Top Maryland Attractions Near College Park: Easy Day Trips from Hotel at UMD
The Hotel at the University of Maryland puts you at the center of one of the most attraction-rich corridors on the East Coast. Within an hour’s drive, and in some cases, a short rideshare, you can reach colonial waterfronts, world-class museums, scenic trails, and vibrant downtowns that showcase the full range of things to do in Maryland near DC.
Whether you are a leisure traveler, a visiting family, or a conference guest with a free afternoon, College Park serves as an ideal launch point for exploring the best Maryland attractions the region has to offer.
Annapolis: Maryland’s Crown Jewel
Roughly 45 minutes by car or rideshare from The Hotel at UMD, Annapolis delivers one of the most rewarding day trips in the mid-Atlantic. The historic downtown sits along the Chesapeake Bay, and its 18th-century architecture, independent boutiques, and legendary seafood restaurants make every block worth exploring on foot.
Walk the brick streets of the Maryland State House, which is the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use in the country, and follow the waterfront down to City Dock, where skipjacks and sailing vessels line the harbor. The United States Naval Academy anchors the northern edge of the historic district and offers guided tours of its stunning Beaux-Arts grounds and the storied Chapel, which houses the crypt of John Paul Jones. Annapolis consistently ranks among the most beautiful places in Maryland, and a full day here barely scratches the surface.
Laurel: A Walkable Historic District Minutes Away
Laurel sits less than 15 minutes north of College Park by car, making it one of the most accessible attractions in Maryland for guests who want a quick but rewarding excursion. The Historic District along Main Street preserves a charming stretch of 19th-century commercial architecture now occupied by local restaurants, antique shops, and coffee houses.
Forte Taphouse and the surrounding blocks give the area a genuine neighborhood energy that rewards slow exploration. The Patuxent Research Refuge, located just east of Laurel, offers over 8,000 acres of forest and wetland trails managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, making it an outstanding option for birdwatching and wildlife observation that feels a world away from the urban corridor just minutes behind you.
Bowie: History and the Great Outdoors
A 20-minute rideshare from the hotel, Bowie offers a compelling blend of local heritage and green space. The Belair Mansion and Belair Stable Museum preserve one of Maryland’s most significant colonial-era estates, complete with guided tours that trace the property from its origins as a royal governor’s residence through its celebrated history as a thoroughbred breeding farm.
Nearby, Fairview Park and the Whitemarsh Park trail system provide easy walking and cycling routes through mature forest. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Maryland, and what makes it even better is that it requires nothing more than comfortable shoes and an open afternoon.
Upper Marlboro: Equestrian Culture and Natural Beauty
Just 25 minutes southeast by car, Upper Marlboro anchors Prince George’s County’s agricultural and equestrian heritage. The Show Place Arena hosts year-round equestrian events and livestock competitions that attract competitors and spectators from across the region.
Patuxent River Park, accessible via rideshare or a short drive, stretches along miles of undeveloped riverfront and tidal marsh, offering kayak launches, fishing piers, and hiking trails that rank among the most tranquil Maryland attractions in the greater DC corridor.
Oxon Hill and National Harbor: Waterfront Energy Close to Home
Twenty minutes south of College Park, National Harbor delivers a polished waterfront experience on the Potomac River. The Capital Wheel observation ride delivers sweeping views across three states, and the boardwalk promenade connects a dense lineup of dining and entertainment options. It is an easy half-day excursion that feels distinctly Maryland in character while offering the visual drama of the river at its most accessible.
Plan Your Exploration from College Park
The Hotel at the University of Maryland positions guests within striking distance of an extraordinary range of Maryland attractions, from the colonial grandeur of Annapolis to the quiet trails of Patuxent River Park. Every destination on this list sits within an hour’s drive, and most are reachable by rideshare in under 30 minutes.
Book your stay, pack comfortable walking shoes, and let The Hotel at the University of Maryland in College Park be your base camp for your Maryland adventure.
