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 Puppet Co. Playhouse and Burning Tree Country Club.

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 Puppet Co. Playhouse and Bethesda Row.

Woodacres
Hyatt Regency Bethesda

Hyatt Regency Bethesda

4 out of 5
1 Bethesda Metro Ctr, 7400 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD
The price is Rp1.797.163 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp1.797.163
Rp2.030.795 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Bethesda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour health club and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,216 reviews)
"The hotel was beautiful and quiet. The employees were very friendly and polite. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Hyatt Regency Bethesda
The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
8120 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.799.786 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
Rp1.799.786
Rp2.033.758 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
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! (1,574 reviews)
"they accommodated us by changing rooms for us to get the bed we wanted, next door is Guapos - excellent food - a lite meal (taco) or a great steak dinner!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda Washington DC

Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda Washington DC

4 out of 5
6711 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD
The price is Rp1.994.991 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
Rp1.994.991
Rp2.254.340 total
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bethesda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,348 reviews)
"Property was clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda 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! (102 reviews)
"I am so glad that we stayed her before my friends wedding. Plenty of space to move around."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 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! (2,524 reviews)
"Good place, good service."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Glover Park - Georgetown
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,411 reviews)
"The hotel is in a safe area. We walked to some of the places we had to go, and it was nice. The room was clean and the staff was friendly. The process for check in and out was as quick and easy as it can be."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
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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