Austin to Fredericksburg for the Solar Eclipse April 2024

Hyatt Regency Austin Texas is a large hotel with balconies overlooking Lady Bird Lake or Downtown Austin. It is situated with easy access to Austin’s 6th Street, Rainey Street, and South Congress for entertainment, dining, and shopping. It is also by the Bat Bridge where hundreds to thousands of bats come out around sunset every night in May and cascade over Lady Bird Lake.

During my trip to Austin, I had the opportunity to indulge in some fantastic barbecue. Despite the long line, Terry Black's was definitely worth the wait. The smoky flavors and tender meats made for an unforgettable dining experience.

In addition to the culinary delights, Austin's vibrant music scene is alive and well. With hundreds of clubs to choose from, I was able to get a feel for the jazz clubs and other music venues.

It was my first time visiting Austin, and I made sure to explore some of its iconic landmarks. The Texas State Capitol, with its grand architecture, was impressive, and the University of Texas campus had a lively and energetic atmosphere. The LBJ Library provided a fascinating glimpse into history, showcasing the legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson.

On the second day, I immersed myself in nature, visiting Zilker Metropolitan Park, the Botanical Garden, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. I appreciated the beauty and tranquility of these natural spaces.

The third day took me to Mount Bonnell, where one can marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Austin, Lake Austin, and the surrounding areas. The hiking trails provide a great opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. Overall, my trip to Austin was a delightful blend of mouthwatering cuisine, vibrant music, historical landmarks, and natural beauty.

From Austin, we rented a house with friends to witness the rare total eclipse of the sun in Fredericksburg, Texas which is located in the heart of the Hill Country and known as "German town". As part of the wine country, it boasts a thriving wine industry, with numerous wineries offering tastings and tours. The town's German heritage is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals.

Image 1: U of Texas ; Image 2: Total Solar Eclipse from Fredericksburg, Texas

Image 1: Terry Black BBQ ; Image 2: Lukenbach Texas

On the way to Fredericksburg, we made a stop at the LBJ Western White House and Ranch, where we were treated to a surprise. While the house itself was undergoing renovations, we had the opportunity to walk around the hangar and view fascinating NASA exhibits. This was particularly special as the next day was a solar eclipse, and Fredericksburg was in the path of the longest total coverage in the United States, lasting an impressive four minutes and 28 seconds.

While in Fredericksburg, we enjoyed delicious German food, a local specialty. The day following the eclipse, we ventured to Enchanted Rock State Natural Park. The park is home to a massive granite dome that offers breathtaking views and exciting hiking and climbing opportunities. We also visited the Wildseed Farm which is a 200-acre wildflower farm and vineyard, including a half-mile walking trail and gardens. And of course, we had to see Luckenbach, this tiny hill country hamlet established in 1849 and where country-rocker Jerry Jeff Walker came to record an album but later had Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings brought it worldwide fame due to their song Luckenback Texas – (Back to the Basics).

• Austin is about BBQ and that is a must.

• Music, music, music - find a small venue or a larger club to have drinks and listen to music. Reservations are not needed in many places.

• Sights to see: Texas Capital and LBJ library. LBJ Western Whitehouse is about a 45-minute drive outside of town. And Zilker Metropolitan Park with it's sculpture garden and botanical garden.

• And for a day trip or even overnight, Fredericksburg is a quaint little town and you can try all the different Texas wines.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Texas. In need of further inspiration? Check out Lindsay Vaughn’s guide, Local Guide to Fort Worth, Texas.