Bethesda travel guide

Bethesda travel guide: Bethesda, Maryland is a bustling urban community located just outside of Washington D.C.

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Bethesda, US
11:21 pm, Jun 4, 2025
temperature icon 23°C
broken clouds
Humidity 76 %
Pressure 1020 mb
Wind 8 mph
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 0 mph
Clouds Clouds: 75%
Visibility Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise Sunrise: 5:43 am
Sunset Sunset: 8:30 pm

What to do in Bethesda

Bethesda travel guide.
Here is a list of all the activities in Bethesda.

Visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Explore Bethesda Row
Explore Bethesda Row
Walk the Capital Crescent Trail
Walk the Capital Crescent Trail
Visit the Glen Echo Park
Visit the Glen Echo Park
Check out the Bethesda Farmers Market
Check out the Bethesda Farmers Market
Visit the Bethesda Theatre
Visit the Bethesda Theatre
Take a cooking class in Bethesda
Take a cooking class in Bethesda
Visit the Strathmore
Visit the Strathmore
Check out the Bethesda Art Walk
Check out the Bethesda Art Walk
Explore the Trolley Trail in Bethesda
Explore the Trolley Trail in Bethesda

Bethesda travel guide

National Airports

The closest major airport to Bethesda is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is approximately 16 miles away. Other airports in the region include Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

Trains in Bethesda

Bethesda is served by two metro stations on the Red Line of the Washington Metro: Bethesda Station and Medical Center Station. Both stations offer easy access to the downtown area and other parts of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Additionally, Amtrak trains serve Union Station in Washington, D.C., which is approximately 8 miles south of Bethesda.

Buses in Bethesda

Bethesda is well-connected to nearby cities and towns through various bus services. The Montgomery County Ride On bus system provides local bus service within Bethesda, as well as to nearby towns and cities. The Metrobus system also provides service to Bethesda, connecting it to Washington, D.C., and other nearby areas. In addition, Greyhound and Megabus offer intercity bus service to and from Bethesda.

How to get to Bethesda

Bethesda is located in Maryland, near Washington D.C. Here are a few ways to get there:

By Air: The closest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is about 20 miles away. Other nearby airports include Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

By Train: Bethesda is serviced by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) subway system, also known as Metro. The Red Line runs through Bethesda, providing easy access to the surrounding areas.

By Bus: The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) provides bus service to Bethesda and the surrounding areas.

By Car: Bethesda is easily accessible by car, as it is located near several major highways including I-495, I-270, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

What is the best time to travel to Bethesda

The best time to travel to Bethesda would depend on your preferences and the activities you plan to do. Bethesda has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The peak tourist season is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, you may consider traveling in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the temperatures are cooler and there are fewer tourists. Winter (December to February) is the least busy time to visit, but you should be prepared for cold weather.

How to get around Bethesda

Bethesda is a small city located in Maryland, close to Washington D.C. Getting around Bethesda is relatively easy as the city has a well-developed public transportation system. Here are some of the ways to get around Bethesda:

Metro: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates a rapid transit system known as Metro that connects Bethesda to the Washington D.C. area. The red line runs through Bethesda, making it easy to get around the city.

Buses: Montgomery County’s Ride On bus service operates several bus routes throughout Bethesda. These buses are a good option for getting around the city if you don’t want to use the Metro.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in Bethesda. They are a convenient option for getting around the city, especially if you need to travel to areas that are not serviced by public transportation.

Walking and Biking: Bethesda is a walkable city, and biking is also a popular option. There are several bike trails that run through the city, making it easy to explore Bethesda on two wheels.

Car Rentals: Car rentals are available in Bethesda, and renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore areas outside the city. However, keep in mind that parking in Bethesda can be expensive and difficult to find.

Accommodations in Bethesda

There are several accommodation options in Bethesda, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Some popular hotels in the area include:

Hyatt Regency Bethesda: A modern hotel located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, with easy access to shopping, dining, and public transportation.

Bethesda Marriott: A contemporary hotel located near the National Institutes of Health, with spacious rooms and a range of amenities.

American Inn of Bethesda: A budget-friendly motel located near the Bethesda Metro station, with clean and comfortable rooms.

Global Luxury Suites in Bethesda: A collection of luxury apartments located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, with modern furnishings and a range of amenities.

Other popular lodging options in Bethesda include Airbnb rentals, bed and breakfasts, and extended-stay hotels.

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Links

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