7 days in Bethesda & Rockville Itinerary

Bethesda is a census-designated place in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, located just northwest of the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. It takes its name from a local church, the Bethesda Meeting House (1820, rebuilt 1849), which in turn took its name from Jerusalem's Pool of Bethesda. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Little Round Top and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Explore Bethesda's surroundings by going to Devils Den (in Gettysburg) and St. Michaels (Boat Tours & Water Sports & Lyon Rum Distillery). Next up on the itinerary: walk around Cabin John Regional Park, take in the exciting artwork at Waverly Street Gallery, and grab your bike and head to Capitol Crescent.

To find more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Bethesda vacation planner.

Washington to Bethesda is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also drive. July in Bethesda sees daily highs of 87°F and lows of 69°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) so you can go by car to Rockville.

Rockville is a city located in the central region of Montgomery County, Maryland. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and Glenview Mansion. Change things up with these side-trips from Rockville: Ono Brewing Company (in Chantilly), Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (in Harpers Ferry) and Sharpsburg (Antietam National Cemetery, Antietam National Battlefield, &more). There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at St. Mary's Catholic Church, get engrossed in the history at Montgomery County Historical Society, and indulge in some personalized pampering at Magdalen's Pure Skin Care.

To find maps, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read Rockville visit planner.

Rockville is very close to Bethesda. July in Rockville sees daily highs of 85°F and lows of 67°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive back home.