Gaithersburg, MD

Travel Guide

Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg
Bethesda, MD
Gaithersburg

Inspect the old locomotives at the railroad museum and retrace the steps of the Blair Witch in this community with many parks.

Gaithersburg is a pleasant and intriguing town that grew in the 19th century along with the historic B&O Railroad. It is known for its diverse shopping options and vast parks and as the site of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Snap photos of quaint townhouses and enjoy the town’s charming ambiance.

Browse the stores spread across two levels of the Lakeforest Mall. Enjoy meals in bars and restaurants or the mall’s food court. Bring your kids to the Adventure Kids Club at Lakeforest Mall. Other shopping centers in the town include the RIO Washingtonian Center and Gaithersburg Square. Wander down the lively commercial street of Downtown Crown for its shops, restaurants and small parks.

Understand the importance of the railroad to the town at Gaithersburg Community Museum, housed in the restored redbrick 1884 B&O Railroad Station. Use the interactive displays that showcase an old schoolroom and a bank. You can also see some of the trains that used these tracks, including a 1918 Buffalo Creek and a Gauley #14 Steam Locomotive.

Aside from those rainy day activities, Gaithersburg has a range of parks and lakes that are ideal for its hot and humid summers. Hike along the paths of the Lake Bernard Frank Trail and delight the family with a trip to the slides and pools of the Water Park at Bohrer Park. In the western suburbs, you’ll find the 6,300-acre (2,500-hectare) Seneca Creek State Park, where much of The Blair Witch Project was filmed. Rent canoes and paddle boats to take out on Clopper Lake.

The town is in the northwestern outskirts of Washington D.C. in the heart of Montgomery County. Drive northwest from the nation’s capital for 22 miles (35 kilometers) and get here in about 45 minutes. You can also arrive via a combination of the metro system and buses. Get around the main sights of the city by car.

Gaithersburg is a shopping haven with fascinating links to its railroad past.

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is ¥16,167 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥16,167
¥18,746 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,482 reviews)
"This was an excellent place to stay for a quick visit, I wish I had more time in the hotel! The bed was comfortable and the room clean. All of the staff were extremely friendly. The pool was awesome and well maintained. There were a lot of kids but I wasn’t expecting otherwise, just something to ..."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel

Omni Shoreham Hotel

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is ¥15,093 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
¥15,093
¥21,800 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,995 reviews)
"Property is dated but nice."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is ¥16,018 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
¥16,018
¥23,058 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,493 reviews)
"The hotel itself was clean and the staff were friendly. However, the restaurant attached messed up our order- not a big deal for one of us but they were made aware of a severe allergy and included that ingredient. When told about it they said they gave me a different order but just replated the contaminated ..."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Hamilton Hotel 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.
Glover Park - Georgetown

Glover Park - Georgetown

4 out of 5
Washington
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,499 reviews)
"This hotel is sooooo nice. Its small but really clean, smells nice. The rooms are spacious. The beds are so comfortable. Premium bedding was my favorite part. Onsite restaurant. They offer flavored water in the lobby. And the area is perfect. Safe for walking. We walked 20 minutes to Silver restaurant ..."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Glover Park - Georgetown
The Dupont Circle Hotel

The Dupont Circle Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,676 reviews)
"The hotel staff are friendly and helpful! The farmers' market, located right next to the hotel on Sunday, is charming! We loved our stay at the hotel!"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

The Dupont Circle Hotel
The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row

4 out of 5
1914 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,803 reviews)
"Great location! Wonderful staff."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
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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Reviews of Gaithersburg

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
126
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
126
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
57
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
7
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Kb

It was okay needs more good food

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I would recommend it to any of my friend

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Didn’t go to sightsee. Was with friends in Germantown

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I went for a conference. But evening walks near the hotel, took us to an apartment complex and some malls nearby. We like the style of the buildings and layout.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Recommend Hershey’s Restaurant for good home cooked food. Casual and a local favorite.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It’s pleasant enough

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