Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a town adorned with charming attractions and picturesque landmarks. It sits just 45 miles southwest of Baltimore and 22 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. Whether your stay falls within the city limits or extends to nearby hot spots, you'll likely need more than a day to explore the area's most captivating exhibits. Here's a guide to what there is to see and do in Gaithersburg. more Hotels There are 13 hotels in Gaithersburg, and many offer amenities such as complimentary breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. You'll also find several with fitness centers, an indoor or outdoor pool, and pet-friendly policies. Hotels such as Extended Stay America and TownePlace Suites even offer rooms with full kitchens. Others such as Courtyard by Marriott and the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center are conveniently located near the RIO Lakefront Shopping Mall and offer both on-site dining and gorgeous lakeside views. Historic Landmarks The International Latitude Observatory was built in 1899 to calculate the earth's wobble on its polar axis. It's one of six existing global observatories and sits adjacent to five geodetic markers and a meridian mark pier. Head to nearby Rockville for a tour of the Beall-Dawson House. It was built in 1815 and contains a variety of antiques and original structures from the 1800s, including the quarters of former slaves. Both landmarks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Museums The Gaithersburg Community Museum is located in a restored 1884 Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad station. Inside you'll find a variety of historic artifacts, documents, and photographs, plus interactive exhibits, such as a school and railroad learning center, and various rolling stock. The Gaithersburg-Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department Museum also houses a collection of transportation vehicles, including restored pumper engines and a refurbished fire truck from the late 1900s. Firefighter gear such as helmets and uniforms and a tree trunk replica of Smokey the Bear are also visible to the public. Parks Gaithersburg is home to more than 20 parks. Many of them feature multi-use courts, playgrounds, picnic tables, and walking trails. Others such as Bohrer Park add in attractions such as an 18-hole miniature golf course and a water park, while Constitution Gardens Park serves as a whimsical oasis for enchanting gardens, intricate log structures, and swinging wooden benches. Meanwhile, Seneca Creek State Park spans 6,300 acres with miles of waterfront coast and nature trails, plus a gorgeous peony garden and historic structures ranging from a restored log house to a grain-grinding mill from the 1800s. Recreation Hit up ShadowLand Laser Adventures for a fun outing with family or friends. This attraction features a maze-inspired obstacle course and laser tag executed inside a 3D, multi-level arena with various tactical apparatuses. Or visit the Arts Barn Gallery for exquisite regional art exhibits and learn techniques via art classes and workshops. Shopping is a popular pastime in Gaithersburg. RIO Lakefront is the city's premier shopping mall and features various boutiques and retail shops, as well as restaurants, public art, lakeside attractions, and an AMC Cinemas 18 movie theater. Gaithersburg also hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and Winter Lights Festival. Check them out along with these top attractions the next time you're in the city limits. Some rights reserved by Mr.TinDC
