College Park, MD

Travel Guide

Lake Artemesia featuring a lake or waterhole
College Park Aviation Museum which includes aircraft
College Park Aviation Museum which includes interior views
College Park Aviation Museum featuring signage
College Park Aviation Museum

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

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Berwyn Heights

Bordering College Park and Greenbelt, Berwyn Heights offers access to Sports Park by Indian Creek and the historic O'Dea House. Maryland Route 193 connects to major highways for easy travel.

Berwyn Heights
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Berwyn

4/5(250 area reviews)

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

Berwyn
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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.

Hollywood
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Lakeland

Though Lakeland might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Xfinity Center and SECU Stadium.

Lakeland
The Hotel at the University of Maryland

The Hotel at the University of Maryland

4 out of 5
7777 Baltimore Avenue College Park MD
$149 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from Dec 27 to Dec 28
$169 total
Dec 27 - Dec 28
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,577 reviews)
Great value and the room was spacious, modern, and clean!

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025

The Hotel at the University of Maryland
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
$82 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Dec 28 to Dec 29
$93 total
Dec 28 - Dec 29
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,088 reviews)
I found hair in my soap dish in the shower. Other than that the room was immaculate.

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

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

Cambria Hotel College Park

3.5 out of 5
8321 Baltimore Avenue College Park MD
$115 nightly
The price is $130 total per night from Jan 3 to Jan 4
$130 total
Jan 3 - Jan 4, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in College Park. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Wonderful stay at the cambria over the Thanksgiving holiday. Parking was easy and well lit. The facilities were clean and the staff was charming. Will definitely be staying here from now on when I visit Maryland.

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2025

Cambria Hotel College Park
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 Dupont Circle Hotel

The Dupont Circle Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw Washington DC
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,832 reviews)
the staff were so attentive and kind, from the front desk to the concierge to the maid, all excellent.

Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025

The Dupont Circle Hotel
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw Washington DC
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,587 reviews)
Short stay for the football game. Great location to airport and metro station.

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
Placemakr Buzzard Point

Placemakr Buzzard Point

2.5 out of 5
101 V St SW Washington DC
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions National Mall and Smithsonian ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (109 reviews)
The apartment was wonderful - clean and bright, woth everything you need to cook a few meals in the kitchen. The staff were very friendly and easy to contact via text, which i appreciated. Wi have to warn about the on site parking - its very expensive and run by a 3rd party who isnot helpful or friendly. ...

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Placemakr Buzzard Point
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.

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