College Park, MD

Travel Guide

A wooden pier extending over a calm lake with a person fishing.
A vintage biplane on display in a museum with a mannequin figure in a leather jacket and cap.
A reception desk with a large sail-like structure above it, a wall with colorful circular objects, and several flags including the American flag.
A wooden interior with a sign reading "Welcome Home Wilbur," a wooden desk, a ladder, and various artifacts displayed on shelves.
A metal gate with the words "TO LAKE ARTEMISIA" and silhouettes of a bird and a fox.

Relax alongside a picturesque lake, explore aquatic gardens and learn about the history of aviation in this city just outside the country’s capital.

College Park is a Maryland city on the east coast of the U.S. Among its attractions are an aviation museum at one of the world’s oldest operating airports, a huge national park and a scenic lake. College Park is the home of the University of Maryland, known for its excellent art facilities and gallery.

Learn about centuries of aviation history at the College Park Aviation Museum. Take a guided cycling tour across its scenic grounds. Listen to stories about the first hot air balloon launch and other momentous occasions. Explore the grounds of one of the world’s oldest operating airports, inaugurated in 1909. Exhibitions and galleries tell the fascinating story of early aviation. Engage with interactive activities including a children’s section.

Go camping in Greenbelt Park, a large rural space east of College Park with 174 sleeping sites among scenic flora. Nature thrives in this picturesque park setting with numerous trees, plants and animals. Spot deer and other wildlife in the woodland. Take a picnic to share with your family on the benches and tables that are provided. Bring the kids to one of the playgrounds scattered around the park.

The remarkably picturesque Lake Artemesia lies near the center of the city in the heart of Maryland. The water stretches across an area of 38 acres (15.4 hectares). Hike along scenic trails around the lake, go fishing on one of the piers or wander around the aquatic gardens.

Take a walk around the University of Maryland and browse intriguing works at its acclaimed art gallery.

College Park is a scenic haven of tranquility just a few miles away from the urban sprawl and political ambiance of Washington D.C. It is an ideal setting to relax by the lake or in the park after a sightseeing vacation in the political capital.

Where to stay in College Park

Find the best College Park areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about College Park
Learn more about College Park

Hollywood

Though Hollywood might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Beltwayplaza Mall and Xfinity Center.

Old Town

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Old Town and surrounding area, you can visit College Park Aviation Museum and U.S. Department of Agriculture Center at Riverside.

Berwyn

When in Berwyn, you can plan a visit to Xfinity Center and Bowlero College Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Berwyn Heights

While Berwyn Heights isn't home to many top sights, Beltwayplaza Mall and Greenbelt Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Calvert Hills

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Calvert Hills and surrounding area, you can visit U.S. Department of Agriculture Center at Riverside and College Park Aviation Museum.

Holiday Inn Washington-College Pk (I-95) by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington-College Pk (I-95) by IHG

3 out of 5
10000 Baltimore Ave College Park MD
$84 nightly
The price is $95 total per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$95 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in College Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,403 reviews)
"This was my second stay at this place, and it was just as great as the first. Very clean, friendly staff, an exquisite breakfast, and plenty of parking. I highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2026

Holiday Inn Washington-College Pk (I-95) by IHG
The Hotel at the University of Maryland

The Hotel at the University of Maryland

4 out of 5
7777 Baltimore Avenue College Park MD
$144 nightly
The price is $162 total per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$162 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in College Park. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,728 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious room, tons of onsite parking and dining options available."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2026

The Hotel at the University of Maryland
College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
3501 University Blvd E College Park MD
$149 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
$168 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in College Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (911 reviews)
"Staff was great. Rooms were clean and nice. Enjoyed weekday happy hour."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2026

College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The River Inn

The River Inn

4 out of 5
924 25th St NW Washington DC
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,020 reviews)
"Wonderful stay! Beautiful hotel!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2026

The River Inn
Hotel AKA Washington Circle

Hotel AKA Washington Circle

4 out of 5
1 Washington Circle NW Washington DC
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions White House and Washington Monument ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,309 reviews)
"The number one reason I got this hotel was because it had a balcony and it was so close to everything!! everything was spotless. I got the Junior Suite which was a little bit larger, but I still considered it to be very reasonably priced. I got there just as they were changing over to Hilton hotel ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2026

Hotel AKA Washington Circle
The Eldon Luxury Suites

The Eldon Luxury Suites

3 out of 5
933 L Street NW Washington DC
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,434 reviews)
"Very nice property with large rooms and a small dinette with fridge and cooktop. About 10-15m walk from Metro. Safe neighborhood, we had no issues."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2026

The Eldon Luxury Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around College Park

Like in many student towns, cycling is a popular way to get around College Park, so rent a bike if you feel active. If you plan to visit the University of Maryland, you can use the bus service that runs between the college and the College Park station on the Washington Metro. This train network is also a convenient way to travel around the wider Washington area. Renting a car is another option. Visit the Maryland Transportation AuthorityOpens in a new window website.Browse College Park rental cars.

Best time to visit

While summer is the busiest time for visitors to the College Park area, you may want to avoid this time of year if you struggle with the heat. July in particular can get very hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the high 80s F (low 30s C). Compared to neighboring Washington D.C., though, College Park is never overrun with tourists. Temperatures are often below freezing in the winter.

Stay near popular College Park attractions

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