Bethesda Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque region of Maryland, Bethesda is a charming census-designated place that offers a delightful mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. With its serene neighborhoods, vibrant arts scene, and a rich history, Bethesda is a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and culturally enriching getaway.

Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the stunning landscapes that surround Bethesda. The nearby Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park provides a tranquil retreat for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. The park's tree-lined trails wind along the Potomac River, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for birdwatching. For a more immersive experience, visitors can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle along the peaceful waters, immersing themselves in the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Culture and art thrive in Bethesda, with its numerous art galleries, theaters, and cultural institutions. The Strathmore, a renowned performing arts center, hosts a diverse range of concerts, from classical music to jazz and world music. Art lovers will find themselves immersed in creativity at the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival, where local and regional artists showcase their works in various mediums.

History buffs will be enthralled by the rich historical heritage of Bethesda. The Clara Barton National Historic Site, once the home of the famous American Red Cross founder, provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and achievements of this remarkable woman. The Glen Echo Park, a former amusement park turned arts and cultural center, is another must-visit spot for history enthusiasts. Its beautifully restored buildings and vintage carousel evoke a sense of nostalgia and transport visitors back to a bygone era.

Food lovers will find their palates satisfied in Bethesda's diverse culinary scene. From cozy cafes serving artisanal coffee to upscale restaurants offering gourmet cuisine from around the world, the dining options are endless. Bethesda's bustling downtown area is dotted with trendy eateries, where visitors can savor delectable dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Alternative names: Population: 60.9 thous.Area: 13.33 mi²Elevation: 328 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°58'54"N, 77°5'41"W

Location

MarylandUnited States

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Bethesda Top Attractions

Bethesda Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bethesda offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Strathmore, KID Museum, Chevy Chase Village, National Institutes of Health campus. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Theater • Concerts and shows • Museum
Strathmore
Strathmore is a cultural and artistic venue and institution in North Bethesda, Maryland, United States. Strathmore was founded in 1981 and consists of two venues: the Mansion and the Music Center.
Museum
KID Museum
KID Museum is a children's museum and child-oriented maker space in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Bethesda, Maryland. As of 2018, the small, not-for-profit museum operates on the lower floor of Bethesda's Davis Library, and hopes to expand to a larger site.
Area • Chevy Chase Village
Chevy Chase Village
Chevy Chase Village, Maryland is an incorporated municipality in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, bordering Washington, D.C. It is made up of sections 1, 1a, and 2 of Chevy Chase, as originally designated by The Chevy Chase Land Company. The population was 1,953 as of the 2010 census.

Library
National Institutes of Health campus
The National Institutes of Health campus is located in Bethesda, Maryland. Most of the institutes house their Divisions of Intramural Research on this campus spread out among various buildings.
Synagogue
Congregation Beth El
Congregation Beth El is a synagogue located in Bethesda, Maryland. Beth El is an egalitarian synagogue providing diverse worship in the Conservative tradition.
Library
United States National Library of Medicine
The United States National Library of Medicine, operated by the United States federal government, is the world's largest medical library. Located in Bethesda, Maryland, the NLM is an institute within the National Institutes of Health.
Memorial • View point
Francis Griffith Newlands Memorial Fountain
Francis Griffith Newlands Memorial Fountain is a historic fountain located at Chevy Chase Circle, on the border between the Chevy Chase neighborhood, Northwest, Washington, D.C. and the community of Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Bethesda Theatre
The Bethesda Theatre, constructed in 1938, is a historic Streamline Moderne movie theater located at 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland, United States. It is a multi-level building composed of rectangular blocks: an auditorium block and a lower street-front lobby and entrance block, including shops.
Park • Friendship Village
Willoughby Park
Willoughby Park is a city park in Friendship Heights, an incorporated area on the edge of Washington, D.C. Named after the adjacent Willoughby Condominium Building, it is at the intersection of Willard Ave and Friendship Boulevard.
Church
Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church
Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church is a Presbyterian Church located at 6601 Bradley Boulevard in Bethesda, Maryland. The church has a unique partnership with the Bethesda Jewish Congregation, in which they share the same space for worship.
38°58'8"N • 77°6'39"W
Fourth Presbyterian Church
Church
Concerts and shows • Theater
Round House Theatre
Round House Theatre is a nonprofit theater production company with a venue in Bethesda, Maryland and an education center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Historical place • Nature and wildlife • Park
Woodend
Woodend is a historic home located in the Montgomery County, Maryland, town of Chevy Chase. This Georgian Revival house was built by Chester and Marion Wells in 1927–1928, and owned by the Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States.
Area
Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase is an incorporated town in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,824 at the 2010 census.
Bridge
Union Arch Bridge
The Union Arch Bridge, also called the "Cabin John Bridge", is a historic masonry structure in Cabin John, Maryland. It was designed as part of the Washington Aqueduct. The bridge construction began in 1857 and was completed in 1864. The roadway surface was added later.
Forts and castles
Fort Sumner
Fort Sumner was built during the American Civil War by the Union Army in the Brookmont section of Bethesda, Maryland, just northwest of Washington, D.C.
Library
National Center for Biotechnology Information
The National Center for Biotechnology Information is part of the United States National Library of Medicine, a branch of the National Institutes of Health. It is approved and funded by the government of the United States.
38°59'7"N • 77°5'32"W
Waverly Street Gallery
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
38°59'4"N • 77°4'39"W
Mihran Mesrobian House
The Mihran Mesrobian House is a historic building located in Chevy Chase, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. The house was designed by well-regarded Washington, D.C.-area architect Mihran Mesrobian. It is the only residence that he designed for himself and his wife, Zabelle.

Things to See and Do in Bethesda by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Bethesda.

Culture

Strathmore
North Bethesda
TheaterConcerts and showsMuseum
Bethesda Theatre
Bethesda
Concerts and showsTheater
Waverly Street Gallery
Bethesda
Art galleryShoppingMuseum
Gallery B
Bethesda
Art museumMuseumArt gallery

Shopping

The Shops at Wisconsin Place
Bethesda
ShoppingShopping centreFriendship Village
Westfield Montgomery
Potomac, Bethesda
ShoppingShopping centre
Waverly Street Gallery
Bethesda
Art galleryShoppingMuseum

Other categories

Museum

Day trips

Bethesda – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bethesda, it's worth seeing attractions such as: White House (Washington D.C.), National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.), Washington Monument (Washington D.C.).

6.6 miSE
Iconic home of America's president
White House, Washington D.C.
The White House, the iconic residence and workplace of the President of the United States, is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington D.C. Not only does it serve as the official seat of presidential power, but it also stands as a living museum of American...
7.4 miSE
American and European art in 2 buildings
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
The National Gallery of Art, a monumental presence in the heart of Washington D.C., stands as a testament to the importance of art in national culture. This prestigious institution, nestled on the National Mall, is a beacon for art enthusiasts and historians alike.
7.1 miSE
Towering tribute to George Washington
Washington Monument, Washington D.C.
Rising to an impressive 554 feet and 7 11/32 inches, the Washington Monument is an iconic obelisk that dominates the skyline of Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. This towering memorial was built to honor George Washington, the nation's first President...
7.6 miSE
Exhibit-filled trip across the universe
National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.
The National Air and Space Museum, an iconic institution in Washington D.C., United States, serves as a testament to the human quest for flight and the exploration of the cosmos. As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum houses the world's largest collection...
7 miSE
Memorial
National World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.
The National World War II Memorial is a solemn tribute to the American soldiers who served in the Second World War, as well as the millions who supported the war effort from home. Situated in the heart of Washington D.C., between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington...

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Best Time To Visit Bethesda

Learn when is the best time to travel to Bethesda weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May, November and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, April, June, July and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in May and July.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bethesda?

The top attractions to visit in Bethesda are:

What is the best time to visit Bethesda?

May, November and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January, April, June, July and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.