Montgomery County Travel Guide

Explore Montgomery County in Maryland with this comprehensive tour guide featuring top places to visit, things to do, hiking & biking routes, food and drink scenes, local culture, and safety and health tips.


Introduction to Montgomery County

Montgomery County is located in Maryland’s Capital Region, in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. It is a great destination for travelers who are interested in art, history, nature, outdoor activities, and local culture. With a range of attractions that appeal to any type of traveler, Montgomery County is a perfect getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Montgomery County

Here are some of the top places to visit in Montgomery County:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Museum of Health and Medicine: A museum that features exhibits and collections dedicated to the history of medicine.
  • Clara Barton National Historic Site: A beautiful historic house that belonged to Clara Barton, a nurse and founder of the American Red Cross.
  • Gaithersburg Community Museum: A museum that highlights the history and culture of Gaithersburg and its surrounding areas.

Natural Attractions of Montgomery County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Great Falls Park: A stunning national park that boasts spectacular views of the Potomac River.
  • Sugarloaf Mountain: A beautiful natural park that offers excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, and taking in scenic views.
  • Seneca Creek State Park: A state park with beautiful landscapes and excellent facilities for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, camping, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Montgomery County

Montgomery County is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with countless trails and routes to explore. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Montgomery County include:

  • Capital Crescent Trail: A scenic trail that runs from Georgetown in Washington, D.C, to the small town of Silver Spring in Maryland, offering beautiful views of the Potomac River and lush greenery along the way.
  • Billy Goat Trail: A challenging trail that features rocky terrains and the magnificent views of the Potomac River.
  • C&O Canal Towpath: A relatively flat and easy trail that runs parallel to the Potomac River and passes through beautiful historic sites.

Best Things to Do in Montgomery County: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Montgomery County, which will surely make your trip unforgettable:

  • Go on a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the views of the lush greenery, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes of Montgomery County.
  • Visit the Brookside Gardens, a collection of public gardens that feature beautiful blooms, aquatic plants, and sculptures.
  • Take a Montgomery County Brew Tour and indulge in the county’s diverse craft beer scene, featuring breweries such as Denizens Brewing Co., Saints Row Brewing, and True Respite Brewing.

Week-Long Itinerary for Montgomery County

If you’re planning to spend a week in Montgomery County, here’s a sample itinerary that will help you make the most of your trip:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the National Museum of Health and Medicine, Clara Barton National Historic Site, and spend the evening exploring the Rockville Town Square.
Day 2 Take a hot air balloon ride in the early morning, followed by a visit to Brookside Gardens and then spend the evening in Downtown Bethesda.
Day 3 Hike the Billy Goat Trail in the morning and spend the evening exploring the local breweries in Silver Spring.
Day 4 Visit Sugarloaf Mountain in the morning, then spend the afternoon exploring the wineries of Montgomery County.
Day 5 Go on a kayaking or rafting tour in the Potomac River and spend the evening in Downtown Rockville.
Day 6 Visit Great Falls Park in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring the local parks and trails.
Day 7 Take a Montgomery County Brew Tour and try different local brews, followed by a relaxing evening at your hotel or guesthouse.

Food and Drink Scene of Montgomery County

When it comes to food and drinks, Montgomery County offers a range of options for travelers with diverse tastes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maryland crab cakes: made with fresh crab meat, these cakes are a staple in the Maryland area, and are often served with a side of Old Bay seasoning.
  • Half smoke: a type of sausage that is typically made with beef and pork, and topped with mustard, onions, and chili.
  • Peruvian rotisserie chicken: a flavorful, juicy chicken dish that is typically served with a side of rice, beans, and salsa.

Local Beverages

  • Flying Dog Brewery: A local brewery that specializes in craft beer, with a wide selection of hoppy IPAs, refreshing ales, and bold stouts.
  • Old Dominion Brewing Co.: Another local brewery that offers a range of classic and seasonal beers, including lagers, ales, and stouts.
  • Catoctin Creek Distillery: A distillery that specializes in producing small-batch, handcrafted whiskies, gins, and brandies.

Where to Stay in Montgomery County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Montgomery County offers a range of accommodation options for travelers, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some popular places to stay in Montgomery County:

  • The Inn at Brookeville Farms: A charming guesthouse that features beautiful rooms, luxurious amenities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
  • Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center: A hotel that offers excellent facilities for business travelers and families alike, including a fitness center, meeting rooms, and pool.
  • Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC: A luxurious hotel that features elegant rooms, stylish decor, and a prime location in Downtown Bethesda.

What to Buy in Montgomery County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home from Montgomery County, here are some ideas:

  • Maryland Crab Cakes: You can find crab cakes at many local restaurants and markets, and they make for a delicious and unique gift.
  • Antique Finds: Montgomery County is home to many antique shops and markets where you can find unique gifts, including furniture, art, and collectibles.
  • Pottery: You can find locally made pottery at various shops and studios throughout Montgomery County, including products made with locally-sourced clay.

Local Culture and Customs of Montgomery County

Montgomery County is a diverse and inclusive community that values local culture and customs. Some of the customs and traditions of Montgomery County include:

  • Celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, which features beautiful blooms of cherry blossoms, a parade, and other cultural events.
  • Embracing the local music scene, which has produced many prominent artists and musicians, including Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters.
  • Enjoying the local cuisine, which is influenced by a variety of cultures including African-American, Latinx, and Asian.

Best Time to Visit Montgomery County

The best time to visit Montgomery County is during the spring and fall seasons, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the natural beauty of the region is at its finest. Summer and winter can be extremes in Montgomery County, with hot and humid summers, and very cold winters.

Do’s and Don’ts of Montgomery County

To make the most of your trip to Montgomery County, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs of Montgomery County.
  • Explore the local nature and outdoor activities, including parks, trails, and rivers.
  • Visit local museums and historical sites to learn about the history and culture of Montgomery County.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage local natural areas.
  • Don’t ignore pedestrian crossing rules, especially in heavy traffic areas.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to locals, especially the older generation.

Safety and Health

When visiting Montgomery County it is important to keep safety in mind. Here are some general safety and health tips:

Safety in Montgomery County

  • Stay on designated trails and follow the park regulations when hiking or biking.
  • Keep your valuables in a safe place and avoid leaving them visible in your car.
  • Use reputable taxicab companies or ride-share services when traveling at night.

Health in Montgomery County

  • Always carry a mosquito repellant if you are planning outdoor activities in some of the parks or rivers
  • Stay hydrated, especially when doing outdoor activities on hot weather.
  • Be aware of heat exhaustion, hypothermia, tick bites, and other common health concerns when outdoor activities are performed or walking on the trails for extended periods of time.

Getting to Montgomery County: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to get to Montgomery County. Below are some of the available options:

Airports Near Montgomery County

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: The closest airport to Montgomery County, located in Washington, DC, only about 20 miles south.
  • Washington Dulles International Airport: Located about 26 miles west of Montgomery County.
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport: Located about 45 miles northeast of Montgomery County.

Bus Stations Near Montgomery County

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Connects Montgomery County with other cities and states.
  • MegaBus: Connects Montgomery County with other cities and states using Bus services.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: Stops at various train stations located around Montgomery County with numerous daily routes.
  • Metrorail: The DC train system that connects different parts of Montgomery County.
  • Rentals: You may book car rentals through locals car rental services or national rental car companies at the airports or near downtown areas.

How to Get Around in Montgomery County

Montgomery County offers several transportation options for intra-county movement. Some of the best options include:

  • Metrorail: Montgomery County has different Metro stations which connect with the D.C Metro System in order to explore the Metro areas.
  • Ride-Share Services: Uber and Lyft are popular transportation options in Montgomery County.
  • Local Buses: The Montgomery County Transit Authority (MCTA) operates the local bus system, with many routes available throughout the county.

Where to Go Next from Montgomery County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore nearby destinations from Montgomery County, here are some suggestions:

  • The Capital Region of Maryland: A region that includes the city of Washington, D.C, as well as other prominent nearby cities like Annapolis, Frederick.
  • Catoctin Mountain Park: A park located about 50 miles northwest of Montgomery County which features a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views.
  • Shenandoah National Park: A National Park in Virginia, located about 75 miles west of Montgomery County with amazing hiking trails, scenic drives and nature views.

Conclusion

Montgomery County is a destination that truly has it all, from natural beauty and outdoor activities to cultural attractions and local cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Montgomery County is an excellent destination that is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Downtown Silver Spring fountain Downtown Silver Spring fountain The Wheaton Metro station The Wheaton Metro station Great Falls on the Potomac River Great Falls on the Potomac River


    Bethesda
    Colesville-Burtonsville
    Gaithersburg
    Glenmont
    Olney
    Rockville
    Silver Spring
    Takoma Park
    Wheaton