Things to do in Bethesda

Activities, attractions and tours

Bethesda showing a park and a house
Bethesda
Bethesda
Bethesda which includes heritage elements and street scenes
Bethesda which includes signage

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Most popular experiences in Bethesda

Tours & day trips

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Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
7.6 out of 10 with 633 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €46 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 154 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €56 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 38 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €56 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 30 activities
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Price is €62 per adult
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Attractions

See all 9 activities
LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C.

LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C.

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €24 per adult
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What to do in Bethesda

Popular places to visit

National Mall featuring heritage architecture, an administrative building and a city

National Mall

Visit some of America’s finest historic national monuments and a host of world-class museums along this strip of beautifully landscaped recreational area.

National Mall
White House

White House

Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

White House
Arlington National Cemetery showing a square or plaza, a memorial and a cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Pay your respects to those who died for their country at America’s most famous military cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery
National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments.

Smithsonian Institution
United States Capitol

United States Capitol

Sitting on top of Capitol Hill is a Washington landmark that’s been the home of American democracy for more than 200 years.

United States Capitol
University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

Explore the campus of University of Maryland, College Park, a top university in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

University of Maryland, College Park
Washington Navy Yard

Washington Navy Yard

Washington Navy Yard is just one of the places to see in Washington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

Washington Navy Yard
Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Capital One Arena
National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

You can study the exhibits at National Museum of African American History and Culture, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Washington. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Areas of 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 Puppet Co. Playhouse and Burning Tree Country Club.

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 Puppet Co. Playhouse and Bethesda Row.

Woodacres
Washington

Washington

Arlington National Cemetery which includes a memorial, landscape views and a park

Arlington

Strathmore featuring outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Rockville

Frequently asked questions

Is Bethesda worth visiting?
Known for its culture and dining, discovering fun things to do in Bethesda is easy. Be sure to add National Mall to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Bethesda?
Start your day with a visit to Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Then, tour different areas of Bethesda for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bethesda?
Don't go home without visiting National Mall, ranked the top tourist attraction in Bethesda.
Is three days enough to stay in Bethesda?
Three days in Bethesda is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Smithsonian's National Zoo, Washington National Cathedral and Lincoln Theatre are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Washington.
Is Bethesda a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Bethesda, including National Museum of Health and Medicine and Rock Creek Park Nature Centre and Planetarium, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 5 kilometres from the city centre of Bethesda is Forest Hills and Friendship Heights is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bethesda with kids?
Deciding what to do in Bethesda with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there are many family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Bethesda for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Bethesda, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to K Street or Ellsworth Place.
Are there free things to do in Bethesda?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Bethesda. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Washington National Cathedral is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.