Need a dynamic getaway near Washington, D.C.? Head to College Park! Home to the University of Maryland, College Park blends academic energy with green spaces, museums, and international dining. It’s a great stop for history buffs, sports fans, and families exploring the D.C. metro area.
College Park, MD Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Stroll or cycle the Paint Branch Trail – Discover scenic trails, lush woods, and river crossings in the heart of town.
- For Aviation Fans: Explore the College Park Aviation Museum – Learn about the world’s oldest continuously operating airport and early flight history.
- For Students & Alumni: Visit the University of Maryland campus – Explore McKeldin Mall, campus landmarks, and Terps pride.
- For Foodies: Sample global cuisine on Baltimore Avenue – Enjoy a variety of eats from Korean BBQ to Ethiopian and Latin fare.
- For Families: Have fun at Lake Artemesia – Walk or fish around this peaceful urban lake and bird sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit College Park, MD
The best time to visit College Park is in spring (April–June) or fall (September–October). These seasons offer comfortable weather for outdoor activities, campus tours, and exploring nearby D.C. events.
How to Get to College Park, MD
- If you are traveling by car: College Park is just off I-495 and Route 1, about 25 minutes from downtown D.C. or 40 minutes from Baltimore.
- By Metro: Take the Green Line to the College Park–University of Maryland Metro Station, with a campus shuttle available.
- By Train: MARC Train’s Camden Line stops at College Park, providing access from Baltimore or Union Station in D.C.
Where to Stay in College Park, MD
- The Hotel at the University of Maryland – Upscale hotel with views of campus, full-service spa, and multiple dining options.
- Cambria Hotel College Park – Sleek modern hotel within walking distance of campus and downtown eateries.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Budget-friendly and reliable, with free breakfast and easy access to the Beltway.
Best Things to Do in College Park, MD
⮕ Soar Through History at College Park Aviation Museum
© College Park Aviation Museum
The whole family is bound to enjoy a visit to the excellent College Park Aviation Museum, which is affiliated to the Smithsonian Institute.
Located on the site of the oldest continually-operating airport in the world, dating back to 1906 when Wilbur Wright came here to instruct the first military pilots, the museum boasts over 27,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Filled with a brilliant collection of original and reproduction historic aircraft, the museum also features regular temporary exhibits and has many fun inter-active activities for junior aviation enthusiasts to experiment with.
The on-site gift shop stocks aviation and science -related toys, children’s books and clothing.
Address: College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: 301-864-6029
⮕ Stroll Through Lakeside Beauty at Lake Artemesia Natural Area
© Sharad/stock.adobe.com
Located between Indian Creek and Paint Branch, Lake Artemesia is a man-made lake covering 38 acres. The surrounding land provides a large outdoor recreational area where you can spend some time communing with nature. There is an approximately 2-mile trail around the circumference of the lake which is suitable for hiking or biking and forms part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System.
The lake offers great fishing and there is an accessible fishing pier.
Other activities at Lake Artemesia Natural Area
include regular guided bird walks and a monthly ranger-guided kayak excursion. There is plenty of space for children to run around and you can bring a picnic to enjoy alongside the lake.
Address: Lake Artemesia Natural Area
, 8200 55th Ave, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: 301-627-7755
⮕ Catch a Live Show or Game at Xfinity Center
© shock/stock.adobe.com
Xfinity Center is the largest sports arena in Maryland, home to the University of Maryland Terrapins Men and Women’s basketball teams. Reputed to be one of the best places in the nation to watch your favorite teams in action, the Xfinity Center can accommodate almost 18,000 fans on any game night. As you make your way through the center you can spend a bit of time learning about sporting legends as you walk through the Terrapin Walk of Fame and History. Expect an extremely lively atmosphere as the fans cheer on their heroes. You can grab something to eat and drink from a variety of concessions and buy all your Terrapin gear at the Terrapin Team Store.
Address: Xfinity Center, 885 S. Main Street, Mansfield, MD 02048, Phone: 301-405-1000
⮕ Experience the Arts at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
© The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland, dedicated to bringing music and performing arts to wider audiences throughout Maryland. The center boasts 6 performance venues encompassing several different genres of the arts including the School of Music, the School of Theatre, Dance and Performance and Artist Partner Programs. The center offers a very busy schedule of performing arts events and, depending on how often you would like to attend a show, you can buy a selection of different season tickets known as an Arts Pass. Students at the University of Maryland can get free entry to all productions at The Clarice.
Address: The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, 8270 Alumni Dr, College Park, MD 20742, Phone: 301-405-2787
⮕ If You Love Big Games and Big Crowds, Cheer at SECU Stadium
© Michael Flippo/stock.adobe.com
What the Xfinity Center is to basketball, the SECU Stadium
is to football. Home of the University of Maryland Terrapins Football Team and the men’s and woman’s Lacrosse teams, SECU Stadium is an outdoor sports stadium on the campus of the University of Maryland. Built in 1950, the stadium has undergone several face-lifts and extensions over the years and can currently seat 54,000 avid fans. You can stock up on drinks and a snack at the concession stands which are available on all three levels of the stadium. The stadium is fully accessible, including accessible seats and toilets.
Address: SECU Stadium
, 90 Stadium Drive, College Park, MD 20742, Phone: 301-304-7070
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Score Deals and Finds at Cdepot
© JackF/stock.adobe.com
Cdepot in College Park is a gem of a find for music and cinema geeks. Here movie lovers as well as music and gaming enthusiasts can satisfy all their cravings. Cdepot offers a cornucopia of thousands of new and used discs and DVD’s. This enormous 8,000 square foot space is packed to the brim with CD’s, DVD’s, video games, box-sets and more. If you ever have the urge to spend an entire weekend binging on and old favorite TV series, chances are you will find it here. Because much of the stock has been previously loved, prices are extremely competitive and many rare or out-of-print CD’s land up on their plentiful shelves.
Address: Cdepot, 9039 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: 301-982-3472
⮕ Grab a Bite and Hang Out at Cornerstone Grill and Loft
© Cornerstone Grill and Loft
The Cornerstone Grill and Loft has been a favorite meeting place for sport-loving students and alumni since it first opened its doors in 1997. The Cornerstone is a pub-style sports bar which offers no fewer than 14 HD TV’s so that everyone in the house has a perfect view of whatever game is on during your visit. You also get to choose from 16 different draft beers to quench your thirst. The menu features a variety of tasty burgers and sandwiches, flatbreads, baskets, salads and sides. The upstairs Loft has pool tables and video games and the venue hosts regular special events.
Address: Cornerstone Grill and Loft, 7325 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: 301-779-7044
⮕ Gaze at the Stars at UMD Observatory
© UMD Observatory
Astronomy enthusiasts should make a point of visiting College Park on the 5th or 20th of each month when the University of Maryland Observatory (UMD Observatory) hosts their Open Days. The public is invited to visit during the Public Session when you will be treated to a presentation, followed by a tour of the facility and telescope observation of the brilliant night skies (subject to weather). Besides these regular public open days the observatory also hosts Impromptu Observation Sessions from time to time – if you live in the area and can visit at short notice you can sign up to be notified when these sessions occur.
Address: UMD Observatory, 3255 Metzerott Rd, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: 301-405-6555
⮕ If You’re Craving a Quick Slice, Head to Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza
© Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza
When only a delicious, flavor-packed pizza will do, Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza is the place to go in College Park. The name says it all – pizzas are carefully hand made from scratch (including the base), topped with exactly what your taste-buds demand and popped into a fired-up oven for just 180 seconds. The result is a mouth watering thin, crispy base with just the right amount of topping, served up in less time than it takes to order your drinks. Blaze Pizza also offers cauliflower and keto bases for those on low-carb or no-carb diets and all their toppings are home-made from fresh local produce wherever possible.
Address: Blaze Fast-Fired Pizza, 7419 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: 301-392-2324
If you are interested in local events:
- Maryland Day (April) – Free campus-wide open house with exhibits, performances, and family fun.
- College Park Day (October) – Community celebration with live music, food trucks, and kids’ activities.
- Terp Carnival – UMD student fair open to the public, featuring rides, games, and live entertainment.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of College Park, Maryland:
- Washington, D.C. (25–30 min) – Explore museums, monuments, and vibrant neighborhoods in the nation’s capital.
- Hyattsville Arts District (10–15 min) – Check out murals, indie galleries, and locally owned eateries and breweries.
- Greenbelt Park (10–15 min) – Camp, hike, or picnic in this urban forest escape just off the Beltway.
- Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (15–20 min) – See lotus blooms, lily ponds, and unique wetlands in Northeast D.C.
- Silver Spring (20–25 min) – Shop, dine, or attend a show at the Fillmore in this bustling nearby suburb.
- National Arboretum (20–25 min) – Stroll botanical gardens and marvel at the iconic Capitol Columns.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: What is College Park known for?
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Answer: Home to the University of Maryland, College Park is located in Prince George’s County, close to the border with Washington DC.
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Question: What makes College Park a vibrant place to visit?
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Answer: The town is a vibrant residential center and home to over 35,000 college students. As you would imagine, sport is high on the agenda for visitors.
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Question: What cultural activities can visitors enjoy in College Park?
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Answer: Add a dash of culture by watching a variety of performing arts at The Clarice.
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Question: What can budding astronomers do in College Park?
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Answer: Budding astronomers will enjoy visiting the UMD Observatory for one of the Open Day tours and lectures.
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Question: What historical site can visitors explore in College Park?
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Answer: You can also visit the College Park Aviation Museum on the site of the oldest continually-operating airport in the world.
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