Things to do in Bethesda

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Bethesda featuring cafe scenes and street scenes

Bethesda Attractions

Do you appreciate delicious food or shopping? Or perhaps you just prefer to get familiar with a new place like a true local. While staying in Bethesda, it doesn't matter which category you fall in — this interesting metropolis has all the sights and experiences you could ever hope for.

If you're ready to explore Bethesda, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a local expert show you the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {433 fun activities in Bethesda fun activities in Bethesda} are also worth browsing through.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Most popular activities in Bethesda

Tours & day trips

See all 392 activitiesOpens in new tab
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
3.8 out of 5 with 546 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price was $63, price is now $57 per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 36 activitiesOpens in new tab
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
3.6 out of 5 with 24 reviews
Price is $86 per adult
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Attractions

See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tab
The Washington D.C. Sightseeing Flex Pass

The Washington D.C. Sightseeing Flex Pass

Activity duration is 30 days
3.2 out of 5 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $64 per adult
The Washington D.C. Sightseeing Flex Pass

Private & custom tours

See all 141 activitiesOpens in new tab
Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Activity duration is 2 hours
4.0 out of 5 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $105 per adult
Smithsonian Natural History with Expert Guide

Adventure & outdoor

See all 34 activitiesOpens in new tab
Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
5.0 out of 5 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $65 per adult
Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

Recommended things to do in Bethesda

Number of things to do
433
Things to do from
$5
Cheapest thing to do
Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Bethesda

Free Things to Do in Bethesda

A break in Bethesda doesn't have to break the bank. You can leave your wallet behind if you check out:

Ratner Museum - Speak to the staff and learn all about the interesting collections exhibited at this museum.

Clara Barton National Historic Site - If you're captivated by bygone times, this is one stop you won't want to miss.

Chinatown - This bustling spot is a favorite hangout of both visitors and locals.

National Institute of Health Campus - Pay a visit and find out the importance of this place to the locals.

Aubudon Naturalist Society - If you relish digging around the garden, this attraction will satisfy your green thumb.

Things to Do in Bethesda with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you go in Bethesda. Here are a few family friendly experiences to try together that are bound to make your trip a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Bethesda? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Bethesda on a sunny day?
When the weather is putting on a show, these outdoor activities are difficult to resist:


What to do in Bethesda on a rainy day?
Throw yourself into some of these appealing indoor activities and turn a miserable, rainy day into an adventure:


Are there cheap things to do in Bethesda?
If you’re on a strict budget, add the following low-cost activities and tours to your to-do list:


What can you do in Bethesda for free?
You’ll hardly have time to dig your wallet out of your backpack with so many terrific free attractions:

  • Rockville Town Center
  • RIO Washingtonian Center
  • National Institute of Health Campus
  • Westfield Montgomery Mall

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bethesda

Image for National Mall

National Mall

4.5/5(4,017 reviews)

Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.

National Mall
Image for White House

White House

4/5(5,961 reviews)

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
Image for National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum

4.5/5(1,503 reviews)

Heaven for aviation enthusiasts, this museum takes you on an uplifting journey through the history of flight and space travel.

National Air and Space Museum
Image for Smithsonian's National Zoo

Smithsonian's National Zoo

4.5/5(1,096 reviews)

Why not visit the animals who live at Smithsonian's National Zoo and see why this is a favorite attraction in Washington? Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Smithsonian's National Zoo
Image for National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

5/5(82 reviews)

Walk through time in the footsteps of the nation’s African Americans, from the sobering slavery years to celebrated achievements in arts, politics and sport.

National Museum of African American History and Culture
Image for University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

4/5(1,180 reviews)

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

University of Maryland, College Park
Image for Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

4.5/5(3,548 reviews)

Pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country in the best-known military cemetery in America.

Arlington National Cemetery
Image for Union Station Shopping Center

Union Station Shopping Center

4/5(115 reviews)

Fashion outlets, accessory stores, souvenir shops and a food court sit amid the grand arches and majestic columns of Washington’s central railway terminal.

Union Station Shopping Center
Image for Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution

5/5(128 reviews)

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Smithsonian Institution

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Bethesda

Default Image

Woodmont Triangle

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Though Woodmont Triangle might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Bethesda Theater and Bethesda Row.

Woodmont Triangle
Default Image

Brookmont

If you're spending some time in Brookmont, Potomac River and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park are top sights worth seeing.

Brookmont
Default Image

Bannockburn

When in Bannockburn, you can plan a visit to Glen Echo Park and Burning Tree Country Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bannockburn
Default Image

Woodacres

When in Woodacres, you can plan a visit to Glen Echo Park and Bethesda Row, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Woodacres
See our Where To Stay guide

Popular day trips from Bethesda

United States Capitol showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and autumn leaves

Washington

Arlington National Cemetery showing a memorial, a park and landscape views

Arlington

Strathmore Hall which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Rockville

Photo by shadiii R.gh

Chevy Chase

Silver Spring

Silver Spring

McLean

McLean

Photo by Taylor Stetka

Potomac