There are many things to do in Potomac Maryland. Potomac MD is a charming town in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is widely regarded as one of the best Maryland towns to live in. There are many fun things to do in and around Potomac MD.
Things To Do In Potomac MD: Outdoor Activities
Let’s take a look at the outdoor things to do in Potomac first.
Glenstone Museum
Glenstone Museum is a hidden gem in Potomac. Many people who have lived in Potomac for years do not even realize that there is a contemporary art museum in their backyard. The museum is always free to enter, but you do need to make a reservation online. Parking is free and readily available.
The museum has parts that are outdoor as well as parts that are indoor. You can spend a few hours here walking the paths between the exhibitions. It is set amidst beautiful natural landscapes and even has an outdoor cafe for you to enjoy. The museum features a rotating collection of modern and contemporary artwork from both emerging and renowned artists.
The museum’s architecture and gardens create a serene ambiance, allowing visitors to appreciate the fusion of art, nature, and architecture. Glenstone Museum offers a unique and tranquil experience for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It is open year round but it is best to check the website as it is not open every day of the week.
Great Falls Park
As the name implies, the town of Potomac is set on the banks of the Potomac river. Because of this there are many hiking trails in Potomac as well as right next to Potomac. Great Falls Park is a popular destination in Potomac, Maryland, offering scenic views of the Great Falls waterfalls. It is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington, D.C. area.
Visitors can admire the powerful force of nature as it cascades down steep and jagged rocks before slowing down to flow along the Mather Gorge. The park provides multiple viewpoints to observe the falls and various hiking trails to explore the area.
C&O Canal National Historical Park
The C&O Canal National Historic Park is a significant site that preserves the historic canal that once connected the Potomac River to the Ohio River. This park boasts over 180 miles of towpath for hiking and biking, as well as various recreational activities such as fishing and birdwatching. Along the path, visitors can observe the remains of numerous lock houses, canal locks, and aqueducts, providing a glimpse into the area’s past.
The C&O Canal and Great Falls Park are located very close to each other. In fact, Great Falls Park is accessible via the C&O Canal towpath. The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is located at mile marker 14.4 on the C&O Canal towpath, and from there it’s a short walk to the park’s overlooks and trails. So the distance between the C&O Canal and Great Falls Park is only a few hundred yards
Visit A Canal Town: Poolesville
Communities along the C&O Canal serve an important role for the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s trail users and thru- riders, who need places to sleep, refuel, shower, do repairs, and stock up on gear. But the canal towns aren’t just for hikers and cyclists – they are great venues for all visitors to experience the charms of the canal’s communities.
Poolesville is considered a canal town because it is located near the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which was a historic transportation route that ran from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal played an important role in the development of many towns and cities along its route, including Poolesville. Today, Poolesville is part of the Canal Towns Partnership, which is a group of towns and cities that are working together to promote tourism and economic development along the C&O Canal.
Pike And Rose Shopping Center
Pike And Rose is an outdoor shopping mall area which is technically in Bethesda, but it is very close to Potomac. Here you will find a variety of stores as well as dining options. For dog lovers, there is also a dog park. Parking is easy and very inexpensive.
Potomac Heritage Trail
The Potomac Heritage Trail is one of the best hiking and walking trails in the DMV region. This is a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature and history in the region. This expansive network of trails stretches along the Potomac River, providing visitors with a range of hiking, biking, and walking options.
The Potomac Heritage Trail runs alongside the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) for a significant portion of its length. The trail follows the historic C&O Canal towpath for approximately 184 miles from Georgetown in Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail offers hikers and bikers access to a variety of natural and cultural resources, including historic lockhouses, aqueducts, and other structures along the canal.
Riverbend Park
Just downriver from Great Falls Park is Riverbend Park. Riverbend park has an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. With over ten miles of trails, visitors can explore diverse ecosystems and habitats along the Potomac River. Additionally, the park often hosts educational programs and events to enhance visitors’ understanding of the importance of wildlife in the area.
Remember to take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities available in Potomac, Maryland, such as visiting Great Falls Park, Potomac Heritage Trail, C&O Canal National Historical Park, and Riverbend Park. Each location offers unique opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty and history of the region while enjoying various recreational activities.
Glen Echo Park
Glen Echo Park is a historic amusement park located in Glen Echo, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. The park was originally established in 1891, and later became an amusement park in the early 1900s. It was known for its famous carousel, which was built in 1921 and is still in operation today.
Today, Glen Echo Park is a National Park Service site and a cultural arts center, offering a variety of classes, workshops, and events in the arts and humanities. Visiting Glen Echo is one of the best kid-friendly activities to do in the DMV area.
The park is also home to a number of art studios, galleries, and performance spaces, and hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. This is a great place for family-friendly fun.
Falls Road Golf Course
The DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas have some beautiful golf courses. For those individuals in Potomac, there is a public golf course that you can use. By late spring, it can be quite challenging to get a tee time here so be sure to call ahead of time.
Rocklands Winery
There are many great wineries in Maryland, and Rocklands Winery is one of them. This winery is located in Poolesville, Maryland, USA, which is about 9 miles from Potomac, MD. The winery is part of Rocklands Farm, which is a working farm that seeks to engage and nourish the local community through holistic agriculture.
The winery produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé wines, and offers tastings and tours of its vineyards and winemaking facilities. In addition to its wine offerings, Rocklands Farm also operates a farm market that sells a variety of locally grown and produced goods, including fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
The farm also offers a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which provides members with a regular supply of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the growing season.
In the warm weather, it is easy to spend a whole day here enjoying the food and wine. It can get quite crowded on the weekends so be sure to plan ahead and bring picnic blankets and chairs.
Keybridge Boathouse
The Key Bridge Boathouse, located in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C. This is just a short 15 minute drive from Potoma. It is a popular spot for water activities on the Potomac River. Situated near the Francis Scott Key Bridge, from which it gets its name, the boathouse offers various services and amenities to residents and visitors alike. It offers a scenic view of the river, the Key Bridge, and the D.C. skyline.
Key Bridge Boathouse provides kayak rentals, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards (SUP). The boathouse also offers kayaking and SUP lessons for those new to the activities. Additionally, guided kayak tours are available, which can be a fantastic way to learn about the area while enjoying the river. The boathouse generally operates from spring to fall, but the exact dates can vary based on the weather and other conditions. It’s always a good idea to check their operational hours if you’re planning a visit.
Especially during weekends and warm weather, the boathouse can be quite busy.
Montgomery Parks
There are several parks in and near Potomac MD which is located in Montgomery County. Cabin John Regional Park is a popular recreational area that offers numerous activities perfect for a family day out. The park spans over 528 acres, offering a mix of green spaces, playgrounds, and sports facilities. Other popular parks are Falls Road Park, Wheaton Regional Park, and Greenbrier Local Park. Many of them have picnic tables where you can set up a child’s birthday party or just hang out with friends and family.
Farmer’s Market Potomac
There are actually a few farmer’s markets in this area. Potomac Village Farmers Market is a popular farmers market in the area that has been in operation for over a decade. The market provides farm fresh produce, baked goods, grass-fed meats, seafood, BBQ, pizza, fresh-cut flowers, and more. The Potomac Village Farmers Market is located at Potomac United Methodist Church and operates on Thursdays from May to November from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
Things To Do In Potomac MD: Indoor Activities
If the weather is not cooperating, then it may be a good idea to explore places that are indoors.
Westfield Montgomery Mall
Westfield Montgomery Mall has plenty of stores and dining options to keep you busy for several hours. There are several mid range stores here that can offer some of the best deals on clothing and other goods. Parking is easy and there is also a movie theatre.
Clara Barton National Historic Site
The Clara Barton National Historic Site is dedicated to the founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton. Her former residence now serves as a museum where visitors can learn about her pioneering work in nursing, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid during the Civil War and other conflicts. Guided tours provide insights into Clara Barton’s life, the origins of the American Red Cross, and the significant role she played in American history.
Old Angler’s Inn
Established in 1860, Old Angler’s Inn is a historic restaurant. Set near the Potomac River and the C&O Canal, this historic inn has a scenic dining experience with a menu that showcases local and seasonal ingredients. It is one of the best restaurants in Potomac, MD.
In addition to its delicious cuisine, the Old Angler’s Inn is known for its charming atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, making it an ideal destination to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal after exploring Potomac’s historic sites. There is also outdoor seating here weather permitting.
Potomac Village Shopping Center
Potomac Village is in the center of Potomac. Here you can find coffee shops,nail salons, and grocery stores. There is not much to do here unless you are sitting down for a coffee, but it has all the basics that you would need.
Cabin John Village
Cabin John Village is growing rapidly. What use to be a small strip mall is now a bustling area with plenty of fast casual restaurants and shopping. Though not quite as large as the shopping area at Pike and Rose, it’s a great place to grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee.
Join A Country Club
There are many country clubs near Potomac Maryland. If you enjoy golf or tennis, this may be a good way to get to know more people while also staying fit.
Visit The Downtown D.C. Area
If the weather is not suited to being outdoors, Washington DC is not far away. From great activities for young adults to finding some ice cream for your little one, there is so much to do in this part of the world.
You can head to the tidal basin area for cherry blossoms in the spring, or take a dinner cruise along the Potomac River. You can also take the water taxi from Georgetown to the Wharf or to Old Town Alexandria. National Harbor is also accessible by water taxi and has the famous Capital Wheel. If you are in the mood for museums, there are several free museums to visit that are located along the National Mall. If you want to see a sports game, head over the Nationals Park.
Things To Do In Potomac MD: Summary
With its close proximity to Washington, D.C., Potomac serves as an ideal destination for those who want to explore the beauty and history of this region without the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. From natural wonders to impressive art collections, Potomac has something for everyone. There is plenty of hiking close by including at the C&O canal and also near the great falls of the Potomac. Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike the Billy Goat Trail, or take a ride on the Great Falls Canal Boat Ride. The town truly offers a wealth of activities and attractions that cater to a wide variety of interests.
In addition to having plenty of outdoor activities, there are indoor options as well. If you get bored in Potomac, the metro D.C. area is just a short drive away. From fun places for kids to trendy spots for date night, you will have plenty to do in this part of Maryland, as well as in nearby Bethesda..
