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The Top 10 Things To Do and See in Silver Spring

Though quiet and slightly off the beaten track, the peaceful suburb of Silver Spring is conveniently situated near popular destinations such as Washington, D.C. and the historical Ellicott City. For travellers passing through or remaining for a few nights, however, Silver Spring also holds its own when offering various historical, educational, and recreational opportunities.

National museum of health and medicine.

Established during the Civil War as the Army Medical Museum, the National Museum of Health and Medicine went through several different evolutions. It was also known, varyingly, as the new Army Institute of Pathology, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, the Medical Museum of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and the Armed Forces Medical Museum before gaining its current appellative. Currently it contains exhibitions such as ‘Advances in Military Medicine’ and ‘Anatomy and Pathology’. Opening hours: 10am – 5:30pm 2500 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, MD, USA , +1 301 319 3300

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Silver Spring Stage

An all-volunteer community theater in the Washington, D.C. area, Silver Spring Stage is perfect for the drama lover who wants to support the local community effort and is ranked as one of the top theaters in the area, despite its amateur status; it’s been running for over 40 years. Located in a small shopping center, this hidden gem requires you to walk through a storefront and down a set of the stairs, but the lovely theatrical world thus encountered is well worth the effort. It often hosts festivals such as the One Act Festival , an annual summer tradition which takes place over two weekends in August, and presents plays ranging from comedies to more serious works. With characters ranging from rag dolls to a man who talks to his cats, the variety provided by the ten playwrights is sure to entertain. Opening hours: varies per event 10145 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD, USA , +1 301 593 6036

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station

Provided by the Silver Spring Historical Society and Montgomery Preservation Society, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station is Montgomery County’s only 20th century railroad passenger station. An active station from 1945 to 2000, with passengers as illustrious as President Harry S. Truman – who appreciated the lack of crowds as compared to the Union Station – the B&O was renovated and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Built in the classically simple colonial revival style with a hipped roof, granite sills, and keystones, the sheltered trackside canopy and fence-protected bench offers a safe place for children to watch trains. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm 8100 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, USA , +1 301 537 1253

Gateway to NOAA

A newly permanent exhibit from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , Gateway to NOAA is designed to highlight the ways in which NOAA ‘takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resources.’ It is divided into five sections: NOAA Heritage, which features historic artifacts from over 200 years, and Earth Observations, which describes NOAA’S information gathering methods on the planet’s environment. The third section is Weather and Climate, which focuses on NOAA’s role in weather forecasts and climate process. The Water section shows NOAA’s support of safe navigation and commerce as well as other marine processes; and there’s also NOAA in the News section, which presents an interactive display for visitors to explore the ocean. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, USA

Wheaton Regional Park

Established in 1960 and stretching through 536 acres, Wheaton Regional Park offers a variety of recreational and educational options for everyone to enjoy. Horseback riding, picnicking, ice skating, hiking, and touring via train are all activities that are available to try. For the more sedate visitor, Wheaton Regional Park also offers Brookside Gardens, four different nature centers with lovely programs and exhibits such as ‘Legacy of the People,’ ‘Legacy of the Land,’ and ‘Curiosity Corner’, and a conservatory. Opening hours: sunrise to sunset 2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD, USA , +1 301 495 2595

The Fillmore

For over 40 years, The Fillmore has hosted a variety of influential and popular musical artists as well as other performers. With a newly renovated capacity of 2,000, the refreshed Fillmore is hoping for an even bigger and better future. Located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, the Fillmore has entertained performers ranging from the up-and-coming rapper Mac Miller to the Washington Redskins cheerleaders . Opening hours: varies depending on shows 8656 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD, USA , +1 301 960 9999

Wat Thai DC Buddhist Temple

As the center of Thai Buddhism in Washington, D.C. , the Wat Thai DC Buddhist Temple strives to teach meditation and Buddhism to any who wishes to learn. The center also allows more casual visitors to appreciate and, in some small way, take part in a belief system and way of life that stretches back for thousands of years. The temple itself was built in 1974, but the traditions underlying this oasis of serenity have a much older history. The space is just 40×100 ft and includes a worship hall for meditation, religious ceremonies, and an open multi-purpose room that is used for social functions and education. Opening hours: none listed 13440 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD, USA , +1 301 871 8660

St. Camillus Church

Saint Camillus was born to a 60-year-old woman in a stable and devoted himself to the care of the sick and dying, personally founding 15 houses of his order and eight different hospitals. His namesake church , staffed by those with ties to both the Catholic and Franciscan traditions, attempts to bring spiritual care and a long history of orthodox tradition to the Silver Spring area. With Mass offered in French , Spanish , and English , with both traditional and gospel music and seven different choirs, St. Camillus Church is highly recommended as a beautiful, international experience for the believer and non-believer alike. Opening hours: varies depending upon Mass 1600 St Camillus Dr, Silver Spring, MD, USA , +1 301 434 8400

Great Shoals Winery Tasting Room

With over 20 wines in production, the Great Shoals Winery Tasting Room is perfect for the wine-loving traveller. Great Shoals has produced and released multiple unique hard ciders and wine – the newest seasonal drafts being peach, berry, and cherry – all with fresh, locally sourced fruits from regional farms, all developed and produced on-site. From dry to sweet, sparkling to non-sparkling, Great Shoals offers a wide range of flights and tastings as well as various packages, including their premiere package, which features eight varieties of wines and hard ciders along with a cheese pairing plate and signature wine glasses. Opening hours: 11am-6pm 14526 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, USA , +1 301 706 7568

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Top Things to Do in Silver Spring, MD

Places to visit in silver spring, tours near silver spring.

DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

Capitol Hill Walking Tour with US Capitol and Library of Congress

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

Night Tour with Optional Air & Space or Washington Monument Entry

Washington DC by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour

Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry

Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour

Private Washington DC City Tour

Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards

Top attractions in silver spring.

Other Top Attractions around Silver Spring

What travellers are saying

• Wheaton Regional Park
• Sligo Creek Park
• AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
• Silver Spring Civic Center
• Silver Spring Library
• Long Branch-Arliss Neighborhood Park
• Long Branch Garland Np
• Wheaton Veterans Urban Park
• Downtown Silver Spring

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Silver spring, md.

Visit Silver Spring

Silver Spring has an important business district, a range of shopping options and broad green spaces. Its charming downtown area showcases historic institutions and monuments. Stroll through the town center for a sense of local culture and history.

Among the town’s intriguing vestiges is the Silver Spring Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station. Sit in the preserved 1940s waiting room, which has its original fluorescent lights. Watch modern trains roll by from the bench on the canopied platform. Capture photos of the redbrick façade and appreciate the Colonial Revival design of the structure, a short walk from its modern-day version, Silver Spring Station.

The town center has several entertainment venues, including AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. Watch an art-house film, see an old classic or attend a film festival in this culture center. Visit the adjacent Fillmore Silver Spring, recognizable by its iconic neon lights, for a great range of shows. Such celebrities as Kesha, Blue October and Hanson have graced the stage of this 2,000-person-capacity venue.

For a change of theme, encounter the business behemoths of Silver Spring. The highlight is One Discovery Place, the home of Discovery Channel, among other brands. Snap photos of the iconic Discovery sign atop the tower.

Inspect the Mayor of Silver Spring statue beside the imposing central business district. This bronze bust of homeless man Norman Lane is a reminder of the town’s friendly and personal tone. Note that the settlement takes its name from a spring flecked with glittering mica discovered in 1840.

Find the town in the southern part of Montgomery County in Maryland. Drive north from the center of Washington D.C. for 6 miles (10 kilometers) to get here or take the Red metro line to the Silver Spring Metrorail Station. If you don’t have a car, get around the area by bus or rent a bicycle.

Silver Spring is an entertainment hub with historic attractions and a significant business district.

Where to stay in Silver Spring

Downtown Silver Spring

While you're in Downtown Silver Spring, take in top sights like AFI Silver Theatre and jump on the metro at Silver Spring Station to see more of the city.

When in Woodmoor, you can plan a visit to AFI Silver Theatre and Gateway to NOAA, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Old Salem Village

When in Old Salem Village, you can plan a visit to Brookside Gardens and Miniature Train and Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

• Silver Spring Hotel Deals
• Vacation Rentals in Silver Spring

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Reviewed on Apr 11, 2024

Check Silver Spring hotel availability

Popular places to visit.

• Brookside Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Brookside Gardens, a lovely green space in Wheaton. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.

• Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station

Embark on a guided tour of this redbrick former transportation hub and sit in the waiting room under 1940s fluorescent light.

• Holy Cross Hospital

Though Holy Cross Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Forest Glen while you are here.

• AFI Silver Theatre

You can enjoy a show at AFI Silver Theatre during your trip to Silver Spring. Discover the area's lively festivals and notable monuments.

• Mayor of Silver Spring

You can find out about the history of Silver Spring when you stop by Mayor of Silver Spring. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

• Miniature Train and Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park

Explore the great outdoors at Miniature Train and Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park, a lovely green space in Wheaton. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Things to do

African american heritage tour of washington dc/free tickets nmaac, spirit of washington d.c. signature lunch cruise, washington, d.c. day trip with transportation from nyc, reviews of silver spring, 5/5 - excellent.

Maybe a parking garage on site. Traveling with a Uhaul definitely made looking for parking very interesting.

After the hotel, we booked it out of there as fast as we could!

The area has greatly improved but the white large lights on one or 2 of the buildings in the shopping area that had no car traffic was too bright and garish

It seems nice but I am just passing thru

Lots of shopping options. Hotel just needs a refresh. One elevator was broken. Cookies were a nice touch.

Quiet and Friendly

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Silver Spring

9 places to celebrate black history month in 2019.

• Cities near Silver Spring

Chevy Chase

Takoma Park

• Places of interest
• DCI World Headquarters
• Gateway to NOAA
• National Museum of Health and Medicine
• Ellsworth Place
• Brookside Nature Center
• Matthew Henson State Park
• Northwest Golf Course
• White House
• National Mall
• Walter E. Washington Convention Center
• United States Capitol
• Smithsonian's National Zoo
• University of Maryland
• Smithsonian Institution
• Capital One Arena
• National Air and Space Museum
• Union Station Shopping Center
• Arlington National Cemetery
• MGM National Harbor Casino
• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Lincoln Memorial
• George Washington University
• Washington Navy Yard
• Washington Monument
• Tysons Corner Center

THE 10 BEST Silver Spring Sights & Historical Landmarks

Silver spring landmarks.

• Churches & Cathedrals
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Sacred & Religious Sites
• Civic Centers
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral

2. Silver Spring Civic Center

3. St Camillus Church

4. Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station

5. Wat Thai of Washington, D.C.

6. St. John the Evangelist Church

7. Grace Episcopal Church

8. Mishkan Hashofar Messianic Jewish Congregation

9. Our Lady of Grace Church

10. seventh-day adventist church, 11. veterans plaza, what travelers are saying.

• Silver Spring Civic Center
• Wat Thai of Washington, D.C.
• Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station
• St Camillus Church
• St. John the Evangelist Church

Silver Spring, Maryland’s Best Places to Go

Last updated on February 6th, 2024 at 05:49 pm

Silver Spring, Maryland is a diverse community nestled along the boundary of Northwest Washington, DC. The Silver Spring Metro stop, along the red line, conveniently connects residents to DC and northern Virginia suburbs like Arlington, Alexandria and Washington National Airport. Silver Spring has been our home for 4 years, so we have gotten to know its restaurants, coffee shops and breweries well. This article covers some of the best restaurants, cafes and places to stay in Silver Spring, Maryland!

Traveling Between Silver Spring, Maryland and Washington, DC

It only takes 15 minutes on the metro to travel between Silver Spring and Union Station, the main train station in Washington, DC. From Union Station, you can walk to the US Capitol building in under 10 minutes. There are also buses in Silver Spring that you can take directly to Baltimore and New York City.

Silver Spring is also close to Rock Creek Park – the largest park in Washington, DC. For recommendations on Washington, DC, read our previous article on 25 Washington, DC Travel Tips . 

Silver Spring Restaurants

Silver Spring, Maryland has a wide variety of restaurants, reflective of its diverse population. But some are overpriced and/or mediocre so it is important to know where to go. The small businesses listed below are flavorful and lively places to dine.  

Charm Thai in downtown Silver Spring is one of the best affordably priced Thai restaurants you’ll come across. It’s also one of our favorite restaurants in the area and we enjoy trying different dishes off their menu. Try their Kao Soi, a Northern Thai style curry with egg noodles, bean sprouts, red onions, scallion, cilantro, chicken and shrimp. Their pineapple fried rice is another highlight. Of course, green curry and Panang Curry are always great choices. Charm Thai also has creative monthly chef specials so you can always try something new if you want.

Charm Thai address

8408 A Georgia Ave.

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Silver Spring is home to many Ethiopian restaurants. Given the large Ethiopian population in the Washington, DC area, flavorful Ethiopian cuisine is certainly a culinary highlight. Beteseb is a reliably great choice for Ethiopian food in Silver Spring. They have a lot of vegetarian options, along with great beef, chicken, lamb and tilapia dishes. Try their fish goulash – crispy tilapia sauteed in a garlic tomato stew, served with vegetables atop injera bread. Injera bread is a thin pancake style bread that is ubiquitous in Ethiopian cuisine. Or try one of their half and half combos like Beef Wat (spicy beef stew) and non-spicy Beef Wat, to try different dishes atop injera.

If you have a gluten allergy, Beteseb offers a choice of gluten-free injera bread or rice!

BETESEB RESTAURANT Address and Contact Details

8201 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring MD

Phone: (301) 448-1625

E-mail: [email protected]

The Big Greek Cafe

Being of Greek descent – I’m picky when it comes to Greek food. Big Greek Cafe hits the spot for tasty Greek food at an affordable price. We often like to go on Wednesday for their $5 gyro special – packed with tasty tzatziki (yogurt sauce) and fries. Start with a cup of Avgalomeno soup – a lemon rich chicken and orzo soup. Their pastitsio, Greek-style lasagna will satisfy those with a hearty appetite. For a healthier option, order the grilled salmon entree with roast Greek potatoes as a side. Their baklava is also excellent.

Big Greek Cafe Silver Spring Address and Phone Number

8213 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

(301) 587 – 4733

If you have a hankering for sushi, sashimi, ramen dishes or rice bowls, Ikko Sushi is the place to go. There are a wide variety of creative sushi rolls from lobster rolls to shrimp tempura rolls. Good tempura is another highlight of Japanese dining. So another recommendation is their shrimp and vegetable tempura bowl served over rice.

Ikko Sushi Address and Contact Details

1215 E West Hwy Silver Spring, MD 20910

(301) 562-9400

Mandalay Restaurant and Cafe

Mandalay Restaurant and Cafe offers flavorful Burmese style cuisine in Silver Spring. While the atmosphere in the restaurant is rather bland, the food is excellent. Go for a dish like KyetThar Aloo Masala Hin – chicken strips and lightly fried potato in onion-tomato base curry with masala spice. Another tasty favorite is Ngar MaGeeThee Hin – a choice or salmon or lightly fried catfish in onion-tomato base curry with tamarind and green pepper.

Mandalay Restaurant and Cafe is also a great choice for vegetarians with around 15 veggie dishes to choose from. Go for a dish like Nyat KaukSwe Gyaw – flat rice noodles stir-fried with yellow beans, bean sprouts, romaine hearts, crushed peanuts and lightly fried tofu.

Mandalay address and Phone Number:

930 Bonifant St, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA

(301) 250-4078

Urban Butcher

Urban Butcher (temporarily closed) is the place to go for those that love quality meat prepared Latin American style. This vibrant “alternative steakhouse” features house-made charcuterie and 60+ day dry-aged steaks. Their lavender margaritas on happy hour are phenomenal.  They also serve one of the best burgers you’ll come across – a succulent half-pound patty on a brioche bun. Their truffle mac and cheese is another delicious highlight.

Update: The sister establishment of Urban Butcher, El Sapo Cuban Social Club, is open in Silver Spring. The Cuban restaurant and mojito garden offers fresh cocktails, lively music and bold island flavors.

El Sapo address and contact details:

8455 Fenton Street (entrance on Wayne Ave.) Silver Spring, MD 20910

(301) 326-1063

[email protected]

Buena Vida and Tacos, Tortas & Tequila (Update: Currently Closed)

Buena Vida serves creative Mexican dishes like Mezcal Cured Organic Salmon Tostada’s, Sweet Corn Empanadas and Chilorio Braised Pork Sopes. This is in the upstairs section of the restaurant.

Downstairs, at Tacos, Tortas & Tequla, the concept is Mexican style street food served with quality and fresh ingredients. This establishment is one of Silver Spring’s best places to enjoy tasty food, whether upstairs or downstairs, over a great selection of margaritas and sangrias. Located near the Silver Spring metro station, it is convenient to reach by public transport.

Update: If you’re looking for tasty modern Mexiacan cuisine, the proprietors opened a new location across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia called Buena Vida Gastro Lounge .

Silver Spring Bars and Beer Gardens: Best Places for Drinks

Silver branch brewing company.

The largest and best craft beer lineup in Silver Spring, Maryland can be found at Silver Branch Brewing Company . Their beers focus on the world’s four main brewing cultures – the Americas, Belgium, the British Isles and Central Europe. And their biergarten aims to reflect a range of ambiances from a classic American taproom, bustling Flemish cafe, cozy British pub, and a raucous German beer hall.

Try Silver Branch’s Beyond the Gnome Saison recently won the gold medal in the saison category at the Great American Beer Festival. Their Belgian-style abbey single is another personal favorite, and very drinkable at 5.2% abv. Silver Branch also brews excellent IPA’s, and their Quantum Shift East Coast IPA is possibly the best of any Washington, DC area brewery. Their Chronicle Tropical Stout is delicious when the weather is cooler.

Order a tasting tray to begin, to discover a favorite beer that suits your palate. Silver Branch has a limited food menu, with delicious tacos and German pretzels being a couple of highlights. This is our favorite brewery in Silver Spring, and we enjoy catching up with friends in their biergarten.

Silver Branch Address

8401 Colesville Rd #150

• Silver Spring, MD 20910

Denizens has the nicest beer garden of the downtown Silver Spring breweries. Their spacious and open beer garden offers ample room to catch up with friends outside. Their beers are good, but not quite as good as Silver Branch. One personal favorite is Denizens Lowest Lord ESB. The English style bitter is very drinkable at 5.3% and is packed with the perfect blend of hops and malt, featuring notes of toffee and biscuit. Their core lineup also includes beers ranging from Belgian style tripels to hazy IPA’s. They also brew seasonal beers, hard seltzers, meads and even offer a few nice wines on the menu.

Denizens Address

1115 East-West Hwy

Urban Winery

If you’re a wine enthusiast, Urban Winery is a charming wine bar to sip on a glass of wine or two and dine over meze style Greek and Spanish small plates. The wine list includes wines produced by the owners, with unique flavor profiles and also includes a more extensive list with both international and national selections. If you want to try some different wines – go for a wine fight. Wine flights range from French, Spanish, Portuguese, South African, Greek, Down Under (Australian) and more.

Urban Winery Address and Phone Number

• 2315 Stewart Avenue
• Phone: 301-585-4100

All Set Restaurant & Bar

All Set Restaurant & Bar offers one of the best happy hours in Silver Spring both for both great drinks and food. It’s an American-style menu, and their chickpea fries are delicious and served Jenga-style; we never miss getting a plate, or two when we pop in. The other great thing is that happy hour is for the entire restaurant and not restricted to the bar. They have a small outdoor patio seating and the staff are always friendly.

8630 Fenton Street, Plaza 5 Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-495-8800 [email protected]

Silver Spring Best Cafes: Where to go for Coffee

There is an abundance of good coffee shops in Silver Spring. We encourage people to not always patronize Starbucks and Peet’s. Though props to the staff at Peet’s in Silver Spring as their staff is very friendly!

Bump N Grind

What a fun name for a cafe! The staff at Bump N Grind make great coffee, the music is good and the wifi is reliable. They’ll whip up tasty drinks from soy cappuccinos to matcha lattes. They also serve beer and wine. Some evenings there is live music or other performances – during normal times!

Kaldi’s Social House

Kaldi’s Social House is one of the hippest and best cafes in Silver Spring. This coffee shop was founded by an Ethiopian immigrant in 2014. Coffea Arabica, the coffee plant, originates in Ethiopia. Kaldi comes from an Ethiopian legend about a goat herder who discovered the power of the coffee bean.

The Washington, DC area is home to the largest Ethiopian population outside Africa and this spacious cafe draws a diverse crowd. Asides from coffee, Kaldi’s also has a liquor license and kitchen. With a rooftop bar, this hip place is great for grabbing a drink with friends.

Kefa Cafe is another Ethiopian owned coffee shop in Silver Spring. In addition to great coffees, this is a good place to grab a quick breakfast item like an egg and cheese croissant sandwich. The service here is warm and friendly. The word coffee is believed to have originated from the Ethiopian word, “kaffa.”

Kefa Cafe has two locations in Silver Spring. One location is located on the ground floor level of the public library. It’s an ideal spot to read a book or study!

Zed’s Cafe

Zed’s Cafe is Silver Spring’s favorite funky cafe. This is the cafe, which calls itself “one big living room”, that may feel a little like sitting in your grandmother’s house. There is an odd mix of different furniture, including couches. Also, coffees are served in an eclectic mix of mugs. If the uniformity of Starbucks is your thing, Zed’s may not be for you. While Zed’s coffee may not be the best in town, this is the coziest cafe to hang out in.

Zed’s Cafe Address and Contact Details

Address : 8225 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone :  (301) 495-5614

Treats in Downtown Silver Spring

Moorenko’s ice cream cafe.

After you have stuffed yourself with dinner, head to Moorenko’s Ice Cream Cafe, which is a short walk from the main downtown area to treat yourself with artisanal, handcrafted ice cream. The milk they use to create their ice cream comes from family-owned farms in nearby Pennsylvania. Need we say more?

1866, this is the year Velatis started serving customers their small-batch gourmet handcrafted caramels. In addition to delicious caramels, they also make delicious chocolate. This is also a great place to pick up a tasty gift for a loved one or to take to a dinner party!

FRESHFARM – Downtown Silver Spring Saturday Market

The FRESHFARM Saturday market is one of the weekend highlights of downtown Silver Spring. We enjoy swinging by to pick up locally produced artisan food. The bustling year-round market operates includes farmers and producers from DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. At the market, you’ll find certified organic fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meat, artisan sweet and savory baked goods, fresh milk, butter, yogurt, cow and sheep cheeses, jams, jellies, sauces, honey, fresh oysters, local wines, craft beer, flowers and much more.

From April 4th – December 26th FRESHFARM runs from 9am-1pm every Saturday. From January -March the market runs from 10am-1pm.

Silver Spring, Maryland Hotels

There are several good hotel options in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. Here are a few of the best-reviewed hotels, walking distance from many of the great restaurants, bars and cafes mentioned above. Also, these Marriott and Hilton properties offer points and upgrades for guests using their accompanying hotel credit cards. Read our article on Travel Hacks to Save Big Money to learn about maximizing credit card points and miles! We save thousands each year on travel and it helps us get room upgrades and other perks too.

Courtyard By Marriott Silver Spring Downtown

Courtyard By Marriott is the best-reviewed hotel in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. The hotel has 179 well-appointed rooms close to many dining and shopping options. Additionally, Silver Spring metro station is less than a 10-minute walk – which conveniently connects guests to Washington, DC.

Hampton Inn Silver Spring

Hampton Inn is another well reviewed hotel near many dining and shopping options in the heart of downtown Silver Spring. All rooms include a 32-inch flat-screen TV, coffee maker, work desk and ironing equipment. The hotel is just 3 blocks from the Silver Spring metro station.

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Washington, DC – Silver Spring

Doubletree is not rated as well as the two hotels mentioned above. But it still ranks among the better hotels to stay in downtown Silver Spring for its modern business facilities, spacious indoor pool and state of the art fitness center. It is also located near the Silver Spring Metro and many shopping and dining options. Also, a highlight of staying at Doubletree’s is the complimentary delicious fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies on arrival!

Sheraton Silver Spring Hotel

Sheraton in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland rounds out the hotels we recommend staying. Contemporary rooms feature a flat-screen TV, movies-on-demand, tea and coffee making facilities and a rollaway bed. Guests can enjoy a drink in the lobby bar. The Sheraton is also walking distance from restaurants, shops and the Silver Spring metro station.

Disclosure: This article contains some affiliate links.   We earn a small commission when you book your travel through them. Thanks for using them when you can to support independent travel journalism! 

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Alex Kallimanis is an award winning travel journalist and travel planner who has visited 67+ different countries, including all 27 European Union countries across all continents except Antarctica. He has resided around the world, living in countries like Australia, the Netherlands and Ireland for over 7 years combined. Currently residing in the Tampa, Florida, area with his wife Bell, he still spends much of his time in Europe as a dual Greek citizen. Alex is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor of arts degree in history, and was the president of Phi Alpha Theta (Honors History Society) during his senior year there. Alex is an avid enthusiast of sports, spas, delicious food, the outdoors, craft beverages, history and culture.

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6 thoughts on “ Silver Spring, Maryland’s Best Places to Go ”

This is so great! Pinned it for future reference. Hopefully we can go to some of these places with you guys when things are more “normal”!

Awesome, Mikkel! We’d love to check out a few of these places in Silver Spring with you and Dan next time you’re in the DC area! 🙂 Stay well during these crazy times.

It’s been a LONG time since I’ve been to Maryland, my family was stationed in the DC area a few times when I was a kid and then a teenager. Now that I have moved to the East Coast my hubby and I will definitely being heading back to VA, DC, and MD for some exploring. Can’t wait to include Silver Spring!

That’s great that you used to live in Maryland, Andi! Yeah, there’s so much to do in the DMV area and a lot of natural beauty close by in Rock Creek Park or a little further in places like the Shenandoah Valley. We’re glad this article piqued your interest to check out Silver Spring next time you’re in the area. Stay well!

I could go for the best burger in Silver Springs, but the Urban Butcher sounds like something out of a horror movie. Ethiopian coffee, on the other hand, is sooooo good. I want a glass right now!

Ha, Urban Butcher could be a great name for a horror film! But we actually never even thought of it that way before you mentioned it. Yeah, Ethiopian coffee is solid. If you two are ever in the area we’ll take you to both spots!

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