The University of Maryland and the city of College Park offer an assortment of opportunities for students to take advantage of on the weekends, from the bars on Route 1, to performances at CSPAC, to events at Stamp, and much more! However, sometimes, we all need a change of pace and a weekend away from life at college. Here are some fun destinations close to the University of Maryland, College Park campus that could make for an awesome alternative weekend trip!
1. Washington, DC
Just hop on a Metro bus at Regent's and then catch the Metro to our Nation's Capital, the perfect place to spend any weekend! Whether it's visiting the museums and art galleries, taking Insta-worthy pics in front of all the monuments, attending a National Symphony Orchestra concert or a touring Broadway show at the Kennedy Center, seeing the cherry blossoms in the spring, or simply enjoying a fabulous meal at one of the city's unique and delicious restaurants, like Buredo, the sushi burrito place, there's always something fun to do in Washington, DC!
2. Baltimore
While Baltimore is a little further away from campus, a friend with a car or an Uber can get you there pretty quickly and inexpensively. The city of Baltimore offers a plethora of exciting opportunities! Visitors could spend a day at the aquarium or a night exploring the beautiful inner harbor. If you're into the arts, spend an evening at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall seeing the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, or if you'd rather catch a game, head to Camden Yards to see the Orioles play or M&T Bank Stadium to cheer on the Ravens!
3. Annapolis
One of the most unique and exciting day trips a UMD student could take is to the state capital, Annapolis! With a beautiful downtown area featuring colonial architecture and brick streets, Annapolis is the perfect place to capture your next Facebook profile pic. This city also offers a variety of performances by groups like the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (as well as tons of street musicians). It's even been rumored that Taylor Swift is considering a property in Annapolis, so you might even get the chance to hear her. So grab an ice cream cone and head to Ego Alley in City Dock, a beautiful harbor filled with boats and crawling with cute midshipmen from the Naval Academy...who doesn't love a man in uniform?
4. Patapsco Valley State Park
Just over a half an hour away from campus is the incredible Patapsco Valley State Park! This is the perfect place to spend a weekend in a tent, enjoying the magnificent waterfalls of the Patapsco River. This site also offers guests the freedom to fish, swim, canoe, bike, and ride horses throughout the park. So take a weekend away from civilization and enjoy nature at this awesome destination!
5. Ocean City, MD
While Ocean City, Maryland (not to be confused with Ocean City, New Jersey) is several hours away from campus, it is DEFINITELY worth the drive! Enjoy the 10 miles of FREE sandy beach...trust me, the waves are great! More importantly, though? Make sure to check out the three miles of boardwalk, featuring tons of games, shops, performers, and restaurants, and ending with a pier full of rides! Oh, and don't forget to try some vinegar-soaked, Old Bay covered, Thrashers fries.
6. Ski Resorts
The University of Maryland is just a short drive from several ski resorts in the area, including Liberty, Whitetail, Wisp, and more! Pile into a van with a group of friends, grab some travel mugs of hot cocoa, and spend a day on the slopes this winter!
7. Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park is the perfect place to experience one of the state's greatest treasures, the Chesapeake Bay. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day experiencing the breathtaking scenic water views from the beach or rent a boat and spend the day on the water!
8. Deep Creek Lake
Although this trip is another long drive, it is absolutely worth it. From mellow activities, like hiking through state parks, to the far more extreme, like jet skiing, river rafting and tubing, and kayaking or canoeing, Deep Creek offers something for everyone!
9. Other Schools
Have a friend at another University? Schools like Catholic University, John's Hopkins University, American University, Stevenson, and many others, in addition to those pictured above, are just a short drive from our campus! Spending a weekend on another campus is an awesome way to see how different it is for your friends living at other schools...and to remind yourself of how superior the University of Maryland is to all other colleges.
Students at the University of Maryland know how great it is to be Terps, and we wouldn't trade that for the world, but sometimes, a weekend away from college life is much-needed. So, this weekend, put those textbooks away, grab some friends, and take advantage of how close College Park is to so many awesome destinations!
