Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Gaithersburg, MD

Approximately 20 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., Gaithersburg is a culturally rich and rapidly expanding suburb that has nearly doubled its population since 1990.

Now with a populace exceeding 70,000, it stands as one of the most significant communities in Montgomery County, hosting major events such as the largest county fair in the state.

The city features well-planned, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, notably on the prosperous west side, while the historic central business district lies in the more mature eastern area.

In Olde Towne Gaithersburg, you will discover the Gaithersburg Community Museum situated on the preserved site of the former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad station.

Gaithersburg also boasts exceptional public attractions, particularly at Bohrer Park, which features a water park and an 18-hole miniature golf course, both of which are popular family destinations during the summer.

1. RIO Lakefront

RIO Lakefront in Gaithersburg serves as a contemporary shopping, dining, and entertainment venue, located near the intersection of I-270 and I-370.

This area resembles a vibrant city district and hosts a summer concert series, featuring outdoor performances on Friday evenings from May through September.

Visitors can enjoy a self-guided paddle boat cruise on the lake or a charming carousel with handcrafted horses located by the water.

For cinematic experiences, the AMC Dine-In 18 is available, while prominent retail options include Barnes & Noble, LOFT, Target, Kohl’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Ultimately, RIO Lakefront presents over 25 dining choices, with many featuring outdoor seating right by the lake.

2. Seneca Creek State Park

Situated on Gaithersburg’s western periphery, Seneca Creek State Park spans 6,300 acres and includes approximately 14 miles of the creek that flows toward the Potomac River.

The primary developed area of the park is a mere five minutes from downtown Gaithersburg, located along the shores of Clopper Lake, a 90-acre body of water. This area attracts visitors during the summer months, offering kayak and rowboat rentals.

In the surrounding woods and fields, over 50 miles of trails await exploration, along with gardens, playgrounds, a zip line, a disc golf course, scenic overlooks, and numerous picnic locations.

For those visiting during the holiday season, the park displays an impressive Christmas light show featuring over 450 installations along a 3.5-mile route.

3. Water Park at Bohrer Park

During the summer season, Bohrer Park features a public, resort-style water park, cherished by families.

Set amidst stunning grounds characterized by mature trees, the water park opened in 1990 and boasts a large interconnected pool with both a lap area and a shallow, beach-entry section adorned with palm trees and fountains.

For younger visitors, there is a zero-depth pool, while older children can enjoy two thrilling water slides with tower access. Dining options include Boardwalk Burger & Fries, and ample shaded areas are available for family relaxation.

4. Bohrer Park

In addition to the water park, Gaithersburg’s Bohrer Park encompasses a 45,000-square-foot Activity Center, which includes a fitness center and two basketball courts.

The exterior features a skate park, beautiful seasonal landscaping, a network of trails, and ponds that host various wildlife species including ducks and turtles.

Perhaps most engaging is the city’s very own miniature golf course. This 18-hole facility caters to players of all skill levels and operates from early May through early October, with extended hours during the summer period.

5. Rock Creek Regional Park

Covering 1,800 acres, Rock Creek Regional Park is a pristine natural retreat located in the valley of the namesake creek, just east of Gaithersburg.

This park contains two significant lakes, Lake Needwood (75 acres) and Lake Frank (55 acres), with 13 miles of trails weaving through tranquil woodlands and alongside the lake shores.

From May to September, the Lake Needwood Boat Shop offers canoe, pedal boat, and rowboat rentals, along with guided tours aboard the Needwood Queen pontoon boat.

Additional facilities include the Go Ape high ropes course, the Meadowside Nature Center for educational programs and local history, picnic shelters, an archery range, and Needwood Golf Course.

6. Gaithersburg Community Museum

This local historical museum is located at the former Gaithersburg Railroad Station, constructed for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1884.

The entire complex, which includes the 1884 Freight House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and serves as a cornerstone for Gaithersburg’s Olde Towne district.

Outside, visitors will find informational boards in the History Park, detailing Gaithersburg’s progression, along with displays of preserved rolling stock, such as a steam engine from 1918, the 1953 Rail Diesel Car, and a caboose from 1982.

Indoor exhibits explore various aspects of local life, ranging from commerce and education to the railroads and the Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory, which we will discuss next.

7. International Latitude Observatory

In 1899, Gaithersburg was designated as one of five global locations to measure the Earth’s axial wobble through stellar observations.

This observatory operated until 1982, when technological advancements rendered human observation unnecessary, with sister facilities in locations such as Sardinia, Kitab (Uzbekistan), Mizusawa (Japan), Ukiah (California), and Cincinnati (Ohio).

Following its closure, the Gaithersburg observatory was restored and preserved, including the meridian mark pier and five geodetic monuments, all of which were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

8. Arts on the Green

In a charming, village-like atmosphere, you will find Gaithersburg’s primary venue for visual and performing arts.

The Arts Barn serves as one of two venues, presenting a platform for both professional and community theater, concerts, and various events within a 99-seat theater.

Adjacent to it is the elegant Kentlands Mansion, constructed in 1900, which is now operated by the city and hosts exhibitions and chamber music performances.

During the warmer months, there is plenty of green space at Arts on the Green for a range of outdoor events and concerts.

9. Butler’s Orchard

Located just north of Gaithersburg in Germantown, Butler’s Orchard is the premier U-Pick farm in Montgomery County.

Over the years, it has expanded from an original 37 acres to more than 300 acres, cultivating over 25 varieties of fruits, as well as vegetables, trees, and flowers.

The Farm Market operates from May until just before Christmas, with family-friendly seasonal festivals throughout the year, including Bunnyland in spring, the Sunflower Spectacular in summer, and the long-running Pumpkin Festival in the fall.

The website features a regularly updated Crop Calendar that provides detailed information on pricing and availability of various produce items, from strawberries to pumpkins.

10. Monster Mini Golf Gaithersburg

Across I-270 from RIO Lakefront, another extensive shopping area exists, featuring big-box retailers, chain restaurants, and a variety of family-friendly attractions.

Among these is Monster Mini Golf, a member of a national chain with nearly 30 locations. The Gaithersburg branch offers an 18-hole indoor mini golf course with a distinctive blacklight theme and an eclectic glow-in-the-dark setting.

Attractions include mini bowling, virtual reality games, a laser maze, and an arcade equipped with ticket redemption machines.

Other notable locations in the vicinity consist of SkyZone Trampoline Park and iFly Montgomery, an indoor skydiving venue.

11. Muddy Branch Greenway Trail

Muddy Branch, a tributary of the Potomac River, originates in Gaithersburg and flows southwestward, entering the Potomac near historic Lock 22 (Pennyfield Lock) on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.

A nine-mile out-and-back trail flanks the entire watercourse, ideal for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, leading through meadows, rocky upland forests, and past ephemeral pools.

A trailhead is located at the Potomac Horse Center on Darnestown Road, while at Pennyfield Lock, visitors can access the picturesque towpath of the canal, which extends over 180 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD.

12. Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

The premier agricultural event in Maryland spans over nine days in mid-August.

Dating back to 1949, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is extensive, utilizing a 62-acre site encompassing over 50 buildings filled with exhibits, demonstrations, and competitions featuring over 5,000 animals, ranging from goats to rabbits.

A carnival is available, along with a kids’ zone, pony rides, diverse food vendors, gardening and craft exhibits, a lumberjack show, and a mixture of free and ticketed events at the Grandstand.

These events include lawnmower racing, monster truck displays, and a demolition derby.

13. Farmers’ Markets

For fresh produce and the opportunity to support local farmers and small businesses, Gaithersburg features two farmers’ markets.

The Main Street Farmers’ Market operates year-round on Saturday mornings at Main Street Park & Pavilion (310 Main St).

During the growing season, a variety of summer fruits and vegetables are available, along with perennial offerings such as baked goods, eggs, and prepared foods.

The Casey Community Center (810 S Frederick Ave) hosts a market on Thursday afternoons from May through mid-November, with monthly markets on select Thursdays thereafter.

In addition to the familiar vendors of produce and more, this market showcases a different selection of food trucks each week.

14. Gaithersburg Book Festival

Established in 2010, Gaithersburg hosts one of the premier literary festivals in the United States each May.

Within its brief tenure, the Gaithersburg Book Festival has invited hundreds of best-selling and award-winning authors, poets, and songwriters.

This complimentary, day-long event unfolds across various pavilions and outdoor areas at Bohrer Park, featuring an agenda filled with talks, readings, workshops, and performances suitable for all age groups.

A dedicated children’s area encourages storytime and workshops, while the festival also includes book signings & sales, as well as numerous food vendors and exhibitor booths.

15. Labor Day Parade

Olde Towne Gaithersburg serves as the backdrop for an annual celebration that has been observed since 1938.

Typically scheduled for the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, the parade proceeds regardless of weather conditions, featuring marching bands, equestrian units, international dance groups, emergency vehicles, classic cars, clowns, cheerleaders, skateboarders, and much more.

Generally commencing at 1 PM, the parade delights younger audiences with candy, stickers, and a commemorative coin distributed each year by the Mayor and City Council of Gaithersburg from their trolley.