Top Things to Do in Montgomery County, MD

The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is a state-of-the-art moving image exhibition, education and cultural center housing two stadium theatres, office and meeting space, and reception and exhibit areas. The exceptional technical facilities of the AFI Silver include film formats from 16 to 70mm, high-definition digital cinema video projection, broadcast quality video recording and distance learning capabilities via satellite, fiber and the Internet. Whether it's silent film at the proper frame rate with live musical accompaniment, 70mm wide screen spectaculars or digital cinema, the AFI Silver offers state-of-the-art technology in each of its three theatres - with seating for 400, 200 and 75, respectively - as well as in its world-class conference room, all available to rent.

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center Website

The Agricultural Reserve is a nationally acclaimed land-use plan that was established in 1980 in response to the rapid disappearance of Montgomery County farms. The Agricultural Reserve is 93,000 acres of farmland that has been called “the country’s most successful farmland preservation program.”

Agricultural Reserve Website

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County's incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden situated within Wheaton Regional Park.

Brookside Gardens Website

C&O Canal National Historic Park Website

Visit the house of the founder of the American Red Cross during the last 15 years of her life.

Clara Barton National Historic Site Website

Visit the F. Scott Fitzgerald Gravesite located at the historic Saint Mary’s Cemetery. While intervening years took Fitzgerald around the world, Maryland never left his
heart. People, places, and experiences in Rockville found their way into his writings. The author's life-long connection to Rockville was maintained through correspondence,
family ties and visits and, in 1940, as his final resting place.

F. Scott Fitzgerald Burial Site Website

Glen Echo Park was established in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly. Later the site became the area’s premier amusement park until 1968. Today this U.S. Park Service location offers year-round educational activities and two of the amusement-era destinations remain major attractions – the Spanish Ballroom and the Dentzel Carousel.

Glen Echo Park Website

The John Poole House (19923 Fisher Ave, Poolesville, Maryland) is the oldest building in Poolesville. The log structure was built in 1793 by John Poole, Jr. served as a trading post for traveling merchants, and families from the surrounding farms and plantations, and was the U. S. Post Office “Poole’s Store, Maryland” from 1810. The General Store Museum furnishings are based on authenticated period inventories. The Museum Shop features antiques, collectibles, linen, wedding gifts, miniatures, notepaper, pottery, toys, books and local art.

John Poole House Website

Take a scenic ride along the Maryland Civil War Trails. The Lee Invades Maryland Trail begins with Robert E.Lee crossing the Potomac River into Maryland at White Ford. Stops along the route include Poolesville , Beallsville, Barnesville, Comus, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Monocacy Aqueduct. The trail then moves to site in Frederick and on the Antietam Battlefield.

Maryland Civil War Trails Website

National Museum of Health and Medicine Website

Visit historic Sandy Spring residing in the heart of Sandy Spring.

Sandy Spring Museum Website

The park, comprised of 6,300 acres, extends along 14 scenic miles of Seneca Creek, as it winds its way to the Potomac River. The Clopper Day-Use Area contains many scenic areas, including the 90-acre Clopper Lake, surrounded by forests and fields. Picnicking, boat rentals, trails and a tire playground are just some of its recreational opportunities. A restored 19th century cabin and a self-guided path interpret the history of the area. Nearby, the Schaeffer Farm Trail Area offers 12 miles of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. For the more adventuresome hiker, the 16.5-mile Seneca Creek Greenway Trail follows the entire course of the river. During May, the Schwartz peony gardens and field plants are in bloom.

Seneca Creek State Park Website

Welcome to a typical school day in 1880 Seneca, Maryland.

Seneca Schoolhouse Museum Website

Strathmore Mansion in North Bethesda is sometimes described as “Montgomery County’s home for the arts.” Year-round visitors enjoy art exhibitions, concert series of
chamber music, folk music and jazz, afternoon musical teas, performances for children and outdoor concerts all in a beautiful Georgian-style mansion with exquisite outdoor grounds. Next to the Strathmore Mansion you’ll find the Music Center at Strathmore. This magnificent structure houses a 1,978-seat concert hall which welcomes world renowned performers, and the connecting state-of-the-art education center features music and dance classes, workshops and seminars for students of all ages.

Strathmore Website

Sugarloaf Mountain has been designated a Registered Natural Landmark because of its geological interest and striking beauty.

Sugarloaf Mountain Website

On the border of Montgomery and Frederick Counties, Sugarloaf Mountain produces Bordeaux-style wines receiving numerous awards. Sugarloaf holds many events throughout the year.

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Website

The Underground Railroad Experience Website

The gold-spired Washington D.C. Temple is a well-known landmark along the Capitol Beltway in Kensington. The marble-clad, 288-foot high structure sits on a 57-acre wooded hilltop. The beauty of this edifice is enhanced by its award-winning gardens, reflecting pool and many specimen trees which are open to the public. Inside the Visitors' Center one can watch movies, view interactive kiosks, or receive explanations about the purpose of the well-known landmark.

Open every day of the year from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Visitors' Center hosts free musical concerts, cultural celebrations, exhibits, and lectures. In December, during the annual Festival of Lights, half a million lights illuminate the grounds; other attractions include crèches from many nations and cultures, decorated holiday trees, and nightly concerts. There is no charge for any of the events held at the Visitors' Center.

Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center Website

White's Ferry is a cable ferry service operating across the Potomac River. It is located six miles west of Poolesville and is the only ferry still operating on the Potomac River.

White’s Ferry Website