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Getting to Frederick, Maryland
Frederick is conveniently located just 45 miles northwest of Washington D.C. and 50 miles west of Baltimore, making it easily accessible for travelers from major East Coast cities.
By Air
The closest major airports to Frederick are Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). All are within a 1-hour drive of Frederick.
Ready to book your flight to explore Frederick? Find the best deals on flights to nearby airports.
By Car
Frederick is easily accessible via major highways including I-70 and I-270. The historic downtown area is just a few minutes from these main routes, making it a convenient stop for road-trippers.
Need a rental car to explore Frederick and the surrounding Catoctin Mountains? Find great deals on rental vehicles.
Best Time to Visit Frederick
Frederick enjoys four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Consider these seasonal highlights when planning your trip:
| Season | Weather | Special Events | Crowd Levels |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 50-75°F, occasional rain | Frederick Restaurant Week, Festival of the Arts | Moderate |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 75-90°F, humid | Summer Concert Series, Frederick Keys Baseball | High |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | 50-75°F, crisp | In the Street Festival, The Great Frederick Fair, Oktoberfest | High |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 25-45°F, occasional snow | Holiday events, First Saturday winter themes | Low (except holidays) |
For the ideal balance of pleasant weather and special events, plan your visit during late spring or early fall. The First Saturday events, held monthly year-round, offer extended shopping hours and special activities regardless of when you visit.
Ready to plan your Frederick getaway? Find the perfect accommodations for your stay.
Exploring Downtown Frederick
The heart of Frederick’s charm lies in its vibrant, walkable downtown district. With over 200 specialty shops, restaurants, and galleries spread across 50 blocks, downtown Frederick offers endless opportunities for exploration.
Carroll Creek Linear Park
This beautifully designed urban park stretches for 1.3 miles through downtown Frederick. The creek features pedestrian bridges, water features, and public art installations. During summer months, the “Color on the Creek” program fills the waterway with vibrant water lilies and lotus flowers.
First Saturday Events
On the first Saturday of each month, downtown Frederick comes alive with special events, extended shop hours, art exhibitions, and live performances. Each month features a different theme, making it a perfect time to experience the city’s vibrant community spirit.
Experience the charm of downtown Frederick with a guided walking tour that reveals the city’s rich history and architecture.
Shopping & Boutiques
Downtown Frederick boasts an impressive collection of independent boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. From vintage treasures to handcrafted goods, the shopping scene offers unique finds you won’t discover in typical malls.
Historic Sites & Museums
Frederick’s rich history spans from the Colonial era through the Civil War to the present day. History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in this historically significant city.
National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Housed in a former furniture factory that served as an embalming station during the Civil War, this fascinating museum explores the medical innovations that emerged during America’s bloodiest conflict.
Monocacy National Battlefield
Site of the “Battle That Saved Washington,” this preserved battlefield offers hiking trails, interpretive exhibits, and a visitor center that tells the story of this crucial 1864 Civil War engagement.
Schifferstadt Architectural Museum
One of America’s finest examples of German colonial architecture, this 1758 stone house showcases the craftsmanship and building techniques of Frederick’s early German settlers.
Food & Craft Beverages
Frederick’s culinary scene has earned national recognition, with award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, distilleries, and nearby wineries offering exceptional food and drink experiences.
Restaurants & Fine Dining
Downtown Frederick boasts an impressive array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Local favorites include The Tasting Room for European-inspired cuisine, VOLT for innovative farm-to-table dining, and Dutch’s Daughter for classic steaks and seafood.
Frederick Beer Trail
With over a dozen craft breweries in and around Frederick, beer enthusiasts can follow the Frederick Beer Trail to sample local brews. Standouts include Flying Dog Brewery, Attaboy Beer, and Idiom Brewing Co., each offering unique takes on classic and innovative beer styles.
Sample the best of Frederick’s craft beverage scene with a guided brewery and distillery tour.
Frederick Wine Trail
The surrounding countryside is home to several excellent wineries, including Springfield Manor, Linganore Winecellars, and Catoctin Breeze Vineyard. The Frederick Wine Trail takes visitors through rolling hills and historic sites while offering tastings of wines crafted from locally grown grapes.
Outdoor Activities & Nature
Frederick County’s diverse landscape offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, from mountain hiking to riverside strolls.
Catoctin Mountain Park
Just a short drive from downtown Frederick, this national park features miles of hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic vistas. The park is adjacent to Camp David, the presidential retreat, though that area remains closed to the public.
Cunningham Falls State Park
Home to Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall at 78 feet, this park offers swimming, hiking, and camping opportunities. The falls are accessible via two trails of varying difficulty, making them suitable for most fitness levels.
Baker Park
This 44-acre urban park in downtown Frederick features walking paths, playgrounds, a carillon bell tower, and a small lake. The park hosts many community events throughout the year, including summer concerts and holiday celebrations.
Gambrill State Park
Located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains, this park offers spectacular views of the Frederick Valley. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can explore over 16 miles of trails through hardwood forests.
Experience the natural beauty of the Catoctin Mountains with a guided hiking or outdoor adventure tour.
Arts & Entertainment
Frederick’s vibrant arts scene includes galleries, theaters, and public art installations that showcase both local and national talent.
The Delaplaine Arts Center
Housed in a restored mill building, this center features multiple galleries showcasing regional artists, studios, and classrooms for art education. The center hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year, offering fresh experiences with each visit.
Weinberg Center for the Arts
This restored 1926 movie palace now serves as Frederick’s premier performing arts venue, hosting concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings, and comedy shows in a beautiful historic setting.
Public Art Trail
Frederick’s downtown area features numerous public art installations, including murals, sculptures, and the famous “Community Bridge” mural by local artist William Cochran. Self-guided tour maps are available from the visitor center.
Discover Frederick’s artistic side with a guided art and culture tour of the city’s galleries and public installations.
Family-Friendly Activities
Frederick offers plenty of attractions and activities that will keep children entertained while providing educational experiences for the whole family.
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
This 50-acre zoo and wildlife preserve offers close encounters with over 600 animals from around the world. The popular safari ride takes visitors through habitats where they can feed and observe exotic animals.
Frederick Keys Baseball
Catch a Frederick Keys baseball game at Nymeo Field for an affordable, family-friendly outing. The stadium offers a relaxed atmosphere with activities for kids, making it perfect for introducing children to America’s pastime.
Rose Hill Manor Park & Museum
This children’s museum focuses on local history and 19th-century life through hands-on exhibits and activities. The historic manor house and surrounding farm buildings offer insights into early American rural life.
Where to Stay in Frederick
Frederick offers a range of accommodation options, from historic bed and breakfasts to modern hotels, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Downtown Historic District
Staying in downtown Frederick puts you within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Historic bed and breakfasts like the 10 Clarke Place Inn and the Hollerstown Hill B&B offer charming accommodations in restored 19th-century buildings.
Hotels & Modern Accommodations
Several hotel chains have locations in Frederick, primarily clustered along I-270 and Route 85. These offer modern amenities and convenient access to both downtown and the surrounding attractions.
Find your perfect stay in Frederick, from historic B&Bs to convenient hotels.
Practical Tips for Visiting Frederick
Getting Around
Downtown Frederick is best explored on foot, with most attractions within easy walking distance. For visiting outlying areas like the Catoctin Mountains, a car is recommended. Limited public transportation is available through TransIT Services of Frederick County.
Parking
Downtown Frederick offers both on-street metered parking and several parking garages. Parking is free on evenings after 5 PM and all day Sunday. During special events, consider using the MARC train station lot and walking into downtown.
Visitor Information
The Frederick Visitor Center at 151 S. East Street provides maps, brochures, and helpful advice for planning your visit. Their knowledgeable staff can help you create an itinerary based on your interests.
Plan Your Frederick Adventure
Frederick, Maryland offers a perfect blend of historic charm, cultural richness, outdoor beauty, and culinary excellence. From strolling the brick-lined streets of downtown to hiking in the nearby Catoctin Mountains, this vibrant city provides diverse experiences for every type of traveler. Its convenient location near Washington D.C. and Baltimore makes it an ideal destination for a day trip or an extended stay.
Whether you’re fascinated by Civil War history, eager to sample craft beverages, looking to explore art galleries, or seeking family-friendly activities, Frederick delivers memorable experiences in a picturesque setting. Start planning your visit today and discover why this charming Maryland city continues to captivate visitors year after year.
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