Things to do in Bethesda

Activities, attractions and tours

Bethesda, MD showing a house and a park
Bethesda
Bethesda
Bethesda, MD which includes street scenes and heritage elements
Bethesda, MD which includes signage
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Most popular experiences in Bethesda

Tours & day trips

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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 645 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was P 3,184 and current price is P 2,865 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Nation’s Capital Guided Tours and Airport Transfers

Nation’s Capital Guided Tours and Airport Transfers

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 16,508 per traveler*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 47 activities
DC Day or Night Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour

DC Day or Night Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,478 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 34 activities
City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise

City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.6 out of 10 with 34 reviews
Price is P 3,450 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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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 P 6,249 per adult*
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What to do in Bethesda

Popular places to visit

National Mall showing a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

National Mall

Washington’s famous strip is teeming with American history in each and every monument and museum that you’ll see.

National Mall
White House

White House

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 Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene and notable monuments.

Smithsonian Institution
Union Station Shopping Center

Union Station Shopping Center

During your trip to Washington, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Union Station Shopping Center. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

Union Station Shopping Center
Smithsonian's National Zoo

Smithsonian's National Zoo

Why not meet the animals who call Smithsonian's National Zoo home during your vacation in Washington? Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices.

Smithsonian's National Zoo
United States Capitol

United States Capitol

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

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 which includes a square or plaza, a memorial and a cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

A beautiful and vast space, America's most famous military cemetery is a fitting tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.

Arlington National Cemetery
Nationals Park

Nationals Park

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

Areas of 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

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 Puppet Co. Playhouse and Burning Tree Country Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bannockburn
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Woodacres

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

Woodacres
Washington

Washington

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

Arlington

Strathmore Hall which includes a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

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?
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.