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Frederick is a city of about 80,000 people in western Maryland, set in a valley at the foot of the Catoctin Mountains about an hour from both Washington, DC, and Baltimore. German and English settlers founded it in 1745, and it became a crossroads on the National Road and later a key town during the Civil War, when armies marched through its streets on the way to Antietam and Gettysburg.
Frederick's historic district is one of the most beautiful in Maryland, with fifty blocks of brick row houses, church spires that gave it the nickname City of Clustered Spires, and a walkable downtown full of independent shops, antique stores and restaurants. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine tells the story of how wounded soldiers were treated, and the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum preserves a German stone house from 1756.
The jewel of downtown is Carroll Creek Linear Park, a mile-long landscaped promenade along a flood-control channel, lined with water lilies, fountains, public art and outdoor dining. Baker Park offers a carillon and lake, and Monocacy National Battlefield, Catoctin Mountain Park and the vineyards and breweries of the countryside are all close by.
A large historic district of 18th and 19th century buildings with church spires, antique shops, boutiques and many restaurants and bars along Market and Patrick Streets. It is easy to explore on foot and busy on weekends. Use the public parking decks, which are cheaper than street meters for long visits.
A landscaped park along a flood-control channel through downtown Frederick, with brick paths, footbridges, fountains, water lilies, public art and restaurants with outdoor seating. It hosts concerts and festivals in warm months. It is lovely in the evening, when the paths are lit and patios are open.
A large city park on the west side of downtown with a lake, playgrounds, tennis courts, a public pool and the Joseph Dill Baker Memorial Carillon tower. Summer brings free evening concerts at the bandshell. It is an easy walk from downtown and connects to the Carroll Creek paths.
A museum on East Patrick Street exploring medical care during the Civil War, including battlefield surgery, ambulances, embalming and the care of wounded soldiers, with many original artifacts. The building once served as an embalming business. Allow about two hours; it suits older children and adults.
A stone farmhouse built in 1756 by German immigrants, considered one of the finest examples of colonial German architecture in America, with a vaulted cellar and original woodwork. Guided tours explain early settler life. It opens seasonally on limited days, so check the schedule before you go.
A brick courthouse from the 1860s with tall columns on Court Square in downtown Frederick, built on the site of an earlier courthouse where the Stamp Act was protested in 1765. Today it serves as Frederick City Hall. Visitors usually view the exterior and the nearby historic square.
A restored 1926 movie palace on Patrick Street, originally the Tivoli Theatre, now hosting concerts, comedy, dance, classic films and theater. Its decorative ceiling and chandeliers make it worth seeing. Check the calendar for shows, and use the nearby parking decks on busy nights.
The site of the July 1864 Battle of Monocacy just south of Frederick, called the battle that saved Washington, D.C. A visitor center has exhibits and maps, and a driving tour links farms, monuments and short trails. Allow two to three hours; entry is free and the grounds suit picnics.
A historic cemetery on South Market Street founded in 1854, where Francis Scott Key, author of the Star-Spangled Banner, and Barbara Fritchie are buried. A large Key monument stands near the entrance, and many Civil War soldiers rest here. Visitors may walk the grounds respectfully during open hours.
A state park on Catoctin Mountain just west of Frederick, with stone overlooks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, hiking and mountain bike trails, a fishing pond and campsites. The High Knob area offers wide views over the Frederick valley. Trails are rocky, so wear sturdy shoes.
A national park unit in the mountains north of Frederick near Thurmont, with forest trails, waterfalls and rocky overlooks such as Chimney Rock and Wolf Rock. It also surrounds the presidential retreat at Camp David, which is closed to the public. Parking at popular trailheads fills on fall weekends.
A well-known craft brewery in Frederick with a taproom pouring its beers, known for bold labels designed with art by Ralph Steadman. Brewery tours are offered on select days and the taproom often hosts food trucks. Check opening hours, and book a tour in advance on busy weekends.
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