Things to do in Bethesda

Activities, attractions and tours

A cinema sign with a yellow and white design, mounted on a building with a brick facade and decorative windows.
A pedestrian mall with outdoor seating, a 'Bubbles' salon, and a 'Le Creusei' store.
A large, multi-story building with a curved facade, large windows, and a prominent clock tower.
A sign for the Bethesda Circulator with a bus symbol.
A sign for Bethesda Row with a cinema and a digital display.

Things to do

Skip-the-Line Washington Monument Observation Deck Tickets

Skip-the-Line Washington Monument Tickets + Self Guidebook

P1,145
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Skip-the-Line Washington Monument Tickets + Self Guidebook
Capitol Building in Washington DC

One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York

P6,613
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York
Washington, DC: Weekend Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise

Washington, DC: Weekend Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise

P1,590
per adult
Washington, DC: Weekend Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise
Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!

Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!

P1,908
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Discover Alexandria: Historic Homes, Churches, and Taverns!
DC: Washington Monument Direct Entry with Guidebook

DC: Washington Monument Direct Entry with Guidebook

P1,590
per adult
DC: Washington Monument Direct Entry with Guidebook
Washington: Small-Group Major Landmarks by Night Tour

Washington DC Icons at Night: Small Group & Eco-Friendly Electric Cart Tour

P3,951
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Washington DC Icons at Night: Small Group & Eco-Friendly Electric Cart Tour
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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.
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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.

A river flowing through a rocky gorge surrounded by dense forest.

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 Bowlero Bethesda and Shops at Wisconsin Place.

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

Bannockburn

When in Bannockburn, you can plan a visit to Burning Tree Country Club and Bowlero Bethesda, 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 Bethesda Row and Bowlero Bethesda, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A river with cherry blossoms and the Washington Monument in the background.

Washington

A road leading to a large white building with columns, surrounded by autumn-colored trees.

Arlington

A clock with Roman numerals in front of a brick building with a tower.

Rockville

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

Chevy Chase

A downtown Silver Spring building with a clock, storefronts, and a parking sign.

Silver Spring

A river flowing over rocks with waterfalls and a rocky landscape.

McLean

A river with rapids flowing through a rocky landscape, surrounded by dense green foliage and hills 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.