destinations. Located just south of Siena, Montepulciano features sprawling vineyards and a quaint city center with cobblestone-lined streets.

Other welcoming international destinations included Magong, Taiwan; San Martín de los Andes, Argentina; Harrogate, United Kingdom; and Pirenópolis, Brazil.

For more than 35 years, Southern Living has partnered with builders, architects, and designers to produce custom houses that salute the Southern lifestyle and highlight the latest innovations in home design. This year, we are delighted to announce our Idea House is under construction in Fredericksburg, Texas.

It’s a fitting spot for our new build—the Lone Star State is home to the highest concentration of our readers in the country and offers a deep well of design inspiration. We’re also no strangers to the area as we tackled a renovation just down the road in Austin’s Northwest Hills for our 2018 Idea House.

This time around, we’ve planted ourselves in Friedën, a Southern Living Inspired Community with ample green space, lakes, and walking trails—an idyllic spot for a modern farmhouse that’s likewise grounded in nature, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the place with sunlight and multiple porches that bridge the indoors and out. The home has also been planned with multigenerational hospitality in mind, thanks to a private casita connected to the rest of the house by a breezy patio. From the open living spaces that encourage easy togetherness to the backyard fire pit that inspires cozy gatherings under the stars, our 2026 Idea House celebrates the Texas-sized spirit of welcome that has long defined Southern homes.

Tour Our Idea House

The Idea House will be open to the public for tours from September 18 through December 20. Tickets go on sale April 1, 2026. A portion of the proceeds will go to local charities.

Meet the Team

To bring our Hill Country home to life, we’ve tapped a number of Texas-based talents: builder Melanie Sparks and Chris McGinley of Kurk Homes; architect Andrew Bray AIA, NCARB, of Mustard Architects; the Friedën development team; and landscape designer Melissa Gerstle of Melissa Gerstle Design. And because everything is bigger in Texas, this year’s Idea House will feature three Lone Star State designers: Jean Liu of Jean Liu Design in Dallas, Marcus Mohon of Mohon Interiors in Austin, and Paloma Contreras of Paloma Contreras Design in Houston.

2026 National Sponsors

In a Friday, January 23, afternoon update from the National Weather Service, forecasters say there is an increasing possibility of higher ice accumulations in the Texas Hill Country.

A hard freeze, where temperatures are expected to fall below freezing for several days, is still in store for Saturday night, Sunday night and Monday night.

The forecasted days-long freeze could last for up to 72 hours in some parts of the Hill Country. An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued for all of the South Central Texas region. Wind chill values are still expected to hit the single digits to lower teens Saturday and Sunday nights.

Forecasters anticipate significant travel impacts in the region and a prolonged possibility of ice remaining on surfaces across the Hill Country through Sunday and into Monday. Some locations in the area won't see temps freezing freezing until possibly Monday night.

The agency said there is a possibility for weather-related power outages. More advanced modeling shows increasing signals for larger ice accumulation totals. While ice accumulation forecasts are still in fluctuation, forecasters said they will be monitoring for potential signals to issue an ice storm warning for the area over the weekend.

The agency said it still can't rule out the potential for a sleet/snow flurry mix.

Here's how the Texas Hill Country is preparing for the winter storm

In Kendall County, emergency management officials said they will open warming centers in case there are potential power outages and are encouraging locals to stay off the roads.

In a Facebook post, Kendall County Precinct 2 Commissioner Andra Wisian said the county's electric utilities, roads, highways and bridges will be treated in advance of the storm to protect against potentially icy conditions.

The City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County officials are also at work preparing for the weather.

The county's Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is also closed for the weekend. Fredericksburg officials said Thursday that its Public Works Department and County’s road crews are ready to respond to areas prone to icing and debris. TxDOT has already begun to pretreat surfaces throughout the county.

The City of Kerrville is also assessing operations over the weekend, according to a Facebook post.

Fredericksburg, a charming town in the middle of Texas wine country, has a new luxury hotel that honors the community's rich history and German roots.

Albert Hotel, which opened earlier this year, honors Albert Keidel, an architect, collector, and prominent local figure. Keidel’s family was among the first in Fredericksburg, helping create the town that so many Texans today love. However, Keidel was also an avid traveler, collecting inspiration from places around the globe and then incorporating it into local buildings. Albert Hotel pays homage to his legacy, restoring several historic buildings on Main Street and infusing them with his unmistakable globetrotting style.

Developed by Austin-based New Waterloo, a hospitality group focused on design-forward boutique hotels rooted in their community, the Albert seamlessly blends Fredericksburg’s classic appeal with modern amenities, fit for the world traveler. The team refurbished historic buildings, including the Keidel family pharmacy and one of Fredericksburg’s first bars. While the exteriors still mirror the charm of days past, the decor has received major upgrades. In the guest rooms, custom built-ins, luxurious textiles, expansive tiled showers, and soaking tubs deliver an elevated setting for a Hill Country escape, while an all-day restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Michael Fojtasek highlights seasonal fare and ingredients.

Below, a complete review of Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas.

The Rooms

The Albert has 105 spacious guest rooms and suites, ranging from 350 for the Sunken King category on the hotel's lowest level to the sprawling 1,421-square-foot Albert Suite, a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom retreat with a private balcony. The design incorporates original features and historic elements that reflect the town’s German influence, alongside modern additions and updates.

I stayed in the Sunken King room, which featured a reading nook and more than enough room for my two dogs (more on that later). The green-tiled bathroom featured a large walk-in shower, complete with locally made San Saba pecan toiletries.

Other options include Bunk Rooms with queen-size bunk beds that can sleep up to eight. The signature suites offer a variety of additional amenities, including soaking tubs, separate dining areas, extra bathrooms, and more. While all guest rooms include a stocked minibar, there are no coffee machines, as complimentary coffee is delivered to every room in the morning.

Food and Drink

The star of the hotel's dining program is the lobby-level The Restaurant at Albert Hotel, dreamed up by executive chef Michael Fojtasek. His accolades include a three-time finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest, as well as a Michelin star for his Austin restaurant Olamaie. At The Albert, Fojtasek pays homage to the Hill Country with seasonal menus of high-quality ingredients sourced from local farmers and suppliers.

The Pharmacy, located inside the former Keidel family business, is a welcoming coffee shop brewing Merit Coffee from San Antonio. Next door is The Saloon, another historic building dating back to 1888. The Saloon is a classic Texas watering hole that certainly lives up to its motto: "Where the whiskey is strong, the beer is cold, and the people are friendly.” On the menu: Texas-sized margaritas, local brews, and a local staple—frito pie.

For more Texan staples, Junebug's BBQ, led by barbecue pitmaster Justin Spencer, has mouthwatering slow-cooked meats and live music.

Activities and Experiences

The Albert features a sunken pool that mirrors classic Texas swimming holes. The pool is on a lower level surrounded by lounge chairs and a high wall that offers shade in the hot summer months. Nearby, a gym with Forme smart mirrors, Peloton bicycles, free weights, and cardio machines is available 24/7.

The Spa

The Spa at Albert Hotel is a relaxing and laid-back retreat, with a relaxation room, fitted with plush couches and stocked with tasty granola bars from The Pharmacy. The menu includes signature treatments such as the Enchanted Rock Massage, which uses warm basalt stones and aromatic oils from Texas wildflowers.

Family-friendly Offerings

The Albert is truly a hotel for the whole family. The hotel offers cribs and Pack 'n Play playards at no extra cost.

This is a dog-friendly hotel. The staff can provide beds and bowls, again at no additional cost.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Albert has six ADA-compliant rooms: three with two queen beds, two king rooms, and one bunk room. These guest rooms feature wider entrances, roll-in showers, assistance handles in the bathrooms, and lowered features such as doorbells, toiletries, and sinks.

The Albert re-purposed as much material as possible during its construction and restoration, reducing the hotel's carbon emissions by 40 percent. Woodworking was sourced locally, and incorporated reclaimed wood when possible. There are no plastic bottles on-site.

Location

Albert Hotel is located on Main Street in Fredericksburg, Texas. The town is extremely walkable, and visitors can easily reach restaurants and shops on foot. However, a car is needed to visit the nearby wineries. Alternatively, guests can also look into tours and drivers.

Book Now

Albert Hotel is not part of any points-based loyalty program. Before booking, check the hotel's website for the latest discounts and packages.

Nightly rates at Albert Hotel start from $295.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.

Considered the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the quaint town of Fredericksburg is nestled between San Antonio and Austin and has become one of the most popular small towns for weekend getaways for those looking for culture, food, shopping, adventure, and small-town charm. It's easy to reach, but it still feels a million miles away from city life. The tiny town dates back to 1846, when German immigrants and settlers founded it and still honors old-fashioned traditions and authentic German roots. We believe the town of Fredericksburg is one of the best destinations for seasonal escapes, family outings, and girlfriend trips in the whole Lone Star State—and that's saying something.

Fredericksburg's appeal originates from many things: The picturesque Hill Country scenery, the town's uncanny ability to maintain its dual German-Texan heritage, and its impressive (and group-friendly) attractions. From more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms to a Main Street bustling with shops, galleries, restaurants, and biergartens, here are the best things to do when visiting Fredericksburg, Texas.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Head to Old German Bakery & Restaurant for a hearty breakfast, but make sure to get there early to snag a table and taste the German pancake. Early risers can grab a cup of coffee at one of the charming German-inspired cafés, including KaffeeHaus (lines can get long on weekends), Rockhaus Coffee, and Caliche Coffee Bar (make sure to show up early to get one of the Czech kolaches before they sell out).

, 225 West Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 109 North Adams St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, multiple locations

It wouldn't be a trip to Fredericksburg without Tex-Mex cuisine, schnitzels, sauerbraten (German pot roast), and German beer gardens. You can find delicious food and handcrafted spirits at more than 70 restaurants, including upscale eatery Cabernet Grill, classic German specialty restaurant Der Lindenbaum, and brasserie-style Otto's German Bistro.

, 2805 S State Highway 16, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 312 East Main St. #4612, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 316 East Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624

For drinks and live music, start the evening at 78624 Bar before heading to dinner at the acclaimed Vaudeville, a French-style bistro on Main Street. Other great dinner spots are Hill & Vine and The Restaurant at Albert Hotel. Follow that up with live music at a honky-tonk or outdoor beer garden—there's somebody playing most nights of the week.

, 229 East Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 , 230 East Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 210 South Adams St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 213 East Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624

There is no shortage of German-style brews to enjoy well beyond Oktoberfest, including saddling up to the taps at The Auslander, sitting on the patio at Altdorf Biergarten, and enjoying the scenic views at Altstadt Brewery.

, 323 East Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 301 West Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 6120 East, US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Head To Texas Wine Country

They don't call this part of Texas "wine country" for nothing. More than 100 vineyards and tasting rooms are located in and around town, providing the ultimate vino experience while learning about Texas grapes. Fredericksburg is one of the most-visited wine destinations in the country. Book the 290 Wine Shuttle for safe all-day transportation between the wineries. Our favorite recommendations include Grape Creek Vineyards, Messina Hof Hill Country Winery, Signor Vineyards, and Barons Creek Vineyards.

At Rhinory, you can taste South African-inspired wines on a 55-acre ranch while also saying hello to the vineyard's mascot: a 4,000-pound real-life rhinoceros named Blake. The owners grew a passion for rhinoceros conservation after a visit to South Africa and hatched a dream to provide land for future rescue rhinos and establish a working winery, with the sales of the wine helping further their cause. Currently, there is one rhino who lives on the ranch, who you can see relaxing in a big fenced-in area while you're sipping on wine flights.

, 13112 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Turns out, the land of Texas wine country can also be conducive for other distilling and fermenting purposes, including a much-forgotten brew: mead. Made with honey, mead is a familiar alcoholic drink known widely as a medieval staple. However, it's being brought back with trendy new concepts, including The Hive Patio Bar and Meadery.

, 403 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Get Outside

Unlike most floral fields where you can look but not touch, you can pick a bouquet at the nation's largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms. This family-owned countryside escape has 200 acres of wildflower fields, a beautiful butterfly garden, a wine-tasting room, and frequent special events.

, 100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Just a short 20-minute drive outside of Fredericksburg brings you to the enormous batholith that's part of Enchanted Rock State Park, which was once Native American sacred grounds. An incentive for reaching the peak of this pink granite dome is the breathtaking view of the Texas Hill Country that awaits you at the top. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, picnic, and camp overnight in the state park.

, 16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

In the 1970s, this tiny Texas-German town right outside Fredericksburg went up for sale. A local legend named John "Hondo" Crouch and a few partners plunked down the cash to buy it, and it quickly became an iconic country music stomping ground. Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and Waylon Jennings have all performed in Luckenbach. To this day, Luckenbach's tiny dance hall still hosts popular live music events and festivals throughout the year.

The 36th president of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, hails from central Texas, and just a few miles from Fredericksburg, there are historical sites dedicated to commemorating his life in Stonewall and Johnson City. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site offers public access to the LBJ ranch, Texas White House, LBJ’s birthplace, Johnson family cemetery, old Junction School, LBJ’s grandparents’ home, and the ranch showbarn.

Note that in January 2024, the Texas White House Complex closed as they begin the construction phase of the Texas White House rehabilitation. The LBJ Ranch driving tour, however, remains open, where you can see the school, cemetery, birthplace and showbarn.

, 1048 Park Road #49, Stonewall, TX 78671

Learn Something New

Probably the last place you'd expect to hear detailed accounts and witness bona fide relics of World War II in the Pacific is in this little Southern Texas town. In fact, history is waiting to be explored in Fredericksburg's National Museum of the Pacific War. In its vast gallery space, patrons can participate in interactive exhibits and view tanks and aircraft used in the war.

, 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Glimpse into the daily lives of the German settlers of the Texas Hill Country at the Pioneer Museum. Located in downtown Fredericksburg, it features historic homesteads and buildings donated by the founding families of Gillespie County. Among the exhibits are a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, a Sunday house, a bathhouse, a barn, and a smokehouse that all showcase artifacts and architecture.

, 325 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

You'll likely notice the town’s most recognizable building, thanks to a unique octagonal shape and position on the center Marktplatz. The Vereins Kirche—which means "society church"—was originally built in 1847 and served as the first public building used as a town hall, school, and church for all faiths.

, 100 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Spend Time On Main Street

Shops and tourist attractions may come and go, but one aspect of Fredericksburg has stood the test of time: the historic storefronts up and down Main Street. You can even see "Wilkommen" (translation: welcome) signs on full display throughout town. In addition to stores, art galleries, and artisan gifts and treats, the epicenter of Main Street is the Marktplatz.

Depending on what time of year you visit, there is almost always a seasonal festival on the lineup. For example, in spring, expect events surrounding the Texas bluebonnets in bloom. In the fall, however, the town is gearing up for its biggest event: Oktoberfest. Fredericksburg has hosted Oktoberfest for over 40 years in an effort to honor and sustain the traditions of the German immigrants who settled there during the 19th century.

Oktoberfest will be happening on October 2-4, 2026.

Fredericksburg also gets decked out for the holidays and is not to be missed. During Weihnachtszeit, the town installs a traditional German Christmas pyramid, which looks like a giant wooden windmill with whirling figures depicting Christmas scenes. You can attend the opening events of the month-long Christmas festivities during the first weekend of December, including a parade.

This region of Texas is known for having a really robust agriculture and ranching scene, which makes for an abundant weekly farmers' market where you can take home wildflower bunches, famed peaches from down the road, fresh eggs, unique artisan wares, and more. Typically, visitors can also enjoy wine tastings and live music in downtown Fredericksburg at the Adelsverein Halle at Marktplatz.

Where To Stay

Fredericksburg offers a full range of accommodations, from hotels and motels to camping, cabins, and B&Bs. Search around for historic vacation cottages throughout Fredericksburg, or stay in one of the many new and old bed-and-breakfast properties right in town.

Luckily, there are many options of bed-and-breakfasts within walking distance of Main Street. If you're looking for a freshened-up, retro-meets-Texan style, The Trueheart Hotel offers amenities such as a communal outdoor fireplace and morning deliveries of hot biscuits. Get the same classic small-town feel as the Dragonfly Inn in Gilmore Girls at Hoffman Haus. Book one of the cozy cottages at Hill Country Herb Garden, a bucolic spot with an on-site restaurant and spa.

, 201 Llano St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 608 East Creek St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 405 Whitney St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624

If your main objective when visiting Fredericksburg is to have a wine weekend, choose from one of the one-site lodgings located along the 290 Wine Road. Some of our favorite recommendations for both stays and vinos are the accommodations at Barons Creek Vineyards, Messina Hof Winery, and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa.

, 5865 E, US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 9996 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 4064 US-290, Johnson City, TX 78636

Set in a quiet nature setting, but still very close to downtown Fredericksburg, this unique set of luxury tents, cabins, and repurposed shipping containers called Onera is the perfect place to unplug in between bouts of exploring the area and town. You can expect amenities such as fire pits and hot tubs.

, 173 Basse Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

The Hangar Hotel was designed in the spirit of a WWII-era military hangar, complete with nostalgic airplane memorabilia and aviation-themed decor. There's a classic 1940s diner on site, as well as year-round lodging. Make sure to visit the second-floor observation deck for views of the grounds.

, 155 Airport Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624