So you’re heading to College Park, home of the University of Maryland Terrapins! Whether you’re a new student, a visiting parent, a prospective student, or just in the area for a bit, you're probably wondering what there is to do around here. Let me tell you, there’s a TON. I've spent a good amount of time exploring the area, & I'm here to give you the inside scoop on all the best spots. From historic sites to beautiful parks to great food, there's something for everyone.

Honestly, it's a pretty cool area with a lot more to offer than just the university. You've got easy access to Washington D.C., but you don't even have to leave College Park to find some real gems. So, let's dive into all the things you can do to make your time here memorable.

If you're a fan of a good museum or a historic site, you're in for a treat. College Park & the surrounding area are steeped in history.

First up, you absolutely HAVE to check out the College Park Aviation Museum. It's located on the grounds of the world's oldest continuously operating airport, which is pretty amazing in itself. The airport was founded back in 1909 by none other than Wilbur Wright, who was there to teach the first military aviators how to fly. The museum is a state-of-the-art, 27,000-square-foot facility with a bunch of historic & reproduction aircraft. They have hands-on exhibits that are great for all ages, so it's a fun place to take the family. It's a really cool spot to learn about the history of aviation & see some incredible planes up close.

Another must-see is the Riversdale House Museum. This place is a National Historic Landmark & has over 200 years of stories to tell. It’s an architectural gem, & the main source of interpretation comes from the letters of Rosalie Stier Calvert, who was the mistress of the house. Walking through the house feels like stepping back in time, & it gives you a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there.

If you're into history, there are a bunch of other places to explore. The Greenbelt Museum is another cool spot. It's in a nearby experimental cooperative community that was created during the New Deal by Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. You can tour an original historic home & learn all about this unique piece of American history.

And since you're so close to Washington D.C., you have easy access to all the Smithsonian museums, which are mostly free! You can spend days exploring the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air & Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, & so many more. A personal favorite that's a bit more unique is the International Spy Museum. It's not a Smithsonian, so there's an admission fee, but it's SO worth it. You can even get a little taste of the spy life with their interactive exhibits.

When you need a break from the hustle & bustle of campus life or just want to enjoy some fresh air, there are plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces to explore.

My absolute favorite is Lake Artemesia. It's a 38-acre lake with a handicapped-accessible fishing pier & aquatic gardens. There are over two miles of hiker-biker trails that go around the lake & connect to other parks, so it's a great place for a walk, run, or bike ride. The lake was developed during the construction of the nearby Metro line & is named after a local resident who donated the land. It's a really peaceful spot & a great place for bird watching or fishing.

Another fantastic option is Greenbelt Park. This park has a 174-site campground that's open all year round, so if you're into camping, this is your spot. It also has some nice trails for hiking & just enjoying nature.

For a smaller, more local park, there's Buddy Attick Lake Park. It's a 23-acre lake with a 1.25-mile path around it that's perfect for a leisurely stroll. They also have picnic pavilions with grills, a playground, & a tot lot, making it a great place for a family outing.

If you're into biking, you should definitely check out the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail. It's a great way to explore the area & get some exercise. And for the disc golf enthusiasts, there's a course at the Paint Branch Community Park.

And if you're looking for some water fun in the summer, the Ellen Linson Splash Park has slides, diving boards, & a tot pool. In the same facility, you'll find the Herbert Wells Ice Rink, which is open from October to April & has an NHL-sized rink.

For those who appreciate the arts, there's a vibrant scene in & around College Park. The crown jewel is The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the UMD campus. This place is HUGE & hosts a wide variety of performances, including world-class theater, orchestra, opera, musical theater, dance, & choir performances. They also have events for kids, so it's a great place for all ages. Be sure to check their calendar to see what's on while you're in town.

The university also has several art galleries that are worth a visit. The Driskell Center for the Study of Visual Arts & Culture of African Americans & the African Diaspora has some incredible exhibitions. There are also the Kibel & Linear galleries for the School of Architecture, Planning, & Preservation, the Herman Maril Gallery for the Department of Art, & the Stamp Gallery for student exhibitions.

And if you're looking for live music, you can often find performances at The Clarice or at some of the local bars & restaurants.

This is Terrapin territory, so if you're a sports fan, you're in the right place. The University of Maryland has a ton of athletic events throughout the year. You can catch a football game at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium or a basketball game at the Xfinity Center. The atmosphere at the games is electric, & it's a great way to experience the school spirit.

If you're more of a doer than a watcher, there are plenty of options for you too. The University of Maryland Golf Course is a great place to hit the links. And as I mentioned earlier, there's the College Park Tennis Center, which offers classes for all ages & hosts seasonal festivals. You can also go ice skating at the Herbert Wells Ice Rink or play disc golf at Paint Branch Community Park.

If you're in the mood to do some shopping, there are a few good options in the area. For some great deals, check out Uptown Cheapskate in College Park. For a more traditional mall experience, The Mall at Prince George's is nearby & has stores like H&M, Express Outlet, Old Navy, & Target.

If you're willing to venture a little further, Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda is a personal favorite, & Pike & Rose in North Bethesda has a great mix of shops & restaurants.

For more unique, local shops, you can head to Hyattsville. There you'll find places like Tanglewood Works, My Dead Aunt's Books, Arrow Bicycles, & Green Owl Design. It's a great area to find some one-of-a-kind treasures.

You're not going to go hungry in College Park, that's for sure. There's a great mix of restaurants to suit every taste & budget. For a classic College Park experience, you have to go to The Original Ledo Restaurant. It's a local institution & their pizza is a must-try. Another popular spot is the Cornerstone Grill & Loft.

If you're looking for something a little more upscale, you can try Founding Farmers or True Food Kitchen. And for a great cup of coffee, Vigilante Coffee is the place to go.

If you're willing to explore a bit, the surrounding area has even more to offer. The District Wharf in D.C. has a fantastic selection of restaurants with waterfront views. And the Georgetown Waterfront Park is another great spot to grab a bite to eat with a view.

One of the best things about College Park is its location. You're just a short Metro ride away from all that Washington D.C. has to offer. You can spend a day exploring the monuments on the National Mall, visiting the world-class museums, or just wandering through the different neighborhoods.

Hyattsville, which is right next to College Park, is another great area to explore. It has a charming downtown area with a bunch of unique shops & restaurants.

And if you want to get out on the water, you can head to the District Wharf, the Georgetown Waterfront Park, or the Capitol Riverfront near the Navy Yard. There are plenty of options for boat tours, kayaking, or just enjoying the waterfront views.

Getting around College Park & the surrounding area is relatively easy, but parking can be a bit of a challenge, especially on & around campus. The university has a number of parking garages & lots, but they can fill up quickly, especially on game days.

Here's a little insider tip for you: if you're looking for a convenient & affordable parking solution, you should check out Prked. It's a pretty cool service that connects people who need parking with homeowners who are renting out their driveways & garages. It's a great way to find a guaranteed parking spot without the stress of circling around looking for one. It's especially handy on those busy game days or when you're trying to find a spot near a popular restaurant or attraction.

So there you have it, a rundown of some of the best things to do near the University of Maryland, College Park. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, a sports fanatic, a foodie, or a shopaholic, there's something here for you. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in the area. Let me know what you think, & if you discover any other hidden gems, be sure to share them!