Bethesda is situated in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, one of the most highly educated and affluent communities in the United States. Bethesda, MD, grew in importance and wealth when the government in nearby Washington DC grew, and the National Naval Medical Center was built in 1942.
Today, Bethesda is a thriving, modern, and sophisticated urban district housing 20 art galleries, over 200 restaurants, two theatres, and the premier shopping center in the area.
With so much to do in Bethesda, this article will tell you where to explore when you visit beautiful Bethesda, Maryland. Stay tuned!
Here are Things To Do in Bethesda MD
1. Visit Strathmore
Strathmore has been offering affordable and exciting performances at Bethesda Music Center for over 30 years. This non-profit, multidisciplinary arts venue hosts various performers who entertain visitors with musical performances across all genres. The facility sits on a 16-acre site enabling it to house several music rooms, an outdoor performance pavilion, a boutique and a sculpture garden.
The music center also partners with organizations like the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Maryland Classic Youth and The National Philharmonic to support musical education and performance in the community. If you love music, check out the amazing stage performances at Strathmore.
2. Tour Cabin John Regional Park
Cabin John Regional Park offers a unique blend of recreation and nature. Cabin John has a variety of attractions, from the Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center, the Locust Grove Nature Center, the Tai Chi Court, the Cabin John Ice Skating Rink, to the Robert C. McDonnell Campground. There is a dog park and a miniature train with a two-mile track on the park grounds. If you have kids on your trip to Bethesda, this is a worthwhile place to visit.
The park has picnic and playground areas equipped with grills, tables, pavilions, and snack bars. A baseball field, handball courts, volleyball courts, and softball fields are available to sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the Park has two hiking and biking trails—five miles long and another that stretches for nine miles— that wind their way throughout the property.
3. See The Imagination Stage
This Stage was founded in 1979 to provide arts education to young people. Imagination Stage is now the largest multidisciplinary arts theatre group for youth in the mid-Atlantic area. The Stage offers classes, performances, and theatre camps for youth aged between 1-18 years. These programs are designed to be accessible and affordable for all.
Imagination Stage’s classes are divided by age and run on a semester schedule. In addition, visitors can enjoy the fun, family-friendly shows offered at Imagination Stage throughout the year. This center is equipped to welcome field trip groups and host parties as well.
4. Get to the Round House Theater
At the Round House Theater, audiences of all ages are educated and inspired through the performing arts. During the performance season, the theatre offers many exciting and informative shows. Additionally, Round House has a group of talented teens who are part of the theatre’s Teen Performance Company. If you love theatre, the shows are a real treat to see.
5. Take Your Little Ones to The KID Museum
The KID Museum, is located in the Davis Library and is one of the best places for families to visit while in Bethesda, Maryland. Your children are bound to be captivated and inspired at this museum because the programs are curated to be engaging and educative. A group of parents founded the museum to help children utilize their natural creativity.
The museum offers different programs and courses to help children develop useful skills while having fun. These courses include art classes, computer programming courses, and 3D printing workshops. The museum also holds regular events to teach kids special skills that aren’t part of the ongoing curriculum.
Lastly, the museum has options for summer camps, after-school workshops, and preschool programs. Let your children experiment with the numerous exhibits and tools offered here.
One exciting activity at the KID museum is the maker’s studio which helps children develop innovations and inventions. The studio provides all the necessary tools and an array of other things they can use to develop anything they like.
The studio gives them access to machinery and tools they wouldn’t get elsewhere. There are guides experienced in child development to engage children in making new things. Make sure your family visits this museum!
6. Enjoy an evening at Pike & Rose
Pike & Rose is one of the top premier destinations for entertainment, shopping, and dining in North Bethesda. You can spend an evening at the new cozy Canopy by Hilton or make it a girl’s getaway.
You can book a package or customize your stay to indulge in the best the neighborhood offers. Grab your favorite drink at City Perch and go bowling.
Also enjoy Italian and American cuisine when you’re there. You can also shop like a local farmers market for farm produce enjoy the best picks of the season at Pike central farm market every day!
7. Go shopping at Bethesda Row
Bethesda Row is the place to be if you want fabulous shopping and delicious fun. At Bethesda Row, you will find an exciting collection of high-end fashion, boutique shops, home decor, restaurants, cafes, and much more. If you need to enjoy a fun day shopping and café hopping, go to Bethesda Row!
8. Enjoy An Evening at Bethesda Jazz and Supper Club
For an excellent experience at a night out, visit this the Bethesda Jazz and Supper Club. Situated in an old theatre, it has been renovated into a revamped into an excellent concert hall that hosts Jazz and Blues. Visitors can enjoy their favorite artists in an elegant, intimate and perfectly acoustic setting.
9. Bethesda Row Arts District
The Bethesda Row Arts District is a cultural and entertainment district located in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland. It is home to a diverse collection of galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants, as well as a variety of cultural and community events throughout the year. The district is known for its vibrant arts scene, with a mix of both local and national artists displaying their work in galleries and studios. Visitors can also browse a wide selection of unique boutiques and shops, many of which feature handcrafted items and one-of-a-kind gifts. The district also has many options for dining, from casual bistros and cafes to upscale restaurants, offering a diverse range of cuisines.
The district is also home to the Bethesda Urban Partnership, a non-profit organization that produces and presents a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival, the Bethesda Literary Festival, and the Bethesda Jazz and Blues Festival. Additionally, the district has a farmers market every sunday with fresh produce from local farmers.
Bethesda Row Arts District is easily accessible by public transportation and by car, with plenty of parking available in the area. It’s a great place for a day out, whether you’re interested in art, shopping, dining, or just enjoying the local culture.
10. Bethesda Trolley Trail
The Bethesda Trolley Trail is a hiking and biking trail located in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. It is a paved trail that follows the old trolley line of the Capital Traction Company, which operated between 1890 and 1935. The trail is approximately 2.5 miles long and runs through the neighborhoods of Bethesda and Chevy Chase, passing by several parks and a nature preserve. It is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists and is considered an easy trail suitable for all ages. The trail is part of the larger Capital Crescent Trail, which runs from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Silver Spring, Maryland.
Final Take Away
Bethesda is a city that has it all–shopping, food, art, and culture. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, be sure to add Bethesda to your list of must-visits. With so much to see and do, you won’t regret spending some time in this amazing community.