Things to Do in Bethesda

Things to Do in Bethesda, MD - Bethesda Attractions

Things to Do in Bethesda

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    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
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What travelers are saying

  • Myra M
    Washington DC, DC70 contributions
    Great spot! We brought our 3yo, rode the train and played on the playground. A good bit if the playground was closed and under construction, but there were still sone structures open and we had fun!
    Written October 23, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jaseaton
    Silver Spring, MD2,512 contributions
    Strathmore is the easiest great music hall to get to and from in the DC area. A super attractive hall with nary a low-visibility seat. Incredible variety of shows (we saw Voices of Mississippi) and great acoustics. Love this place!
    Written February 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LRF17
    Washington DC, DC172 contributions
    Drop Everything and see The Tempest. Teller (of Penn and Teller) is a co-director and there is constant magic in the show, besides the Shakespeare. Standing ovation!!
    And.. grab a themed cocktail beforehand.
    This show is not to be missed.
    Written December 9, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sophia
    3 contributions
    Bethesda Row includes some of my favorite stores (Anthropologie—three floors!, Terrain, Paper Source, Madewell) as well as some lovely food offerings (Fish Taco, Tatte, Maman, Mamma Lucia, Jeni’s ice cream)
    Written February 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Januarybride01
    Town and Country, MO395 contributions
    Rented ebikes and enjoyed the trail from Bethesda to Georgetown where we had lunch at the Ritz. They will valet your bikes and make sure they are safe. Great scenery. It took about 40 minutes each way, going pretty fast. Would do it again for sure.
    Written May 15, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Don M
    Bethesda, MD12 contributions
    A puppet show based on the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillor" was exstremely well done, a professional performance. My 4 year old gandson had a great time. The facilty is first rate providing many programs for young children.
    Written October 8, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Panacea_Food
    Bethesda173 contributions
    The theater was clean and comfortable, and permits patrons to reserve specific seats. Everything came together for a very nice movie experience.
    Written February 21, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susan K
    maryland114 contributions
    Went several years ago a few times and enjoyed my visits and learned a lot. Inviting and educational place to visit.
    Written March 3, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tymichna
    Larchmont, NY45 contributions
    I stopped here , while getting off the bus from N.Y.C. The Gallery is very near the Bethesda metro stop.
    Staff is very attentive and modern art is au courant! Stop by.
    Written August 7, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PRSRJS
    Potomac, MD824 contributions
    Easy to find and parking is available. There is a good mix of local food and artisans. Prices are reasonable.
    Written December 29, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Derek F
    Bethesda, MD492 contributions
    What could be better on a cold fall day than an indoor play date at STEM-focused hands-on museum for elementary and middle school kids? Not much.

    As wintry weather loomed on a November Saturday, we were looking for a fun play date indoor activity that could appeal to our son and daughter and to two other boys and their parents who we would meet for a play date. I stumbled across the KID Museum while browsing the Certifikid website and instantly it caught my attention.

    I’m very glad that it did. We spent two hours at the museum and had to pry our kids away from the projects they were working on when it was time to leave. Each of the work/project stations is manned by high school kids, who wear distinctive t-shirts, and help to guide or oversee kids with their projects and use of machinery to cut boxes and other materials.

    During the entire time we were at the KID Museum, the kids didn’t come over to tell us they were bored. Remarkably, we were able to engage in practically an uninterrupted conversation with the other couple on the play date! How often does that happen? Certainly not on a playground!

    KID Museum is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays (open to school groups other days). There is a $12 admission charge for kids, but accompanying parents are free. Deals are occasionally available on coupon deal sites like Certifikid (we paid $9/kid). There are also annual pass options. The museum is located on the lower level of the Davis Library, so you can park in the library parking lot. Parking is plentiful.

    There is no food sold at the museum, but it’s quite close to Montgomery Mall. So if you wanted to make a day out of the excursion, You could step out for lunch and then return after without paying another admission charge.

    We’ll definitely return. Our kids have projects they were unable to complete, but hope to continue working on next time.
    Written November 20, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Derek F
    Bethesda, MD492 contributions
    Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the 50-meter outdoor pool and separate 25-yard lap pool are great for big and small swimmers. For lap swimmers, the lap pool has six lanes and for the kids there are two diving boards and a slide. There is also a mini wading area for toddlers.

    The snack bar is overpriced. You’re better off bringing snacks or lunch from home.

    Entry is cheaper if you’re an MD resident. You can also get a discounted pass. The only downside is the pool is only open in the afternoon, from noon to 6 pm, but never in the morning to the public.
    Written September 30, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 94terrilynnr
    Onancock, VA304 contributions
    Just like they say in football.. Pay attention its fourth and goal so goes the motto for this expansive and looming church
    Written January 25, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tip F.
    11 contributions
    My friends and I biked 36+ miles along the C&O Canal Towpath - from Monocacy Aqueduct to mile 5.6, and then stayed overnight at Lock House #6, which is decorated with 1950's era furnishings. What a wonderful stay we had! Cozy, quiet, and accessible by bike, walking, or car.

    The house was easy to access from the towpath and was in a beautiful setting. We had one in our group arrive early (before 2:45pm) to avoid the issue with Clara Barton Parkway allowing only out-of-the city traffic after 2:45pm.He brought all our bedding, towels, toiletries and food (none located at the Lock house).

    The house was perfect for our group of six adults. There was a full kitchen, with electric stove and small refrigerator with limited freezer capacity. Pots, pans, coffee pot, and plates, mugs, glasses and silverware on hand as well. The full bathroom (tub with shower - good pressure) was located in the basement down a steep set of stairs, but we all adapted and thought it an interesting feature of the house.Steep stairs going up to the two bedrooms (you have to walk through one to get to the other) and low ceilings - but all part of the charm and history of the place.

    There was plenty of reading material about the towpath, lock and lock house history (as well as pictures around the house), plus games and even a guitar. There was a basement door accessible from the outside-great way to bring bikes or other equipment into the house for overnight storage. The parking lot was a quick walk from the house - but no lighting so bring a flashlight if arriving after dark.

    The next day we had breakfast at Old Angler's Inn (accessible from the towpath and via a 10 minute car ride) and then hiked to Great Falls. Lock houses can be booked a year in advance, so plan accordingly. We can't wait to bike another section of the towpath and spend another night (or two) in one of the other Lock houses!
    Written November 18, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James H
    Arnold, MD922 contributions
    This is a beautiful and stylish art gallery managed by The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District and Bethesda Urban Partnership. It is part of the active downtown arts community within walking distance of many cafes and small shops. They have an extensive list of shows and exhibitions including fine arts, sculpture, painting and photography. The gallery is free and their is a municipal parking lot just across the street. I was here as one of the featured artists in a juried exhibition and I was delighted with the quality of the show and the friendly nature of the staff. Well worth a visit.
    Written April 17, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethesda


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Bethesda Attractions Information

Attractions48
Attraction Reviews1,275
Attraction Photos381
Local TimeSunday 8:03 AM