College Park, MD

Travel Guide
College Park Aviation Museum which includes aircraft
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

The Hotel at the University of Maryland
The Hotel at the University of Maryland
4 out of 5
7777 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD, 20740
The price is $161 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
$161
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 4-star 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Everything was great I will be back soon"

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2023

The Hotel at the University of Maryland
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC, 20005
Fully refundable
The price is $199 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$199
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,836 reviews)
"Staff is very friendly and helpful. Room, lobby, and dining area are very clean. Bed linens and towels smells clean and fresh. A 20-minute walk to the mall and Washington monument. Very convenient and near good restaurants."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2023

Washington Plaza Hotel
Hotel Washington
Hotel Washington
4.5 out of 5
515 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20004
The price is $244 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
$244
per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the comfy rooms and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (960 reviews)
"Hotel Washington was a fun place to stay- right in the heart of DC. There were amazing views from its rooftop bar. The staff was friendly, courteous and accommodating. It was close to the Metro and had ample taxis and Ubers available at its location. It didn't have a continental breakfast or coffee ..."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2023

Hotel Washington
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.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott College Park
TownePlace Suites by Marriott College Park
2.5 out of 5
9620 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD, 20740
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in College Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (209 reviews)
"The room is spacious and quiet. Lots of parking space. Convenient to go around at College Park. Will definitely come back"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2023

TownePlace Suites by Marriott College Park
Hotel Washington
Hotel Washington
4.5 out of 5
515 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20004
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the comfy rooms and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (960 reviews)
"Hotel Washington was a fun place to stay- right in the heart of DC. There were amazing views from its rooftop bar. The staff was friendly, courteous and accommodating. It was close to the Metro and had ample taxis and Ubers available at its location. It didn't have a continental breakfast or coffee ..."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2023

Hotel Washington
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
3 out of 5
1225 First St NE, Washington, DC, 20002
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,339 reviews)
Good Family Choice
"We arrived by rental car about 90 minutes prior to official check in. While dropping off my family so I could return our rental car (at Union Station) our room was ready but then likely given to someone else as it became not ready by the time I returned from the station - I guess no big deal as we ..."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2023

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
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 Authority 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near College Park