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

4/5(250 area reviews)

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

Berwyn
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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
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
$101 nightly
The price is $114 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$114 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes 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! (1,016 reviews)
"We loved the location of the hotel next to the IKEA."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

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
$151 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
$171 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,489 reviews)
"Great property, clean"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

The Hotel at the University of Maryland
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
$88 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$99 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"It is a good place to relax"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

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.
The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row

4 out of 5
1914 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,829 reviews)
"I really enjoyed staying at a smaller hotel with charm! The staff is so nice and the location is great. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
The Melrose Georgetown Hotel

The Melrose Georgetown Hotel

4 out of 5
Washington
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,379 reviews)
"Good hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

The Melrose Georgetown Hotel
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Stay at this 3-star 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! (2,427 reviews)
"Excellent staff, clean rooms, nice snack bar"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
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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