Bethesda, MD

Travel Guide

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
Discover centers 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 center 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 center.

Visit the arts and culture center, 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 theaters, such as the Puppet Playhouse. Then have a snack at the Glen Echo Café.

Then make your way to Strathmore, a center 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 vacation.

The nearest major airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 11 miles  (18 kilometers) 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

If you're spending some time in Brookmont, Potomac River and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal are top sights worth seeing.

Brookmont
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Woodmont Triangle

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Though Woodmont Triangle might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Bethesda Theater and Bethesda Row.

Woodmont Triangle
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Bannockburn

When in Bannockburn, you can plan a visit to Burning Tree Country Club and CIA Headquarters, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bannockburn
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Woodacres

When in Woodacres, you can plan a visit to Bethesda Row and CIA Headquarters, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Woodacres
Hyatt Regency Bethesda
Hyatt Regency Bethesda
4 out of 5
1 Bethesda Metro Ctr, 7400 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD
The price is ¥18,415 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
¥18,415
¥20,809 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Bethesda. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour health club, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,203 reviews)
"Could not have asked for a better stay. From check in, to a frantic call to the front desk for forgotten toiletries, everyone went above and beyond. Cannot wait to stay here again!"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 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
The price is ¥17,068 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥17,068
¥19,286 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bethesda. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,540 reviews)
"Room size was great! Overall clean and great location. Air circulation in bathroom needs some work. Steam from shower was causing some ceiling peeling."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 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 ¥19,194 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥19,194
¥21,689 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bethesda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,234 reviews)
"Nice hotel, great breakfasts, clean."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 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 WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Smithsonian's National ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (101 reviews)
"We were in town to support a family member having surgery at Walter Reed. Price per night with a kitchen is beyond reasonable considering the money saved being able to cook your own meals. Only downfall of our unit was the sofa, it was extremely uncomfortable."

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2025

Global Luxury Suites Bethesda Chevy Chase
Roomy 2 Bedroom Apt. w/en Suite BA, Private Entry & Parking, Tennis Court
Roomy 2 Bedroom Apt. w/en Suite BA, Private Entry & Parking, Tennis Court
Bethesda
Stay at this apartment in Bethesda. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Smithsonian's National Zoo and Bethesda Row are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
Great stay with Hugh
"Attentive to our needs and immediate responsiveness. Nice area and thank you!"

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Roomy 2 Bedroom Apt. w/en Suite BA, Private Entry & Parking, Tennis Court
The River Inn
The River Inn
4 out of 5
924 25th St NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,702 reviews)
"Great location for access to GW university and Georgetown"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

The River Inn
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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