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 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 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 Burning Tree Country Club and CIA Headquarters.

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 Bethesda Row and CIA Headquarters.

Woodacres
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is ₹9,382 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,382
₹10,879 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,447 reviews)
"Please give my compliments the manager, thw hotel was well taken care and the stadd were wonderful. One staff member in particular took very good care of us at the pool area. His name was Majid"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel

Omni Shoreham Hotel

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is ₹8,759 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹8,759
₹12,652 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,989 reviews)
"Omni hotel was great the staff was awesome and the room were very clean wouldn't change a thing"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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 ₹9,296 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹9,296
₹13,382 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,492 reviews)
"We really enjoyed the location of this hotel, it was walkable and Lyft was used when necessary!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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.
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! (2,502 reviews)
Glover Park stay
"Quiet, clean hotel in Glover Park that’s close to many restaurants and stores. Easy walk to Georgetown and on a bus line for ease of access to other parts of the city."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,672 reviews)
"Another great visit to The Dupont Circle Hotel - Irish hospitality in the heart of DC. Food in The Pembroke was very good - recommend the branzino and side of mushrooms. Cocktails looked great but didn’t partake this time. Efficient, friendly service. Will be back!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

The Dupont Circle Hotel
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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