Living in College Park puts you in a strong spot for weekend travel. You are close to major cities, historic towns and outdoor destinations that are all easy to reach without booking flights or planning complicated itineraries. Whether you want a quick reset from campus or a full weekend change of scenery, there are plenty of options within a two-hour drive.
From coastal escapes to city day trips, here are some of the best weekend trips near the University of Maryland.
Before You Go: Why These Trips Work for UMD Students
Most students at the University of Maryland are balancing busy class schedules, so weekend trips need to be realistic. Every destination below is:
- Within 2 hours of College Park
- Easy to do as a day trip or overnight stay
- Accessible by car or rideshare
- Popular for student budgets and group trips
Read Next: 9 Best Things to Do Near UMD
1. Washington DC (National Mall and Georgetown)
Distance from campus: 15–30-minute car ride
You do not have to go far for a full weekend experience. Washington DC offers museums, nightlife, food and outdoor spaces that feel like a true getaway while staying close to campus.
Spend your day walking the national mall, visiting museums or grabbing food in Georgetown. At night, head to rooftop bars or waterfront areas for a more relaxed vibe.
2. Annapolis, MD
Distance from campus: 40-minute drive
Annapolis is perfect when you want a slower weekend. The downtown area is full of cobblestone streets, waterfront views and small restaurants that feel very different from College Park.
You can walk along the harbor, grab seafood or take a short boat tour if the weather is nice. It is also a great spot for group brunch trips.
3. Baltimore, MD
Distance from campus: 40-minute drive
Baltimore is one of the most popular weekend trips for UMD students because it is close, affordable and full of things to do.
The Inner Harbor area is the main attraction, but neighborhoods like Federal Hill offer restaurants, nightlife and walkable streets. It’s a solid option for both day trips and nights out.
4. Alexandria, VA
Distance from campus: 45-60-minute drive
Old Town Alexandria offers a quieter weekend compared to DC or Baltimore. The waterfront is walkable and lined with restaurants, coffee shops and boutique stores.
This is a good trip if you want something low stress but still interesting. It also works well for brunch or sunset walks.
5. Great Falls Park, VA
Distance from campus: 40-minute drive
If you need a break from city life, Great Falls Park is one of the best outdoor destinations near College Park. The park features hiking trails, river overlooks and waterfall views that feel far from campus.
It is especially popular during fall when the weather cools down and the foliage changes.
6. Shenandoah National Park, VA
Distance from campus: About 2 hours
Shenandoah is at the edge of the two-hour mark, but it’s worth the drive if you want a full reset weekend. Skyline Drive offers mountain views, hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Many students go for overnight camping trips or AirBnB stays nearby.
7. National Harbor, MD
Distance from campus: 30–40-minute drive
National Harbor is a convenient trip for shopping, food and waterfront walking paths. The area has restaurants, outlet shopping and seasonal events that make it popular for group outings.
It is also a common spot for quick evening trips when you do not want a full day commitment.
Quick Weekend Trip Planning Tips for UMD Students
Weekend travel from College Park works best when you:
- Leave early Saturday morning to avoid traffic
- Split gas or rideshare costs with friends
- Check event schedules in DC and Baltimore
- Plan at least one food stop in advance
Living near the DC metro area makes spontaneous trips much easier compared to many other college towns.
One of the biggest advantages of being a student at the University of Maryland is access. Within two hours, you can go from campus to beaches, cities, hiking trails and waterfront towns without planning.
Whether you want a relaxing reset or a full weekend itinerary, there are plenty of options that fit into student life without breaking your schedule. If you have further questions about life at the University of Maryland, feel free to reach out to our leasing team. We would be happy to help!
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: June 17, 2026
Last Updated On: June 9, 2026