Set just outside of Washington, DC, Bethesda has earned its reputation as a coveted residential destination brimming with a dynamic array of attractions for everyone to enjoy. Locals and visitors alike converge to browse the vibrant Bethesda Row shopping center, sample the upscale culinary scene, explore the abundant parks and green spaces, and to savor the neighborly feel of the community at their doorstep. Read on to learn more about the (many) benefits of living in Bethesda today!

Things To Do In Bethesda

#1 Visit The Strathmore: Craving some culture? Welcome to The Strathmore, a world-class performing arts center offering accessible, affordable arts programming. With classes, visual arts, and musical partnerships featuring esteemed artists and organizations like the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and The National Philharmonic, this magical place captivates art lovers of all types.

#2 Sample The Bethesda Row Scene: Along Bethesda Ave just off Wisconsin Ave, you’ll find Bethesda Row: your one-stop shop for dining, spas, shopping, and more. Search for hidden gems at Pampillonia Jewelry, have lunch at Bibibop Asian Grill or Matchbox Pizza Bistro, and catch a movie or treat yourself to a spa day. All in all, Downtown Bethesda offers more than 700 retailers!

#3 Experience Taste of Bethesda: This annual event, typically held in October, brings together the best of the area’s food and music for an event that’s beloved by kids and adults alike. While adults check out the entertainment stages and extensive menu offerings, kids can take advantage of face painting, arts and crafts, and more!

#4 Explore Cabin John Regional Park: Bethesda has no shortage of opportunities to get outdoors, but one of our favorites is Cabin John Regional Park, a popular outdoor recreation area just 15 minutes away. With tennis courts, an indoor ice rink, picnic areas, campgrounds, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, and more, this is a great place to embark on an outdoor adventure — with or without the kids.

#5 Hit the Greens: Whether you’re a competitive golfer or a newcomer still trying to master your swing, Bethesda is a haven for golfer-lovers of all levels. Falls Road, Sligo Creek, Kenwood Golf and Country Club, Burning Tree Club, and the University of Maryland Golf Course are just a few of dozens of options within a short drive of downtown Bethesda. Click here for a comprehensive look at golf courses in the DMV.

Where To Eat & Drink In Bethesda

#1 Duck Duck Goose: The ultimate date night spot, this tiny corner brasserie serves up a selection of dishes large and small, with suggested wine pairings to boot. The cooking is certainly a step above most of the other European restaurants in town. The main event is the dry-aged namesake duck (which takes a week to make), but you can’t go wrong with any of the creative, seasonal vegetable dishes.

#2 Mon Ami Gabi: A Bethesda mainstay, this Parisian-style bistro continues to exceed expectations. All your typical French dishes are still on the menu, like show-stopping steak frites, roast chicken, and crowd-pleasing onion soup. The interior is huge and slightly kitschy but, for a small group, the attractive bar area is the perfect spot.

#3 Sushiko: Choose your own adventure at this sushi institution — from lunch specials to à la carte rolls, crudos, a variety of cold and hot dishes, and a four-course tasting menu. It’s a bit on the fancier side, but the fish preparations are simple, fresh, and appetizing.

➤ Click here for the hottest new restaurants in DC that are just a short trip away from Bethesda

How To Get Around Bethesda

Don’t let Bethesda’s bucolic charm fool you: it’s mere minutes from Downtown, DC. Read on for the most popular (and convenient) ways to get around.

Nearby airports: From Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), it’s a 35-minute drive to Bethesda or Chevy Chase on the Capital Beltway. If arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), it will be about a 45-minute drive down 95.

Getting To DC

By Metrorail: Take the Red Line from Washington, DC, and ride until you reach the Bethesda Metro station. If travelling to Chevy Chase, take the Red Line and get off at the Friendship Heights Metro station.

By car: Bethesda is about a 20-minute drive down Wisconsin Ave NW from Washington, DC.

➤  Click here for a look at life in Washington, DC

Where To Live

Already convinced that Bethesda is the place to be? Check out our selection of listings on the market here to find the home that’s right for you!