United States Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Guide Things To Do Essentials Where to Stay Itineraries Getaways All Washington, D.C. 15 Best Things to Do in Frederick, Maryland By Rachel Cooper Rachel Cooper Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 03/13/22 Share Pin Email DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images Frederick, Maryland, is home to a variety of family-friendly attractions, parks, recreational areas, wineries, antique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. As the gateway to Western Maryland, with its mountainous views and skyline of clustered spires, the city is best known for its Civil War sites and impressive 40-block historic district. Located within an hour's drive of both Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Frederick is a fun and easy place to explore whether you're just visiting for the day or plan to spend some time there. 01 of 15 Go On a Walking Tour of Frederick's Historic Downtown Visit Frederick View Map Address 24 E Church St, Frederick, MD 21701-5402, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-663-1188 Web Visit website Stop by the Frederick Visitor Center on South East Street to pick up a brochure for a 2.5-mile self-guided walking tour through Frederick's historic downtown, established in 1745 by settlers from England and Germany. The tourism board's website breaks down different itineraries you can do based on interest, whether you're into public art, architecture, nature, or want to focus on Frederick's African American history. If you'd prefer to have some explanation of what you're looking at, sign up for a guided walking tour by Heritage Frederick, which last 90 minutes and must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Choose from themed tours including a general overview of the historic district, African American history, art and architecture, or Civil War history. Two additional walking tours, Murder & Mayhem and Drunk & Disorderly in the Civil War, shed light on Frederick's darker side, as do Maryland Heritage Tours' ghost tours and cemetery tours. 02 of 15 Check Out Crystal Grottoes Caverns Crystal Grottoes Caverns Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Frederick in Boonsboro, Crystal Grottoes Caverns is an interesting place to spend the day exploring ancient underground rock formations. Excavated in 1920 and opened as a tourist attraction in 1922, the family-owned and operated site offers guided tours daily to the cave system, which, at a cool 54 degrees Fahrenheit, makes it a fun place to visit all year long. Curious science-loving guests of all ages can learn about the various formations and the carbonation and decarbonation processes the limestone cave's features have gone through over the years, as well as the natural geology of the area. View Map Address 19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713-2620, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-432-6336 Web Visit website 03 of 15 Visit Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park TripSavvy / Rachel Cooper View Map Address 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-663-9388 Web Visit website Located just 25 minutes north of Frederick, Catoctin Mountain Park offers 5,770 acres of natural wonderland to explore on foot, bicycle, or by car. It also happens to be home to several popular campgrounds and youth camps as well as Camp David, a small military base used by U.S. presidents seeking solace in nature. Enjoy 25 miles of hiking trails, or come for camping and fly-fishing in summer and cross-country skiing opportunities during the winter. Nearby, 6,080-acre Cunningham Falls State Park features a beautiful 78-foot cascading waterfall, a 44-acre lake, 140 campsites, playgrounds, picnic areas, and heaps of hiking trails, making it a local favorite for outdoor recreation with plenty of things to do for the whole family. 04 of 15 Tour Monacacy National Battlefield klaftera / Getty Images View Map Address 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-662-3515 Web Visit website This particular Civil War site is one of Frederick, Maryland's most notable historic attractions, as it's where the Battle of Monocacy Junction was fought on July 9, 1864. This site marks one of the last battles that the Confederates were able to carry out in Union territory—and one that essentially saved Washington, D.C., from being attacked. Take a walking tour and stop by the Visitor Center to view electronic maps, historical artifacts, and other interpretive displays, participate in a ranger-guided program, or attend special events. Continue to 5 of 15 below. 05 of 15 Shop for Antiques and Other Treasures Tourism Council of Frederick County If you're into antiquing, Frederick's historic downtown boasts over 200 antique shops, many within an easy walking distance of each other. The historic area also includes retail shops specializing in home furnishings, fashion, outdoor gear, toys, specialty foods, books, art, and vintage tea. View Map Address 112 N East St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-378-8537 Web Visit website 06 of 15 Visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine Tourism Council of Frederick County, Inc. View Map Address 48 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-695-1864 Web Visit website Located in downtown Frederick, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine contains five galleries and more than 1,200 artifacts that illustrate the medical story of the American Civil War. Here, guests can learn about the history of medical care and technology as it relates to the military and the wounded via living history exhibits, check out the gift shop, and stop by the research facility. 07 of 15 Attend a Performance at the Weinberg Center for the Arts Weinberg Center for the Arts View Map Address 20 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-600-2828 Web Visit website Looking for something fun to do to entertain the whole family? The 1926 restored movie palace, located in downtown Frederick, is a thriving state-of-the-art theater that features a variety of concert and theatrical performances. The Weinberg Center for the Arts seats 1,500 and is also available to rent for film festivals, studio screenings, conventions, weddings, and business meetings. 08 of 15 Check Out a Frederick Keys Baseball Game J. Leggett View Map Address 21 Stadium Dr, Frederick, MD 21703-6553, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-662-0013 Web Visit website Calling all baseball fans: The Frederick Keys are a minor league baseball team that also happens to be a Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Catch a game at Harry Grove Stadium, which seats 5,500 fans and is family-friendly, offering a Fun Zone and postgame fireworks on weekends. Continue to 9 of 15 below. 09 of 15 See Historic Frederick by Bike Acroterion / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 If you're looking for a fun way to stay in shape while sightseeing, don't miss the Frederick History Bicycle Loop, a 10-mile loop through the City of Frederick with stops at 22 historic sites, including Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, the Francis Scott Key Memorial, the Hessian Barracks (pictured here), and various sites hearkening back to the Civil War era. View Map Address 242 S Market St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA Get directions 10 of 15 Treat Yourself to Some Fine Dining Andrew Murdock View Map Address 581 Himes Ave, Frederick, MD 21703-6106, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-668-9500 Web Visit website Downtown Frederick offers a variety of great restaurants, including award-winning establishments like Thacher&Rye (formerly known as Volt), Dutch's Daughter, and Firestone's Culinary Tavern. Enjoy a range of cuisine from Italian and Japanese to seafood to Spanish-style tapas. Try to plan your visit in March during Frederick's Restaurant Week, when many eateries offer prix-fixe menus at discounted prices. 11 of 15 Explore Baker Park Jennifer Boyer / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 View Map Address Baker Park, Frederick, MD 21701, USA Get directions Web Visit website In downtown Frederick, Baker Park is home to a carillon, lake, public swimming pool, tennis courts, athletic fields, pavilions, picnic areas, and several playgrounds. This popular 58-acre green space also serves as a venue for summer concerts, children’s theater, sports, festivals, and other outdoor events. If you're visiting around the Fourth of July, stop by Frederick's Fourth for fireworks and other family-friendly fun. 12 of 15 Day Trip to Local Wineries Tourism Council of Frederick County About 20 minutes from the city center, the Frederick Wine Trail is made up of 15 wineries—Black Ankle Vineyards, Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, Celebration Cellars Winery, Distillery Lane Ciderworks, Elk Run Vineyards, Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard, Links Bridge Vineyards, Loew Vineyards, Mazzaroth Vineyards, Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery, Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery, Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine, Big Cork Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars (pictured here), and New Market Plains Vineyard. Enjoy a ride through the Maryland countryside and discover some of Frederick County's best agricultural bounty, beautiful vineyards, and outstanding wines. View Map Address 13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-831-5889 Web Visit website Continue to 13 of 15 below. 13 of 15 Visit the Rose Hill Manor Museum Frederick Visitors Bureau View Map Address 1611 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-600-1650 Web Visit website The Rose Hill Manor Museum provides a look at early American life, transportation, and the agricultural history of Frederick County, featuring a manor house, icehouse, log cabin, blacksmith shop, carriage collection, and two barns. Guided tours are offered daily, while special programs are available for children and groups. 14 of 15 Ride on a Vintage Train With Walkersville Southern Railroad Alexander Spatari / Getty Images View Map Address 34 W Pennsylvania Ave, Walkersville, MD 21793, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-898-0899 Web Visit website Located just 10 minutes northwest of Frederick, Walkersville Southern Railroad offers a variety of leisurely rail excursions aboard its historic 1920s-style coaches. Dinner trains are available from May through November, while other railway adventures feature Jesse James and his infamous gang, as well as kid-friendly rides with teddy bears and super heroes. For a real treat, plan your visit to coincide with the Santa trains during the holiday season, the Bunny trains in springtime around Easter, and the Fourth of July, when fireworks can also be seen. 15 of 15 Stop by the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum Tourism Council of Frederick County, Inc. View Map Address 1110 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21701-4127, USA Get directions Phone +1 301-663-3885 Web Visit website The Schifferstadt Architectural Museum is an 18th-century museum and garden that's home to one of the oldest and most historic buildings in the City of Frederick. It also happens to be among the best examples of early Colonial German Architecture in the country. Stop by on weekends to take a tour or during special events, held onsite throughout the year. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit