Bethesda Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bethesda, MD which includes a house and a garden
Bethesda
Bethesda
Bethesda, MD which includes street scenes and heritage elements
Bethesda, MD showing signage

Discover centres of art and culture in one of the country’s most livable cities, just north of Washington D.C.

The city of Bethesda, Maryland is a centre of arts, culture, and modern history. It has been rated one of America’s most livable cities for its high education level and income growth rate and low crime. You’ll find many restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the modern Bethesda Row district near the city centre.

Visit the arts and culture centre, Glen Echo Park, formerly an amusement park. Attend classes and workshops to learn about the performing arts and make pottery, textiles or music. The antique Dentzel carousel on-site dates back to 1921. Explore the Spanish Ballroom. Take the kids to one of the children’s theatres, such as the Puppet Playhouse. Then have a snack at the Glen Echo Café.

Then make your way to Strathmore, a centre for music and the arts. Explore the picturesque 11-acre (4.5-hectare) grounds near the main mansion. Attend a classical concert at the 100-seat Dorothy M. and Maurice C. Shapiro Room in the mansion and dine at the Prelude Café. Peruse the artwork on display.

Learn about the 19th-century nurse, teacher and humanitarian who helped thousands of people at the Clara Barton National Historic Site. Stroll around the well-kept gardens and enjoy the scenic and tranquil ambiance. Admire the lumber-built main house where Clara Barton lived. Its intriguing interior is shaped like a Mississippi River steamboat.

See one of the Madonna of the Trail series of monuments in downtown Bethesda. This statue paying homage to the female pioneers of the country is one of a collection of 12 in several states. Dine at a restaurant in Bethesda Row, west of central Bethesda.

Walk to a bar on Bethesda Lane, an extension of the lively central district. It is also a popular shopping area to buy souvenirs of your cultured holiday.

The nearest major airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 11 miles (18 kilometres) from central Bethesda. Get around the city by bus, metro or bicycle. Use the free Bethesda Circulator to reach attractions in the downtown area.

Where to stay in Bethesda

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Brookmont

While visiting Brookmont, you might make a stop by sights like Potomac River and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.

Brookmont
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Woodmont Triangle

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Woodmont Triangle and surrounding area, you can visit The Bethesda Theater and Bethesda Row.

Woodmont Triangle
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Bannockburn

Though Bannockburn may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Burning Tree Country Club and CIA Headquarters.

Bannockburn
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Woodacres

While there might not be top attractions in Woodacres, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bethesda Row and CIA Headquarters.

Woodacres
The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
8120 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD
The price is £103 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
£103
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bethesda. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,572 reviews)
Best Hotel in Bethesda!
"Awesome hotel. Zero complaints."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is £92 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£92
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,402 reviews)
Great place
"The hotel and service was amazing.that had everything you need. The staff was friendly and so helpful. The food was great and very close to everything 10 out of 10"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is £117 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
£117
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,447 reviews)
"Great location, hotel is good"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Global Luxury Suites Bethesda Chevy Chase
Global Luxury Suites Bethesda Chevy Chase
3.5 out of 5
4850 Rugby Ave, Bethesda, MD
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Bethesda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Smithsonian's National ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (101 reviews)
"We were in town to support a family member having surgery at Walter Reed. Price per night with a kitchen is beyond reasonable considering the money saved being able to cook your own meals. Only downfall of our unit was the sofa, it was extremely uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2025

Global Luxury Suites Bethesda Chevy Chase
Glover Park - Georgetown
Glover Park - Georgetown
4 out of 5
Washington, DC
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,474 reviews)
"A great place to stay near Georgetown!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Glover Park - Georgetown
The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
4 out of 5
1914 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,791 reviews)
"Property was nice overall. Easy to access by car but a bit far from the metro. It was out of their hands, but there was no water for six hours on the day that we were going to a wedding. I think they could have been more productive: communicate why there was no water, offer bottled water, found a ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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