Bethesda Attractions

Located just minutes away from the Washington, D.C., this urbanized and extremely wealthy community is home to the National Institute of Health, Lockheed Martin Corporation and a sizeable portion of the greater capital area’s six-figure income employees. Bethesda is lacking in a vibrant nightlife, but offers an ample amount of shopping, art galleries and performance venues – both in town and in neighboring communities – to keep any visitor busy. Downtown Bethesda is particularly famous for it’s dining scene that is considered to have some of the best restaurants in the region, and can be a pleasant place to amble along the sidewalks. But if you find yourself itching to explore a more lively area, public transportation offers easy access to Washington, D.C.

Audubon Naturalist Society – Woodend Sanctuary
8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815; Tel. 301.652.9188
It might come as a surprise that the nation’s capital is just a stone’s throw away from a wealth of opportunities to explore nature. One of the best is the Woodend Sanctuary in nearby Chevy Chase –- just a few miles outside of Bethesda. Here, visitors can enjoy scenery while walking on a wooded trail, or exploring wildlife in and around the pond. The sanctuary is set on 40 acres, providing plenty of room to roam. Also on site is the historic Woodend Mansion, an early 20th Century estate that now houses the headquarters of the Audubon Naturalist Society and includes a collection of mounted birds and Audubon prints. As the winter holidays are approach, the society hosts the annual Audubon Holiday Fair –- a great place to find gifts.

Bethesda Row Cinema
7235 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814; Tel. 301.652.7273
One the best things about big cities (or in this case the communities close to them) is access to the foreign-language and independent films that don’t often find their way to smaller towns. The Bethesda Row Cinema, one of the newest additions to the Landmark Theatres family, is a prime example. Located in the center of the business district, the eight-screen movie house is dedicated to the tastes of the more discerning cinephile, offering the best in current international and independent movies. What’s more, the Bethesda Row Cinema has all the amenities that you’re likely to find at a big box venue (minus the Hollywood film line-up of course) like cushy seating, state-of-the-art sound systems and large screens. The concession stand has the usual fare, in addition to a variety of coffee beverages and gourmet pastries.

Clara Barton National Historic Site
5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812; Tel. 301.492.6245
At the Clara Barton Historical Site, the history of one of the most important not-for-profit organizations in the country is revealed, along with the story of the woman behind it all. As the founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton seldom separated herself from her life’s most important work and this turn-of-the-century home documents the vigilance and conviction with which she worked. Built in 1891, the mansion served as both the private residence of Ms. Barton, as well as the headquarters of the Red Cross. In addition to her own personal belongings, the home was filled with medical supplies, blankets and other necessities to support the work of the organization. During a guided tour, you’ll be able to see catch a glimpse of 11 restored rooms that include Red Cross offices and Ms. Barton’s private quarters, as well as other areas.

Dennis and Phillip Ratner Museum
10001 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814; Tel. 301.897.1518
Founded by two cousins bearing the same surname, the Dennis and Phillip Ratner Museum features visual arts with a religious theme. The museum’s collection consists primarily of works created by Phillip Ratner and includes paintings, sculptures, drawings and graphic art that depict the stories and characters of the Hebrew Bible. The Dennis and Phillip Ratner Museum also includes a gallery dedicated to children’s literature, where young ones are free to touch and explore. Since the Ratner Museum is open only a few hours per week, it’s best to call in advance and schedule a visit.

Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812; Tel. 301.320.2330 or 301.320.7757
There’s always something to do at Glen Echo Park. Recent renovations have made the historical landmark an ideal destination for both indoor and outdoor adventures. Outside, stroll around and enjoy the historic architecture, or go for a ride on the restored Dentzel Carousel – a treasure of the park for more than 80 years. Kids will certainly have fun playing on the outdoor grounds, but there are also plenty of structured activities on-site geared especially toward young visitors like the Discovery Creek Children’s Museum where they can explore the arts and nature, and the Puppet Co. that features live productions. It’s worth noting that local dance enthusiasts are constantly raving about the Spanish Ballroom on the grounds of Glen Echo Park. Housed in a historic Mediterranean-style Art Deco building, the floor is large enough to fit well over 1500 people and on most Friday nights, it’s open for all who dare to show off their ballroom moves as they listen to live music.

Grapeseed American Bistro and Wine Bar
4865 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814; Tel. 301.986.9592
At this local favorite, the vintage is essential, if not central to any visit. Known mostly for its robust wine list, the Grapeseed American Bistro and Wine Bar also has a delicious menu that is constantly evolving and continually inspired by the wines included in their offerings. Here, guests who are daunted by the task of trying to figure out what glass of white or red best suits their chosen entrée will be please to find that there’s no need for any guess work. Each menu item is matched with the vintage that best compliments its flavor. It’s worth noting that many of the menu items can be ordered in small sizes, leaving you free to explore more options. Grapeseed American Bistro and Wine Bare also serves a large portion of their wines in sample sizes so you don’t have to commit to a full glass before you’ve found just the right taste to please your palette.

NASA Goddard Visitor Center
Code 130, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771; Tel. 301.286.9041
One of the best views of our galaxy and beyond can be seen at the NASA Goddard Visitor Center located just outside of Bethesda. Through exhibits dedicated to earth, space and technology, you can gain a new perspective on the universe by examining the center’s collection of photographs taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and satellites used to capture images of the atmosphere beyond our planet. The NASA Goddard Visitor Center’s galleries also feature unique “Science as Art” exhibits and provide a historical perspective on the study of space and the technology used to help us understand it.

Round House Theatre
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814; Tel. 240.644.1099 or 240.644.1100 (tickets)
The relocation of the Round House Theatre has given this long-running performance troupe a new place to grow. Now in downtown Bethesda, the company’s recently established residence can fit twice as many people (approximately 400) and has all the amenities you’d expect to find at a modern theater. The company presents a diverse set of productions that encompass world premieres and inventive adaptations of popular classics from August Wilson to Anton Chekhov. If you’re around during the holidays, check out Round House Theatre’s fun-filled performance of A Broadway Christmas Carol – a favorite amongst local theater-goers.

Strathmore
10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852; Tel. 301.530.0540 or 301.581.5100 (tickets)
For more than 20 years, the Strathmore has provided local residents with cultural programming and events that include art exhibits, concerts, lectures and much more. The center is housed in a historic Colonial Revival-style mansion and functions primarily as a premiere venue for visual and performing arts. The Strathmore’s eclectic schedule that showcases everything from live jazz and classical music to visual art has something to suit every persuasion. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the outdoors at the center while walking around and surveying the sculptures or lying in the grass and listening to a concert performance. Afternoon teas that take place at the mansion twice a week offer a unique experience and pleasant atmosphere enveloped by the soft sounds of piano, flute or Celtic harp.

White Flint
11301 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Maryland 20895; Tel. 301.231.7467
Known mostly for its upscale demographics, this popular mall goes simply by the name White Flint (no “mall” attached) and features three levels of shopping, dining and entertainment. Anchor stores include Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor, in addition to Borders superstore – a unique departure from the type of retail giants most often found at large complexes. Here, you’ll also find big (and popular) names in home goods and furnishings (think Pottery Barn and William Sonoma), as well as to the usual specialty shops and clothing outlets for men, women and children. There’s also a small collection of local stores at White Flint. If you’re not in the mood for shopping, you can dine (and play) at Dave and Buster’s or catch a movie at the theater.

--Bethesda attraction reviews by Joy Howard