
20 Things to See and Do in the Capital Region
Just outside Washington, D.C., unforgettable adventures await. Delight your senses, satisfy your cultural and culinary cravings, and explore history throughout Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.

1 Stroll along the streets of Bethesda
Bethesda, one of the most renowned communities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, is known as the go-to place for ethnic restaurants, great shopping, trendy hot spots. Bethesda’s Art and Entertainment District is brimming with inspiring artists and art venues, like the Strathmore, Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club; art events, unique galleries and public art fill the streets.
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2 Discover the spirit and charm of Frederick
Hip and historic, the city of Frederick charms visitors with award-winning restaurants, cool art galleries and cultural happenings, and craft beers loved by locals. No wonder the National Trust of Historic Preservation recognized Frederick as one of “America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.”

3 Savor Sunsets on National Harbor
Gaylord National Resort is a Marriott property that places you right on the water in the National Harbor, not far from the famed Capital Wheel and plenty of outlet shopping and nightlife options. It’s a quick ride over to MGM Casino if a game of poker is more your speed.
More about Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
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Type:
Conference Centers
Location:
201 Waterfront St
National Harbor, MD 20745
301-965-4000

4 Commemorate the Civil War at the Monocacy National Battlefield
Immerse yourself in the story of this hallowed ground, site of the “Battle that Saved Washington.” Explore its picturesque landscape that has changed little since 1864. The Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center provides a hands-on history lesson perfect for all audiences from kids and casual travelers to the dedicated Civil War enthusiast.
More about Monocacy National Battlefield
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Type:
Attraction
Location:
5201 Urbana Pike
Frederick, MD 21704
301-662-3515

5 Toast to local wines at Black Ankle Vineyards
Visit on the weekend to tour and learn about this beautiful winery nestled into the rolling hills of Mount Airy. Stroll the grounds or pack a picnic and enjoy live music on Friday nights. In the cooler months, cozy up by the fire pits outside the tasting room.
More about Black Ankle Vineyards
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Type:
Attraction
Location:
14463 Black Ankle Rd
Mount Airy, MD 21771
301-829-3338

6 Traverse Trails along the Towpath
Built to carry coal from the Allegheny Mountains to the nation’s capital, the C&O Canal Towpath is now a popular walking and biking destination through some of the most scenic parts of the state. Locks, support buildings and aqueducts dot the route as do visitors centers offering information about the canal. You can even stay overnight in a lock house.

7 Be a Rocket Scientist for the Day
Learn about the intricacies of space missions at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Visitors can see model exhibits of the Hubble Telescope and experience the thrill of space through interactive displays and events, such as live science experiments and model rocket launches for the kids.
More about NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center/Museum
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Type:
Attraction
Location:
8800 Greenbelt Rd
Greenbelt, MD 20771
301-286-8981

8 Climb to the peak in Rockville
Scale to the dizzying heights of the forest canopy at the Go Ape adventure course in Rock Creek Regional Park. The course is bound to thrill with zip lines, rope ladders, and swings. If indoor adventures are more your style, Earth Treks’ Climbing Center in Rockville is the largest indoor climbing wall in the nation. First-timers and veteran climbers will be at home on more than 38,500 square feet of climbing walls.
More about Go Ape Treetop Adventure
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Type:
Attraction
Location:
6129 Needwood Lake Dr
Derwood, MD 20855

9 Fly Like a Superhero at Six Flags America
At Six Flags America, waltz down Main Street 1776, a recreation of Colonial America, tangle with the Joker in Gotham City or relax with a float down Wahoo River. Hurricane Harbor hosts a bodacious wave pool that’s the largest in the nation. You’ll also find brainmelting thrill rides including Apocalypse: The Last Stand, BATWING Coaster, Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth, Mind Eraser and FIREBIRD which opened in spring 2019.
More about Six Flags America
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Type:
Attraction
Location:
13710 Central Ave
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
301-249-1500

10 Grab a Seat at Top Entertainment Venues
The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda is one of the most striking venues you’ll ever see and the perfect spot for a night at the symphony. The Fillmore, in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, offers big names (Bone Thugs-NHarmony and Incubus in 2018), while the nearby AFI Silver presents both modern independent films and classics

11 Dream Big at MGM National Harbor
This gleaming facility on the Potomac has it all—table games and slots, a 3,000-seat theater (Cher made it her East Coast stage in 2017 and 2018), restaurants from José Andrés and the Voltaggio brothers, Bryan and Michael, as well as a luxurious hotel to unwind in after all the fun.
More about MGM National Harbor
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Type:
Attraction
Location:
7100 Oxon Hill Rd
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
844-346-4664

12 Watch Live Shows in a Historic Theater
Originally opened as the Tivoli in 1926, this glamorous theater in Frederick retains much of its original (and since refurbished) charm, including a Wurlitzer organ. Now, the Weinberg Center for the Arts schedule entails both live music and shows for all ages along with movies and speakers from Dr. Temple Grandin and Ted Koppel to Mitch Albom.
More about Weinberg Center for the Arts
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Type:
Performing Arts
Location:
20 W Patrick St
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-2828

13 Roam with Animals on a Safari
Featuring a safari ride through 25 acres filled with animals moseying up to be petted, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo in Thurmont is an ideal day trip. Kids love feeding the animals, camel and safari rides when in season and other wildlife encounters.
More about Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo
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Type:
Attraction
Location:
13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd
Thurmont, MD 21788
301-271-3180

14 Catch a Keys Game Where Pros Played
Major League stars Manny Machado and Dylan Bundy once played for the Keys, a Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles in Frederick. This cozy, family-friendly stadium offers fans an affordable way to watch professional baseball.
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15 Sleep Under the Stars in Frederick
Cunningham Falls State Park’s namesake falls, reaching 78 feet, are a wonder to behold. There’s plenty of hiking, swimming and canoeing available to fill your time, so claim a camping spot or rent one of the cabins available from April to October.
More about Cunningham Falls State Park
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Type:
Attraction
Location:
14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd
Thurmont, MD 21788
301-271-7574

16 A College Park Classic
Whether you’re returning to campus as an alumnus or visiting for the first time, The Hotel at the University of Maryland is classy and contemporary with multiple restaurants and an Elizabeth Arden spa. Take a leisurely stroll or board the free shuttle to explore the surrounding area.
More about The Hotel at The University of Maryland
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Type:
Hotels & Motels
Location:
7777 Baltimore Ave
College Park, MD 20740
301-277-7777

17 Local Brews All Around at the Beer Fest
Frederick has become the state’s beer mecca, and each May it hosts Maryland Craft Beer Festival—a party in celebration of the explosive growth of locally brewed artisan ales. In 2018, more than 40 Maryland breweries poured over 180 different types of beer as live music played and revelers enjoyed the lively downtown scene.

18 Civil War Sites for History Buffs
Any trip to Maryland’s Civil War battlefields should start at Monocacy, where Union troops thwarted the Confederacy’s bold plan to seize D.C. and disrupt the election of 1864. Visitors interested in the history of the fight for South Mountain can start at Washington Monument State Park, where guides help you navigate the scattered battle sites. Located on the Gettysburg Campaign Trail, Frederick’s National Museum of Civil War Medicine makes for a fascinating side trip, as immersive exhibits detail the valiant work done by caregivers tasked with healing.

19 More ideas?
Check out this article on 18 Under the Radar Places in Mid-Maryland to Take Your Sweetheart

20 Paddle through history in Bladensburg
The Battle of Bladensburg Visitor Center and Waterfront Park, part of The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, tells the story of the people, places and events of the War of 1812. Located on the Anacostia River, the waterfront park features a riverside walk and public fishing pier. Bring or rent a canoe, kayak or rowboat to explore the historic waterway.