Major city · United States
KensingtonKensington, Maryland
Give Kensington half a day: Antique Row plus the Mormon Temple grounds. Sleep in Bethesda or Silver Spring, not here — the town has no hotels.
Kensington is a small Montgomery County suburb on Connecticut Avenue, about 10 miles north of downtown Washington. It is known for Antique Row, the white Mormon Temple that rises above the Beltway treeline, and a handful of local restaurants. There is no hotel in town, so most visitors come for a few hours and sleep in Bethesda or Silver Spring.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct; December for the temple lights
- avoid Jul–Aug (humid), icy spells in Jan–Feb
- Airports
- DCA · IAD · BWI
- Nights
- 0–1 (sleep in Bethesda or Silver Spring)
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kensington911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Montgomery County non-emergency police301-279-8000
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kensington, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime suburban town; the practical risks are traffic on Connecticut Avenue and the Beltway, unlit trail sections after dark…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 301-279-8000 Montgomery County non-emergency police
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (Closest; about 30–40 min by car or rideshare to Kensington, longer in rush hour).
- Getting aroundThe compact centre around Antique Row and Connecticut Avenue is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, mid-rangeBefore tax and an 18–22% tip.$20–40
- Street or quick mealCasual lunch or sandwich$10–18
- Metro or bus rideRide On bus fare$1.75
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–40
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed (Bethesda or Silver Spring), a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$180
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$320
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$120 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (Closest; about 30–40 min by car or rideshare to Kensington, longer in rush hour) · IAD Washington Dulles International (About 40–60 min by car via the Beltway) · BWI Baltimore/Washington International (About 50–70 min by car)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Best
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct, Dec. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kensington: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The compact centre around Antique Row and Connecticut Avenue is walkable. Everything else — the temple, Glen Echo, the National Park Seminary — is easiest by car or rideshare. Ride On Bus 5 (from Silver Spring) and Bus 34 (from Bethesda and Wheaton) serve the centre, and MARC's Brunswick Line stops on Antique Row but runs mainly at rush hour.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bethesda
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Ride On Bus 34, or 10–15 min by car south on Wisconsin Ave
Dining and hotel base; the natural place to sleep if you are visiting Kensington.
Door to door: About 20–30 min
Ride On Bus 5, or the Beltway to the Georgia Ave exit
Bigger nightlife and restaurant strip; also a Metrorail connection into DC.
Door to door: About 20–35 min
MARC Brunswick Line from Kensington station, or I-270 by car
Town centre dining and the county seat; MARC timing is limited.
Glen Echo Park
goDoor to door: About 20–25 min
Car or rideshare via MacArthur Blvd
Historic arts park with a carousel; no direct public transport from Kensington.
Door to door: About 30–50 min
Car down Connecticut Ave, or MARC to Union Station
Museums and the National Mall; MARC is rush-hour only, so check times.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Bethesda
Nearest full hotel stock, about 10–15 min by car south on Wisconsin Ave or Connecticut Ave; Ride On Bus 34 links it to Kensington.
Silver Spring
More hotels and a bigger dining and nightlife strip, about 15 min east; Ride On Bus 5 runs to Antique Row and the temple area.
Rockville
Further north on the MARC Brunswick Line and I-270; useful if you are heading on to Gaithersburg or Frederick.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $100–180 excl. bed
- High
- $180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$180 | US$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Rideshare from Bethesda or Silver Spring, both ways2 × US$30 | US$60 |
| Ride On bus fare, one ride2 × US$2 | US$4 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$52 |
| Trip total≈ US$288 per person per day, bed included | US$576 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Large pizza with toppings (Continental Pizza)Cash only; 2026 estimate | about $8 |
| Casual lunch or sandwich | $10–18 |
| Sit-down dinner, mid-rangeBefore tax and an 18–22% tip. | $20–40 |
| Ride On bus fare | $1.75 |
| Rideshare, Bethesda to Kensington | $12–20 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–40 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Kensington has no hotels: book in Bethesda or Silver Spring and drive or bus in.
- MARC Brunswick Line trains are infrequent and mostly rush-hour only — check the timetable before planning around them.
- The temple itself is closed to non-Mormon visitors without a church permit; only the Visitor Center and grounds are open to everyone.
- Continental Pizza is cash only.
- Rush hour on Connecticut Avenue and the Capital Beltway can double short drive times.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Montgomery County non-emergency police
- 301-279-8000
Pocket card
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KensingtonKensington, Maryland
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Montgomery County non-emergency police301-279-8000
Embassy
No embassies in Kensington; national embassies are in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ride On bus, one ride: $1.75, SmarTrip card or exact change
- Rideshare Bethesda → Kensington: $12–20
- MARC Brunswick Line, Kensington → Washington Union Station: about $6–8 one way, rush hour only
Say or show
- Where is Antique Row? — Where is Antique Row?
- Is the temple open to visitors? — Is the temple open to visitors?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How far is Bethesda? — How far is Bethesda?
Tipping is expected in the US: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kensington. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct; December for the temple lights · avoid Jul–Aug (humid), icy spells in Jan–Feb · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for DCA, IAD and BWI with rush-hour drive bands.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: Antique Row, Connecticut Ave centre, the temple grounds, Rock Creek Trail.
- Place pages with verified hours for Antique Row shops, the temple Visitor Center and Glen Echo Park.
- Eat pages with last orders and the cash-only note for Continental Pizza.
Sources
- officialVisit Montgomery County — official tourism
- officialKensington Antique Row
- officialWashington D.C. Temple Visitor Center
- officialGlen Echo Park
- officialMARC Train (Maryland Transit Administration)
- officialRide On Bus route 5 (Montgomery County)
- officialRide On Bus route 34 (Montgomery County)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kensington (Maryland), revision 5240730 (CC BY-SA 4.0)