Top Rated Attractions in Silver Spring

Established in 1978, the Round House Theatre in Bethesda has been entertaining locals for more than three decades. The theater has an array of shows and classes for adults and children. Every season features a mind-blowing 200 performances. Its summer classes for kids include puppet-making, sound design, dance, music and storytelling. If you're looking for a great theater experience, come to the Round House Theater and enjoy a good movie or play.

What once stood as the historic Bethesda Theater in 1938 has now been transformed into a suave live music supper club. Still carrying the glory of the yesteryear, Bethesda Blues and Jazz houses a small concert hall that serves brilliant continental fare. While 300 seats are ticketed as dinner seats, there are an additional 200 performance seats made available later. Come and enjoy this acoustically enhanced wonder on a fine evening.

From El Greco's "The Visitation" to Byzantine and pre-Columbian artworks, jewelry and mosaics, Dumbarton Oaks is filled with elegant treasures. Built in 1801, the estate achieved its height of glory in the wealthy 1920s when it served as the high-society showpiece of Robert Bliss and his heiress wife, Mildred. The gardens occupy 10 acres above Georgetown and include terraced lawns, winding footpaths and elaborate fountains.

Originally established at a different location in 1980, 9:30 Club is widely considered to be among the best live music clubs in the country, hosting notable acts like Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Bangles, Foo Fighters, R.E.M. and many more through the years. This club somewhat resembles Dr. Frankenfurter's laboratory in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The large, open space features a bar and a chest-high stage with an impressive sound and lighting system. Multiple bars are located throughout the venue, serving premium draft and bottled beer. Light snacks are also available for when those late night hunger pangs start kicking in.

Ford's Theatre, an iconic theater, is recognized as the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14th, 1865. A century later, in January 1968, the theater was reopened again for a performance after being under the management of numerous government organizations, including the United States Department of War and the National Park Service. Also found within Ford's Theatre is a Lincoln Museum that displays artifacts from the assassination, including the gun Lincoln was shot with. Mementos from Lincoln's life are also on display.

Thrumming with the dreamy sounds of jazzy tunes, Blues Alley is one of the best-known venues in Washington for jazz and blues performances. Tucked away in lower Georgetown, the club is near the C&O Canal. Several national acts have serenaded patrons at this beloved establishment, and the atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated. The place bills itself as a "Jazz Supper Club," and the food is almost as good as the music, much of which is inspired from Creole cuisine. Munch on savory bites such as Crab Cakes and Stuffed Mushroom as you sway to the music that envelops the lively space.