Things to do in Bethesda

Activities, attractions and tours

A tree-lined street with a building displaying art classes and a stone wall.
A street with outdoor seating, brick buildings, and string lights.
A large, ornate auditorium with multiple tiers of seating and a central stage.
A multi-story building with a light blue facade, a red car, and a black SUV on the street.
A storefront with a sign reading "Georgetown Cafe" and "Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner."

Things to do

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

P1,845
per adult
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.
The reflection of the Washington Monument on the reflecting pool!

Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

P3,876
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Washington DC Night-Time City Tour
Skip-the-Line Washington Monument Observation Deck Tickets

Skip-the-Line Washington Monument Tickets + Guidebook

P1,477
per adult
Skip-the-Line Washington Monument Tickets + Guidebook
Capitol Building in Washington DC

One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York

P11,630
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York
DC at Dusk Night Tour

DC at Dusk Night Tour

P4,000
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
DC at Dusk Night Tour
DC Monuments with River Cruise, Cherry Blossoms, Entry Tickets

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

P4,246
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets
National Archives VIP Skip-The-Line Small Group Guided Tour

National Archives VIP Skip-The-Line Small Group Guided Tour

P4,246
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
National Archives VIP Skip-The-Line Small Group Guided Tour
See all activities in Bethesda
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Bethesda

Stay near popular Bethesda attractions

Westfield Montgomery Mall

8.8/10 (140 reviews)
Upscale shopping destination featuring over 190 specialty retailers including Nordstrom and Macy's. Explore designer boutiques, dine at chef-driven restaurants, or catch a film at AMC Theatres.
See properties

Where to stay in Bethesda

Find the best Bethesda areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bethesda
Learn more about Bethesda
A city street at night with a tall building, trees, and a clear sky.

Woodmont Triangle

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.

Rapids in the Potomac River at Great Falls, seen from Olmsted Is

Bethesda Downtown

While you're in Bethesda Downtown, take in top sights like The Bethesda Theater and jump on the metro at Bethesda Center Station to see more of the city.

A calm lake surrounded by dense trees and a clear sky.

Brookmont

While Brookmont might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Battery Kemble Park and Abner Cloud House.

A fast-flowing river with rocky terrain and trees in the background.

Bannockburn

When in Bannockburn, you can plan a visit to Clara Barton National Historic Site and Burning Tree Country Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A road lined with cherry blossoms and a parked vehicle.

Woodacres

When in Woodacres, you can plan a visit to Clara Barton National Historic Site and Bethesda Row, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A capitol building with a dome, surrounded by autumn foliage.

Washington

A cemetery with numerous headstones and trees.

Arlington

A snow-covered landscape with a body of water and a tree-covered hill.

Rockville

A cityscape with a prominent monument, multiple highways, and illuminated buildings.

Chevy Chase

An outdoor plaza with a glass roof, surrounded by modern buildings and trees.

Silver Spring

The United States Capitol building at sunset with a dramatic sky.

McLean

A residential area with houses, a swimming pool, and a quarry in the background.

Potomac

Frequently asked questions

Is Bethesda worth visiting?
Known for its culture and dining, discovering fun things to do in Bethesda is easy. Be sure to add National Mall to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Bethesda?
Start your day with a visit to Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Then, tour different areas of Bethesda for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bethesda?
Don't go home without visiting National Mall, ranked the top tourist attraction in Bethesda.
Is three days enough to stay in Bethesda?
Three days in Bethesda is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travelers stay for three days on average. Smithsonian's National Zoo, Washington National Cathedral and Lincoln Theater are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Washington.
Is Bethesda a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Bethesda, including National Museum of Health and Medicine and Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 5 kilometers from the city center of Bethesda is Forest Hills and Friendship Heights is 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Bethesda with kids?
Deciding what to do in Bethesda with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there are many family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Bethesda for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Bethesda, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to K Street or Ellsworth Place.
Are there free things to do in Bethesda?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Bethesda. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Washington National Cathedral is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.