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. Get some cultural insight at Little Round Top and Manassas National Battlefield Park. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Bethesda: Gettysburg (Devils Den, Monument to Brigadier General Gouverneur Kemble Warren, &more). Next up on the itinerary: grab your bike and head to Capitol Crescent, indulge in some personalized pampering at Bethesda Salt Cave, and take in the exciting artwork at Waverly Street Gallery.

For traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Bethesda trip planner.

Washington DC to Bethesda is an approximately half hour car ride. Traveling from Washington DC in October, expect slightly colder with lows of 49°F in Bethesda. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sun) early enough to drive to Rockville.

Rockville is a city located in the central region of Montgomery County, Maryland. Get a sense of the local culture at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and Antietam National Battlefield. Go for a jaunt from Rockville to Haymarket to see The Winery at La Grange about 58 minutes away. There's still lots to do: pause for some serene contemplation at St. Mary's Catholic Church, steep yourself in history at Glenview Mansion, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Needwood, and relax and rejuvenate at Magdalen's Pure Skin Care.

Discover how to plan a Rockville trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Rockville is very close to Bethesda. Expect a daytime high around 67°F in October, and nighttime lows around 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Wed) so you can drive back home.