Bethesda

Travel Guide

Bethesda showing a house and a park
Bethesda
Bethesda
Bethesda which includes street scenes and heritage elements
Bethesda 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
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 S$183 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
S$183
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
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! (2,132 reviews)
Omelets for breakfast
"I loved the feather pillows and bed. I slept so well. The breakfast with made to order omelets was amazing. The bathroom light was very dim. It was clean."

Reviewed on 19 Apr, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda Washington DC
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 S$185 per night from 3 May to 4 May
S$185
includes taxes & fees
3 May - 4 May
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! (1,494 reviews)
"Beautiful property."

Reviewed on 20 Apr, 2025

The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown
3 out of 5
7301 Waverly St, Bethesda, MD
The price is S$184 per night from 3 May to 4 May
S$184
includes taxes & fees
3 May - 4 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bethesda. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (198 reviews)
"Great location close to the Metro for daily DC adventures and near great restaurants and shops."

Reviewed on 20 Apr, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda Downtown
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! (99 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 6 Apr, 2025

Global Luxury Suites Bethesda Chevy Chase
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! (2,388 reviews)
Great Location
"Our stay was great. It was a really nice location. It was quiet, but there were a lot of restaurants nearby. The national cathedral is also walking distance."

Reviewed on 19 Apr, 2025

Glover Park - Georgetown
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! (1,619 reviews)
"We’ve stay at the River Inn multiple times this year and it truly feels like our home away from home when we are in DC. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. The location is perfect for us - near GW, the metro, lots of restaurants and an easy walk to the National Mall. We’ll be back next ..."

Reviewed on 19 Apr, 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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