Exploring Bethesda, Maryland

Bethesda is located inside the Capital Beltway (I-495) in Montgomery County, Maryland, just north of Washington, D.C. With its strategic location just a few miles southeast of I-495, it is surrounded by significant neighborhoods, making it an attractive destination for shopping, dining, and cultural events.

1. Location of Bethesda

This map illustrates Bethesda’s location, I-495, and the major thoroughfares that run through the area, including Route 355 – Rockville Pike/Wisconsin Avenue and MD Route 187 – Old Georgetown Road. Nearby neighborhoods consist of Chevy Chase, Friendship Village, Kensington, Glen Echo, and Cabin John.

2. Transportation Options

Bethesda is accessible by Metrorail and Metrobus. The downtown area is within walking distance of the Bethesda Metro Station, situated at the intersection of Route 355/Wisconsin Avenue, Route 187/Old Georgetown Road, and Route 410/East-West Highway. A stop (Medical Center) is located farther north and in front of the National Institutes of Health and the National Naval Medical Center.

Driving Directions:

• From I-495 North: Take Exit 34 South to Wisconsin Avenue; continue for two miles to Downtown Bethesda.
• From I-95 South: Take I-495 West towards Silver Spring/Chevy Chase, and then take 355 South towards Bethesda, which turns into Wisconsin Avenue.

3. Downtown Bethesda Overview

Bethesda is an urban district in Montgomery County, Maryland, boasting nearly 200 restaurants, two live theatres, 20 art galleries, and exceptional shopping options. It stands out as one of the busiest suburbs of Washington D.C. To further facilitate transportation, the Bethesda Circulator Bus provides free transit around the downtown area. Many restaurants can be found in the corridor between Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda Avenue, Arlington Road, and Elm Street, while outdoor events are frequently held at Veterans Park, located at the corner of Norfolk & Woodmont Avenues.

4. Parking Information

Bethesda offers numerous public parking garages and surface lots, primarily situated along side streets off Route 355/Wisconsin Avenue. Garage parking is complimentary on Saturdays, Sundays, and County Holidays in Montgomery County Garages. Metered street parking is available for $2.00 per hour.

Parking Garages

• Auburn-Del Ray Garage – 4910 Auburn Ave
• Bethesda Ave-Elm St Garage – 4841 Bethesda Ave
• Capital Crescent Garage – 7171 Woodmont Ave
• Cheltenham Garage – 4720 Cheltenham Dr
• Cordell-St. Elmo Garage – 4935 St Elmo Ave
• Metropolitan Garage – 7601 Woodmont Ave
• Waverly Garage – 7401 Waverly St
• Woodmont Corner Garage – 7739 Woodmont Ave
• Woodmont-Rugby Garage – 8216 Woodmont Ave

Parking Lots

• Bethesda Library Parking Lot – 7400 Arlington Rd
• Cordell Ave Parking Lot – 4854 Cordell Ave
• Farm Women’s Market Parking Lot – 4601 Leland St
• Leland Street Parking Lot – 4600 Leland St
• Maple Avenue Parking Lot – 4707 Highland Ave
• Middleton Lane Parking Lot – 4538 Middleton Ln
• St. Elmo Ave Parking Lot – 4835 St Elmo Ave
• West Virginia Avenue Parking Lot – 4704 West Virginia Ave
• Woodmont Avenue Parking Lot – 8009 Woodmont Ave