Gaithersburg, MD

Travel Guide

A street with cars, flags, and a church.
A red brick train station with a sign reading "Gaithersburg" and a steam locomotive in the background.
A busy street lined with various buildings, including a church with a steeple and a brick building with a green awning.
A barber pole with a red, white, and blue striped design, a white spherical ornament on top, and a metal base.
A steam locomotive with a small building attached, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Inspect the old locomotives at the railroad museum and retrace the steps of the Blair Witch in this community with many parks.

Gaithersburg is a pleasant and intriguing town that grew in the 19th century along with the historic B&O Railroad. It is known for its diverse shopping options and vast parks and as the site of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Snap photos of quaint townhouses and enjoy the town’s charming ambiance.

Browse the stores spread across two levels of the Lakeforest Mall. Enjoy meals in bars and restaurants or the mall’s food court. Bring your kids to the Adventure Kids Club at Lakeforest Mall. Other shopping centers in the town include the RIO Washingtonian Center and Gaithersburg Square. Wander down the lively commercial street of Downtown Crown for its shops, restaurants and small parks.

Understand the importance of the railroad to the town at Gaithersburg Community Museum, housed in the restored redbrick 1884 B&O Railroad Station. Use the interactive displays that showcase an old schoolroom and a bank. You can also see some of the trains that used these tracks, including a 1918 Buffalo Creek and a Gauley #14 Steam Locomotive.

Aside from those rainy day activities, Gaithersburg has a range of parks and lakes that are ideal for its hot and humid summers. Hike along the paths of the Lake Bernard Frank Trail and delight the family with a trip to the slides and pools of the Water Park at Bohrer Park. In the western suburbs, you’ll find the 6,300-acre (2,500-hectare) Seneca Creek State Park, where much of The Blair Witch Project was filmed. Rent canoes and paddle boats to take out on Clopper Lake.

The town is in the northwestern outskirts of Washington D.C. in the heart of Montgomery County. Drive northwest from the nation’s capital for 22 miles (35 kilometers) and get here in about 45 minutes. You can also arrive via a combination of the metro system and buses. Get around the main sights of the city by car.

Gaithersburg is a shopping haven with fascinating links to its railroad past.

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW Washington DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$124 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$144 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,405 reviews)
"Loved it!!!"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Washington Plaza Hotel
Moxy Washington DC Downtown

Moxy Washington DC Downtown

3 out of 5
1011 K Street NW Washington DC
$139 nightly
The price is $162 total per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
$162 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,413 reviews)
"Clean cute convenient room, note: small room and translucent bathroom wall"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Moxy Washington DC Downtown
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW Washington DC
$198 nightly
The price is $225 total per night from Oct 9 to Oct 10
$225 total
Oct 9 - Oct 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
See all 5,261 properties in Gaithersburg
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.
Luxury Estate for Filming

Luxury Estate for Filming

Gaithersburg MD
Stay at this vacation home in Gaithersburg. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions RIO Washingtonian Center ...
Luxury Estate for Filming
The River Inn

The River Inn

4 out of 5
924 25th St NW Washington DC
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
The River Inn
Glover Park Hotel Georgetown

Glover Park Hotel Georgetown

4 out of 5
Washington DC
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,244 reviews)
"Jay and the other staff members were super helpful and professional"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Glover Park Hotel Georgetown
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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 Gaithersburg attractions

RIO Washingtonian Center

9.4/10 (238 reviews)
You can do some window-shopping at RIO Washingtonian Center during your trip to Gaithersburg. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
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Things to do

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

$65
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature
Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Rockville Maryland

Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Rockville Maryland

$99
per adult
Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Rockville Maryland
Washington D.C. to Philadelphia and New York 2-Day Bus Tour

New York & Philadelphia 2-Day Bus Tour from Washington D.C.

$626
per adult
New York & Philadelphia 2-Day Bus Tour from Washington D.C.
See all activities in Gaithersburg

Frequently asked questions

Is Gaithersburg worth visiting?
Gaithersburg is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the RIO Washingtonian Center and Rio Lakefront, offering travelers a variety of experiences. The city also features diverse food and local dining, with popular Asian and Latin American cuisine options.
When is the best time to visit Gaithersburg?
The best time to visit Gaithersburg is from May through September, when the weather is warm and pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering cooler temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere.
What is Gaithersburg known for?
Gaithersburg is known for the RIO Washingtonian Center and Rio Lakefront, offering travelers a variety of experiences. It is also home to the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds. Travelers can enjoy a humid subtropical climate and find a strong Asian food culture throughout the city.
What is a good itinerary length for Gaithersburg?
A good itinerary length for Gaithersburg is one to two days to explore highlights like the RIO Washingtonian Center, Rio Lakefront, and perhaps try an Indoor Skydiving Experience. For a more relaxed trip, three to four days allows travelers to enjoy the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds and explore the local dining scene, which includes Asian, Latin American, and North American cuisines. See Gaithersburg Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Gaithersburg?
Gaithersburg offers a mix of outdoor recreation, unique experiences, and local attractions:

  • Explore the RIO Washingtonian Center, a popular area for dining and entertainment.
  • Visit the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds for local events and gatherings.
  • Stroll through Kentlands Lakes Park and enjoy its natural beauty.
  • Try an Indoor Skydiving Experience for a thrilling adventure.
  • Tour Kentlands Mansion, a historic landmark often used for events.

How do I plan a trip to Gaithersburg?
When planning your trip to Gaithersburg, search Expedia for places to stay and book flights and rental cars in advance. Explore attractions like RIO Washingtonian Center and Rio Lakefront, or try an indoor skydiving experience. Remember to pair any outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Gaithersburg?
In Gaithersburg, you can find Indian cuisine, with dishes like rich curries, biryani, and naan bread. Travelers can also explore other Asian options such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean food. Additionally, there are Latin American choices like Mexican and South American dishes, as well as Italian and North American fare.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Gaithersburg?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg?
If it's your first trip to Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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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