Need an energetic urban escape just outside D.C.? Head to Silver Spring! This vibrant suburb mixes arts, culture, food, and green space into one walkable downtown. Whether you’re catching a show, exploring local breweries, or taking a hike, Silver Spring offers a dynamic small-city experience with big appeal.

Silver Spring, MD Highlights:

  • For Art Lovers: Visit AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center – Catch indie films, film festivals, and classic cinema in a restored Art Deco gem.
  • For Nature Enthusiasts: Wander through Sligo Creek Trail – Hike or bike shaded trails along a peaceful urban stream.
  • For Music Fans: See a show at The Fillmore – Enjoy live concerts from big-name bands to indie stars in a popular downtown venue.
  • For Families: Play and learn at Acorn Park or Ellsworth Place – Discover local history or hit the arcade and indoor attractions.
  • For Foodies: Explore Silver Spring’s global cuisine – Sample everything from Ethiopian injera to Salvadoran pupusas and beyond.

Best Time to Visit Silver Spring, MD

The best time to visit Silver Spring is from spring through fall (April to October), when the weather is perfect for outdoor festivals, farmers markets, and enjoying the nearby parks and trails.

How to Get to Silver Spring, MD

  • If you are traveling by car: Just off the Capital Beltway (I-495) and Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring is about 25 minutes from downtown D.C. and 45 minutes from Baltimore.
  • By Metro: The Red Line serves the Silver Spring Metro Station with frequent trains to and from Washington, D.C.
  • By Train: MARC Train’s Brunswick Line stops in Silver Spring, connecting you to D.C. and beyond.

Where to Stay in Silver Spring, MD

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Silver Spring DC North – Comfortable, full-service hotel near the Metro and downtown restaurants.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Silver Spring Downtown – Walkable to shops and AFI Theatre, with modern rooms and amenities.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton – Great for extended stays, with kitchenettes and complimentary breakfast.

Best Things to Do in Silver Spring, MD

Play and Explore Nature at Wheaton Regional Park

Play and Explore Nature at Wheaton Regional Park

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The Wheaton Regional Park was established in the city of Silver Spring back in 1960 and stretches across more than five hundred acres.

Open from sunrise until sunset, the park is popular among tourists and locals alike, offering an array of educational and recreational opportunities for anyone to enjoy, such as hiking, ice skating, picnicking, and horseback riding.

Visitors can also tour the area by train. For those who prefer a more relaxing, laidback activity, Wheaton Regional Park is also home to multiple nature centers featuring a variety of exhibits and programs, a conservatory, and the Brookside Gardens.

2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902, Phone: 301-495-2595

Catch Indie Films and Classics at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Catch Indie Films and Classics at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

© AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring was founded by the residents of the state of Maryland’s Montgomery County as a place for both artists and educators of all kinds, from all parts of the world.

The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center has ties to the country’s American Film Institute and hosts a broad array of video and film programming, in addition to hosting a variety of artistic performances, musical performances, discussions, panels, and interviews.

The theater is a place for people of any age, offering entertainment for both families with children and film buffs.

8633 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301-495-6700

Fuel Your Curiosity at Silver Spring Library

Fuel Your Curiosity at Silver Spring Library

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The Silver Spring Library opened as a newer library in 2015 and measures approximately sixty-three thousand square feet, home to county office space, a non-profit arts organization, artists studios, a post office, and a cafe, in addition to its large collection of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, audio books, and other media. The first two floors of the Silver Spring Library consists of studios for artists, meeting rooms, and offices, as well as the Kefa Cafe, which offers drinks and snacks. The fifth floor is home to the children’s area. Parking can be found across the street in the Wayne Avenue Garage.

900 Wayne Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 240-773-9420

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

If You’re Fascinated by the Ocean, Visit Gateway to NOAA

If You’re Fascinated by the Ocean, Visit Gateway to NOAA

© Gateway to NOAA

Gateway to NOAA is a permanent exhibit designed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, to showcase how the organization “takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resources.” This interesting and informative exhibit is divided up into five different sections: NOAA in the News, which features an interactive display for exploring the ocean; Water, which highlights marine processes; Weather and Climate, focused on NOAA’s role in climate process and weather forecasts; Earth Observations, which share methods for gathering information; and NOAA Heritage. Gateway to NOAA is open Monday to Friday.

1325 E W Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Step Into Railroad History at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station

Step Into Railroad History at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station

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The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station is the only railroad passenger station from the twentieth century in Montgomery County of Maryland, preserved and operated by both the Montgomery Preservation Society and the Silver Spring Historical Society. Serving as an active railroad station between the years of 1945 and 2000, the railroad station was used by those who appreciated less crowds than those often present at the Union Station, which included a number of illustrious passengers like President Harry S. Truman. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station was designated in 2002 on the National Register of Historic Places.

8100 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301-495-4915

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Experience Grace in Motion at Maryland Youth Ballet

Experience Grace in Motion at Maryland Youth Ballet

© Dziurek/stock.adobe.com

The mission of the Maryland Youth Ballet has been providing a high caliber of performance opportunities and training in ballet since 1971 in order to prepare youth dancers for careers in performing arts, along with offering classes to ballet dancers of all levels and ages in the Silver Spring community. As part of the performance training the Maryland Youth Ballet provides to dancers in the region, the ballet organization also puts on a number of professional quality productions throughout the year. These ballet productions include the award-winning Nutcracker, performed every holiday season, along with the newer version: “The Mini-Nut.”

Maryland Youth Ballet, 926 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301-608-2232

If You Love Scenic Walks, Wander Through Matthew Henson State Park

If You Love Scenic Walks, Wander Through Matthew Henson State Park

© alexkich/stock.adobe.com

Matthew Henson State Park in Silver Spring is a greenway that offers several recreational features running along the Turkey Branch, which is a tributary of Montgomery County’s Rock Creek. Named after an arctic explorer and Maryland native, Matthew Henson, one of the highlights of the state park is its namesake trail used for biking and hiking through the park.

The Matthew Henson Trail is around eight feet wide and extends approximately 4.5 miles, winding its way from the scenic Rock Creek Hiker-Biker Trail up to Alderton Road. A wooden boardwalk makes up 0.6 miles of the trail.

Silver Spring, MD 20906, Phone: 301-495-2595, See the Map

Where to Eat in Silver Spring, MD

  • Desta Ethiopian Kitchen – Flavorful dishes, traditional injera, and a warm, casual setting.
  • Denizens Brewing Co. – Local brews, creative pub fare, and a pet-friendly beer garden.
  • Urban Butcher – A modern steakhouse and charcuterie bar with stylish interiors and farm-to-table ingredients.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Silver Spring Jazz Festival (September) – Free outdoor concert featuring national and local jazz acts.
  • Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Fair (May/November) – Handcrafted goods, artisan wares, and family activities downtown.
  • AFI DOCS Film Festival (June) – Celebrated documentary film festival drawing global attention.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Silver Spring, Maryland:

  • Washington, D.C. (20–25 min) – Explore iconic museums, monuments, and neighborhoods in the capital.
  • Brookside Gardens (20–25 min) – Wander through beautifully manicured themed gardens in Wheaton Regional Park.
  • Kensington Antique Row (15–20 min) – Hunt for vintage treasures and grab a bite in a charming small-town setting.
  • Takoma Park (10–15 min) – Discover a funky vibe with indie shops, cafes, and a vibrant farmers market.
  • Rock Creek Park (20–25 min) – Hike, bike, or picnic in D.C.’s beloved 1,700-acre urban oasis.
  • National Zoo (25–30 min) – Visit giant pandas, explore animal habitats, and enjoy scenic zoo trails.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q: Where is the city of Silver Spring located?
  • A: The city of Silver Spring, Maryland, is a little off-the-beaten-path suburb just a short distance outside of the historic areas of Ellicott City and Washington, DC.
  • Q: What does Silver Spring offer to its residents and visitors?
  • A: For both local residents and travelers staying for a night or just passing through, Silver Spring offers quite a number of things to do in its own right, including recreational, educational, and historical attractions and activities.
  • Q: What kind of activities can you find in Silver Spring?
  • A: The pedestrian-friendly city provides opportunities for several high-energy attractions, as well as low-key, relaxing activities, for people of all ages.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in full bloom. Courtyard by Marriott Silver Spring Downtown – A centrally located stay near shops and dining. Visit Brookside Gardens – Enjoy beautiful spring flowers and scenic walking paths.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for outdoor events. DoubleTree by Hilton Silver Spring – A comfortable hotel with easy access to D.C. Attend a Live Show at The Fillmore – Experience top-tier concerts and performances.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn foliage. Homewood Suites by Hilton Silver Spring – A great extended-stay option with modern amenities. Explore Rock Creek Park – Hike through vibrant fall landscapes and enjoy nature trails.
Winter (December-February) – Chilly temperatures with festive holiday charm. Hampton Inn Silver Spring – A cozy and budget-friendly winter retreat. Visit the Downtown Holiday Market – Enjoy holiday shopping, lights, and seasonal treats.

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