Scenic Summer Escapes Near College Park, Maryland
College Park sits closer to genuine Maryland scenery than most weekend visitors expect. Guests staying at The Hotel at the University of Maryland can trade the campus buzz for quiet lakes, shaded trails, and easy scenic drives without losing more than an afternoon. Here’s where to find the best nearby outdoor escapes this summer.
Brookside Gardens
Just under 35 minutes from The Hotel at the University of Maryland, Brookside Gardens offers 50 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, winding walking paths, and peaceful water features. Visitors can explore themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, and Butterfly Garden, all of which are at their peak during the summer months.
The gardens provide an easy, leisurely outing with shaded pathways and plenty of benches, making them ideal for guests looking to unwind between campus visits or conference sessions. Seasonal blooms create colorful displays throughout the property, while quiet ponds and fountains offer a relaxing backdrop for an afternoon stroll. Admission is free, making Brookside Gardens one of the area’s best scenic escapes for visitors seeking a tranquil outdoor experience without venturing far from College Park.
Greenbelt Park
For a slightly bigger dose of Maryland nature, Greenbelt Park is about a 10-minute drive from campus and delivers a genuinely different feel from the flat lakeside paths at Lake Artemesia. This forested National Park Service site features rolling wooded trails, including the 5.3-mile Perimeter Trail and the shorter, shadier Dogwood Nature Trail loop.
Both routes stay cool under a full tree canopy, which makes them a smart pick for a July or August morning hike. Guests looking for an easier stroll can start at the Sweetgum Picnic Area and turn back whenever they’re ready, since several connector paths loop back toward the parking area.
Paint Branch Stream Valley Park
Closer still, Paint Branch Stream Valley Park sits about 0.3 miles from The Hotel at the University of Maryland, an easy rideshare or a manageable walk for anyone wanting a shorter outing before checkout. The park follows a wooded creek corridor with paved and natural-surface paths, offering a peaceful, low-effort way to spend an hour outdoors between meetings or campus visits.
Scenic Drives Worth the Time
Any list of places to visit in Maryland near College Park should also include a short scenic drive, and this area delivers one without much detour. Heading north on Kenilworth Avenue toward the Baltimore-Washington Parkway puts drivers on one of the region’s more scenic routes, with tree-lined medians and glimpses of the Anacostia River tributaries along the way. Drivers with a bit more time can continue toward the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, roughly 28 minutes from campus, where additional trails and a wildlife visitor center round out a half-day nature loop.
Why These Spots Work Well for Quick Trips
What makes these spots work so well for a weekend stay or a quick campus trip is the math: none of them require a full day of driving, and several are close enough to visit on foot or by a short ride directly from the hotel. Guests attending orientation weekends, commencement events, or summer visits to campus can realistically fit in a lake walk before check-in or a forest hike after a morning meeting, without reworking their whole schedule around a long excursion.
When Should You Visit?
Late spring and early summer bring the most reliable weather for these outings, with long daylight hours and manageable humidity in the early morning. Afternoon storms are common in Maryland summers, so a morning start typically means calmer conditions and a better shot at wildlife sightings. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended for Greenbelt Park’s shaded, sometimes hilly trails, while the flatter paths at Paint Branch make it a great choice for guests short on time or looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience.
Plan Your Stay
For anyone planning a trip centered on Maryland scenery, College Park offers a rare combination: genuine access to nature without sacrificing the convenience of staying close to campus. The Hotel at the University of Maryland makes it easy to enjoy scenic parks, gardens, and trails while remaining close to the nation’s capital. Whether you’re visiting for a family weekend, a conference, or to explore nearby Washington, D.C. attractions, these outdoor escapes are easy additions to almost any itinerary.
Book a stay at The Hotel at the University of Maryland to enjoy convenient access to Maryland’s scenic outdoor escapes while staying close to campus. If you’re looking for where to stay for America 250 events, our central location makes it easy to experience both the region’s natural beauty and the historic celebrations taking place in and around Washington, D.C.
