10 Fun Things To Do Near Germantown, Maryland (Montgomery County)
If you’re looking for things to do in
Germantown, Maryland and nearby Montgomery County, you’ve got a lot more options than you might think. This suburban community is just off I‑270, about 30–40 minutes from Washington, D.C., but it has its own mix of parks, food, culture, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you live in Germantown or you’re just visiting friends or family, this guide will walk you through
10 fun things to do near Germantown, MD that are easy to reach and worth your time.
1. Explore the Trails and Lakes at Seneca Creek State Park
Just a short drive down Route 118 into Gaithersburg,
Seneca Creek State Park is one of the best outdoor spots near Germantown.
You’ll find:
- Over 50 miles of hiking trails
- Beautiful Clopper Lake (about 90 acres)
- Picnic areas with grills and open space
- Boat rentals in season (kayaks, canoes, paddleboats)
On a sunny Saturday, it’s the kind of place where you pack a cooler, throw a couple of folding chairs in the trunk, and just spend the day outside. The trail around the lake is fairly easy and great for kids or casual walkers.
If you visit in the fall, the foliage around the water is amazing. On calm days the trees reflect right off the lake—it’s a simple view, but it feels like a postcard.
2. Catch a Show at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown
You don’t have to leave Germantown for live entertainment. The
BlackRock Center for the Arts is right in town and brings in:
- Live music (jazz, rock, classical, and more)
- Theater performances and comedy
- Family shows and kids’ programs
- Art exhibits in their galleries
The venue is small enough that every seat feels close to the stage, which makes it more personal than a big arena. If you like supporting local arts, this is an easy choice.
Tip: Check their calendar before your trip. You might catch a weekend concert, a cultural festival, or even a kids’ workshop if you’re traveling with family.
3. Hike, Bike, or Horseback Ride at Black Hill Regional Park
Just north of Germantown,
Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds is one of Montgomery County’s hidden gems.
What you can do there:
- Walk or bike the Black Hill Trail with peaceful lake views
- Rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards (in season)
- Enjoy playgrounds and big open fields
- Watch wildlife from overlooks and nature areas
The centerpiece is
Little Seneca Lake, a long, narrow lake that feels surprisingly wild for being so close to suburbia. Early in the morning, the water is often calm and quiet. If you like photography or just want a peaceful walk, this is the spot.
There’s also the
Black Hill Nature Programs center, which offers nature activities and programs—great for kids who love animals and science.
4. Step Back in Time at the Historic C&O Canal and Great Falls
About 25–30 minutes from Germantown, you can visit the
Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park and the famous
Great Falls on the Potomac River (Maryland side).
Here’s why it’s worth the short drive:
- Stunning views of the Potomac River surging through rocky cliffs
- The historic canal towpath—perfect for walking or biking
- Old canal structures and lockhouses that tell the story of early American transportation
On a cool morning, walking along the canal feels almost like stepping into another century. The path is flat, so it’s easy for most people, and there are plenty of places to stop and take pictures.
If you’re visiting from out of state, this is one of the most memorable outdoor things to do near Germantown and in all of Montgomery County.
5. Sample Global Flavors at Germantown’s Restaurants
One of the best
things to do in Germantown, MD doesn’t involve a trail or a museum—it’s simply eating your way around town. For a suburban area, Germantown has a surprisingly international food scene.
Within just a few miles, you can find:
- Latin American spots with pupusas, tacos, and grilled meats
- Asian restaurants serving pho, sushi, Korean BBQ, and Thai
- Middle Eastern places with shawarma, falafel, and kebabs
- Classic American diners and burger joints
If you’re traveling with a group and everyone wants something different, Germantown’s shopping centers—like those along Century Boulevard and Crystal Rock Drive—make it easy to please everyone.
One simple idea: spend the afternoon at a nearby park, then head back into Germantown for a casual dinner and dessert. It makes for a low-stress day trip.
6. Visit Downtown Rockville for Shopping, Dining, and Events
About 15–20 minutes south of Germantown,
Rockville Town Square is a lively downtown-style area with:
- Outdoor dining and coffee shops
- Seasonal events and festivals
- Public art and a central plaza
- Nearby shopping and services
In the winter, they often set up an ice skating rink right in the square. In warmer months, you may run into live music or community events.
If Germantown feels quiet and you’re in the mood for a bit more “city” energy—but don’t want to drive all the way into D.C.—Rockville is a nice middle ground.
7. Take a Day Trip to Downtown Washington, D.C.
One of the big perks of staying in Germantown, Maryland is how close you are to
Washington, D.C. You can usually reach downtown in about 40–50 minutes by car, depending on traffic, or you can drive or bus to a nearby Metro station (like Shady Grove) and ride the train in.
Once you’re in D.C., you can explore:
- The National Mall and its monuments
- Free Smithsonian museums (Air and Space, Natural History, American History, and more)
- The U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress (tours with reservations)
The nice part about staying in or near Germantown is that you can enjoy the quieter, suburban feel in the evenings while still having easy access to all the major attractions in the nation’s capital during the day.
If you’re planning a longer trip, Germantown can work as a comfortable (and often more affordable) home base for exploring the D.C. area.
8. Relax and Play at Local Germantown Parks
You don’t always need a “big” attraction. Sometimes the best part of visiting an area is seeing where locals hang out. Germantown has several neighborhood parks and recreation areas that are perfect for a low-key afternoon.
A few to check out:
- Germantown Town Center Urban Park – A small but pleasant green space near BlackRock and the library.
- Seneca Valley area fields and parks – Great for sports, walking, or watching a local game.
- Various Montgomery County Recreation centers with gyms and indoor activities.
If you’re traveling with kids, these local parks are perfect for burning off some energy between bigger activities. Pack a ball, a frisbee, or just a picnic blanket, and enjoy some simple downtime.
9. Discover Wineries and Breweries in Montgomery County
Just outside Germantown, especially as you head toward the more rural parts of Montgomery County, you’ll find a growing number of
wineries and breweries.
While specific options can change over time, you’ll typically find:
- Family-friendly breweries with outdoor seating and food trucks
- Scenic wineries with tasting rooms and views of rolling hills
- Seasonal events like live music, harvest festivals, and trivia nights
If you enjoy trying local drinks when you travel, this can be a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Many places welcome kids and dogs, so it can be a relaxed, all-ages outing.
Just be sure to plan for a safe ride home if you’re sampling.
10. Shop and Stroll at Local Centers in Germantown and Gaithersburg
For a lighter day, you can stick close to Germantown and Gaithersburg and do some casual shopping and strolling.
Popular options include:
- Milestone Shopping Center in Germantown – Big-name stores and casual dining.
- Centers along Great Seneca Highway and Middlebrook Road – Mix of shops and restaurants.
- Nearby Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg – A walkable area around a small lake with restaurants, a movie theater, and seasonal events.
Rio Lakefront, in particular, is great if you like the idea of walking by the water, grabbing ice cream, and maybe catching a movie, all in one place.
Planning Your Visit to Germantown, Maryland
When you put it all together, there are plenty of
things to do near Germantown, MD, from hiking and boating to live music and easy day trips into Washington, D.C. The area offers a comfortable mix of nature, suburban convenience, and big-city access.
Here’s a simple way to plan a weekend:
- Day 1: Morning at Black Hill Regional Park, afternoon in Germantown for food and a show at BlackRock.
- Day 2: Visit Great Falls and the C&O Canal in the morning, then head to Rockville or Rio for dinner and a stroll.
- Bonus Day: Full day trip to Washington, D.C. using Germantown as your base.
Share Your Germantown Experience
Have you spent time in Germantown or elsewhere in Montgomery County? Did you find a favorite trail, restaurant, or hidden spot that others should know about?
Share your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can discover new things to do near Germantown, Maryland.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to the D.C. area or looking for fun weekend ideas in Montgomery County. Your share might inspire someone’s next great day out.
Comments
Post a Comment