Looking for family-friendly fun, green spaces, and easy access to D.C.? Head to Gaithersburg and Germantown, Maryland! These vibrant Montgomery County communities offer parks, shopping, cultural events, and international cuisine—all just a short ride from the nation's capital.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gaithersburg and Germantown is in spring and fall (April–June and September–October). These seasons offer pleasant weather, blooming gardens, and community festivals. Summers are lively, while winters are quieter with occasional snow.
How to Get There
- By Car: Both towns are accessible via I-270 and MD-355, about 45 minutes northwest of Washington, D.C.
- By Train: MARC Train (Brunswick Line) stops in both towns with connections to D.C.
- By Air: Fly into Washington Dulles (IAD) or Reagan National Airport (DCA), both under an hour’s drive away.
Where to Stay
- Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center – Lakeside location with walking access to shops, dining, and trails.
- Courtyard by Marriott Gaithersburg – Business-friendly option near the RIO shopping and entertainment district.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Germantown – Comfortable, modern hotel with free breakfast and easy highway access.
Top Attractions
1. Experience Performances and Exhibits at BlackRock Center for the Arts
Rating: ★★★★★
BlackRock Center for the Arts is a leading performing arts center and visual arts gallery space. The center provides high-quality performances, visual art exhibitions, and community art education. The venue hosts top talent from around the area, nation, and world. Performances run the gamut of genres and include pop, jazz, blues, rock, world, classical, and folk music as well as dance performances, theatrical shows, and even contemporary circus performances. Tickets for shows and the performance calendar can be found on their website as well as information about any ongoing gallery shows and community classes. In addition to self-touring the galleries during public open hours, groups can arrange for a guided tour of the center.
BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874, Phone: 301-528-2260
2. Splash, Skate, or Stroll Through Bohrer Park at Summit Hall
Bohrer Park at Summit Hall is a community park that offers a range of activities for all ages. The paved, multi-use path is perfect for walking, in-line skating, biking, or jogging and makes a loop around the park. The park is also home to a miniature golf course, an activity center, a water park, and a skate park. In addition, there are several open fields and two ponds where fishing is allowed. There are playgrounds for children and a horseshoe pit and volleyball net for additional activities. There are multiple picnic pavilions and picnic areas that are perfect for hosting parties.
Bohrer Park at Summit Hall, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, Phone: 301-258-6350
3. Pick Your Own Produce and Enjoy the Seasons at Butler’s Orchard
Butler’s Orchard is farm and market in Germantown that has been operated by the same family for three generations. The farm grows more than 25 different varieties of produce, flowers, and trees on 300 acres of land. They have been offering pick-your-own produce opportunities to the public since the 1950s. They also offer a host of family-friendly activities throughout the year, including hayrides, bonfires, tours, and pumpkin harvest days. The market sells a variety of produce items that are grown on the farm as well as preserves, local honey, seasonal decor, apple cider, and more. Their largest attraction is the seasonal Pumpkinland, which is a display of interesting creatures all built out of pumpkins.
Butler’s Orchard, 22222 Davis Mill road, Germantown, MD 20876, Phone: 301-972-3299
Attractions for Couples
4. See Local Theater and Art Classes Come to Life at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn
The Gaithersburg Arts Barn is an arts center housed in a beautifully renovated old stable. The Arts Barn is a part of the larger Arts on the Green, which is a collection of visual and performing arts venues. The center has a 99-seat theater where various performing arts programs are conducted throughout the year. They also have gallery space for rotating visual art exhibits as well as art studios where visitors can see resident artists in action. They offer a selection of educational programs, camps, and classes for community members. The center’s City Art Shop offers a selection of art-inspired gifts, jewelry, and apparel for purchase.
Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, Phone: 301-258-6394
5. Explore Local History and Rail Heritage at the Gaithersburg Community Museum
The Gaithersburg Community Museum is a museum dedicated to transportation and the history of the area, specifically the railroad. The museum is housed inside a restored B&O Railroad Station that dates to 1884 and was once a vibrant and bustling rail complex. The museum consists of a variety of educational programs and interactive exhibits. In addition to the educational exhibits in the Freight House, the complex also has a history park and a rolling stock exhibit. The rolling stock, or train collection, is held in the yard outside and includes a 1950s Budd car, a C&O Railroad caboose, and a 1918 steam locomotive.
Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 S. Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877,Phone: 301-258-6160
6. Hike and Connect With Nature at Great Seneca Stream Valley Park
The Great Seneca Stream Valley Park is a beautiful natural park and getaway. The park has the Greenway Trail running through it with many natural sights. The trail follows a beautiful stream and connects to other trails in the greenbelt system. The trail is popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and runners. Wildlife sightings are possible, including many species of birds. The park hosts a variety of events and activities and has amenities such as paddleboat and canoe rentals. They have a family-friendly playground as well as pavilions and picnic tables for family events. It is a fabulously quiet, natural environment for relaxing and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
Great Seneca Stream Valley Park, Watkins Mill Road, Germantown, MD 20876, Phone: 301-495-2525
Recommended Activities for Families
7. Look to the Stars at the Historic Latitude Observatory
More than 100 years ago an unpretentious little observatory was established in Observatory Park in Gaithersburg. This little observatory is linked to 5 other observatories in cities around the world, all of which tracked the wobble of the earth on its polar axis, in order to aid navigation.
Today, the early sky watchers have been replaced by computers, but Observatory Park in Gaithersburg still hosts periodic sky-watching sessions for the public. If you take the time to visit the park you will find that it has been laid out to represent the earth’s motion by means of strategically placed benches, paths and landscaping.
Observatory Park, 100 DeSellum Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, Map
8. Ride, Learn, and Bond With Horses at Hunt View Riding Academy
Hunt View Riding Academy is a professional horse riding school and boarding stable facility. The facility has several certifications, including some from the Maryland Horse Industry and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The academy owns acres of land for students to practice riding in a variety of environments. Class options include both private and group lessons and are offered in several styles, including English and Western style as well as trail riding. Students can start at the age of 6 and there is something for every experience level. The class schedule is flexible and can generally be scheduled around each student’s needs.
Hunt View Riding Academy , 15006 Berryville Rd, Darnestown, MD 20874, Phone: 240-477-9491
9. If You’re Craving Amish Baked Goods, Visit the Lancaster County Dutch Market
Lancaster County Dutch Market is a farmer’s market that has been in business for more than 20 years. The market has a large variety of vendors and offers fresh, locally grown produce, home-made baked goods, cheeses, candy, and cut flowers as well as Amish soft pretzels and other Amish goods for purchase. The market is very family friendly and operates each weekend. Dining opportunities include a small, full-service restaurant as well as a barbecue pit that serves chicken and occasionally rotisserie rabbit. Visitors can also purchase ready-made local furniture or design their own custom furniture at Lapp’s Furniture. The market frequently hosts special events and holiday celebrations.
Lancaster County Dutch Market, 12613 Wisteria Drive, Germantown, MD 20874, Phone: 301-515-1019
Plan Your Trip