Bethesda is a census designated place (CDP) in Montgomery County in the US state of Maryland. It sits just northwest of the country's capital in Washington, DC. The CDP takes its name from the Bethesda Presbyterian Church, which was constructed in 1820 and was rebuilt again in 1850. The church took its name from the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. In Aramaic, Bethesda translates into 'House of Mercy'.

The area is known for being one of the most affluent and highly educated places in the United States. It has placed top in several listings including Forbes' list of America's Most Educated Small Towns. The town also ranked 11th in CNNMoney.com's list of Top Earning American Towns. The area is also home to the headquarters of resort chains Marriot International and Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.

Popular landmarks in Bethesda include Building 50, which is located in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus. Bethesda Avenue is also a beautiful sight to see at night.