Potomac, Maryland
Potomac is a community of 45,902 people in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Why visit Potomac
Townapedia lists 82 museums and landmarks, 97 parks and trails, 86 places to eat, 5 places to stay and 19 attractions in and around town.
Highlights include Great Falls, American Legion Memorial Bridge, Seymour Krieger House and Beall-Dawson House.
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 87°F; January lows average 27°F.
Weather in Potomac
Forecast from the National Weather Service. Full forecast
About Potomac
Potomac is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 47,018. It is named after the nearby Potomac River. A part of the Washington metropolitan area, many Potomac residents work in nearby Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia.
From the Wikipedia article Potomac, Maryland (this version), under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Things to do19
Great Falls
Waterfall · 3.3 mi
Waterfalls on the Potomac River in Maryland and Virginia
American Legion Memorial Bridge
Bridge · 3.1 mi
Potomac River crossing between the states of Maryland and Virginia, United States
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
School · 5.8 mi
Health science university of the United States federal government
Scott's Run Falls
Scenic view · 3.2 mi
Waterfall at confluence of Scott's Run and Potomac River
Mondzac Performing Arts Center
Cinema and theater · 3.8 mi
6101 Wilson Lane, Bethesda
7 more on the map.
Museums and landmarks82
Seymour Krieger House
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 3.9 mi
Historic house in Bethesda, Maryland, United States
6739 Brigadoon Drive
Beall-Dawson House
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 5.3 mi
Historic home in Rockville, Maryland, United States
Bethesda Theatre
Cinema and theater · National Register of Historic Places · 5.6 mi
Movie theater and theater in Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Bingham-Brewer House
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 5.0 mi
Early-19th century Federal style residence in Rockville, Maryland, United States
Bois Doré
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 3.9 mi
House in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States
Carderock Springs Historic District
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 2.2 mi
Historic district in Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Carousel at Glen Echo Park
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.4 mi
Historic carousel at Glen Echo Park, Maryland, United States
Chautauqua Tower
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.4 mi
Tower located in Glen Echo Park, Maryland, United States
Clara Barton National Historic Site
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.3 mi
National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Maryland, United States
Cornwell Farm
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.5 mi
Building in Virginia, United States
David Taylor Model Basin
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 2.7 mi
Ship model basin located at the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division
Dawson Farm
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 5.0 mi
1874 farmhouse with an 1912 additional house in Rockville, Maryland, United States
70 more on the map.
Parks, trails and playgrounds97
Kilgour Branch Stream Valley Park
Hiking and trails · 2.1 mi
Stream Valley
Broad Green Drive, Potomac
sunrise-sunset
Carderock Springs Neighborhood Conservation Area
Hiking and trails · 2.8 mi
Neighborhood Conservation
6615 80th Place, Cabin John
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Glen Echo Park
Park · National Register of Historic Places · 4.3 mi
Arts and cultural center at former amusement park in Maryland, United States
85 more on the map.
Restaurants and cafes86
Brooklyn's Deli
Restaurant · Sandwich · 3.8 mi
1089 Seven Locks Road, Potomac
Mo-Fr 07:00-20:00; Sa-Su 08:00-20:00
California Tortilla
Restaurant · Mexican · 2.7 mi
7727 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac
Mo-Su 11:00-21:00; PH off
Clyde's at Tower Oaks Lodge
Restaurant · Regional · 4.3 mi
2 Preserve Parkway, Rockville
Mo-Th 11:00-01:00, Fr-Sa 11:00-02:00, Su 10:00-01:00
Duke's Grocery
Bar and pub · British, American · 0.9 mi
10128 River Road, Potomac
Mo-Th 11:30-21:30; Fr 11:30-22:00; Sa 10:00-22:00; Su 10:00-21:30
Founding Farmers
Restaurant · Regional · 3.8 mi
12505 Park Potomac Avenue, Potomac
Mo 07:00-22:00;Tu-Th 07:00-23:00;Fr 07:00-24:00;Sa 09:00-24:00;Su...
Kema By KENAKI
Restaurant · Japanese, Sushi · 2.8 mi
11325 Suite 115 Seven Locks Road
Mo-Th, Fr 11:30-02:30; Mo-Th 16:30-20:30; Fr, Sa 16:30-21:00; Sa...
Starbucks
Cafe · Coffee Shop · 3.8 mi
1087 Seven Locks Road, Rockville
Mo-Fr 04:30-20:00; Sa 05:00-21:00; Su 05:30-19:30
Filicori Zecchini
Cafe · 3.7 mi
12430 Park Potomac Avenue, Potomac
Mo-Fr 06:00-19:00, 09:00-18:00; Sa, Su 07:00-19:00
Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream & Treats
Ice cream · 3.8 mi
10219 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda
Mo-Su 11:00-21:00
74 more on the map.
History
The land that is now Potomac was first settled by Edward Offutt in 1714 after he was granted a 600-acre (2.4 km2) land grant of a region known as Clewerwell by Lord Baltimore. His grant of land was by the Tehogee Indian Trail, an Indian trade route built by the Canaze Native American nation in 1716. Throughout the 18th century, what became known as "Offutts Crossroads" was a small, rural community which served planters and travelers. In the 19th century, a few small dwellings had been built along with a tavern established in 1820. By the time of the Civil War, the community contained two general stores, a blacksmith shop, and a post office which served a community of 100.
Offutts Crossroads was renamed "Potomac" in 1881 by John McDonald. An Irishman and veteran of the Civil War, McDonald settled in Potomac around that time. He petitioned for the name change since postal officials were asking for brief names and there were already several other communities in the area with the name "crossroads".
From the History section of Potomac, Maryland on Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to stay5
Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda Washington DC
Motel and hotel · 3.0 mi
6711 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda
Churches and places of worship52
Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah
Place of worship · Modern Orthodox · 3.1 mi
11825 Seven Locks Road, Potomac
Bethesda Meeting House
Church · National Register of Historic Places · 5.1 mi
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Church · Lutheran · 1.9 mi
7730 Bradley Boulevard, Bethesda
Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George
Church · Greek Orthodox · 2.0 mi
7701 Bradley Boulevard, Bethesda
Shopping10
Gas and EV charging7
Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall
Gas station · 2.8 mi
11355 Seven Locks Road, Potomac
Schools, colleges and libraries97
German International School Washington District of Columbia
School · 0.9 mi
8617 Chateau Drive, Potomac
Healthcare12
CARE - Clinics for Abortion & Reproductive Excellence
Clinic and pharmacy · 3.8 mi
10401 Old Georgetown Road (MDBR 187), Bethesda
Passport Health Bethesda Travel Clinic
Clinic and pharmacy · 3.8 mi
6903 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda
Wildwood Medical Center
Clinic and pharmacy · 3.8 mi
10401 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda
Center for Back Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Clinic and pharmacy · 3.3 mi
Map of Potomac
250 places. The map loads OpenStreetMap tiles when you open it.
Climate by month
Monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 42°F | 27°F | 3.1 in |
| Feb | 45°F | 28°F | 2.6 in |
| Mar | 54°F | 36°F | 3.7 in |
| Apr | 66°F | 46°F | 3.2 in |
| May | 74°F | 55°F | 3.5 in |
| Jun | 82°F | 64°F | 4.0 in |
| Jul | 87°F | 69°F | 4.0 in |
| Aug | 85°F | 67°F | 3.0 in |
| Sep | 78°F | 60°F | 4.0 in |
| Oct | 66°F | 48°F | 3.5 in |
| Nov | 56°F | 38°F | 3.3 in |
| Dec | 46°F | 31°F | 3.4 in |
U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 for Rockville 1 Ne (7 mi away), NOAA NCEI.
People and cost of living
American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020-2024, U.S. Census Bureau. Estimates have margins of error, larger for small towns.
Disaster history
Montgomery County has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 2000, most often for hurricanes.
- 2026-01-24: Severe Winter Storm (Winter Storm)
- 2020-03-26: Covid-19 Pandemic (Biological)
- 2020-03-13: Covid-19 (Biological)
- 2016-03-04: Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm (Snowstorm)
- 2012-11-20: Hurricane Sandy (Hurricane)
- 2012-10-28: Hurricane Sandy (Hurricane)
OpenFEMA disaster declarations summaries.
Getting there and nearby towns
Montgomery County Airpark (GAI) is the nearest airport with scheduled flights listed in OpenStreetMap, 11 miles away.
- North Bethesda 4 mi east, about 7 min by car
- Bethesda 4 mi southeast, about 7 min by car
- North Potomac 6 mi northwest, about 10 min by car
- Aspen Hill 8 mi northeast, about 13 min by car
- Gaithersburg 9 mi north, about 15 min by car
- Glenmont 9 mi northeast, about 14 min by car
- Kemp Mill 9 mi east, about 15 min by car
- Arlington 11 mi southeast, about 17 min by car
- Washington 12 mi southeast, about 20 min by car
- Germantown 12 mi north, about 19 min by car
Drive times are estimates from straight-line distance, not routes.
Local news
Headlines from INDB, the NEMICO news database.
Reviews, tips and questions
Loading what members have shared...
Sources and licences
- NCES EDGE (Public domain): public schools
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (Public domain): climate by month
- OpenFEMA (Public domain): disaster declarations
- OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0): places, airports, map data
- U.S. Census Bureau (Public domain): population, income, housing, education, commute
- Wikidata (CC0 1.0): elevation, founding date, time zone, website, landmarks and historic places
- Wikimedia Commons (see each image): photos
- Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0): overview and history text
Photo credits
- Great Falls Tavern MD (14289303031), Russ, CC BY 2.0
- SEYMOUR KRIEGER HOUSE, BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY COUNTY MD, JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D., CC BY-SA 4.0
- Union Arch Bridge MD 2008, Moreau1, Public domain
- Bethesda Theater, Bethesda, MD, Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0
- David Taylor Model Basin - exterior view, c. 1946, U.S. Navy, Public domain
- Bethesda Meetinghouse, Bethesda, MD, Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0
- 2016-10-27 11 23 37 View east along Virginia State Route 193 (Georgetown Pike) at Seneca Road (Virginia State Secondary Route 602) in Great Falls, Fairfax County, Virginia, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Beall dawson house, Photo taken by User:Aude on January 7, 2005., CC BY-SA 2.5
- House in Garrett Park 2a, ZeWrestler, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Riley-Bolten House 02, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Montgomery County Courthouse, Maryland (January 2006), Aude, CC BY-SA 2.5
- Rockville Park Historic District 05, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Rockville Railroad Station in 2017, Difference engine, CC BY-SA 4.0
- WILLIAM GUNNELL HOUSE0300, JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, CC BY-SA 3.0
- GREAT FALLS GRANGE HALL AND FORESTVILLE SCHOOL, JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, CC BY-SA 3.0
- New Mark Commons 02, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Glenview Mansion S Facade 01, Wilford Nusser, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Robert Llewellyn Wright House, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0
- St. Mary's Church Rockville, Wikipedian1234, CC BY-SA 3.0
- GlenEchoNeonEntrance, Mary Ann Daly, CC BY-SA 3.0
- CORNWELL FARM, JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Moreland, Bethesda 1, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Spring Hill Farm - McLean VA, ZeWrestler, CC BY-SA 3.0
- BealeHouse, Mona80x, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Salona, McLean, Virginia, Mckaysalisbury, CC BY 3.0
- JOHN GUNNELL HOUSE, JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Dawson Farmhouse 01, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Milton (Bethesda, Maryland), Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Hickory Hill, Quarterczar, Public domain
- Montrose Schoolhouse, front (21627685175), Preservation Maryland, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Salmon-Stohlman House, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0
_at_Seneca_Road_(Virginia_State_Secondary_Route_602)_in_Great_Falls,_Fairfax_County,_Virginia.jpg){kind=link}
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