Rockville is located in Maryland, USA, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. In the 2020 census, its population estimate was 67,117. Among the other communities in Montgomery County, Rockville is the fifth-largest. Rockville is part of the Interstate 270 Technology Corridor, home to federal government institutions and numerous software companies.
Rockville is known for being a hidden gem, as it’s not quite as popular as its neighboring cities, but it still has plenty to offer. Considering its neighbors include Washington DC and Baltimore MD, it’s understandable why it might be overshadowed. That said, it’s a growing city with plenty of reasons for tourists to visit.
A Great Place to Raise a Family
One of the best parts about Rockville is its reputation for being a peaceful place to live. It’s a great place to raise a family, as there’s little noise or pollution, except for the downtown area. Rockville offers the perfect spot for those interested in raising a family in a quiet, peaceful city.
Tours Special to Rockville
It’s understandable not to expect much from a small city, but Rockville is unique, even among its more notable neighbors. There are tours special to Rockville that you won’t find anywhere else, such as the Welcome to Rockville travel packages to several iconic locations. You could even tour the Mayorga Organics Roastery to learn more about the products sourced from Latin America.
Rockville Town Square
When you hear the term Rockville Town Square, it’s understandable to think about various activities depending on the season with plenty of vendors — and you’d be right. Rockville Town Square is famous for offering plenty to do, especially during the summer months. The Splash Pad is available Mondays through Saturdays, offering the perfect chance to cool down during a hot summer’s day. Naturally, there’s plenty to eat and drink, making it a fun place to visit for kids and adults alike. Leave it to the town square to show what Rockville’s all about.
The City of Rock
Are you ready to Rock? The name Rockville and its connection to music is something the locals hold dear, so the city is home to so many different concerts and festivals. You’ll be hard-pressed to keep up with all the various festivals, which is why it’s a good idea to do some research before visiting. Those who are ready to Rock will find Rockville one of the best places to visit.
The City of Gentle Snow
By gentle snow, it means that that snow never really gets a chance to pile up in Rockville. It’s not known for its snowy days, as even during the day when snowflakes fall, it usually melts before it reaches the ground. The last time that Rockville saw more than an inch of snow was back in 2010 when it piled up to about two feet.
Renting in the City of Rock
For those interested in staying in Rockville and perhaps renting an apartment for a few months, you’ll be pleased to know that the apartments are affordable enough for most! The price of an apartment is about $1400 per month, which isn’t too bad as far as cities go. If you’d like to ease up on that a little bit more, you can work on it with a roommate to make things easier.
The National Average with Safety
If you’re worried about crime statistics in a city like Rockville, there isn’t any reason to fret. As far as the statistics go, it’s about average with the rest of the cities in the US. The only thing tourists have to consider is their best-practice methods. For example, traveling around the city at night is not a good idea if you don’t have a destination in mind. It’s much better to enjoy the sights and sounds during the day. The crime rate is also steadily decreasing.
Rock Creek Regional Park
You’ll find that most places will have Rock in the name if they can help it. For example, Rock Creek Regional Park is famous for its variety and size, making it a great tourist destination. You’ll find places such as Meadowside Nature Center, known for its cultural history program, as well as having various owls, hawks, and even an American Bald Eagle on-site. There’s plenty to do in Rock Creek Regional Park, but you can also slow things down and enjoy the splendor of nature.
Cabin John Ice Rink
For those interested in switching things up, Cabin John Ice Rink is a skating rink that’s available all year long. Yup, you read that right. No matter what season you visit, you’ll always have a chance to go ice skating in this iconic location. While Rockville might not see too much snow, it doesn’t mean the locals don’t know how to have fun with winter activities! It’s a great place to bring both family and friends.
The Notable Neighbors
Funny enough, one of the best parts about Rockville is its proximity to much more notable cities, including Baltimore and Washington DC. Rockville is a city known for offering a bit of peace and quiet outside of the hustle and bustle and giving you a choice to visit much more lively locations whenever you want. It’s a cozy and comfortable city to stay in as you plan your visit to other places.
Experiencing Glenview Mansion
If you’re the type to get excited about historic locations, you’ll want to visit Glenview Mansion in Rockville. The mansion is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is the brainchild of notable architects Lochie and Porter. As a local historic landmark, you’ll find plenty of tourists looking to experience the mansion for themselves.
7 Locks Brewing
You can’t call any trip complete without visiting the local brewery, and Rockville has one of the best in the county. 7 Locks Brewing is an independently owned and hugely popular brewery known for its craft beers and regionally sourced ingredients. There’s a rotating selection of 10 different craft beers available on taps.
The Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine
Interested in a history lesson concerning medicine in the early 19th century? Rockville has the Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine, which Dr. Edward Stonestreet used in the early 1900s. The museum exhibits the life and times of a doctor during the early 1800s, offering a curious look into how the field of medicine worked back in the day. Some of the details can be eye-openers, especially for those experiencing such a museum for the first time.
The Ultimate Transportation Hub
Rockville tends to experience plenty of tourists due to its comfortable position as the ultimate transportation hub. Rockville residents don’t have to worry about not having cars to get the job done, as Rockville has so many different ways to commute that it’s easy to get around.
The Hidden Gem of Maryland
Maryland is home to some incredible cities, and there’s no denying that. There are so many fantastic places to visit that it’s easy to overlook a site such as Rockville. That said, Rockville is considered one of the hidden gems of Maryland as it’s a great place to visit and has many other notable cities that are about an hour’s drive away. It has more than enough to satisfy tourists and is a great place to get away and relax.
The Best Places to Eat in the City of Rock
Most places in Rockville have a few restaurants lining them, giving you as many choices as you want for the best eats. Usually, you’ll find the top-rated restaurants around places such as the Rockville Town Square and other tourist hotspots. As far as the cuisine goes, you’ll find just about everything you could want. Some notable examples include Baronessa Italian Restaurant, OM Fine Indian Cuisine, Sichuan Jin River, etc.
The Joys of Performing Arts
While the city of Rock is home to many festivals and concerts, there’s a specific location where the most notable performers go to showcase their talents. Rockville Little Theater offers top-quality performances throughout the year, having been founded in 1948 to showcase the joys of performing arts. Not only is it the most famous theater, but it’s also the oldest operating theater in the city.
Historical Society of Montgomery County
If you’re interested in the history of Montgomery County, Rockville has just the place for you. The Historical Society of Montgomery County is precisely that — an establishment to help encourage, interpret, and preserve the county’s rich history. The Historical Society of Montgomery County doesn’t just act as a museum for curious onlookers, as the Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine and the Sween Research Library and Special Collections are available for local geologists and historians.