The Wheaton Metro stop's vertigo-inducing escalator—the longest in the Western Hemisphere!

City / town · Maryland

Wheaton

The Wheaton Metro stop's vertigo-inducing escalator—the longest in the Western Hemisphere!

Best timeApr–Oct
From you
Nearest airportDCA · 13 mi
On this page

Overview

Wheaton is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is a suburb of Washington D.C.

4 things to do · 17 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Wheaton

Brookside Gardens

Brookside Gardens

Beautiful and expansive botanic gardens. Visit the butterfly pavilion in the summer months—otherwise just take the opportunity for a romantic stroll.

Wheaton Regional Park

Established in 1958, this is a 538-acre regional park with a playground, picnic areas, miniature train rides, carousel rides, stocked lake for fishing, botanical gardens, nature center, hiking trails, riding stables, cam…

Wheaton Veterans Urban Park

Established in 1978, this park was created in remembrance and dedication to veterans.

Taste of Wheaton

Food samples from Wheaton's best restaurants as well as live entertainment. Family-friendly event with activities for all ages, including face painting and balloon sculptures for children while parents can enjoy the sult…

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Washington, D.C.)

Jan: 2.9 in rain2.9"Jan: high 45°F, low 30°F45°30°JanFeb: 2.6 in rain2.6"Feb: high 48°F, low 32°F48°32°FebMar: 3.5 in rain3.5"Mar: high 56°F, low 39°F56°39°MarApr: 3.2 in rain3.2"Apr: high 68°F, low 48°F68°48°AprMay: 3.9 in rain3.9"May: high 76°F, low 58°F76°58°MayJun: 4.2 in rain4.2"Jun: high 85°F, low 68°F85°68°JunJul: 4.3 in rain4.3"Jul: high 90°F, low 72°F90°72°JulAug: 3.3 in rain3.3"Aug: high 88°F, low 71°F88°71°AugSep: 3.9 in rain3.9"Sep: high 81°F, low 64°F81°64°SepOct: 3.7 in rain3.7"Oct: high 69°F, low 52°F69°52°OctNov: 2.9 in rain2.9"Nov: high 58°F, low 42°F58°42°NovDec: 3.4 in rain3.4"Dec: high 49°F, low 34°F49°34°Dec

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

  • From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
  • DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington — 13 mi away (major hub). Directions
  • BWI Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Baltimore — 22 mi away (major hub). Directions

Coming out of the Wheaton Metro Station on the Red Line, admire that escalator—it's the longest in the Western Hemisphere, and takes almost 3 minutes to ascend!

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

  • Typical meal: about $6 per person at listed restaurants.

See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

  • Morning Brookside Gardens, Wheaton Regional Park
  • Lunch Ruan Thai
  • Afternoon Wheaton Veterans Urban Park, Taste of Wheaton
  • Dinner Ren's Ramen
  • Evening Kefa Cafe

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

    Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

    Photos

    The Wheaton Metro stop's vertigo-inducing escalator—the longest in the Western Hemisphere!Brookside GardensBrookside GardensLooking down University Boulevard, outside El Pollo Rico

    Map

    Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

    Understand

    Wheaton, with a population of just under 50,000 people (2010), is known locally for its ethnic dining scene. Many ethnic restaurants in Wheaton have received awards for best-in-class food in the Washington D.C. area.

    History

    Before the arrival of the Europeans, the area was settled by the Piscataway. Wheaton got its name from the Wheaton Post Office, which was named after Union General Frank Wheaton, who defended Washington, D.C., from invading forces during the Civil War in July 1864.

    Wheaton developed from a business district called Mitchell's Crossroads, named after Mitchell's Tavern. The business district developed at the junction of three roads, which are now called Georgia Avenue, Veirs Mill Road, and University Boulevard.

    Before 1947, only 29,000 people were living in Wheaton, mostly on farms and large estates. By 1960, the population had grown tremendously, which led to the widening of Georgia Ave, also known as the "Avenue of Progress". Since then, many businesses have opened including the Wheaton Plaza Shopping Center (now Westfield Wheaton), built in 1959. The massive Wheaton Regional Park (538 acres; 2.2 sq km) was established in 1958.

    Get in

    By Metrorail

    Coming out of the Wheaton Metro Station on the Red Line, admire that escalator—it's the longest in the Western Hemisphere, and takes almost 3 minutes to ascend!

    By car

    The main streets running through the downtown are Georgia Avenue, Veirs Mill Road, and University Boulevard. The area where they converge is the center of commercial activity and great inexpensive restaurants.

    Get around

    By foot

    Downtown Wheaton is very compact and dense with shops and restaurants. It is easy to walk around from the Metrorail station.

    By bus

    Metrobus and Ride-on-Bus operate service around Wheaton and to other points in Montgomery County.

    Do

    Parks and gardens

    Brookside Gardens

    Do Brookside Gardens

    Beautiful and expansive botanic gardens. Visit the butterfly pavilion in the summer months—otherwise just take the opportunity for a romantic stroll.

    📍 1800 Glenallan Ave17 minute walk from the Glenmont Metrorail Station🕒 Sunrise-sunset daily; conservatories and visitor center to 5PM💲 Gardens: free☎ +1 301 962-1448
    MapsWebsite

    Do Wheaton Regional Park

    Established in 1958, this is a 538-acre regional park with a playground, picnic areas, miniature train rides, carousel rides, stocked lake for fishing, botanical gardens, nature center, hiking trails, riding stables, campground, ice skating (year-round), tennis courts, covered fields, and a dog park.

    📍 1400 Glenallan Ave💲 Free
    MapsWebsite

    Do Wheaton Veterans Urban Park

    Established in 1978, this park was created in remembrance and dedication to veterans.

    📍 11200 Amherst Avenue
    MapsWebsite

    Festivals and events

    Do Taste of Wheaton

    Food samples from Wheaton's best restaurants as well as live entertainment. Family-friendly event with activities for all ages, including face painting and balloon sculptures for children while parents can enjoy the sultry music provided by the DJ and live bands ranging from hip hop to jazz to country. There are also performances from organizations in the area, such as the Wheaton Studio of Dance.

    📍 Grandview Avenue & Reedie DriveAcross from Wheaton Metrorail Station
    Maps

    Buy

    Shop Thomas Market

    A gourmet food store specializing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

    📍 2650 University Blvd W☎ +1 301 942-0839
    Maps

    Shop Westfield Wheaton

    Large indoor shopping mall that includes Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, Champs Sports, Charlotte Russe, Children's Place, Costco, Dick's Sporting Goods, DSW Shoes, Express, Foot Locker, Forever 21, FYE, GameStop, G by Guess, H&M, Hot Topic, JCPenney, Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts, Kay Jewelers, Lids, Macy's, Target, Vans, Victoria's Secret, and Zales Jewelers. Restaurants include Nando's Peri Peri, Panera Bread, Panda Express, Sarku Japan, Popeye's, and McDonald's. Also has an AMC movie theater.

    📍 11160 Veirs Mill Rd🕒 Mon-Sat 10AM-9:30PM, Sun 11AM-7PM☎ +1 301 942-3200
    MapsWebsite

    Eat

    Eat Ben Yehuda Cafe & Pizzeria

    PizzaBakery / CaféVegan / VegetarianVegetarian optionsKosher

    Kosher dairy restaurant with pizza and vegetarian mock meat.

    📍 1370 Lamberton Drive🕒 Sun-Wed 11AM-8PM, Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri 11AM-2:30PM, Sat: 90 minutes after sunset until midnight☎ +1 301 681-8900
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat El Pollo Rico

    Latin American$

    Universally acclaimed in local, national, and international food circles is Wheaton's El Pollo Rico, serving unbeatable pollo a la brasa—Peruvian chicken roasted over smoky wood charcoals to just the perfect point at which a slight crisp falls upon the skin, over succulent, moist white and dark meat, and the spice fiesta of salt 'n pepper, huacatay, aji, cumin, achiote, garlic, and lemon magically penetrates the meat straight into the bone. EPR for a long time ran out of a can't-see-your-hand smoky little take-out only shack, but that burned down, and it's now in a cheery little eatery with tables for the few who aren't taking the bird home to the family. Lines are long, but move fast. Placing your order is simple: yell whole, half, or quarter, and then enjoy the sound of the lady's meat cleaver hitting the counter through the meat.

    📍 2517 University Blvd W🕒 10:30AM-10PM daily💲 Chicken: $5.30-14.20☎ +1 301 942-4419
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat Full Key Restaurant

    ChineseBBQ$

    An unassuming but pleasant little eatery, offering Hong Kong cuisine into the wee hours of the night—wonderful noodle soups, soup dumplings, congee, and barbecued meats—the roast duck tends to run out, but you can call ahead to reserve a portion for a late night visit.

    📍 2227 University Blvd🕒 11AM-2AM daily💲 $3.50-20.00☎ +1 301 933-8388
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    Maps

    Eat Moby Dick Sushi

    JapaneseKorean$

    Odd name for a Korean-run Japanese place. Korean-run Japanese restaurants are usually a lesson in cross-cultural misunderstanding, but this is an exception, run by an eminently competent and seasoned preparer of Japanese cuisine. Three reasons to come: great tempura, good sushi, and impressively low prices.

    📍 11220 Triangle Lane🕒 Mon-Thu 11:30AM-9:30PM, Fri Sat 11:30AM-10PM💲 $7-15☎ +1 301 949-3910
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    Maps

    Eat Nick's Diner

    Mediterranean / GreekAmericanBreakfast / Brunch

    Old-school family-run diner with Greek menu options. Breakfast and lunch only.

    📍 11199 Veirs Mill Road🕒 6AM-3PM☎ +1 571 933-5459
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat Nut House Pizza

    PizzaKosher

    Voted the best kosher pizza by Washingtonian Magazine.

    📍 11419 Georgia Avenue🕒 Mon 11:30AM-9PM, Tue 11:30AM-9PM, Wed 11AM-9PM, Thu 11:30AM-9:00PM, Fri 11AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-2PM, Sat open 1 hour after sundown until 1:00AM☎ +1 301 942-5900
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat Paul Kee Restaurant

    Chinese$

    Delicious, authentic Cantonese food served to a mostly Cantonese clientele. The service and ambiance are also authentically Cantonese, but they are also hallmarks of a place that serves great food at low prices. The roast and crispy meat dishes tend to be especially good bets.

    📍 11305 Georgia Avenue🕒 Sun-Thu 11AM-1AM, Fri Sat 11AM-2AM💲 $5-25☎ +1 301 933-6886
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat Ren's Ramen

    ChineseJapanese$

    D.C.'s ramen scene is not as well-developed as New York, but this place comes pretty close. Very flavorful broth and delicious chewy noodles, no matter which variant of ramen you choose. The dumplings are also tasty.

    📍 11403 Amherst Avenue💲 $10☎ +1 301 693-0806
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat Ruan Thai

    Thai$

    Trying to decide whether to eat at Nava or Ruan is best decided by a coin flip—they are both fantastic, small, and as authentic as they come. Aside from walking distance, Ruan is a little divier and marginally less expensive, which is either a plus or minus depending on your outlook. It also serves an incredible smoked eggplant salad, a fiery crispy whole red snapper, and killer larb.

    📍 11407 Amherst Avenue🕒 Mon-Sat 11:30AM-10PM, Sun 4-10PM💲 $6-18☎ +1 301 942-0075
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Drink

    Most restaurants serve alcohol.

    Try the various exotic drinks at international restaurants and markets. The Asian markets usually carry great loose-leaf teas at bargain prices; Thai restaurants serve Thai iced coffee and tea; the Latino places have tasty tamarindo juice, horchata, and even delicious atoles, the fabled warm, thick corn drink of the Mayas; the Ethiopian restaurants have honey wine and great coffee; Middle Eastern markets have great Turkish and Iraqi pomegranate juice; etc.

    Drink Legends Billards

    Bar / Café

    A sports bar and pool hall. The bar offers specials on certain nights. Hosts parties for all sporting events year round such as March Madness, and Superbowl Sunday.

    📍 11317 Elkin Street🕒 Mon-Wed 11AM-10PM, Thu 11AM-midnight, Fri Sat: 11AM-2AM, Sun noon-11PM☎ +1 301 946-3243
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    Maps

    Drink Limerick Pub

    German / European

    Irish pub with live folk music and Irish food.

    📍 11301 Elkin Street🕒 Mon 4-11PM, Tue-Thu 11AM-11PM, Fri 11AM-midnight, Sat 10:30AM-midnight, Sun 10:30AM-11PM☎ +1 301 946-3232
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Drink Kefa Cafe

    Ethiopian / AfricanBakery / Café

    Delightful coffee shop with excellent coffee and a few snacks, run by two Ethiopian sisters.

    📍 11701 Georgia Aveinside Wheaton Recreation Center🕒 Mon-Thu 9AM–6PM, Fri-Sat 10AM–5PM, Sun 10am–6PM☎ +1 240 670-7424Checked Aug 2024
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Sleep

    Wheaton does not have any hotels. There are many hotels in downtown Silver Spring, just two stations away on Metrorail's Red Line.

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