rio

The RIO Mall area is the most Beautiful, Fun, and exciting area of Gaithersburg, MD you could visit or live around. It offers a variety of Dinning,Entertainment, and Shopping selections to suite your hearts desire. I have lived in Gaithersburg, MD for some years now, and was able to see the transformation from the beginning. It has blossomed throughout the years and continues to be the best place to live if you want access to dinning and entertainment within walking distance, or a short drive. Thumbs Up to the Planning and Building Committee who put their minds together years ago to construct and build the RIO Mall area. This is coming from Abbie the 20th Century Messiah and Prophet for GOD, the Goddess of Love.👌🏽👍🏽🤗🧕🏽🙏🏽♥️ Also know as Mrs. Food in the Spirit World. Do come and visit the RIO Mall Area! 🤗

Nice large outdoor mall. Beautifully built and looks luxurious. There is even a hotel in the mall. Lots of restaurants to choose from and plenty of stores. They have lake where you can paddle boat and a feeder that you can feed the fish! On the other side of the lake there is carrousel and a large playground. They do have parking garages but the layout of the one I parked in was confusing because it’s not all one way that I am used. It’s one way on some and two ways in other parts and you’re all over the place. Almost missed the exit on the way out since there wasn’t a sign pointing the exit out. Other than that it was a great visit and I would I return again

The weather was beautiful on Saturday, so we decided to go to the Rio Center. We love to take a walk around the lake, walk up one side of the street, Tout Les Jours bakery for a sweet treat and walk down the other side of the street. We love to visit here.

You know what, Rio was pretty fun. There is so much to do in terms of dining exploration and simply having a relaxing time I enjoyed having a nice stroll through the park. All the food smells delicious and I think I really appreciated the amount of diversity that I saw in the area people of all kinds and walks of life overall, it was a good time and I’ll definitely come back again.

What a wonderful haven in Gaithersburgh! Perfect for the entire family. Clean and inviting and everything you might need in one place. Loved staying around here and the wild life is extraordinary! Multi-cultural, safe and fun! I'll be back I'm sure!

We went to Uncle Julios. Food was good. A little pricey. But, a nice place to celebrate any occasion with family and friends.

The server wasn’t the best and the food was not very flavorful. The alcoholic beverages were good. Sodas were normal. The flavored lemonade was flavorless. They charged $2 for a teaspoon serving of sour cream. Not worth the price paid.

This is a great place! Always popular and bustling with people from all walks of life. It's a fairly large complex offering numerous facilities, including shopping, dining, casual spots, walking areas, and recreational activities. A renovation a few years ago made it even more popular among locals. There are frequent live events during the season. Come and visit!

Paddle boats - open at 12 pm and close at dusk ( 830) The girls selected the pink swan boat. Since I had the baby they went with your dad. For a traditional boat, that's not a character is $25 before adult for the character vote to four adult to one small child that's $30 We came on a perfect day about 76° outside. Water is beautiful.

I love it here I had a good experience! You should definitely go to rio there's a park, carousel, a beautiful lake, and many other places as well.

For Christmas, I walked a cold night for fire works- scrammed for parking, and when I finally got to the lake, only for 2 min good vibe and No Holiday Music even when 97.1 on site....:/ what's the point in having Radio Station and No Music.

I don't know about you, but I find it relaxing to sit and watch the water at a lakefront. There are geese swimming around and a beautiful fountain spraying water in the middle of the lake, at Rio Lakefront. Rio Lakefront is a beautiful area. You can dine at restaurants around the Lakefront. There is a lovely carousel and play area for the kids. There are fun places to create art, like the Muse Paintbar. Or you can walk across the bridge and find places like Barnes and Noble, Target, or Kung Fu bubble tea. There is Fantastick's to satisfy that sweet tooth or pick up some Mochi donuts and a croffle. There are high value stores and foods. And, if you are on a budget, there is Kohl's, Target, and inexpensive restaurants. I have always found the service to be great wherever I went. So, if you are looking for a place to enjoy the scenery, pick up a bite to eat, and keep the kids busy, then, Lakefront Rio is for you.

As a local, I've been coming here for 30 years now and it never stops entertaining. The Rio Lakefront is a superb place to go for a walk right after a meal at one of the many, many restaurants surrounding it. It's a good, easily walkable, wide, mostly flat path. There are geese. There's paddle-boating. There's events in the summer in the area. The closer parking garages are super crowded but the one behind the AMC theater is less hectic. Not really a hidden gem but still a gem to me!

Love checking out the shops and walking around the lake for the kids to enjoy the many spots to play along the way.

This has become my go to spot and I usually come here on a regular. It definitely has its downsides such as bland food options or it's overcrowded and have a horrendous driving pattern - those circles cause more troubles than necessary. Really, don't expect this place to be sunshine and daisies coming in. However, once you're parked and you're out and about, you get to walk along the pond and just relax. Grab some bubble tea and just take a stroll. Stop in for lunch and just hang out with friends. Watch a movie to waste some time. I have been seeing people record tiktok dance videos in the parking garages regularly. There is just so much to do in one spot compared to other places in Montgomery county. It's hard to completely complain about this place because no where else offers what Rio has to offer. My best advice is to come here only when it's not overly busy. Avoid Saturday night or nights when Marvel movies are released. You'll like this place more when..... more people aren't around you...

I went here over the summer for my birthday and the service here was great with a beautiful view .

This is one of the most unique mall complex in MD, it mixes both the Rio indoor mall section and the entire outdoor shops section. This is a beautiful area with thought after designs. And can get very crowded at times. Very family friendly. Surrounded by the water and a chill walking trail, and with so many great restaurants and shops choices both inside and outside of Rio. Good service at restaurants. With reasonable prices Parking is very convenience, several locations spread among different sections of the mall. Highly recommend by @winedinenvacay

Difficult to find a parking spot and the area is much too busy. Circle around 3 times and finally gave up.

This shopping center is the go to place while you are in Gaithersburg. As far as shopping centers go, it is above average but it stands out because there is not much in this Maryland city. It is very clean and very modern and you have everything you need in one place. There is a large AMC movie theatre, clothing stores, bars, and restaurants of all types for the family. And as the name suggests, there is a river that runs through the place outdoors that makes sure a relaxing stroll along its waterfront. Parking is complimentary here too.

The Rio Lakefront is just a wonderful place with food and fun and places to just "be" - reflecting or connecting within or with others. Shopping and restaurants galore. Playing and wheelchair accessible carousel and fun little boat rides and more. Many concerts and activities and community programs. Whether you have a day to yourself or time with family and friends, this is a great option for your time.

I've been coming here all my life. Such a beautiful and kid friendly environment. I enjoyed it as a kid and I still enjoy it as an adult. It's surrounded with different restaurants, stores, a few different activities; an arcade, rock climbing, and the escape room. & with each renovation or add on, it's gets more and more beautiful.

This is a perfect place to take an afternoon walk or dine in with the wonderful food strip there is as you walk around. There is a duck ride highly recommended when it's night time to see all the lights around the carousel area. There is a park perfect for children to play around. Overall a great place for all ages.

Four nights at the Courtyard Marriott here and that meant I had plenty of time to explore the shopping center here. As well, we ate at least four or five meals in restaurants here. The area is very nice and the walking path along the lake is lovely. I'm sure it's extra awesome when it's not leaning into winter and they put the paddleboats out on the lake. The main boulevard is a little tight for cars and many of them seem to park an awful lot longer than just picking up to go orders. Don't they enforce that? There's a decently large parking deck, folks! Silver Diner, Nando's, Chipotle and more. We tried for Yardhouse but arrived after the curfew and opted to go elsewhere. Bummer. [Review 14298 overall, 1622 of 2020, number 599 in Maryland.]

A great place to go in the evening, especially in the summers. Walk around the water and there are so many places to eat and shop from! Numerous options for kids and adults and there's also a movie theater if you wanna catch a movie. Had a great time and would go again! Parking can be a hassle on the weekends.

A nice cluster of restaurants and take out food locations. A bit of retail shopping as well. The walk around the duck/geese lake is very nice as well. There are a few "fish food" dispensers for a quarter, bring change, if you want to attract more ducks and geese over to you. The holiday lights was also very nice.

Rio Lakefront is a popular area, we visit frequently in the warmer days, and I do recommend it, for it's great choices in restaurants, lakefront walking path (long oval shaped, you can circle the lake endlessly in either direction without going into any isolated areas). Many shopping options, including target and starbucks inside a book store, plus smaller shops as well, including a new mini ikea storefront. Rio is worth a visit, also has movies, multiple and free parking options, sitting areas and photo opportunities.

Mason's famous lobster rolls, Go n visit. U won't be disappointed! It's directly across the street from Marriott Courtyard. So, simple menu

This place has come a long way, and now its grown on me. Its a very nice area, with a lot of nice eateries and shops around the man made lake, when the weather is nice during the warmer months you can rent one of those swan boats but they are expensive. I hear its like $20 for 30 minutes. No thanks. They have a nice walking or jogging path. Plenty of parking all over. There are plenty of free parking garages and behind Uncle Julios. Theres a carousel that just reopened. Heres a list of my favorite eateries: Guapos, Uncle Julios, Copper Canyon, CPK, BGR, KungFu Tea, Target, Corner Bakery, Target, Dicks, Kohls and Yard House (when its not packed,) If you are a fan of the game Pokemon GO there are plenty of Poke stops and gyms. They have a nice stage, for outdoor exercises, my Zumba instructor host classes sometimes and it is great! They also have a nice outdoor seating area. Also, we are in a pandemic, just keep in mind that, there are some who ignore the mask rule, even though there are plenty of signs stating to mask up.

Was in the area and was looking for a nice place to explore. Really well laid out next to water with fake boardwalk. Reminds me of the places like Mosaic and waterfront in DC. Parking was crazy but I lucked out to go all the way to the end and have no issues parking - never follow the crowds, they go left, you go right. Also going out was crazy b/c the roadabouts don't work with cars backup into the circle. Was a really nice day and nicely designed variety of venues and shops. There weren't that many though and aside from barnes and nobles (great, large store), there wasn't much to do aside from movies and eating. Also very crowded especially a children's playground across the lake.

I have a friend who works nearby who has been hyping this place for years -- though, that was for Pokemon Go purposes. I had no idea it was great for other things too XD. It's just 10 minutes from where my sister lives in Germantown, so I've started going more frequently over the past month or so. It's a delightful outdoor mall that's next to a beautiful, yet murky, lake. I There are tons of fish in the lake, and one adorable turtle that likes to swim near the boardwalk and peep its head at the watchers. If you walk around it to the other side, you get to a lot of cool playgrounds and a carousel -- perfect for my nieces! I haven't even gotten into the mall itself yet -- there's a LOT of food options, like CPK, Fantasticks (the most awesome gourmet popsicle you will EVER have), Muse (get your paint & sip on!), Yard House, Silver Diner, and much more! There's also a Courtyard Marriott at the heart of it along with an AMC theater! It's an awesome place to be when the weather is nice. But beware -- that parking garage gets chaotic! Try to park on the street near Yard House to avoid the chaos. I highly recommend you visit Rio if you're in the area, it's a great time.

Beautiful place!!! My kiddos love the playground and the paddle boats. I love the cinemas and the ambience plus there are many restaurants to choose from.

The perfect place for a family night out. With a wide selection of restaurants, the waterfront dining options, the comfortable movie theater, expansive playground and fun carousel for kids-- we always enjoy our time at the Rio. Even just a simple evening walk here along the waterfront trail is a relaxing way to enjoy the area, with essential shopping and some good eats whether snacks or a restaurant right there.

The employees at the carousel were super nice and fun. They took song requests and played the Veggie dance song upon request which was a good thing. They also gave us highfives on our way out. The vibe here is nice and welcoming.

We went to True Food Kitchen on Cinco de Mayo, and the whole Rio Center was bustling. The gathering area between Uncle Julio's and True Food is great--with firepits, seating and even tables! There was also roving entertainment by the lake. The carousel looks really fun. I can't wait to bring the family there to test it out. Also, the health walking path seems like a great thing to do after shopping and eating. I have recently been to True Food (love the outdoor seating with plenty of shelter and heaters) and the vibe of the place--and to Uncle Julio's. Uncle Julio's is always a lot of fun. We especially like the chocolate piñata--which makes for a really fun treat for a special occasion! Rio has so much to offer. I'm excited about checking out their music nights sometime soon.

I'm impressed with what Rio has become. I haven't hung around here much lately except for my usual Target runs but they have really stepped their game up with the new additions to the Rio community. I grew up on the paddle boats in the summer, running around with friends in my teens, and endless happy hours at Uncle Julio's. Yard House replaced Macaroni Grill, Dave and Busters finally opened, Moorenko's Ice Cream and Poki DC on the other side, Silver Diner opening soon, and a new stage with wooden seats (charging ports available) outside the movie theater. True Food Kitchen will be replacing Joe's Crab Shack and that is absolutely what I'm most excited for! Parking is free and there are many garages to choose from. I can see myself hanging out here more now than I have in a few years.

RIO Center is a pretty cool spot rolled up into one easily accessible entertainment center! It's an outdoor shopping mall with dining options, a carnival-like environment with various offerings for the kids, and a park to enjoy a nice walk. There are many shops and restaurants to choose from, as well as an AMC movie theater. Free on-site parking options are avaialble from a garage, street side parking to private lots. Parking was a challenge, but we eventually found a spot in one of the back lots. There is a Carousel, a train ride, and paddle boats available for rent. The paddle boats were $25 for a 30 minute ride. And probably the most beautiful part is the lake in the center of it all. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake. And if you have kids, there is even a playground. RIO certainly has a little bit of everything for everyone!!

It's a nice area. It's a romantic place for a date at night, a great park for walking your dog, jogging, or for your children to feed the ducks and koi fish, and a hub for various restaurants and shops. There's a Target, Ann Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Julio's, etc. here. Lots of parking everywhere.

It's well-lit and great to walk around any time of day or night. I stayed at all Marriott hotels at the Rio-the courtyard, residential inn, and spring hill suites. It's a nice touristy area and also a nice local treasure to those who consider Gaithersburg their home.

One of my favorite locations around the DMV! Always enjoy taking a nice walk around the lake when the weather is nice and Sunny and warm out. Gets crowded for the most part, but what can you do? Everyone wants to be out when the weather is good. The AMC movie theater is very good, has decent screens, seating is alright, concession stands have ample amount of food and drink selections, and have rewards member discounts. Like to go to CPK, Pot Belly's, Copper Canyon Grill, Guapos, Nando's, Five Guys, Starbucks, and Corner Bakery.

Great for a day out or date night. Plenty of restaurant options, can walk the lake, take kids to the playground, paddle boats in the summer, do Dave and Busters for games or of course the movies! Parking can be kind of crazy but we always find a space in the garage. I like that they have seasonal photo ops. The shopping is kind of lackluster for me. I have kids in sports so I make a few trips a year to the Dicks. Target is always a hit, but this is not my local preferred Target. The other little shops don't grab my attention.

Rio has improved a lot in the last few years. New restaurant & shops have added. Now if you are into arcades & all that, they have added Dave in Busters it is located on the 2nd floor by the AMC movie theater. Sadly to say JOE's Crab Shack is now CLOSED - . - Rio itself is already a perfect place for a date or walk around and hang out. They also have paddle boating on the lake - I haven't try it but It looks fun! and there's also carousels. Parking is FREE yes! you hear me right! I had no problem with parking it's smooth & easy there's always a lot of spaces.

This is a nice hangout spot in Gaithersburg. The parking is plenteous and free! This is a great spot to accommodate all ages and there are some nice hotels that surround the lake. Rain or shine, night or day you will find yourself mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the lake and its surrounding ambiance.

Love this center. Beautiful and fun! Can't wait until the weather gets warmer to take the kiddos for the merry go round and paddle boats. So many fun options for eating and shopping. Been here four times since moving and we have loved it each time.

It's a fun family outing kinda place. Walk around the waterfront, maybe watch a movie or grab a bite. It's kid friendly, they have paddle boating activity and lots of ducks in water and a carousel as well.

LOVE the Rio! Whenever I visit family in S. Maryland, we always love going to the Rio.

Nice lake area to walk around. The lakes have ducks and fish if you are interested in seeing some animal life. Merry go round is $6 for small child and it was free for adult to ride with the child. There are lots of bars and restaurants that border the lake along with the AMC movie theatre and a new Dave and Busters that is opening in July. They are continuing to expand this area with new restaurants and areas to hang out. When the weather is nice, walking around the lake/boardwalk almost feels as if you are on vacation.

I didn't realize that there were so many shops and restaurants here now. I came many years ago when Joe's Crab Shack was new to the area. Parking was a zoo back then. Maybe it still is on the weekends, but I had no problem on a Friday afternoon. There are two garages off Grand Corner Ave, one of which I believe is under Target. This would be a great place to hang out with small kids. There is a train ($3 cash only) and Carrousel ($3 credit only) on Friday - Sunday. They have paddle boats September through October 26 on Sat/Sun only for $20/half hour (cash only). Plus, lots of dining and shopping destinations. Many businesses offer a Military discount. Plus, there are lots of places to get happy at for Happy Hour. I plan to come back soon to pick up my new glasses and partake in a drink special or two.

Great place to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, as well as shopping and dining. It's especially nice during COVID if you want to do something without necessarily being jammed into huge crowds. I will say that it is MUCH more crowded on the weekends. Great things to do during COVID at the Rio: 1) Dine - many of the restaurants have outdoor seating with patio heaters. Some of the restaurants that offer outdoor seating include: Copper Canyon Grill, Guapo's, Uncle Julio's, Yardhouse, Corner Bakery, Silver Diner, Nando's, Tara Thai, California Pizza Kitchen 2) Shop - everything is open and didn't feel too overly crowded, especially the bigger stores, like Target and Kohls. 3) Walk - the lake is wonderful to take a stroll around and there are plenty of geese and ducks to observe, as well as a nice fountain in the lake and benches to sit upon. 4) Pokémon GO - if you like Pokémon Go, this is a MEGA destination - so many stops and Pokémon to catch. We love coming here as a family, especially during Pokémon events to hang out and then grab some food. I see lots of other fellow Pokémon people here regularly. 5) People watch - this is also a great space to just find a nice bench, read a book and watch all the happy kids and dogs prancing by. Definitely worth a few hours on a sunny day to get outside. I recommend a week day over the weekend because of crowds, but it's nice either way.

This is such a beautiful outdoor shopping and entertainment mall. There are 2 easy to access parking garages here. All the store fronts are very inviting. Rio Lakefront has an AMC Rio Dine In Cinemas 18 and a Yard House restaurant, a Barnes & Noble, Kohl's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, Kung Fu tea and a yet to be experienced Washingtonian Center playground. The Target, Dick's Sporting Goods & Barnes & Noble stores offer a friendly and very pleasurable shopping experience. The employees that I encountered in these stores were friendly and helpful. Also I have not been to a movie theatre since I moved here to Silver Spring Maryland from Cincinnati Ohio in August. I would love to try out the AMC Cinemas 18 at Rio Lakefront and see one of the many good movies that are hitting theatres now. The only thing that this outdoor mall is missing is the Cheesecake Factory! Until next time be kind to each other. #riolakefront @yelpdc

This is a good place to spend an afternoon or an evening shopping and dining or just waking around. There are quite a few stores to shop at and plenty of food options from full service restaurants to coffee shops and even place for dessert and ice cream! It's beautiful during Summer with the carousel for kids, boat ride on the lake, and music concerts at the plaza stage. This place had definitely improved from when it opened first and we love spending time at here!

Such a nice place to come and take the family out. They have several restaurants on the water (think of a pier except on a lake) as well as nearby in Crowne plaza. You can also take a stroll around the lake and setup a picnic on the grass. There's a carousel for kids but it was closed when we went (perhaps due to Covid). There's boats you can take on the lake and that was operating normally. Playground is being renovated for 2021. Free parking with many garages nearby !

The Carousel Grand Opening Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the Carousel at RIO Washingtonian presented by Shady Grove Adventist Hospital on Saturday, May 31, at 11am. Family entertainment, strolling Dixieland band, and much more throughout the day!

Took my kids here after a change of plans. It was extremely busy on a Sunday afternoon. We found parking in the Target parking garage. It was a fun time. The kids loved watching the geese in the lake. We rode the free carousel and grabbed popsicles from a food truck nearby. The geese food machine was broken unfortunately. If you can bear the crowds it's definitely worth a visit! Great for families.

We stay at the Courtyard Marriott here several times a year. I like that there is so many dining options here as well as a Target. The boardwalk is nice to walk down in the evening as well. Parking usually isn't too bad either. Some of the restaurant prices can be a bit high. You are paying to be at this location.

Perfect place for you to enjoy your afternoon with your family and friends, specially when they have live music. During the summer it's even better when you are able to lay in the grass.

Nice outdoor shopping area for families with kids. They have a cool train ride that goes around the water. There aren't that many shops or restaurants, but it's a nice spot with cool opportunities to hang out or walk around.

New places Dave & Busters, Silver Diner and YardHouse adds to the already established Uncle Julios, Copper Canyon, Union Jack, Guapos, and Tara Thai to meet everyone's palate. But all this have added so much to the traffic to this place and parking has become cumbersome. But, still our place to go.