What makes Montgomery County, Maryland communities so special is the diversity that make up the area. In one day, you can easily go from strolling around a busy city to unwinding in the countryside with scenic hillside views. Get familiar with our cities and towns so that you can add time to explore them in your next trip to the county!

Bethesda/Chevy Chase

Bethesda and Chevy Chase are the premier places to stay, shop, and eat in the county.  Both neighborhoods are home to some of the area’s top restaurants, world-renowned brands, and department stores—all within walking distance of each other. Dine on seasonally-inspired cuisines at Terrain Cafe, browse through numerous fashion boutiques, art galleries, and home design shops in Downtown Bethesda and Bethesda Row. Head to Chevy Chase for a luxury shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. or see a performance at the Round House Theatre.

Silver Spring

Silver Spring is your one-stop-shop for arts and entertainment. Taste local brews from Silver Branch Brewing Company, see your favorite performer live at The Fillmore, or walk around and explore the shops of downtown Silver Spring. Wind down by seeing a movie at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center or hit the arcade at Dave & Busters.

Takoma Park

Takoma Park, neighboring Silver Spring, offers a small-town spirit with urban sophistication. Visitors can expect art from local artists, weekend farmers markets, cozy coffee shops, and annual events that bring the community together.

Rockville

Experience the city life by taking a trip to Rockville, one of Maryland’s leading small cities. Visit Rockville Town Square to check out a community event, see a free concert or an outdoor movie, perfect your twirl at the outdoor rink during wintertime, or take a pottery class at VisArts.

North Bethesda/Potomac

If you’re looking for a diverse cuisine selection, a charming place to shop, or somewhere to grab a drink with friends, North Bethesda and Potomac are where you want to be. During the summer, dip your toes in the sand at The Beach at Pike & Rose, roll a strike at Pinstripes, or grab a pint at Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub.

Wheaton/Kensington

Wheaton and Kensington are the places to be if you’re looking for authentic dining options from some award-winning restaurants in the neighborhood. Relax in nature by strolling through the Brookside Gardens, offering visitors over 50-acres of public garden displays. During the summer, head to the Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar Exhibit to see hundreds of butterflies from around the world, while during the winter, check out the popular Garden of Lights light display.

Germantown

Germantown is the perfect escape from city life—a rural community surrounded by greenery and farmland. Pick your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers by taking a visit to Butler’s Orchard and then head on over to the Lancaster County Dutch Market for a collection of vendors selling homemade foods, candies, groceries, and furniture. If you’re a big sports fan, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Maryland SoccerPlex & Discovery Sports Center, where you can see the Washington Spirit team play or drop in for a basketball game at the indoor court.

Gaithersburg

Prepare for a day of relaxation in Gaithersburg, the geographic center of Montgomery County. Take a laid-back stroll through the shops and restaurants at rio or shop indoors at Lakeforest Mall. For an added adventure, battle it out at Shadowland Laser Adventures for the ultimate team-building and family-friendly experience.

Midcounty

Kick back and enjoy the countryside including Olney, Sandy Spring, Brookeville, and Derwood. Step back in time at the Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, Sandy Spring Museum, and the Agricultural History Farm Park. Discover unique treasures at Olney Antique Village, sip on local ales at Brookeville Beer Farm, or try your hand at bottling your own wine at Olney Winery.

East County

Immerse yourself in history in East County, which is made up of two neighborhoods: Burtonsville and Colesville. Learn about the history, development, and mission of trolleys at the National Capital Trolley Museum or visit Heyser Farms, a year-round local market that sells fresh produce, cider baked goods, ice cream, honey, and jams.

UpCounty

Take a scenic boat ride down the Potomac River on White’s Ferry, hike up the Sugarloaf Mountain for a picture-perfect view, or twirl through the McKee-Beshers Sunflower Fields. Rosé all day at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard or, if you prefer beer, enjoy a pint on a working horse farm at Waredaca Brewing Company. Looking to shop ‘till you drop? The Clarksburg Premium Outlets have all of your retail favorites in one place at a discounted price.