Fun weekend trips
By Fiona Flowers
April 27, 2024
Image Credit: Photo by Unsplash
With warm weather finally upon us and summer quickly approaching, University of Maryland students may be eager to escape campus before finals season ramps up. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, here are some enticing spots to visit over the next few weekends.
Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital is arguably the most popular spot for weekend visits among students. It offers limitless opportunities for shopping, museum trips and brunch reservations, as well as tours of government buildings and lounging on the National Mall. Only a 30-minute commute on public transportation (check out the Metro timetable here), D.C. offers both daytime activities and a lively nightlife scene. For cafes, check out brunch spots like Founding Farmers DC, Firefly or Ambar Capitol Hill. Dinner can be scheduled at the Le Diplomate for authentic French cuisine or classic American menu at Rooster & Owl. A fun night out will be ensured at DC9 Nightclub, Soundcheck, or Ultrabar.
Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital is arguably the most popular spot for weekend visits among students. It offers limitless opportunities for shopping, museum trips and brunch reservations, as well as tours of government buildings and lounging on the National Mall. Only a 30-minute commute on public transportation (check out the Metro timetable here), D.C. offers both daytime activities and a lively nightlife scene. For cafes, check out brunch spots like Founding Farmers DC, Firefly or Ambar Capitol Hill. Dinner can be scheduled at the Le Diplomate for authentic French cuisine or classic American menu at Rooster & Owl. A fun night out will be ensured at DC9 Nightclub, Soundcheck, or Ultrabar.
Image Credit: Photo by Unsplash
Annapolis, MD
Meander over to Maryland’s capital city for nautical attractions to rejuvenate you from College Park living. Paddle-boarding and kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay are popular options. The city is deemed “America’s Sailing Capital” for a reason, with electric boat rentals and water taxis as popular commodities. Annapolis will greet you with scenic harbor views, seafood restaurants and quaint small-town charm. Stop by the information booth at City Dock for an in-depth itinerary on how to best spend your visit.
Meander over to Maryland’s capital city for nautical attractions to rejuvenate you from College Park living. Paddle-boarding and kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay are popular options. The city is deemed “America’s Sailing Capital” for a reason, with electric boat rentals and water taxis as popular commodities. Annapolis will greet you with scenic harbor views, seafood restaurants and quaint small-town charm. Stop by the information booth at City Dock for an in-depth itinerary on how to best spend your visit.
Image Credit: Photo by Unsplash
Frederick, MD
For those looking for a more laid-back endeavor, Frederick offers quaint shopping and restaurant destinations only about an hour away from campus. Sugarloaf Mountain will provide you with a free hiking spot accessible off the Appalachian Trail, with five scenic routes giving views of Frederick and Montgomery counties. Independent stores and restaurants line quaint streets, and provide the perfect opportunity for antique shopping. Grab lunch at Cafe Nola before cruising the over 200 vendors that call Downtown Frederick home. For those looking for more arts and culture oriented activities, check out the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Weinberg Center for the Arts or Gaslight Gallery.
For those looking for a more laid-back endeavor, Frederick offers quaint shopping and restaurant destinations only about an hour away from campus. Sugarloaf Mountain will provide you with a free hiking spot accessible off the Appalachian Trail, with five scenic routes giving views of Frederick and Montgomery counties. Independent stores and restaurants line quaint streets, and provide the perfect opportunity for antique shopping. Grab lunch at Cafe Nola before cruising the over 200 vendors that call Downtown Frederick home. For those looking for more arts and culture oriented activities, check out the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Weinberg Center for the Arts or Gaslight Gallery.
Image Credit: Photo by Unsplash
Baltimore, MD
With the 2024 MLB season ramping up, venture down to Baltimore to catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards or simply enjoy the experience offered by the largest city in Maryland. Find yourself walking along the waterfront at the Inner Harbor, checking out the Visionary Arts Museum or National Aquarium, chartering a water taxi in Harbor East, or exploring the quirky shops along the Hampden strip. Baltimore offers an experience unlike that of any other major American city.
With the 2024 MLB season ramping up, venture down to Baltimore to catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards or simply enjoy the experience offered by the largest city in Maryland. Find yourself walking along the waterfront at the Inner Harbor, checking out the Visionary Arts Museum or National Aquarium, chartering a water taxi in Harbor East, or exploring the quirky shops along the Hampden strip. Baltimore offers an experience unlike that of any other major American city.
Image Credit: Photo by Unsplash
Ocean City, MD
For the beach-lovers looking to get a head start on their tan, Ocean City will provide you a fun-filled beach town experience. From lounging in the sun and swimming in the ocean to amusement parks and dinners overlooking the bay, a weekend trip to Ocean City is the perfect way to kickstart the summer. Grab a bite at Sunset Grille or The Shark on the Harbor, take a surf lesson or rent a board at K-Coast Surf Shop, stroll the classic boardwalk or just soak up the sunshine; Ocean City has it all.
For the beach-lovers looking to get a head start on their tan, Ocean City will provide you a fun-filled beach town experience. From lounging in the sun and swimming in the ocean to amusement parks and dinners overlooking the bay, a weekend trip to Ocean City is the perfect way to kickstart the summer. Grab a bite at Sunset Grille or The Shark on the Harbor, take a surf lesson or rent a board at K-Coast Surf Shop, stroll the classic boardwalk or just soak up the sunshine; Ocean City has it all.