5 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Bethesda - Atlas Obscura

Unusual
Attractions
in Bethesda

Bethesda, Maryland

Glen Echo Amusement Park

Once home to seven different roller coasters, Glen Echo has undergone many transformations since its founding in 1891.

Bethesda, Maryland

Naval Surface Warfare Center

This massive swimming pool is the high tech home to the human-powered submarine races.

Bethesda, Maryland

Congressional Country Club

Proto-CIA agents trained with grenades in the sand traps and fired machine guns from the fairways.

Bethesda, Maryland

Madonna of the Trail

She stares out across six lanes of traffic, clutching a musket and infant with determination.

Bethesda, Maryland

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

FDR's Art Deco hospital tower was hopelessly inefficient.

Are we missing something unusual in Bethesda?

Chevy Chase, Maryland

Into the Woods

The wooded estate of the Forest Service employee responsible for D.C.’s cherry blossom trees.

1 mile from Bethesda

Washington, D.C.

'Cartwheel' Tower

Washington's top-secret Cold War-era doomsday communications tower is located in a small neighborhood park.

2 miles from Bethesda

Upcoming Experiences
Near Bethesda

White House Tales of Scandal & Intrigue

Washington, D.C.

Explore the Ruins of Seneca Quarry

Poolesville, Maryland

On the Trail of DC's First Brewmaster

Alexandria, Virginia

Exploring a Secret Fort

Washington, D.C.

The Spies of Georgetown

Washington, D.C.

The Raptors of the Nation's Capital

Laurel, Maryland

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