The information on this page is based on historical averages and may not reflect current conditions. Please check with local authorities for the latest travel advice.
Read moreThe best time to visit the USA is either during spring (late March to late May) or autumn (late September to late October). These are the shoulder seasons before and after summer, so promise mild temperatures and fewer visitors in the most popular destinations.
From east to west, the U.S. measures 2,680 kilometres across – and in that range there are five climate regions. So, the best time to visit the USA really does depend on what specific location you have in mind. If you’re not fussed, then spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant times to be in the U.S.
Lasting from mid-March to late May, spring brings warm temperatures and beautiful natural scenery to the national parks, forests and wetlands of southern states like California, Florida and Nevada. The northern states and cities take some time to catch up – but when they do, the likes of New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago become popular city break destinations. Similarly, ‘fall’ guarantees pleasant temps and mesmerising autumnal landscapes in many parts of the country. So for lovers of outdoor activities like hiking, biking and camping, these shoulder seasons are the perfect time to make the trip.
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Monthly weather and travel tips for United States
After the excitement of Christmas, things are much quieter across the USA in January. The northern states, in particular, can feel bleak with short days and heavy snowfall affecting many regions. So you’ll need to take your thickest winter coat to stay toasty in cities like Boston, New York and Philadelphia, which hosts its annual Mummers Parade on New Year's Day. Instead of avoiding the snow, embrace it at ski resorts like Park City, Utah, and Aspen, Colorado – both famed for their powder skiing and the latter for the Winter X Games competition held at the end of the month.
By contrast, southern states like Florida, Louisiana and Texas are much warmer with average highs of 16–18°C. Southern California also draws its fair share of sun seekers in January, mainly to the beaches of Orange County and laid-back San Diego, or the desert landscapes of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Death Valley. But Hawaii is the place to go if you really want to escape the winter blues, with temperatures fixed in the low to mid 20s every day.
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In February, the days are cold and dark across many of the northern states. However, it’s a great time to enjoy cosy mountain resorts and take advantage of discount prices in major destinations like Chicago and Washington D.C. You could time your trip with Presidents Day (a national holiday) on the third Monday of the month, or the Superbowl – America’s biggest sporting event of the year. Alternatively, head into the wilderness of Wyoming and Montana for wolf-watching safaris and dog-sledding adventures – but be sure to wrap up in your warmest clothes.
In the southwest, tourists flock to the Grand Canyon to see it in its snow-dusted winter glory, while further east in New Orleans locals and visitors alike will be gearing up for the legendary parades and masquerade balls of the Mardi Gras festival held at the end of the month. It’s much warmer down here during February, so if you plan to go then pack lighter clothing and a colourful costume to don on the night.
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With the first buds of spring, many Americans – particularly those in the south – can start to think about festivals and holidays once more. States like Georgia, Tennessee and California are warming nicely, and it’s during March that huge crowds of young Americans descend on Florida to spend their spring break. This is the warmest part of the country, with average highs of about 22°C and more beaches than you can shake a snorkel at.
But the change isn’t quite so obvious further north, where continued snowfall keeps the ski season going strong in states like Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. You’ll need to wear plenty of layers if you’re planning a trip to the likes of Boston or New York – two cities which battle it out for the best St. Patrick’s Day parades every year. And come the end of the month there’s nowhere better than Washington D.C., where hundreds of pink and white cherry blossoms bloom around the capital’s Tidal Basin in coincidence with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
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In April, the northern states can finally begin to shake off the winter chill. Temperatures can climb into the mid teens and sunny days start rolling in. However, much of the snow is replaced by rain – especially in coastal regions including New England and the Pacific Northwest – so it’s best to come prepared for wet and windy weather.
Down south, it’s road-tripping season. If you’re planning a cross-country junket, April is a great month to see the southern national parks while avoiding the summer crowds. Those in Utah and Arizona are excellent options to explore while en route to Las Vegas, Nevada. The world’s gambling capital isn’t too hot this time of year, and hosts its annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer at the start of the month. Other major events taking place in April include California’s Coachella Music Festival, Miami’s Wine and Food Festival, New Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage Festival and The Boston Marathon. Easter Sunday and Earth Day (22 April) are celebrated nationwide.
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Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest
April showers bring May flowers – or so the saying goes. By now, most of the US will be swathed in great patches of green and vibrant wildflowers in full bloom. With daily highs of 18–23°C, it’s also warm enough to explore northern metropolises like New York, Chicago and Washington D.C. without worrying about the cold – though you might want to take a light waterproof jacket just in case.
These peak conditions make May a prime time to experience the country’s natural wonders too. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Utah’s many national parks turn into geological wonderlands, particularly as the wildlife comes out of hibernation, while California’s Death Valley is primed for sensational Milky Way views. The month’s big event is Cinco de Mayo – a celebration of Mexican culture with live music, dance and family-friendly activities in locations across the nation. Memorial Day, one of the country’s biggest public holidays, arrives on the last Monday of the month, marking the start of the summer holiday season.
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The beginning of June is arguably the sweet spot of the US calendar. For a week or two, the weather is warm and sunny nearly everywhere you go, and tourist numbers are yet to peak. It’s a great time to visit national parks such as California’s Yosemite, when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular as the high-altitude snow causes rushing meltwater. The festival season is also in full swing, with major events including Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Manchester, Tennessee) and the legendary San Francisco Pride parade taking place.
Further north, temperatures will be a little fresher but still consistently warm – especially in waterfront cities like Cleveland, Providence and Atlantic City. There’s no shortage of events either. Take Chicago’s Blues Festival – a free, three-day party celebrating blues and jazz – or New York’s aqua-themed Mermaid Parade on Coney Island. But the main attraction is ‘Summerfest’, held each June in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and currently the USA’s largest music festival.
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July is one of the hottest and most crowded months to visit the U.S. With schools broken up for summer, American families join tourists in the national parks and beach resorts up and down the country, so you’ll need to make reservations well in advance. Temperatures stay comfortably within the high twenties and hit the mid thirties in southwestern cities like Austin, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona. It’s more humid in the east, but occasional thunderstorms help to mitigate the heat.
If you time your visit right, the 4 July celebrations are not to be missed. Taking place all over the country, America’s Independence Day is honoured with parades, parties, fireworks and all things red, white and blue. July is also ideal for exploring the otherwise rainy Pacific Northwest, with cities such as Seattle and Portland coming into their own. The former hosts the Bite of Seattle food festival in July, while the latter goes craft beer crazy at the Oregon Brewers Festival. Other July highlights include Santa Fe’s Folk Art Festival and Taste of Chicago – the largest food festival on the planet.
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Expect sweltering heat in August, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below the mid thirties in the south. It’s also incredibly humid in some eastern cities and regions, from which the best escape will be your nearest waterfront. But brace yourself – most beaches are packed with city dwellers and families cramming in a summer holiday before school restarts. However, that also means lower rates and thinner crowds in otherwise crowded destinations like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
The good news is that the USA has thousands of miles of glorious coastline on offer – from the shorelines of New England to the beaches of the Carolinas and Southern California’s Pacific Coast. You could also take the opportunity to explore mountainous national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton, both in Wyoming, or those found in Alaska, which enjoys long and mild days during August. Elsewhere, the Iowa State Fair runs in state capital Des Moines for most of the month, while tennis fans clamber to see world pros take to the court at New York’s thrilling US Open.
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September brings calm and cooler temperatures to much of the US, with only the hottest cities in the south recording daytime temperatures higher than 30°C. It’s worth bearing in mind that September also marks the start of hurricane season in Florida, so it’s probably best to avoid. The month kicks off with Labor Day – a national holiday which signals the unofficial end of summer, involving big parties and barbecue cookouts up and down the country. New York’s Electric Zoo music festival and the Detroit Jazz Festival are two notable examples.
Other important days in September include Patriot Day, which commemorates the events of 9/11, and Constitution Day on 17 September. California’s wine harvest also occurs in September, while beer and bratwurst lovers rejoice with the arrival of Oktoberfest to cities such as Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. But the ultimate party is none other than Burning Man – a nine-day jamboree of electro music, mesmerising artwork and community spirit in the middle of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
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Temperatures tumble in October, as the transitional season brings enthralling autumnal colours to the northern states. It's not too cold though, so you can comfortably explore the forests of New England and seek out the best viewpoints to admire the kaleidoscopic canopies. Other autumn leaf hotspots in the US include the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, and Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
The southern states cool down but still cling to warm temperatures, so now would be a good time to experience the dazzling lights and sights of Las Vegas. Further south, Fantasy Fest – Key West's answer to Mardi Gras – brings tens of thousands to the subtropical enclave in the ten days before Halloween. The 31 October holiday is one of the most exciting events of the year, with Halloween-themed parades taking place in New York, Los Angeles and Salem, Massachusetts
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Tourist numbers drop off sharply in November, as winter takes hold. Cold winds blow through many of the northern states, bringing plenty of rain and even snowfall to some. Down in Florida, the end of hurricane season triggers the start of a warm but drier period that’s ideal for visiting the theme parks of Orlando. So what you pack really does depend on which region you visit, as the north and south climates differ significantly at this time of year.
Veterans Day is held on 11 November, while Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of the month. Of the many national celebrations that occur on this day, the most famous is the Macy’s Day Parade in New York, renowned for its giant floats and marching bands. The following day is Black Friday – a major date in the Christmas shopping calendar with stores offering hefty discounts all over the country. If you’re visiting New York, you might also want to consider a trip up to Boston to follow the Freedom Trail and discover where the American Revolution began.
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December is a busy month in the US. Not only do the streets of major cities become filled with Christmas shoppers, but it’s also the month that ski season kicks off in the Rockies. Resorts in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Utah bustle with winter sports lovers, determined to make the most of the fresh snowfall, while cities across the east and midwest are illuminated with incredible festive displays, including European-style markets and ice-skating rinks. You’ll need to wrap up if visiting the north in December – and it’s best to make reservations well in advance in order to avoid the highest rates.
Elsewhere, southern destinations like Miami and San Diego are still warm enough so that you can walk around in a t-shirt. Christmas Day itself is taken as a national holiday, while New Year’s Eve sees amazing fireworks displays all over the nation. New York’s Times Square is a legendary spot, where the ‘time ball’ descends a flagpole during the minute-long countdown to midnight. December is also the best time of year to see the Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights, throughout Alaska.
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Knowing the best time to visit the U.S. depends on what you’re looking for in a trip. If weather is your main concern, then it’s worth bearing in mind that the USA contains five distinct climate regions that vary significantly at any given time of the year. However, the most pleasant temperatures generally occur during spring and autumn across most of these regions.
The Northeast – home to cities such as New York, Boston and Philadelphia – gets average highs of 9°C during spring and 11°C during autumn, with frequent showers across the region. In contrast, the sun-kissed cities of the Southwest like Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego bask in temperatures of 12–17°C through both shoulder seasons. Further up the West Coast, Portland and Seattle are cooler and wetter, being in the states of Oregon and Washington respectively. Late spring temperatures are warmer in Midwest hotspots like Chicago and Columbus but can get chilly in autumn, while Southeast cities like Miami and Orlando, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana, experience average highs of 19–22°C in both seasons.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
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New York | High | 4°C | 4°C | 8°C | 15°C | 21°C | 25°C | 29°C | 27°C | 24°C | 18°C | 12°C | 9°C |
Low | -3°C | -3°C | 1°C | 7°C | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C | 21°C | 17°C | 12°C | 5°C | 3°C | |
Las Vegas | High | 15°C | 18°C | 23°C | 26°C | 31°C | 38°C | 39°C | 38°C | 35°C | 28°C | 20°C | 14°C |
Low | 4°C | 7°C | 11°C | 14°C | 19°C | 25°C | 27°C | 26°C | 23°C | 16°C | 8°C | 5°C | |
Orlando | High | 22°C | 23°C | 25°C | 28°C | 30°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 29°C | 25°C | 25°C |
Low | 11°C | 13°C | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C | 23°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 20°C | 16°C | 15°C | |
Los Angeles | High | 21°C | 20°C | 22°C | 22°C | 23°C | 24°C | 26°C | 28°C | 29°C | 27°C | 23°C | 19°C |
Low | 9°C | 10°C | 12°C | 13°C | 15°C | 17°C | 18°C | 19°C | 19°C | 17°C | 13°C | 10°C | |
Miami | High | 24°C | 25°C | 26°C | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 29°C | 27°C | 26°C |
Low | 18°C | 18°C | 19°C | 22°C | 23°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 24°C | 21°C | 20°C | |
San Francisco | High | 14°C | 14°C | 15°C | 15°C | 16°C | 17°C | 18°C | 18°C | 19°C | 19°C | 16°C | 14°C |
Low | 9°C | 10°C | 11°C | 11°C | 11°C | 12°C | 14°C | 14°C | 14°C | 14°C | 12°C | 10°C | |
Cost of stay in United States
Want to travel smart? Here, you can check out the average cost of accommodation per night in the United States.
The best places to visit in United States
Check out some of the most popular cities, places to visit and things to do in United States!
New York
Popular in December
Sightseeing, Shopping, City Walks
Las Vegas
Popular in August
Entertainment, Nightlife, Gambling
Orlando
Popular in July
Theme Parks, Universal Studios, Shopping
Los Angeles
Popular in August
Sightseeing, Beach, Universal Studios
Miami
Popular in December
Shopping, Beach, Nightlife
San Francisco
Popular in August
Sightseeing, City Walks, Scenery
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We went on a romantic weekend it was great to walk the beaches hand and hand and not be bothered.
Miami was awesome even in the rain glad I took a trip there. The only problem there was a lot of homeless on the streets and when you went into the stores to shop a lot of clerks only spoke Spanish. And I only spoke English.
Clean comfortable room, bed was comfortable, and breakfast was nice. The room was a nice size, not cramped but plenty of space. We had our little dogs and I could tell the room was clean as they did not sniff around the room heavily indicating the room was cleaned well. It also was nice and quiet not noisy. It was as if we were the only ones around.
Miles of beach access, great places to stay, various fishing opportunities; be it deep sea, bay, pier, jetty, surf, etc. Easy access to Corpus Christi if wanted/needed. I've been coming to Port-A for 56 years, starting when it was nothing more than a sleepy little fishing town.
The antique and small specialty shops were great. There was limited dining; partly due to the recent closure of a dining establishment due to staffing shortages post COVID. However, we found the food very good in the places that we dined at. The Grand Kerr House offered breakfast options that were satisfactory.
I just live in the town over, but the food variety is definitely better than East Moline.
The downtown area near Seaport Village is fun to explore with good restaurants and other shops. If you stay at a hotel in the area, you can also visit the Gaslamp Quarter for tours and more great food. You can walk along the Embarcadero and visit the large peninsula park. Another thing to do is find a good concert at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The Rady Shell is just a short walk, and it would be a nice evening.
There's something for everyone, choice is actually a little overwhelming so you need to do your research but at the same time go with the flow and allow for changes as your days go along! Shows were a highlight, definitely recommend booking at least one in your trip, we did on and off Broadway shows, all excellent!
The architecture and the restoration of so many beautiful buildings. The history of this town is amazing. It's equally amazing that so many buildings have escaped the wrecking ball and are being restored. I've been to Santa Fe and Taos. Las Vegas is definitely more of what I enjoy in terms of history, food, architecture and incredibly friendly people.
The hotel is in process of renovations but guests are not put out.This hotel is a value while traveling. Breakfast is good- selection is varied and rooms are comfortable and clean.Staff is helpful.
Hermosa ciudad, inspiradora para la libertad y las ciencias...!
Difficult to review Pheonix as we only stayed one night
We took our teenage children on a holiday in New York. We got to see all the main attractions and a Knicks game in MSG. Outstanding experience overall.
There is so much to do in Austin. We stayed 3 nights just outside the city - between driving in and wandering the city, it wasn't enough. We were really impressed by the number and range of food options - food trucks, cafes, and restaurants. If you're into food, music, nature, shopping, socializing, and/or exploring urban spaces, we highly recommend this city.
Fifth visit to NYC, and the first time having a long walk around Central Park . Made the most of subways visiting The High Line, Citi Field , Brooklyn and Staten Island. Plenty of boutique shops around Midtown. Can be busy so pre plan any tourist spots you want to hit. Not really for those who just want to sit back and relax.
I love Honolulu, anything everything you can find here with pleasant weather all year round. Went to the east part of island once, the sand is amazing. I can walk for hours feeling the silky feeling on my feet.
Being up in the mountains in a private cabin - away from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Broadway was great especially the MJ show was great. Time Square was good lively as usual and good vibe.
people drive crazy there. Also some of the streets are confusing. We were in town to visit family & friends. places to go. Check out Anna Marie Island. It is beautiful
It is our go to vacation destination. Love the beaches , village in the evening, great restaurants. A wonderful town , something for everyone
It was surprisingly quiet for such a large city. It is clean and has great public transport facilities
A wonderful city. Manhattan has great cultural and historical sites
Good place for beaches etc but getting expensive for accommodation and most motels very old. The restaurants are everywhere & we liked the Cheesecake Factory.
Brooklyn can be accommodating for any traveller whether its business or pleasure.
Great place to visit Lots of places to see Lots of attractions Price of everything very reasonable
We had six days and five nights, loved every minute of our trip.
It was conveniently located off of major highways. Also staff was friendly helpful and Wantagh Park was adjacent to the hotel. Not far from Jones Beach.
i like all live oak trees so relaxing . but what is not relaxing is to find a place to EAT.
Queens is cute! Specifically Long Island city. But the short distance in travel into the city, that some people experience? Doesn’t always happen on the weekends. It can be an hour train ride. And holiday weekends is almost a must. Do not wear Chucks! Close to LGA!
I stayed here on my way from California to Denver. I chose Escalante because of its chill vibe and proximity to hiking and hwy 12. It was a nice break from some of the more conservative towns I've stayed in-- plenty of places to get a beer or a drink.
San Francisco is a beautiful city. Plus has cultural sights for all .The murals at Chalet Restaurant and Coit, (WPA) programs, all the areas of Golden Gate Park, the Painted Ladies, the Ferry Building(foodie heaven), China Town, Japan Town, the beach area and Lands end hiking. The new Exploratorium at the warf, the singing seals and lets not forget the seafood, fresh off the boats.
So much bang for your buck Vegas style casinos…mountains water parks and nice beach
Great first visit to see the five top sights, next time we‘ll explore the neighborhoods outside the center
Beautiful ocean and forest The beaches were great
This was just a one-night road stop for me but the property was very tidy, has a full restaurant and bar in the lobby and was convenient.
Naville is an exciting city. We spent two nights at the hotel and could have spent longer but the hotel was not as expected. and we were on a schedule,
The Museum near Hanover was awesome. Hit 3 different restaurant/diners and the food was adequate but not exceptional. Local people everywhere make the area a great place to visit.
I was there for only 2 days for a wedding, not enough time to give a decent review. Spent a week in Newport many years ago and loved it. I would cancel my remarks if I could.
Staff is friendly, location is perfect, love the view even if it was sideways. However they need to do something about the unit. I would hope it's not the stanard. It is old outdated and not really cleaned before next visitors. Actually it was kinda awful. We cleaned and made it work because of the location, but we paid way to much for that unit. #516. Town was within walking distance with cute shops and great food.
Padre Island is great the last week of August before Labor Day. Small crowds, restaurants are not busy, etc. Water temp is perfect.
Cambria is a quaint village in a great location on the central Coast. Visit both East & West ends of town for many shops, art galleries & shops. Moonstone Beach is a must see. Harmony, Morro Bay & San Simeon are short drives away.
Did not see much Hotel was in an ideal location Went for a graduation
Love the city only problem is everything is in one area very congested
We liked everything about Honolulu: the people, the city, the restaurants, the stores, the beaches and water. However, we found Honolulu unbelievable expensive when compared to a few years ago and when compared with Europe destinations.
I love eating at New York New York Hotel, Flamingo , MGM and a few more restaurant. I loved going to the show Cirque Du Soleil it was fantastic. The people were very friendly and helpful. WE took uber and the drivers were very helpful.
Centrally located between Jerome and Sedona and made it easy to take day trips to those locations plus other historical sites. Getting around the town was easy and there was a quaint downtown area with unique shops and restaurants.
Just a quiet place, close to Museum of Appalachia, Norris, the lake, eating places. We stayed at the Fairmont Inn, and up the hill behind it was a Walmart, and shopping/ restaurant strip. Cute little shops and nice Italian restaurant.
Places to eat are limited by late September. The boat tour of Pictured Rocked Lakeshore was fantastic, well worth the price.
Tonopah is an interesting town with several thing to see. The cemetery at the end of town is extremely interesting and the Clown Motel, which is next door. The Tonopah Station had a very good restaurant, Stage Stop Cafe, and very interesting items on display. The mine is also worth seeing.
Londonderry is close everything, especially Manchester if you like to go to the mall..
Plenty of things to do and see for all ages. Weather great.
Enjoyed everything about our Holiday. Local people were very friendly and helpful. Beaches were amazing. Loved the location of our Hotel.🥰❤️
Great place to visit. Been here many times before but was daughters first trip. Do the research before going as there is so much to do some of which will require booking ahead due to limited availability and to get the best price. DONT rely on the hotel to direct you. There are some good concierge out there, but it very much depends on the hotel you are staying at.
We love everything about Savannah. It is a beautiful city with lots of history and very friendly people.
People are friendly, the area has a lot to offer for families. Variety of restaurants
It is a lovely, lovely town. Perfect if you’re a dog lover. A must visit is Doris Days hotel, it’s the only place in the world where I have seen line dancing dogs
Watching dolfins from balcony of our room. Granddaughter in the indoor heated pools. Hot tub, lazy river and swimming in pool.
Born and raised in New York City, and choosing Washington DC, to hopefully call my new home over the many other States, I lived in the past should say enough.
We enjoyed the New Years light show at Randolph park and the food at the Cinco De Mayo Mexican restaurant.
Love this area! Quiet, peaceful and a place we would definitely return to!
Don't settle for a less-than-great hotel. Very important, learn some of the local native info around Gallup... We met a 106-year Navijo WW2 "Code talker"
Is a quiet small town, works if you doesn't want to drive in night and plan a stay to continue in the morning. Fair price.
Staff were very friendly. Room was clean and roomy. Closet was huge and served as my dressing room as there was 3 of us in the room. Only downside was the limited light getting to the back of the building to park but once you get back there, it’s well lit. The hotel is simply beautiful inside.
I was there for a specific event. The friends I was visiting love Frederick and have no intention of ever leaving. That’s a good recommendation. Parking in the historic district was….interesting, but I managed. Same thing where I live, actually. Dinner for 11 people worked just fine at Il Porto. Good food, too! Will be there end of January for another event at the new Union Mills Public House. Looking forward to it.
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