What to do in Bethesda, MD

Activities, attractions and tours
Bethesda featuring cafe scenes and street scenes

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

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Most fun & popular experiences in Bethesda

Tours & day trips

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Attractions

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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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!

 

 

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Bethesda

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9 Places to Celebrate Black History Month in 2019

Finding the stories and celebrations of African-American movers and shakers
9 Places to Celebrate Black History Month in 2019

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Bethesda on a sunny day?
When the weather is putting on a show, these outdoor activities are difficult to resist:


What to do in Bethesda on a rainy day?
Throw yourself into some of these appealing indoor activities and turn a miserable, rainy day into an adventure:


Are there cheap things to do in Bethesda?
If you’re on a strict budget, add the following low-cost activities and tours to your to-do list:


What can you do in Bethesda for free?
You’ll hardly have time to dig your wallet out of your backpack with so many terrific free attractions:

  • Rockville Town Center
  • RIO Washingtonian Center
  • National Institute of Health Campus
  • Westfield Montgomery Mall

Popular places to visit

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Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Though Walter Reed National Military Medical Center might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Bethesda while you are here.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
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National Institute of Health Campus

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Though National Institute of Health Campus might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Bethesda while you are here.

National Institute of Health Campus
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Congressional Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Bethesda at Congressional Country Club. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Congressional Country Club
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Westfield Montgomery Mall

4.5/5(7 reviews)

During your visit to Bethesda, you can enjoy retail therapy at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Experience the area's lively festivals and fascinating museums.

Westfield Montgomery Mall
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NIH Clinical Center

Though NIH Clinical Center might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Bethesda while you are here.

NIH Clinical Center
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Bethesda Row

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Bethesda Row during your visit to Bethesda. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this family-friendly area.

Bethesda Row
Image for Burning Tree Country Club

Burning Tree Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Bethesda at Burning Tree Country Club. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art scene.

Burning Tree Country Club
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The Bethesda Theater

You can enjoy a show at The Bethesda Theater during your stay in Bethesda. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and great live music.

The Bethesda Theater
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Madonna of the Trail Statue

You can learn about the history of Bethesda with a trip to Madonna of the Trail Statue. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its great live music.

Madonna of the Trail Statue

Explore areas of Bethesda

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Woodmont Triangle

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Woodmont Triangle, White House and National Museum of African American History and Culture are top sights worth seeing.

Woodmont Triangle
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Brookmont

If you're spending some time in Brookmont, White House and National Museum of African American History and Culture are top sights worth seeing.

Brookmont
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Bannockburn

While visiting Bannockburn, you might make a stop by sights like White House and National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Bannockburn
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Woodacres

While visiting Woodacres, you might make a stop by sights like White House and National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Woodacres
See our Where To Stay guide

Day trip destinations 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

Rockville

Rockville

Photo by shadiii R.gh

Chevy Chase

Silver Spring

Silver Spring

McLean

McLean