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 {470 fun activities in Bethesda fun activities in Bethesda} are also worth browsing through.

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Recommended things to do in Bethesda

Number of things to do
470
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

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
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
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 acclaimed theater scene and notable monuments.

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

United States Capitol

4.5/5(4,868 reviews)

Sitting on top of Capitol Hill is a Washington landmark that’s been the home of American democracy for more than 200 years.

United States Capitol
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 fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Capital One Arena
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
University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

4/5(1,180 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Maryland, College Park, during your travels in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

University of Maryland, College Park
the American way

Nationals Park

4.5/5(1,250 reviews)

Catch an event at Nationals Park during your trip to Washington. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

Nationals Park
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

 

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.

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