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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Holiday Lights & National Mall Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Tickets

Holiday Lights & National Mall Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Tickets

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 151 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,995 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Private Customized Washington DC City Tour by Van

Private Customized Washington DC City Tour by Van

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 7,285 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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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 3,642 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise

City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 35 reviews
Price is P 5,313 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 6,227 per adult*
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What to do in Bethesda

Popular places to visit

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 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
National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

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

Smithsonian Institution
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
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 fascinating museums and entertainment choices.

Smithsonian's National Zoo
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
University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

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
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.