When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than hitting pause, grabbing your best friends, and escaping somewhere that mixes luxury, relaxation, and just the right amount of fun. Like – Bethesda, Maryland. This stylish city in Montgomery County has everything you could want for a girls’ weekend getaway: amazing food, spa vibes, chic hotels, and plenty of spots to sip, shop, and unwind. To make things easy, we’ve mapped out the ultimate 48-hour itinerary filled with an elegant French lunch, relaxation at a salt cave, rooftop cocktails, and must-see performances.
Day 1
Lunch at Local Favorite Mon Ami Gabi
Start your trip in style with an elegant French-bistro lunch at the newly renovated Mon Ami Gabi. This Bethesda staple is the perfect spot to toast your arrival. Enjoy classic French cuisine like their Mussels Mariniere, Sea Scallop “St. Jacque”, and caviar service, or their famous steak frites with steak that’s the finest prime Midwest grain-fed beef and hand-cut frites. There are different types of steak frites guests can enjoy, including their Classique with maître d’hôtel butter, or the Au Poivre with a brandy peppercorn sauce, perfectly paired with their extensive wine list.
Unwind with Salt Therapy at Bethesda Salt Cave
After lunch, it’s time for some self-care. Head over to Bethesda Salt Cave for a uniquely relaxing experience that will melt away any remaining stress. The cave is lined floor-to-ceiling with Himalayan salt crystals, and the moderate temperature is designed to activate your body’s natural healing processes. Salt therapy is said to help with upper respiratory and skin conditions, making this a great mindful activity for your trip.
Check in to Luxury at The Bethesdan Hotel
In the afternoon, you’ll check in to your home away from home at The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This boutique hotel offers the perfect base for your getaway. Take some time to refresh and change before heading out for happy hour and your girls’ night out.
Rooftop Happy Hour at Hip Flask Rooftop Bar
Elevate your girls’ night out by heading to Hip Flask Rooftop Bar, located above Marriott Bethesda Downtown. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink with your friends and take in the sun setting over the horizon of the downtown skyline. The restaurant offers thoughtfully curated, crafted cocktails, local brews, and a rotating seasonal menu of delicious, shareable food options like their Hip Flask Wings with smoked chipotle and mezcal, Crab & Artichoke Dip, or Bulgogi Short Rib Bao with Kimchi Slaw and Miso Mayo.
A Night at the Theatre
For a more sophisticated cultural experience, catch a performance at one of the area’s premier venues. Catch a critically acclaimed play, modern classic, or new work at Round House Theatre, located right in downtown Bethesda. Or, head to North Bethesda to the stunning Music Center at Strathmore for a performance by a major international artist, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, or various world-class music, jazz, or dance acts. Strathmore is easily accessible via the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Red Line station.
Check out how these girls made the most of their girls’ night out in Bethesda!
View this post on Instagram
Day 2
Pastries and Coffee at Tatte Bakery & Café
It’s time to wake up! Start your day with breakfast at Tatte Bakery & Café in Bethesda. Known for its scratch kitchen, Tatte is famous for its Shakshuka, delicious pastries like their croissants made with four sticks of butter, breakfast sandwiches including a Halloumi & Sunny Side Breakfast sandwich with seared Halloumi cheese, griddled tomatoes, and spinach with a sunny side up egg, and expertly crafted coffee and matcha. Get your foodie fuel before your morning activity.
E-Biking the Capital Crescent Trail
Enjoy the cool, crisp fall air with an e-bike along the scenic Capital Crescent Trail. Rent your bikes from Pedego Bethesda and spend up to two hours cruising the trail.
