College Park, MD

Travel Guide

College Park
College Park
College Park
College Park
College Park

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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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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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
blossom in spring, cherry trees in flower in front of small church on the campus of American University, Maryland, USA

Berwyn

4/5(251 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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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
$148 nightly
The price is $167 total per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
$167 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
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! (1,612 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026

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
$92 nightly
The price is $104 total per night from Apr 26 to Apr 27
$104 total
Apr 26 - Apr 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 and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,217 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2026

Holiday Inn Washington-College Pk (I-95) by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites College Park-University Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites College Park-University Area by IHG

2.5 out of 5
9020 Baltimore Avenue College Park MD
$101 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Apr 26 to Apr 27
$114 total
Apr 26 - Apr 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in College Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites College Park-University Area by IHG
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.
2500 Penn, a Placemakr Experience

2500 Penn, a Placemakr Experience

4 out of 5
2500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (566 reviews)
Worst hotel stay ever, wet carpet near bathroom that was yellow liquid, no a/c/ couldn’t get our room to cool down, had to sleep on top of bedding it was so hot, staff was not helpful, asked for clean towels and were told they didn’t have any clean towels. Decent location, everything else was ...

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2026

2500 Penn, a Placemakr Experience
Mint House Washington DC Downtown by Kasa

Mint House Washington DC Downtown by Kasa

3 out of 5
1010 Vermont Ave NW Washington DC
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions White House and Smithsonian Institution ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (143 reviews)
Great time....Staff phenomenal Richard was so nice and the young lady at the front desk Sat and Sun was a delight

Reviewed on Apr 8, 2026

Mint House Washington DC Downtown by Kasa
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 Capital One Arena are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,267 reviews)
We loved this hotel, from the location, the personal and the super clean and comfortable room. I would definitely recommend it whenever in DC!

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2026

Hotel AKA Washington Circle
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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