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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Night Monuments Tour with 8 Stops and Admission Ticket Upgrades

Night Monuments Tour with 8 Stops and Admission Ticket Upgrades

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 154 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €58 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Private Customised Washington DC City Tour by Van

Private Customised Washington DC City Tour by Van

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €107 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Washington DC Moonlight Tour by Electric Cart or Vintage Car

Washington DC Moonlight Tour by Electric Cart or Vintage Car

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €51 and current price is €46 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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City Cruises Washington DC: Premier Brunch Cruise

City Cruises Washington DC: Premier Brunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 63 reviews
Price is €92 per adult
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Attractions

See all 8 activities
Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €30 per adult
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What to do in Bethesda

Popular places to visit

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
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
National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

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

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
Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

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

Capital One Arena
University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Maryland, College Park during your travels in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.

University of Maryland, College Park
Smithsonian's National Zoo

Smithsonian's National Zoo

Why not see the exotic and native animals who call Smithsonian's National Zoo home during your travels in Washington? Experience the area's great live music and entertainment choices.

Smithsonian's National Zoo
Union Station Shopping Center

Union Station Shopping Center

During your trip to Washington, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Union Station Shopping Center. Experience the area's fascinating museums and entertainment choices.

Union Station Shopping Center
Georgetown University

Georgetown University

Explore the campus of Georgetown University during your visit to Washington. Experience the area's acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums.

Georgetown University
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.