Location: Potomac
Top Things to do in Potomac
Top 10 Things to do in Potomac, Maryland (MD)
Potomac ( listen (help·info)) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, named for the nearby Potomac River. Home to royalty, billionaires, diplomats, and the international business elite, it is one of the most prestigious communities in the Washington, D.C. area (and the US). In 2013, CNNMoney listed Potomac as the most affluent town in all the United States based on median household income. Potomac is also the seventh-most top-educated American small town according to Forbes. Bloomberg Businessweek labeled Potomac as the twenty-ninth-richest zip code in the United States in 2011, stating that it had the largest population of any U.S. town with a median income of more than $240,000. In 2012, The Higley Elite 100 published a list of highest-income neighborhoods by mean household income, which included four neighborhoods in Potomac; one of these neighborhoods, "Carderock-The Palisades" was ranked the highest-income neighborhood in the United States, followed by "Beverly Hills-North of Sunset" in Beverly Hills, California, and "Swinks Mill-Dominion Reserve" of McLean, Virginia. More recently, two Potomac neighborhoods were ranked among the ten wealthiest neighborhoods in the country by CNBC in 2014. In 2018, data from the American Community Survey revealed that Potomac was the sixth-wealthiest city in the United States. Many Potomac residents work in nearby Washington, D.C.
Restaurants in Potomac
1. Great Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By FJGonzalezG - Bethesda, United States
The Great Falls park in Maryland provides great views of the Great Falls from the overlook at Olmsted Island. When the river is high, the walkway to the overlook provides thrilling close-up vistas of the raging waters below. The park is also home to the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, where you can familiarize yourself with the history of the C&O Canal. Located about a third of a mile north of mile marker 14, this is a great place to access the canal's tow path. There are also great hiking trails. Our favorites are the Ford Mine Trail and the River Trail. You can access the Mine trail at the northern/farthest end of the parking lot. This 2.1 mile trail has flat segments near the canal and a hilly portion on part of the loop. The 1-mile River Trail can be reached by crossing the canal at the Visitors' Center, walking north on the tow-path just past the Washington Aqueduct Observation Deck. It is flat and offers great vistas of the Potomac River, and great opportunities to see waterfowl and other critters. It floods regularly, which often makes it muddy and sometimes impassable.
2. Potomac French Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Inspired by the open air shops of Paris and New Orleans owners Teri and Rene took home decor items to tent sales and barn sales around the Md area. When our own barn became available we took the chance to bring our treasures to one place. Please come see us and find your treasure.
Reviewed By PRSRJS - Potomac, United States
This is a unique shop in a unique space: an old barn on River Road. The owners, Teri and Rene, are very welcoming and you immediately feel comfortable like you are visiting old friends. The merchandise consists of some vintage items and new products, many of which cannot be found anywhere else. We have purchased a three tier midcentury modern bar cart that we use as a night stand. We also purchased a new set of French steak knives, a wrought iron plant etagere, jewelry and autumn leaf shape dishes. The items offered are eclectic and changing often, so that frequent visits to the market mean you will always find something new! The owners frequently have pop-up sales where they invite other vendors and artisans to display their wares.
3. Lockhouse 21- C&O Canal Trust
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Opening in July 2019, this lockhouse has been completely modernized and is ADA-accessible with a bathroom and Murphy bed on the first floor, ramps into the house, and hallways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. The house will interpret 1916, the year the National Park Service was formed and the date when the C&O Canal was beginning to transition from a working canal to a recreational space. Lockhouse 21 has modern amenities.
4. Billy Goat Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By Rtwodogs - Washington DC, United States
This is not a walk in the park. :). this trail is fin, and challenging in areas. Grab a map, your hiking boots, gloves, and water and enjoy a great day with friends and family. Should have stability and stamina to hike this trail.
5. Great Falls Canal Boat Ride
6. Lockhouse 22 - C&O Canal Trust
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Pennyfield is exemplar of the basic types of structures (aqueducts, locks, and lock houses) built along the C&O Canal. The furnishings in Lockhouse 22 are evocative of the mid-1830s to early 1840s period. Lockhouse 22 is rustic with no electricity or running water.
Reviewed By VickiA156
Love finding these treasurers as we walk the C & O Canal!!! This one has been well maintained. Worth the walk on the Towpath to come across these great finds!
7. Falls Road Park
8. Glenstone Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Guided by the personal vision of its founders, Glenstone assembles post-World War II artworks of the highest quality that trace the greatest historical shifts in the way we experience and understand art of the 20th and 21st centuries. These works are presented in a series of refined indoor and outdoor spaces designed to facilitate meaningful encounters for our visitors. Admission is always free.
Reviewed By Rtwodogs - Washington DC, United States
One Saturday we were looking for something different to do. The weather was nice, yet hiking didn’t inspire us. We googled “nearby museums” and were amazed to find this great hidden gem. Located off the beaten road, we pulled into what looked like a state park. Acres of trees and fields... we parked and walked over to the welcome center, paid a reasonable entry fee and were directed to a oath and pointed to our first stop. The walk to the first part of the museum is fabulous. We could have spent the day wandering the grounds!!! Beautiful on the cool January sunlight. We entered the museum and placed our bags on a free locker. You wander at your leisure and guides are available thorough out. Unfortunately there is very little reading and working with a guide is required... not great for Deaf and Hearing Impaired. I had to interpret for my friend . Not accessible to Deaf. Exhibits amazing and very unique. You simply have e to experience them. Words do not do them justice. We recommend this museum. And we hope they will provide ASL accessibility or at a minimum a booklet for self guide tour.
9. Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Christine231970 - Olney, United States
February 3rd, my 50th birthday, turned into a sunny, spring-like day. Lovely. I wanted to spend my birthday outdoors due to the beautiful weather. I had never visited the Maryland-side if Great Falls national park and this was the day. Beautiful. Hiking was out and back from the Visitors Center. Hiked 2 1/2 hours. Level walking for the most part. Pretty views of the falls and some surprises. Billy Goat A Trail is on this side. Plenty of parking. Costs $20 to enter. Visitors Center was closed that day.
