Washington D.C. Temple
Iconic temple hosting regular services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Washington D.C. Temple is rated 4.8 / 5 from 2,284 Google reviews and sits about 4.1 km (52 min walk) from Bethesda station.
General overview
About Washington D.C. Temple
The Washington D.C. Temple is a landmark temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kensington, Maryland, recognizable by its six spires and wooded grounds. The temple itself is reserved for members with a current temple recommend, while the surrounding grounds and the adjacent visitors’ center may be available to the general public. Details below are based on general/training knowledge and have not been live-verified.
- Distinctive six-spire temple architecture inspired in part by the design of the Salt Lake Temple.
- Peaceful, landscaped grounds in a wooded setting near the Capital Beltway.
- Adjacent Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center with exhibits, a scale model, and information about the temple and Church of Jesus Christ.
- The temple grounds are especially popular during the spring flowering season, when ornamental trees and landscaping are attractive.
- The site is a religious venue; visitors are expected to be respectful of worship, ceremonies, and restricted areas.
Things to do here
Temple exterior and grounds
View the temple from permitted public areas and walk through portions of the landscaped grounds. Access may be restricted during ceremonies, maintenance, special events, or security operations.
Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center
Learn about the temple and Latter-day Saint beliefs through exhibits, missionaries or other representatives, media, and a model of the temple. Public access is generally free, subject to current operating hours.
Temple architecture and photography
Photograph the exterior and surrounding landscape from areas where photography is permitted. The temple interior is not generally open to the public except during specially announced open houses.
Religious worship and ordinances
Ordinance areas and most interior temple spaces are available only to eligible Church members holding a current temple recommend; these are not ordinary sightseeing experiences.
Allow extra time for parking, walking, and security procedures. Follow signs and staff directions, and do not assume that every part of the grounds is open. The address is in Kensington, Maryland, rather than Washington, D.C.
No advance booking is normally needed for a casual grounds visit or Visitors’ Center visit, but check the official site before traveling. Any future public open house may require timed reservations.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Washington D.C. Temple is about 4.1 km (~52 min walk) from Bethesda station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Washington D.C. Temple from Bethesda station?
Washington D.C. Temple is about 4139 m (roughly 52 min walk) from Bethesda station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Washington D.C. Temple rated?
Washington D.C. Temple has a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 2,284 reviews.
What's near Washington D.C. Temple?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Hyatt Regency Bethesda, Andy's Pizza Bethesda, AC Hotel Bethesda Downtown.
Is Washington D.C. Temple wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Washington D.C. Temple: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Is there parking near Washington D.C. Temple?
Google lists these parking options near Washington D.C. Temple: free parking lot.
Can the general public go inside the Washington D.C. Temple?
Normally, no. The temple interior is reserved for eligible Church members with a current temple recommend. The public may enter during a specially announced open house, if one is scheduled.
Is the Washington D.C. Temple free to visit?
Yes. The grounds and Visitors’ Center have generally been free, although access may be limited by events, security, or operating hours.
Do I need a reservation?
Usually not for a normal visit to the grounds or Visitors’ Center. Reservations may be required for special tours, programs, or a future public open house.
Can I take photographs?
Exterior photography is generally allowed from permitted public areas. Interior photography and photography in restricted or worship areas are not generally allowed.
Is this actually in Washington, D.C.?
No. It is in Kensington, Montgomery County, Maryland, at 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, roughly northwest of Washington, D.C.
How long should I plan to stay?
About one to two hours is a reasonable plan for the Visitors’ Center and a look at the public grounds, with additional time for parking and walking.
Is the site suitable for children?
Yes, particularly the Visitors’ Center and outdoor grounds, provided children are supervised and visitors maintain a respectful atmosphere.
Can I attend a worship service there as a tourist?
The temple is not generally used like an ordinary parish church open for drop-in Sunday services. Ask the Church or a local meetinghouse about public worship services in the area.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.