What to do in Bethesda, MD

Activities, attractions and tours

A tree-lined street with a building displaying art classes and a stone wall.
A street with outdoor seating, brick buildings, and string lights.
A large, ornate auditorium with multiple tiers of seating and a central stage.
A multi-story building with a light blue facade, a red car, and a black SUV on the street.
A storefront with a sign reading "Georgetown Cafe" and "Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner."

Things to do

Washington: Small-Group City Unveiled eCruiser Tour

Washington DC Monuments & Highlights: Small-Group Electric Cart Tour

฿1,127
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Washington DC Monuments & Highlights: Small-Group Electric Cart Tour
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

฿821
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook
Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour

Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour

฿1,281
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour
Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

฿1,149
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

฿920
per adult
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.
Capitol Hill Tour with US Capitol & Library of Congress Admission

U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts

฿2,102
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts
The reflection of the Washington Monument on the reflecting pool!

Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

฿2,069
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Washington DC Night-Time City Tour
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What to do in Bethesda

Stay near popular Bethesda attractions

Westfield Montgomery Mall

8.8/5 (140 reviews)
Upscale shopping destination featuring over 190 speciality 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 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

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.

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 may 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 Bender Arena.

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

Bannockburn

Though Bannockburn may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Puppet Co. Playhouse and Clara Barton National Historic Site.

A road lined with cherry blossoms and a parked vehicle.

Woodacres

While there might not be top attractions in Woodacres, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Puppet Co. Playhouse and Clara Barton National Historic Site.

Day trip destinations from Bethesda

A capitol building with a dome, surrounded by autumn foliage.

Washington

A cemetery with numerous headstones and trees.

Arlington

A snow-covered landscape with a body of water and a tree-covered hill.

Rockville

A tall, white building with vertical lines and pointed spires.

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 kilometres from the city centre of Bethesda is Forest Hills and Friendship Heights is 3 kilometres 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.