Things to do in Bethesda

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Bethesda, MD featuring a house and a park
Bethesda showing street scenes and cafe scenes
Strathmore featuring performance art and interior views as well as a large group of people
Bethesda, MD which includes street scenes and heritage elements
Bethesda, MD featuring signage

Bethesda Attractions

Do you appreciate delicious food or shopping? Or perhaps you just prefer to get familiar with a new place like a true local. While staying in Bethesda, it doesn't matter which category you fall in — this interesting metropolis has all the sights and experiences you could ever hope for.

If you're ready to explore Bethesda, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a local expert show you the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {450 fun activities in Bethesda fun activities in Bethesda} are also worth browsing through.

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Most popular activities in Bethesda

Tours & day trips

See all 407 activities
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
7.6 out of 10 with 610 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $54 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 154 activities
Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $95 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 40 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $65 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 30 activities
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 30 reviews
Price is $90 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 8 activities
Cooking or Baking Lesson with a Maryland Local Karen in her Home

Cooking or Baking Lesson with a Maryland Local Karen in her Home

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $106 per adult*
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Recommended things to do in Bethesda

Number of things to do
450
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Bethesda

Free Things to Do in Bethesda

A break in Bethesda doesn't have to break the bank. You can leave your wallet behind if you check out:

Ratner Museum - Speak to the staff and learn all about the interesting collections exhibited at this museum.

Clara Barton National Historic Site - If you're captivated by bygone times, this is one stop you won't want to miss.

Chinatown - This bustling spot is a favorite hangout of both visitors and locals.

National Institute of Health Campus - Pay a visit and find out the importance of this place to the locals.

Aubudon Naturalist Society - If you relish digging around the garden, this attraction will satisfy your green thumb.

Things to Do in Bethesda with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you go in Bethesda. Here are a few family friendly experiences to try together that are bound to make your trip a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Bethesda? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bethesda

National Mall which includes heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and a city

National Mall

4.5/5(4,017 reviews)

Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.

National Mall
White House which includes a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

White House

4/5(5,961 reviews)

Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

White House
University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

4/5(1,180 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Maryland, College Park, a top university in College Park. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

University of Maryland, College Park
National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

5/5(128 reviews)

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Smithsonian Institution
Arlington National Cemetery featuring a memorial, a square or plaza and a cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

4.5/5(3,548 reviews)

Pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country in the best-known military cemetery in America.

Arlington National Cemetery
District of Columbia

Union Station Shopping Center

4/5(115 reviews)

Fashion outlets, accessory stores, souvenir shops and a food court sit amid the grand arches and majestic columns of Washington’s central railway terminal.

Union Station Shopping Center
Another shot from the Potomac river. Cool night shots #URBANJUNGLE

Washington Navy Yard

4.5/5(116 reviews)

Washington Navy Yard is just one of the places to see in Washington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.

Washington Navy Yard
Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

4.5/5(2,511 reviews)

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's great live music and notable monuments.

Capital One Arena
National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

5/5(82 reviews)

Walk through time in the footsteps of the nation’s African Americans, from the sobering slavery years to celebrated achievements in arts, politics and sport.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Bethesda

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Brookmont

If you're spending some time in Brookmont, Potomac River and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal are top sights worth seeing.

Brookmont
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Woodmont Triangle

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Though Woodmont Triangle might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Bethesda Theater and Bethesda Row.

Woodmont Triangle
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Bannockburn

When in Bannockburn, you can plan a visit to Burning Tree Country Club and CIA Headquarters, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bannockburn
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Woodacres

When in Woodacres, you can plan a visit to Bethesda Row and CIA Headquarters, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Woodacres
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Bethesda

United States Capitol showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and autumn leaves

Washington

Arlington National Cemetery showing a memorial, a park and landscape views

Arlington

Strathmore Hall which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Rockville

Photo by shadiii R.gh

Chevy Chase

Silver Spring

Silver Spring

McLean

McLean

Photo by Taylor Stetka

Potomac

Frequently asked questions

Is Bethesda worth visiting?
Renowned for its culture and dining, discovering fun things to do in Bethesda is easy. Remember to add National Mall to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Bethesda?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian's National Zoo. Then, tour other areas of Bethesda for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bethesda?
National Mall is one of the top tourist attractions in Bethesda and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bethesda?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, like Smithsonian's National Zoo, Washington National Cathedral and Lincoln Theater. The average stay in Bethesda is three days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Washington isn't far away.
Is Bethesda a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Bethesda, such as National Museum of Health and Medicine and Imagination Stage, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 3 miles from the city center of Bethesda is Forest Hills and Friendship Heights is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Bethesda with kids?
Deciding what to do in Bethesda with kids has never been easier. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in Bethesda for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Bethesda, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at K Street or Sixth and I Historic Synagogue.
Are there free things to do in Bethesda?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Bethesda is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Washington National Cathedral is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.