What to do in Bethesda, MD

Activities, attractions and tours

Bethesda, MD which includes a house and a garden
Bethesda showing street scenes and cafe scenes
Strathmore featuring performance art and interior views as well as a large group of people
Bethesda, MD which includes street scenes and heritage elements
Bethesda, MD showing signage

Bethesda Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Bethesda has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Bethesda, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Bethesda with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Bethesda

Bethesda is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Bethesda, and make it a breeze to explore Bethesda and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Bethesda to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Bethesda, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Bethesda.

Bethesda attractions

Bethesda has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Bethesda to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Bethesda.

Looking for things to do in Bethesda can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Bethesda or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Bethesda attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Most fun & popular experiences in Bethesda

Tours & day trips

See all 485 activities
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
7.8 out of 10 with 655 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was £41 and current price is £36 per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 163 activities
Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £71 per adult
Smithsonian Natural History with Expert GuideOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 48 activities
Washington DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour

Washington DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 359 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £51 per adult
Washington DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 32 activities
Dining at Hard Rock Cafe Washington DC

Dining at Hard Rock Cafe Washington DC

Activity duration is 2 hours
6.0 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £30 per traveller
Dining at Hard Rock Cafe Washington DCOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 10 activities
Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DC

Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DC

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £112 per adult
Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DCOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Bethesda

Number of things to do
544
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: £4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bethesda

Popular places to visit

White House which includes a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

White House

4/5(142 reviews)

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 which includes a city, an administrative building and heritage architecture

National Mall

4.5/5(66 reviews)

Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.

National Mall
Washington_WalterEWashingtonConventionCenter_6034985_03

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

4.5/5(10 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening in Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a top convention centre in Washington. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
The Smithsonian Castle South Lawn close to the flowers

Smithsonian Institution

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Smithsonian Institution
ALEXANDRIA, UNITED STATES - Sep 16, 2020: MGM National Harbor Casino

MGM National Harbor Casino

Why not try your luck with a visit to MGM National Harbor Casino during your visit to National Harbor? Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its lively bars.

MGM National Harbor Casino
District of Columbia

Union Station Shopping Center

3.5/5(3 reviews)

During your trip to Washington, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Union Station Shopping Center. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.

Union Station Shopping Center
United States Capitol showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and autumn leaves

United States Capitol

4.5/5(145 reviews)

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, Washington D.C.

Capital One Arena

4.5/5(41 reviews)

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and shops.

Capital One Arena
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University of Maryland, College Park

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Maryland, College Park during your travels in College Park. Experience the area's lively festivals and fascinating museums.

University of Maryland, College Park

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Bethesda

United States Capitol showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and autumn leaves

Washington

Arlington National Cemetery which includes a cemetery, a park and landscape views

Arlington

Silver Spring

Silver Spring

Aerial view of the Potomac Glen neighborhood in Potomac, Montgomery County, Maryland. A rock quarry is on the top right.

Potomac

Spires of the Washington DC Mormon Temple in Kensington, Marylan

Kensington

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 travellers stay for three days on average. Smithsonian's National Zoo, Washington National Cathedral and Lincoln Theatre 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 Centre and Planetarium, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 5 kms (3 miles) from the city centre of Bethesda is Forest Hills and Friendship Heights is 3 kms (2 miles) 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 neighbourhoods, 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.

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