Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Rockville, MD

Renowned for its exceptional quality of life, Rockville is a city of approximately 67,000 residents, located about 15 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

Similar to its neighboring Bethesda, Rockville serves as a hub for numerous biotech and software firms and hosts the main campus for Montgomery College (MC).

The urban landscape in downtown Rockville underwent a significant transformation through a comprehensive urban renewal initiative in the 1960s, culminating in the establishment of a mixed-use area known as Rockville Town Square, which has become a premier dining destination.

Eastward lies Rock Creek Regional Park, featuring Lake Needwood at its forefront, ideal for summer water activities, and a multi-use trail extending to the Potomac in Washington, D.C.

1. Rockville Town Square

The downtown area of Rockville was entirely rejuvenated as part of an ambitious urban renewal scheme initiated in the 1960s.

The plan has been adjusted multiple times since its inception, and in 2007 the dining and shopping district, Rockville Town Square, was inaugurated on 12.5 acres.

This portion of the city is distinguished for its diverse dining options, offering over 25 establishments that span various cuisines including dim sum, pub food, barbecue, Lebanese, sushi, Thai, Mexican, deli items, Peruvian, and Italian.

During winter, Rockville Town Square exudes a warm atmosphere, particularly when skating at the largest outdoor ice rink in Montgomery County, while summer evenings feature an outdoor concert series on Friday nights.

2. Rock Creek Regional Park

Stretching along Rockville’s eastern boundary is a verdant expanse of woodland, encompassing over 1,800 acres adjacent to the banks of Rock Creek.

Beginning at Lake Needwood in the north, visitors can travel by foot or bike along the Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail all the way to the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.

Locally, Lake Needwood serves as a pivotal location for recreational activities; more details will follow below.

Additionally, the park offers various other attractions, including high ropes courses and zip-lining at Go Ape, Needwood Golf Course, an archery range, picnic areas, and the Meadowside Nature Center, which provides ecological education opportunities.

3. Rockville Civic Center Park

Integrating history, culture, and recreation, this public park sprawls over more than 150 acres approximately one mile east of Rockville Town Square.

Much of Rockville Civic Center Park is occupied by Glenview Mansion, constructed in the 1920s as an elegant country estate reflecting Neoclassical architecture, with original elements dating back to 1838.

Available for private events, this stately residence is situated within meticulously maintained formal gardens and contains a six-room art gallery showcasing exhibitions from local, national, and international artists across various media.

The surrounding park features a nature trail, playground, exercise stations, picnic tables, and tennis courts.

4. Glenstone

One of the notable cultural attractions in the Washington area is located just 15 minutes west of Rockville.

Founded in 2006 by billionaire businessman and collector Mitchell Rales, Glenstone is recognized as the largest private contemporary art museum in the United States.

Since its recent expansion completed in 2018, a visit to this surreal campus composed of minimalist pavilions offers a distinctive experience.

Instead of extensive written information commonly found in most galleries, Glenstone provides knowledgeable guides who engage with visitors, offering insights into exhibits while encouraging personal interpretations to promote interaction and participation.

Central to the complex is the Water Court, a serene water garden adorned with thousands of aquatic plants, including rushes and water lilies.

5. Lake Needwood

A prominent feature within Rock Creek Regional Park is Lake Needwood, a 75-acre reservoir formed by damming the creek in 1965. This area transforms into a hub for outdoor activities starting Memorial Day weekend.

The boathouse offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats. It is also well-equipped for fishing trips, and pets are welcome on all boats.

For those interested in relaxing while taking in the scenic views, cruises are available aboard the Needwood Queen, a flat-bottom pontoon boat.

On land, the parking area near the southeast shore serves as a launching point for the Rock Creek Trail, in addition to the West Side Trail, which circles the western shore.

6. Cabin John Regional Park

Located just over ten minutes from Rockville Town Square, this public park features ample amenities within a tranquil wooded environment.

A standout attraction for children at Cabin John Regional Park is the miniature train, which operates on weekends during the summer, providing a scenic 15-minute ride through the forest.

Notably, Cabin John Regional Park also includes an indoor ice rink, accessible year-round for public skates, lessons, and competitive hockey events.

Additional facilities encompass both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, an adventure playground, a volleyball area, trails, a dog park, camping spots, a ballfield, three horseshoe pits, and two shelters equipped with grills and around 20 picnic tables.

7. City of Rockville Farmers’ Market

From mid-May to mid-November, Rockville hosts a significant and expanding farmers’ market located in the Jury Parking Lot at the corner of Rt. 28 and Monroe St. on Saturday mornings.

Regardless of weather conditions, visitors are welcomed by a multitude of vendors, with offerings that vary throughout the season.

Typically available items include seasonal fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, bedding plants, herbs, freshly roasted coffee, cheeses, an assortment of grass-fed meats, honey, eggs, preserves, cakes, pastries, breads, as well as locally crafted beers and spirits.

8. True Respite Brewing Company

Rockville boasts a vibrant craft beverage scene, with several establishments located just minutes from Rockville Town Square.

One such location is True Respite, which opened in 2017 and frequently participates in the City of Rockville Farmers’ Market. The taproom operates daily except Mondays, offering 15 beers on tap along with 13 additional options in cans or bottles.

Notable selections include White Tail (Hefeweizen), Common Stout, Bear (Helles Lager), Scrum & Hooker (English Brown Ale), and Week Away Hazy IPA, the flagship IPA brewed with El Dorado, Cashmere, and Sultana hops.

True Respite also hosts an active events calendar, featuring live music, release parties, trivia nights, yoga sessions, and visits from various local food trucks.

9. Twin Valley Distillers

Maryland has a rich history of grain production; however, distilling faced a significant decline due to prohibition. Recently, this craft has seen a resurgence.

Established in 2013, Twin Valley Distillers marks the first distillery in Montgomery County since the 1910s and only the third in the state.

Operated by Costa Rica-born Edgardo Zuniga, this distillery utilizes locally sourced grains to produce a selection of bourbons and whiskeys.

The offerings also reflect Zuniga’s Central American heritage, including rum, rum punch, and chicha. The distillery features a modest cocktail bar, open weekday evenings, serving a variety of drinks ranging from smoked old-fashioneds to pineapple sunrises.

10. Beall-Dawson House

Since 1965, the Beall-Dawson House has served as the headquarters for the Montgomery Historical Society. This Federal-style brick residence was constructed circa 1815 for Uton Beall, his wife, and their daughters.

Beall, who served as Clerk of the Court for Montgomery County, hailed from a notable Georgetown family. His daughters resided in the house throughout their lives, and their cousin, Amelia Somervell Dawson, later moved in with her family.

A remarkable feature of the house is the preservation of many original details over more than two centuries.

Notably, intact quarters for the family’s enslaved laborers, situated above the kitchen, offer a poignant glimpse into the past.

As of the time of writing, the Beall-Dawson House is temporarily closed for conservation efforts.

11. Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center

The largest campus for Montgomery College (MC) is conveniently situated less than a mile north of Rockville Town Square, making it a prime location for cultural engagement.

The Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center is a contemporary venue that hosts a variety of performances each year, featuring both student productions and a wide array of guest performers.

Events may include renowned recording artists, classical music ensembles, touring dance troupes, or famous comedians.

A Children’s Series is also offered, with performances typically occurring on Saturday mornings and tailored specifically for younger audiences.

12. Croydon Creek Nature Center

Adjacent to Rockville Civic Center Park, this 120-acre nature preserve features a charming nature center at its core.

Visitors can explore trails that wind through woodlands and meadows, as well as along the banks of a creek.

Inside the Croydon Creek Nature Center, one can find rotating interpretive exhibits, nature-inspired artwork—including an engaging mosaic by artist Deidre Saunder—and live animal displays such as a working beehive, corn snakes, toads, a spotted salamander, and a common snapping turtle.

The center organizes numerous nature-oriented experiences throughout the year for a nominal fee.

13. Meadowside Nature Center

Located northeast of Lake Bernard Frank, this nature center in Rock Creek Regional Park has educated the public on local ecology for over 50 years.

The facility is connected to the lake via a network of eight miles of trails, which also pass Muncaster Mill, detailing the grain-to-flour production process.

The primary attraction at Meadowside Nature Center is the Raptor Deck, which houses birds of prey that have been injured and cannot be released back into the wild.

Some of these magnificent birds are on public display in the mews, providing a unique opportunity to observe raptors closely and gain insights into their behavior and dietary needs.

The center provides a range of nature-themed programs and events for visitors of all ages, from birdwatching excursions to summer camps for children.

14. St. Mary’s Church

As you arrive in Rockville from the eastern approach, you are greeted by a collection of historic buildings, which includes a commercial building (Wire Hardware Store), a railroad station, rows of residential properties, and this historic church, constructed in the Georgian architectural style in 1817.

St. Mary’s holds the distinction of being the first Roman Catholic Church in the county constructed from brick and features exquisite stained glass windows added later in the 19th century.

The cemetery at the rear comprises the unmarked graves of many Irish laborers who perished during the construction of the C&O Canal in the 1820s.

This site is also the final resting place of literary figures F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940), his wife Zelda Fitzgerald (1900-1948), and their daughter Frances (1921-1986).

15. Rockville B&O Railroad Station

For those interested in local history, Rockville is home to one of the few remaining stations of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) Metropolitan Branch.

Constructed in a Victorian Gothic style by the esteemed architect Ephraim Francis Baldwin (1837-1916), this station opened its doors in 1873 and retains its ornate wooden features and distinctive patterned roof tiles.

In recognition of its historical significance, the station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and was relocated approximately 50 yards south in 1981 to accommodate the contemporary Rockville Metro Station.