College Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the Maryland region of the United States, College Park is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its close proximity to Washington, D.C., College Park attracts visitors from all over the world who are looking to explore the capital city while enjoying a more relaxed and suburban atmosphere.

One of the main attractions in College Park is the University of Maryland, a prestigious institution that boasts beautiful architecture and a lively campus. Visitors can take a stroll through the campus, admiring the stunning buildings and enjoying the vibrant student life. The university is also home to the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, which hosts a variety of concerts, theater performances, and art exhibits throughout the year.

For nature enthusiasts, College Park offers several parks and green spaces where one can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The Patuxent Research Refuge, one of the largest wildlife refuges in the United States, is located just a short drive away. Here, visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, observe a wide variety of bird species, and learn about the local flora and fauna.

History buffs will appreciate the many historical sites and museums in and around College Park. The nearby College Park Aviation Museum is a must-visit, as it showcases the rich aviation history of the region, including the first successful flight of a powered airplane by the Wright brothers. The National Archives at College Park is another notable attraction, housing valuable documents and records that provide fascinating insights into American history.

Food lovers will find plenty of dining options in College Park, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. The city has a diverse culinary scene, offering cuisines from around the world. Visitors can indulge in anything from traditional American dishes to international delicacies, satisfying their taste buds with a wide array of flavors.

Alternative names: Founded: 1856 (168 years ago)Population: 32.3 thous.Area: 5.67 mi²Elevation: 69 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°59'16"N, 76°56'13"W

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MarylandUnited States

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College Park Top Attractions

College Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

College Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Xfinity Center, McKeldin Mall, Memorial Chapel, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Sport venue • Arenas and stadiums • Sport
Xfinity Center
Xfinity Center is the indoor arena and student activities center that serves as the home of the University of Maryland Terrapins men's and women's basketball teams.
Park
McKeldin Mall
McKeldin Mall is a nine-acre quad in the heart of the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. Named after Theodore McKeldin, the former Governor of Maryland, McKeldin Mall is the largest academic mall in the United States.
Memorial
Memorial Chapel
Memorial Chapel is a non-denominational building on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park, constructed to honor those associated with the university who had lost their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Music and shows • Theater • Nightlife
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center is a performing arts complex on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. The 318,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2001, houses six performance venues; the UM School of Music; and the UMD School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Nature • Park • Lake
Lake Artemesia
Lake Artemesia is a man-made lake in Prince George's County, Maryland, located within the Lake Artemesia Natural Area in College Park and Berwyn Heights.
Museum • Modern art museum • Art museum
The Art Gallery
The University of Maryland Art Gallery is the flagship art museum on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. The Gallery is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, and the National Art Education Association.
Park
Greenbelt Park
Greenbelt Park is a park in Greenbelt, Maryland, that is managed by the National Park Service. The forested park lies approximately 10 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. and is situated just within the Capital Beltway.
Specialty museum • Museum
National Museum of Language
The National Museum of Language, located in College Park, Maryland, is a cultural institution established in 1997 to "examine the history, impact, and art of language," and remains one of only a handful of institutions designed for this purpose.
Theater • Cinema • Universities and schools
Adele H. Stamp Student Union
The Adele H. Stamp Student Union, commonly referred to as "Stamp", is the student activity center on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. First constructed in 1954, the building was renamed in 1983 for Adele Hagner Stamp, who served as the university's dean of women from 1920 to 1960.
38°59'7"N • 76°56'16"W
The Rossborough Inn
The Rossborough Inn is a historic building facing Baltimore Avenue/United States Route 1 on the eastern edge of the campus of the University of Maryland at College Park.
Park • Old Town
University of Maryland Arboretum & Botanical Garden
The University of Maryland Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the grounds of the University of Maryland - College Park. The Arboretum and Botanical Garden is free to visit and is used as an outdoor classroom for a variety of courses at the University.
Library
United States National Agricultural Library
The United States National Agricultural Library is one of the world's largest agricultural research libraries, and serves as a national library of the United States and as the library of the United States Department of Agriculture. Located in Beltsville, Maryland, it is one of five national libraries of the United States.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Tawes Theatre
The Tawes Fine Arts Building, also known as Tawes Theatre and Tawes Hall, is the home of the University of Maryland's Department of English and is the former home of the Department of Theatre and the School of Music.
38°58'50"N • 76°55'49"W
Cory House
The Cory House, constructed circa 1891, is one of the oldest private residences in College Park, Maryland. The house is an example of Queen Anne style architecture. The house is a registered Prince George's County Historic Site.
38°59'6"N • 76°56'37"W
University of Maryland College of Arts and Humanities
The College of Arts and Humanities is one of the 13 schools and colleges at the University of Maryland, College Park. It is a liberal arts program that studies human experience, thought, expression, and creativity. It was one of the seven schools established in 1917 by Albert F. Woods.
Library
Broadcasting Archives at the University of Maryland
The Broadcasting Archives at the University of Maryland is home to several collections – the National Public Broadcasting Archives and the Library of American Broadcasting among them – housed together on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park.
Universities and schools
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland, College Park is a public land-grant research university in College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, UMD is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland.
38°59'15"N • 76°56'24"W
"M" Circle
"M" Circle is a commemorative traffic circle on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. Created in 1976 to celebrate the American Bicentennial, the circle is noted for the large floral "M" that sits in its center. The flowers that make up the “M” are replaced twice annually.
Universities and schools
University of Maryland College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
The University of Maryland College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is one of the 13 schools and colleges at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Things to See and Do in College Park by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in College Park.

Culture

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park
Music and showsTheaterNightlife
Adele H. Stamp Student Union
College Park
TheaterCinemaUniversities and schools
Tawes Theatre
College Park
Concerts and showsTheater

Active

Xfinity Center
College Park
Sport venueArenas and stadiumsSport
Maryland Stadium
College Park
Sport venueFootballSport
Ritchie Coliseum
College Park
Sport venueSportOld Town
Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium
College Park
Sport venueBaseballSport
Robert E. Taylor Stadium
College Park
Sport venueSport

Other categories

Park Universities and schools

Day trips

College Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of College Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: White House (Washington D.C.), National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.), Washington Monument (Washington D.C.).

8.2 miSW
Iconic home of America's president
White House, Washington D.C.
The White House, the iconic residence and workplace of the President of the United States, is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington D.C. Not only does it serve as the official seat of presidential power, but it also stands as a living museum of American...
8 miSW
American and European art in 2 buildings
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
The National Gallery of Art, a monumental presence in the heart of Washington D.C., stands as a testament to the importance of art in national culture. This prestigious institution, nestled on the National Mall, is a beacon for art enthusiasts and historians alike.
8.6 miSW
Towering tribute to George Washington
Washington Monument, Washington D.C.
Rising to an impressive 554 feet and 7 11/32 inches, the Washington Monument is an iconic obelisk that dominates the skyline of Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. This towering memorial was built to honor George Washington, the nation's first President...
8.2 miSW
Exhibit-filled trip across the universe
National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.
The National Air and Space Museum, an iconic institution in Washington D.C., United States, serves as a testament to the human quest for flight and the exploration of the cosmos. As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum houses the world's largest collection...
8.8 miSW
Memorial
National World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.
The National World War II Memorial is a solemn tribute to the American soldiers who served in the Second World War, as well as the millions who supported the war effort from home. Situated in the heart of Washington D.C., between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington...