Visit University of Maryland: A Summer Guide for First Timers
Summer is peak season for college tours at the University of Maryland, and many families follow the familiar routine of an information session, guided walk, and quick lunch before hitting the road again.
But there’s more to discover beyond the official tour. Staying at The Hotel at the University of Maryland, directly across from campus, lets you slow down, explore College Park like a local, and experience everything the university and surrounding area have to offer.
Beyond the Admissions Loop
Start at McKeldin Library, the heart of campus, where quiet reading rooms offer a glimpse into everyday student life.
From there, stroll to SECU Stadium and the nearby Stamp Student Union, the social hub of campus, filled with dining, student art, and plenty of activity. For a quieter stop, visit the Art Gallery in the Parren J. Mitchell Art-Sociology Building, which features rotating student and faculty exhibitions throughout the summer.
Finally, take time to explore the campus itself. Spanning 1,250 acres and recognized as a certified arboretum, its tree-lined paths, open lawns, and scenic trails provide a peaceful side of the University of Maryland that most campus tours don’t have time to showcase.
What Surrounds Campus Matters Too
A trip built around visiting University of Maryland doesn’t have to end at the campus gates. College Park’s Discovery District has grown into a legitimate food and retail scene, with casual eateries and coffee shops within easy walking distance of the main entrance.
History buffs should carve out time for the College Park Aviation Museum, which is running programming throughout 2026 tied to America’s 250th anniversary commemorations, a fitting stop for anyone interested in the area’s deep ties to early aviation history.
Families extending the trip toward the D.C. waterfront have plenty to work with this summer. National Harbor’s Salute the Sunset Concert Series runs weekly from May through September, and Movies on the Potomac brings outdoor screenings to the same waterfront through July and August.
Families traveling with kids should note National Harbor’s Kids Day, held every Tuesday morning from June through August, with activities built for younger children.
Back on campus, music lovers can catch the University of Maryland Summer Chorus perform at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, a rare chance to experience the university’s arts program in action rather than just hear about it on a brochure.
For a bigger-scale outing, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix touches down on the National Mall in D.C. on August 22 and 23, giving visiting families a high-energy day trip option before heading back to campus.
Why The Hotel at The University of Maryland Changes the Visit
Most visitors staying near campus end up in a hotel a highway exit away, adding a drive to every part of the day. As a University of Maryland hotel near D.C., The Hotel at the University of Maryland sits directly across from the university’s main entrance, allowing guests to walk to campus instead of planning around parking and traffic.
That proximity is especially valuable for families touring multiple East Coast campuses, keeping College Park, downtown D.C., and Annapolis all within easy reach without sacrificing a comfortable, full-service place to stay. With an indoor pool, on-site spa, and multiple dining options, the hotel also makes it easy to relax after a full day of exploring.
Book your stay at The Hotel at The University of Maryland and turn your summer campus visit into something worth remembering. If you’re planning to attend America’s 250th Anniversary events or explore nearby Washington, D.C. attractions, enhance your getaway with our exclusive America 250 Package for an even more memorable stay.
