Bethseda or Silver Spring Tourist Question (Bethesda, Takoma Park: how much, hotel, house)

[Tishtosh74]

I've been to DC several times but we are taking our first family trip mid July.

We are deciding whether to stay in Bethesda or Silver Spring. We will be parking our car for duration and taking metro to all the usual first time sites. Any major pros or cons to either area?

And any other suggestions that would make the trip enjoyable for a 10 & 12 yr old are more thn welcome.

Thanks!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Tishtosh74

We are deciding whether to stay in Bethesda or Silver Spring. We will be parking our car for duration and taking metro to all the usual first time sites. Any major pros or cons to either area?

Prices of hotel rooms may be better in Silver Spring, but I think Bethesda is nicer to walk around in.

[Tishtosh74]

That's exactly kind of thing I'd like to know bc I've never been to either.

I'm leaning towards Bethseda Double Tree w/ hope that we won't be tired out at the end of day to enjoy neighborhood

Thanks!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Tishtosh74

I'm leaning towards Bethseda Double Tree w/ hope that we won't be tired out at the end of day to enjoy neighborhood

Save some room for ice cream, and check out the shops on Woodmont Avenue.

[Borntoolate85]

While neither Bethesda nor Silver Spring have significant sights for the tourist, they are fine places to lodge since they are easier to access from the Beltway, both are on Metro's Red Line which provide a short 15 to 20 minute ride into downtown DC, and have good places to eat with a mix of national chains, small local chains, and ethnic fine dining. They also have a mix of national chain and mom-and-pop stores, with Silver Spring better for bargain hunters and Bethesda better for those seeking quality (though even Bethesda has a thrift store). Like I've mentioned while short on attractions, Bethesda has the Be with Me Playseum and Silver Spring has an exhibit area at Discovery Channel's headquarters which are good places to take the kids. Silver Spring will be slightly cheaper than Bethesda and may be a bit shady at night on its eastern fringe bordering Takoma Park, but both are fine places to stay. Where you want to explore in DC/Montgomery County also has a convience advantage depending on where you stay. Georgetown is a Metrobus ride down Wisconsin Avenue if you stay in Bethesda, the Zoo is quicker via Bethesda, while Capitol Hill is quicker via Silver Spring, with Metro Center the approximate halfway point between the two options. If you stay in Silver Spring, taking Metrobus down 16th street is another option if you want to "see the city" more as that leads straight to the White House and passes the eastern edge of Rock Creek Park, Embassy Row, Adams Morgan, and Dupont Circle.

[Tishtosh74]

I'm trying to narrow down our *must see* list. With only 2 full days, I've got my work cut out for me

I initially forgot to factor in cost of parking car so Silver Spring would be better choice $ wise... But I think kids and I would like to spend AM before check out walking about so that's why Bethesda might be worth the extra.

Love the ease (and price) of metro bus ride passing White House, Embassy Row etc though.

Decisions, Decisions

Thanks for being so helpful!

[e30is]

I'm not sure how much parking will be but borntoolate made great suggestions above.

[scrapper105]

If you go with Silver Spring, be sure to map the street address and proximity to Metro. Offhand, I can only think of one hotel that is walking distance. The Silver Spring post office services a HUGE area, so there could conceivably be a hotel with a Silver Spring address that is 8 miles from the nearest Metro.