Downtown Silver Spring Directions

Directions

Downtown Silver Spring is located in Montgomery County, Maryland, just north of Washington, D.C. If you are driving, take I-495 and exit at Georgia Avenue. If you are taking public transportation, the Silver Spring Metro Station is just a few blocks away from the heart of downtown.

Top Attractions

Downtown Silver Spring has a variety of attractions to offer visitors. The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center showcases independent films and hosts film festivals throughout the year. The Fillmore Silver Spring is a popular music venue that attracts big-name acts. The Discovery Communications headquarters offers an interactive museum experience for all ages. And the Silver Spring Civic Center hosts community events and festivals.

Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out the Silver Spring Library, which features a rooftop garden and a recording studio. The Pyramid Atlantic Art Center offers classes and workshops on printmaking and papermaking. And the National Museum of Health and Medicine has exhibits on the history of medicine and medical research.

Food Scene

Downtown Silver Spring has a diverse selection of restaurants, ranging from fast casual to fine dining. Some popular options include All Set Restaurant & Bar for seafood, Urban Butcher for charcuterie, and Mandalay Restaurant for Burmese cuisine. For a quick bite, check out the food trucks that gather at the Silver Spring Civic Center on Thursdays.

Budget-Friendly Tips

If you’re on a budget, visit on a Thursday when many restaurants offer discounts as part of the Silver Spring Social promotion. The Silver Spring Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce at affordable prices. And the public art installations throughout downtown provide free entertainment.

Outdoor Adventures

Silver Spring has several parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The Capital Crescent Trail is a popular biking and walking trail that runs from Bethesda to Georgetown. Rock Creek Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center. And Wheaton Regional Park has a miniature train, a carousel, and a botanical garden.

Historical Landmarks

The historic Silver Theatre and the nearby American Film Institute are must-see landmarks for movie buffs. The Blair Mansion Inn was once the home of Francis Preston Blair, a prominent journalist and advisor to President Lincoln. And the National Museum of Health and Medicine has a collection of medical artifacts dating back to the Civil War.

Family-Friendly Activities

Downtown Silver Spring has plenty of activities for families. The KID Museum is a hands-on science and technology museum for kids. The Silver Spring Library has a children’s section and hosts story times. And the Ellsworth Urban Park has a splash fountain and a playground.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

For a unique experience, visit the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center for a classic film screening or a film festival. The Fillmore Silver Spring hosts a variety of concerts and events beyond just music. And the Silver Spring Civic Center has a variety of community events throughout the year, including a farmers market and a holiday craft fair.

Natural Wonders

Silver Spring has several parks and natural areas to explore. The Sligo Creek Trail is a paved trail that follows a creek and is great for walking and biking. The Long Branch Trail has several hiking trails and a lake. And Rock Creek Park has several hiking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center.

Vibrant Nightlife

For a night out, head to the Fillmore Silver Spring for a concert or the AFI Silver Theatre for a classic film screening. The Silver Spring Civic Center has a variety of community events throughout the year, including a farmers market and a holiday craft fair. And the various bars and restaurants in downtown Silver Spring offer a variety of nightlife options.

Local Markets

The Silver Spring Farmers Market is a popular destination for fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts. The market is open on Saturdays year-round and on Wednesdays during the summer. The Fenton Street Market is a monthly outdoor market that features local artisans and vendors.

Beaches and Mountains

While Silver Spring doesn’t have beaches or mountains, there are several nearby destinations worth exploring. The Chesapeake Bay is about an hour and a half drive away and offers beaches and water activities. The Shenandoah Mountains are about a two-hour drive away and offer hiking and camping opportunities.

Cultural Immersion

Downtown Silver Spring is a diverse and multicultural community. The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center showcases independent films from around the world. The Silver Spring Civic Center hosts cultural festivals throughout the year, including a Persian New Year celebration and a Latinx Heritage Festival. And the various restaurants and markets in downtown Silver Spring offer a taste of different cultures.

Art and Music Scene

The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center showcases independent films and hosts film festivals throughout the year. The Fillmore Silver Spring is a popular music venue that attracts big-name acts. And the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center offers classes and workshops on printmaking and papermaking.

Walking Tours

Silver Spring has several walking tours that showcase the history and architecture of the area. The Silver Spring Historical Society offers a self-guided walking tour of downtown. The Montgomery County Heritage Area offers a walking tour that explores the history of the Sligo Creek area. And the Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District has a walking tour that showcases the public art installations throughout downtown.

Architectural Marvels

The National Museum of Health and Medicine has a collection of medical artifacts housed in a historic building. The Blair Mansion Inn was once the home of Francis Preston Blair, a prominent journalist and advisor to President Lincoln. And the Silver Spring Library has a unique rooftop garden and recording studio.

Historical Sites

Downtown Silver Spring has several historical sites worth exploring. The historic Silver Theatre and the nearby American Film Institute are must-see landmarks for movie buffs. The Blair Mansion Inn was once the home of Francis Preston Blair, a prominent journalist and advisor to President Lincoln. And the National Museum of Health and Medicine has a collection of medical artifacts dating back to the Civil War.

Biking Routes

The Capital Crescent Trail is a popular biking and walking trail that runs from Bethesda to Georgetown. The Sligo Creek Trail is a paved trail that follows a creek and is great for walking and biking. And the Long Branch Trail has several hiking trails and a lake.

Wellness Retreats

Silver Spring has several wellness retreats that offer yoga, meditation, and other wellness activities. The Yoga Center of Columbia offers a variety of yoga classes and workshops. The Crossings at Spring Hill offers a variety of wellness retreats and workshops. And the Sibley Memorial Hospital offers a variety of wellness programs and classes.

Adventure Sports

While Silver Spring doesn’t have any adventure sports activities within the city limits, there are several nearby destinations worth exploring. The Potomac River offers kayaking and whitewater rafting opportunities. The C&O Canal offers hiking and biking trails. And the Shenandoah Mountains offer hiking and camping opportunities.