Things to do in Bethesda

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Bethesda, MD featuring a house and a park
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 featuring signage
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Most popular activities in Bethesda

Tours & day trips

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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 646 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was ￥7,653 and current price is ￥6,888 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 157 activities
Private Pedicab Tour of DC Monuments and Memorials

Private Pedicab Tour of DC Monuments and Memorials

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥19,523 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 47 activities
Diamondback Gulch 4x4 Adventure

Diamondback Gulch 4x4 Adventure

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 25 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥20,519 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 37 activities
City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise

City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 34 reviews
Price is ￥8,101 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 10 activities
Cooking or Baking Lesson with a Maryland Local Karen in her Home

Cooking or Baking Lesson with a Maryland Local Karen in her Home

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥16,555 per adult*
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What to do in Bethesda

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bethesda

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

White House

4/5(5,961 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 heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and a city

National Mall

4.5/5(4,017 reviews)

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

National Mall
National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

5/5(128 reviews)

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene and notable monuments.

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

United States Capitol

4.5/5(4,868 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

Capital One Arena

4.5/5(2,511 reviews)

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Capital One Arena
Arlington National Cemetery featuring a memorial, a square or plaza and a cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

4.5/5(3,548 reviews)

Pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country in the best-known military cemetery in America.

Arlington National Cemetery
University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

4/5(1,180 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Maryland, College Park, during your travels in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

University of Maryland, College Park
District of Columbia

Union Station Shopping Center

4/5(115 reviews)

During your trip to Washington, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Union Station Shopping Center. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

Union Station Shopping Center
Georgetown University

Georgetown University

4.5/5(2,018 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at Georgetown University as part of your travels around Washington. Experience the area's great live music and fascinating museums.

Georgetown University

Popular day trips from Bethesda

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

Washington

Arlington National Cemetery showing a memorial, a park and landscape views

Arlington

Strathmore Hall which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Rockville

Photo by shadiii R.gh

Chevy Chase

Silver Spring

Silver Spring

McLean

McLean

Photo by Taylor Stetka

Potomac

Strathmore Hall which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

North Bethesda

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 travelers stay for three days on average. Smithsonian's National Zoo, Washington National Cathedral and Lincoln Theater 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 Center and Planetarium, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 5 kilometers from the city center of Bethesda is Forest Hills and Friendship Heights is 3 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, 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.