Positioned near the Potomac River, Bethesda is a thriving town with beautiful outdoor areas, multiple performing arts venues and surrounding natural spoils. The city’s lively central neighbourhood reveals fine dining restaurants and dessert bars, while the city limits provide a collection of prestigious golf courses.

Things to do

If you love exploring verdant parklands, Bethesda is the place for you, thanks to its stunning Brookside Gardens, which features various themed gardens, such as the seasonal Butterfly Garden and Japanese-inspired Gude Garden. Alternatively, visit the George Washington Memorial Parkway, a 40-kilometre-long riverside parkway with parks, monuments and running trails.

Are you looking for true immersion in the local culture? Head to Glen Echo Park, an arts and culture centre with vintage amusement park rides, regular live concerts, art shows and kids camps. Seek out a slice of Civil War history at Fort Reno Park, where you can see a castle-esque tower from the Civil War era, athletics fields and annual summer concerts.

Avid golfers are spoiled for choice in Bethesda, where you can tee off at the exclusive Bethesda Country Club, which features a picturesque and challenging golf course, as well as a tennis program and physical therapy day spa. You can also play a round at Kenwood Golf & Country Club and TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm or watch the pros play for championship silver at Congressional Country Club.

Hanging out in the centre of Bethesda reveals numerous restaurants, such as creative margaritas and tacos at Gringos & Mariachis or American-style seafood at Black's Bar & Kitchen. Mix it up with some shopping at Bethesda Row shopping mall, home to fashion accessories at Lou Lou Boutiques and luxe decor at Urban Country.

Getting around

Bethesda is an easy 25-minute drive from Washington D.C. along Massachusetts Ave NW. You can use the Washington Metro, local buses and taxis to get around, while the city centre is easily explored on foot.