Frederick, MD

Travel Guide

A street with red brick buildings, a white house with a red roof, and an American flag.
A red brick building with a dome and a fountain in front.
A street sign reading "CITIZENS WAY" mounted on a metal pole with a decorative top.
A brick building with a green ivy-covered wall and a sign reading "Market Street Business Centre".
A red brick building with a blue door, white windows, and flower boxes.

History gets a fresh twist in this city, where stylish bars and boutiques spill out of 19th-century buildings and winery trails traverse Civil War battlegrounds.

Experience the confluence of old and new in Frederick, a captivating city tucked into Maryland’s mountainous western corner. Acclaimed for its superbly preserved historic streetscape, Frederick has retained Federal, Victorian and Civil War-era architecture. Peer behind the façades to find Frederick’s outstanding dining scene, retailers and artisans.

Get acquainted with the city’s historic heart in Downtown Frederick. The 50-block district is characterized by beautifully preserved heritage buildings, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Frederick City Hall. Check out Frederick’s intriguing boutiques, art galleries and artisans’ studios. Find a table at a buzzing café or a restaurant serving American-nouveau cuisine. For fresh produce, visit Downtown Frederick’s regular farmers markets. Alternatively, purchase picnic supplies to enjoy at one of Frederick’s pretty parks. Baker Park and Carroll Creek Linear Park are highlights.

Downtown Frederick serves some of the region’s finest drinks at specialty brewpubs and bars. Find out more about Frederick’s microbrew scene on a brewery trail around the county. For wine buffs, Frederick has a distinguished collection of wineries located in the rolling hillsides between fascinating historic sites.

Learn more about Frederick’s Civil War history when you visit the Monocacy National Battlefield, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine or the city’s Mount Olivet Cemetery.

North of the city, find a slice of wilderness in the Catoctin Mountains. Visit Cunningham Falls or sign up for a safari adventure at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo.

Reach Frederick easily via major interstate highways and an intercity commuter railway. If you are traveling by air, fly into Frederick Municipal Airport. Dulles and Baltimore Washington airports are less than a 1-hour drive away. Explore the city’s historic core on foot or by bicycle. Bus networks are also available. Frederick’s winters are usually mild, while summer is hot and humid. For the region’s most agreeable weather, visit in fall or spring and enjoy the city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown district and magnificent mountain surroundings.

Where to stay in Frederick

Find the best Frederick areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Frederick
Learn more about Frederick

Downtown Frederick

If you're spending some time in Downtown Frederick, National Museum of Civil War Medicine and Carroll Creek Linear Park are top sights worth seeing.

Golf View

When in Golf View, you can plan a visit to Fort Detrick and National Museum of Civil War Medicine, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Best Western Historic Frederick

Best Western Historic Frederick

2.5 out of 5
420 Prospect Blvd Frederick MD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $104 total per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$104 total
per night
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Stay at this hotel in Frederick. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The room was okay clean but there were bunch of cockroaches in the room."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Best Western Historic Frederick
Comfort Inn Frederick - Ballenger Creek

Comfort Inn Frederick - Ballenger Creek

2.5 out of 5
7300 Executive Way Frederick MD
The price is $98 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$98 total
per night
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Frederick. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Comfort Inn Frederick - Ballenger Creek
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Frederick, MD

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Frederick, MD

3 out of 5
5579 Spectrum Dr Frederick MD
The price is $102 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$102 total
per night
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Frederick. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Frederick, MD
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
RETREAT on the CREEK - Businees Travelor or Weekend Getaway. HISTORIC DISTRICT.

RETREAT on the CREEK - Businees Travelor or Weekend Getaway. HISTORIC DISTRICT.

Frederick MD
Stay at this vacation home in Frederick. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions National Museum of Civil War Medicine ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (140 reviews)
"Would not stay here again.Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this VRBO for several reasons.The mirror fell off the bathroom wall while I was just washing my hands. I was lucky to have caught before it hit my face. Told the owner and he never apologized. Just said to stick it in the hall.There are ..."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026

RETREAT on the CREEK - Businees Travelor or Weekend Getaway. HISTORIC DISTRICT.
Cozy Rustic Walkout Basement Cabin in Historic Harpers Ferry

Cozy Rustic Walkout Basement Cabin in Historic Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry WV
Stay at this apartment in Harpers Ferry. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Harpers Ferry National Historical Park ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (47 reviews)
"We spent two nights at this property. The room was mostly clean—it's clear they mopped and kept the bathroom clean. There were a few spiderwebs that have been missed. What was most concerning was the bedding. The sheets and comforter were clean, but when I opened the fuzzy blankets, they left tons ..."

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2026

Cozy Rustic Walkout Basement Cabin in Historic Harpers Ferry
Silo Tiny House Cabin

Silo Tiny House Cabin

Harpers Ferry WV
Stay at this cabin in Harpers Ferry. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and patios. Popular attractions Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Hollywood Casino at ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (30 reviews)
"Great stay! Very comfortable bed. The sauna is a wonderful touch."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2026

Silo Tiny House Cabin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Frederick attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Frederick worth visiting?
Frederick is worth visiting for its diverse dining options, including Asian and North American cuisine. Travelers can also explore local attractions like the Francis Scott Key Mall and Hood College, and benefit from convenient bus and train access for getting around.
When is the best time to visit Frederick?
The best time to visit Frederick is from May through September, when the weather is generally warm and ideal for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering cooler temperatures and a different perspective on the area.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Frederick?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Frederick depend on what you want to see:


What is Frederick known for?
Frederick is known for its Carroll Creek Linear Park, a notable feature for travelers to explore. The city also hosts Hood College and offers shopping at Francis Scott Key Mall. In neighborhoods like Downtown Frederick, travelers can find a strong Asian food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Frederick?
A good itinerary length for Frederick is two to three days to explore Downtown Frederick, see Carroll Creek Linear Park, and take a walking tour. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also enjoy day trips like the Harpers Ferry and Civil War Medicine Tour or the Harpers Ferry to VA Wine Country tour. See Frederick Activities.
How do you get around Frederick?
Frederick offers bus and train services for getting around. Travelers can use the train at Frederick Station and Frederick Municipal Airport Station to reach various points. Rideshare services are also available for convenient transportation throughout the area, offering flexibility for exploring at your own pace.
What are the top things to do in and around Frederick?
Frederick offers a mix of historical insights, outdoor relaxation, and unique local experiences:


How do I plan a trip to Frederick?
Book flights and hotels for your Frederick trip in advance. Explore Downtown Frederick, including the Historical Society, and attractions like Carroll Creek Linear Park. Consider a walking tour or a Harpers Ferry tour. For outdoor plans, have indoor backups ready for weather flexibility. Public transit is available via bus and train.
What cuisines can you find in Frederick?
In Frederick you can find Thai cuisine, with dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and Green Curry. Travelers can also enjoy other Asian options such as Chinese, Japanese, and Indian, alongside North American choices like New American and Tex Mex. Italian and various Latin American cuisines, including Mexican and South American, are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Frederick?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Frederick by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Frederick with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Frederick trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Frederick?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Frederick can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Frederick trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Frederick trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Frederick trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Frederick trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Frederick?
If it's your first trip to Frederick, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Frederick hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Frederick hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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