Silver Spring is a culturally diverse township near the Potomac River, where jazz and film festivals go hand in hand with an array of international cuisine and storied live music venues. Silver Spring is also encircled by beautiful natural spaces, including public gardens and zoological parks.

Things to do

Begin your Silver Spring holiday by exploring the enthralling Downtown neighbourhood, where you can find numerous live music venues, theatres and dance halls. Admire local artwork in the Betty Mae Kramer Gallery or Catylator Makerspace, before checking out the designer stores in the Downtown Silver Spring mall. There are also high-quality restaurants and bars, from Irish brew pubs and Italian delis to sushi chains and cocktail lounges.

Discover some of the region’s rich history at the National Capital Trolley Museum, about 25 minutes away. Here you can see famous streetcars from around the world and ride on a historic trolley. Afterwards, watch a new Hollywood blockbuster or classic movie at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, which also hosts film festivals.

If you love nature, visit the Brookside Gardens to see numerous themed gardens, including the Fragrance Garden, Maple Terrace and Butterfly Garden. Active travellers will enjoy the hiking and bicycle trails, baseball and soccer fields and tennis courts at Fairland Recreational Park.

Are you on a family holiday? Treat the kids to an expansive outdoor play area and animal exhibits at the Brookside Nature Center. They’ll also love riding on the historic Wheaton Miniature Train or the pontoon tours along the Anacostia River at Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

Getting around

Silver Spring is about 50 minutes’ drive from Dulles International Airport and 30 minutes from Washington D.C. The town is serviced by the MARC Train, Metrorail Red Line, Metrobus, Ride On and VanGo. You can walk around the downtown area and also hail taxis.