Rio/Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland

A Place to Shop, Eat, or Go to the Movies

By Rachel Cooper

Updated 09/23/17

Rio-Night.jpg
••• Photo © Peterson Management L.C.

Rio Center and Washingtonian Center is a pedestrian-friendly shopping center and entertainment complex set on a small lake in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It is a popular place to dine, shop, and stroll along the boardwalk. Visitors can eat alfresco and listen to outdoor musical entertainment during the summer months. A carousel overlooks the lake and boasts authentic details such as Americana-style scenery and 30 Allan Herschell-style jumping horses, whimsical creatures, and two chariots.

Rio, the original building, was built in the late 1980s. Washingtonian Center was added in 1998 to expand the variety of shops and restaurants. The complex is home to AMC/Loews Rio Cinemas 18, Washington Paddleboats, ClubGolf Performance Center, and a number of restaurants. You can stay at the complex at Courtyard by Marriott or Gaithersburg Marriott, office space, and additional parking was completed in early 2007. 

Rio/Washingtonian Center's Major Retail Stores

  • Target
  • Barnes and Noble
  • Dick's Sporting Goods
  • Kohl's
  • Ann Taylor LOFT
  • Chico's
  • Pier One Imports
  • Jos. A. Banks

Rio/Washingtonian Center Restaurants

  • Joe's Crab Shack
  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • Copper Canyon Grill
  • Guapo's Cantina & Grill
  • Corner Bakery
  • Uncle Julio's
  • Nando's Peri-Peri

Events

Events change every few months, but the kind of fun that could be found at Rio/Washingtonian Center in the past includes a Summer on the Lakefront Instagram contest, local band concerts on Saturday nights in the summertime, wine-tastings, summer concerts near the paddle boats on the lake, and Zumba classes.

Amenities

It's easy to park at Rio/Washingtonian Center, and that is no small thing. You'll find tons of free spaces in four garages at the complex. There's free WiFi everywhere at Rio/Washingtonian Center, and fun on the lakefront, with its paddle boats, carousel, and Rio Express trackless train.

The Crown Neighborhood

A brand-spanking new neighborhood called Crown, near Washingtonian Center, just across Fields Road is urban-inspired and includes a variety of housing options, parks, shopping, restaurants, grocery store, and fitness club.