Upper Marlboro MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
1. Watkins Regional Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Watkins Regional Park is a top-rated attraction in Upper Marlboro featuring extensive recreational facilities and natural areas for families to enjoy. Visitors can explore nature trails, playgrounds, a miniature train, carousel, and the popular Old Maryland Farm petting zoo within the park grounds. The park hosts special seasonal events throughout the year, including a spectacular winter holiday light display that attracts visitors from across the region.
2. Old Maryland Farm
EDUCATIONAL PETTING ZOO
Old Maryland Farm is a highly-rated educational farm experience located within Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro. Visitors can interact with farm animals including goats, sheep, chickens, and horses while learning about sustainable agriculture and animal care. The farm offers guided tours, demonstrations, and special programs designed to teach children about farming traditions and rural life.
3. Dutch Village Farmers Market
AUTHENTIC AMISH MARKETPLACE
Dutch Village Farmers Market brings authentic Amish and Mennonite goods to Upper Marlboro in a vibrant indoor market setting. Visitors can browse stalls offering fresh produce, handcrafted furniture, baked goods, specialty meats, cheeses, and unique handmade crafts. The market is known for its friendly atmosphere and provides a genuine taste of Amish country cooking and culture.
4. Show Place Arena
PREMIER EVENT VENUE
Show Place Arena is Upper Marlboro's premier event venue hosting a diverse range of entertainment and sporting events throughout the year. The multi-purpose facility features a 5,200-seat indoor arena that accommodates everything from equestrian competitions and rodeos to concerts and trade shows. Located within the Equestrian Center complex, the venue is a cornerstone of Prince George's County's entertainment offerings.
5. Lake Presidential Golf Club
SCENIC CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF
Lake Presidential Golf Club offers an upscale golfing experience on a championship 18-hole course surrounded by natural beauty in Upper Marlboro. The meticulously maintained course features challenging layouts, dramatic elevation changes, and scenic water features that appeal to golfers of all skill levels. Beyond golf, the club provides first-class amenities including a clubhouse with dining options and event spaces for special occasions.
6. Rosaryville State Park
HISTORIC WOODLAND RETREAT
Rosaryville State Park encompasses over 982 acres of protected woodland and historic grounds in Upper Marlboro, offering extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore miles of multi-use trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through diverse natural landscapes. The park's centerpiece is the historic Mount Airy Mansion, a restored 18th-century plantation house available for tours and special events.
7. Marlborough Village Center
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Marlborough Village Center serves as the charming historic core of Upper Marlboro with buildings dating back to the town's founding in the 18th century. The quaint district features locally-owned shops, restaurants, and businesses housed in restored historic structures. Visitors can experience the area's rich history while enjoying modern amenities in this walkable village center.
8. Billingsly House
COLONIAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
Billingsly House stands as one of Upper Marlboro's most significant historic landmarks, dating back to the early 18th century. This beautifully preserved colonial-era home showcases authentic architecture and period furnishings that transport visitors back to Maryland's colonial past. The property offers guided tours that highlight the region's rich history and the home's importance in the development of Prince George's County.
9. Birthplace of John Carroll
HISTORIC AMERICAN SITE
The Birthplace of John Carroll marks the location where America's first Catholic archbishop and founder of Georgetown University was born in 1735 near Upper Marlboro. This historic site commemorates Carroll's significant contributions to religious freedom and education in early America. Visitors can learn about Carroll's influential role in the formation of the Catholic Church in the United States and his relationship with the founding fathers.
10. Prince George's Community College
EDUCATIONAL CULTURAL HUB
Prince George's Community College serves as an educational and cultural center near Upper Marlboro, offering academic programs and community events. The campus features the Center for Performing Arts, which hosts theatrical productions, concerts, and cultural exhibitions open to the public. Visitors can enjoy the college's beautiful grounds, art galleries, and attend various educational lectures and workshops throughout the year.
11. Olde Towne Inn
HISTORIC LOCAL DINING
Olde Towne Inn represents one of Upper Marlboro's most cherished dining establishments, housed in a historic building in the heart of town. The restaurant specializes in classic American cuisine with a Southern influence, serving comfort food favorites in a charming, historic atmosphere. Patrons appreciate the restaurant's warm hospitality, local history displayed throughout the dining areas, and its reputation as a gathering place for both locals and visitors.
12. Jug Bay Natural Area
PRISTINE WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
Jug Bay Natural Area preserves a pristine wetland ecosystem along the Patuxent River near Upper Marlboro, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can explore boardwalks and trails that wind through diverse habitats including freshwater marshes, forests, and meadows teeming with native plants and animals. The area is renowned for its birdwatching, with over 300 species recorded, and features a nature center with educational exhibits and programs.
13. Montpelier Mansion
GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Montpelier Mansion is a stunning Georgian mansion built in the 1780s and located a short drive from Upper Marlboro. This National Historic Landmark features exquisite period furnishings, formal gardens, and exhibits that tell the story of life in 18th-century Maryland. The mansion hosts special events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, craft demonstrations, and seasonal celebrations that bring history to life.
14. Six Flags America
THRILLING THEME PARK
Six Flags America provides thrilling entertainment just a short drive from Upper Marlboro, featuring dozens of exciting rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. The park combines heart-pounding roller coasters with Hurricane Harbor water park, offering a complete entertainment experience from spring through fall. Special events throughout the season include concerts, Halloween festivities, and holiday celebrations that transform the park for unique seasonal experiences.
15. National Harbor
WATERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
National Harbor is a vibrant waterfront destination located along the Potomac River, just a short drive from Upper Marlboro. The 350-acre mixed-use development features premium shopping, diverse dining options, entertainment venues, and iconic attractions like the Capital Wheel observation wheel. Visitors can enjoy waterfront activities, art installations, seasonal festivals, and easy access to Washington DC via water taxi or nearby highways.