Prince George’s is a place of multitudes. It offers a variety of fantastic, fun activities for visitors, and because there are so many closely connected communities, you can combine these experiences for an extra-delightful day. In this itinerary, we’ve brought together biking, basketball, and birding — all things that are uniquely attached to Prince George’s.
Through the day, you’ll follow a shady bike route, grab a few snacks and treats, see local birds, and play a bit of basketball. Still, if you aren’t a fan of all three of these activities, you can pick out the pieces of this loop that you’d most enjoy.
Follow this curated loop to experience biking, basketball, and birding in Prince George’s:
Drink: You’re going to need your energy to complete this bike, basketball, and birding loop, so it’s a good idea to start your day at Vigilante Coffee in Hyattsville. You can go basic with a single-origin house drip, a quick espresso, or a classic cold brew. If you’d prefer a tea, try the London fog, caffeine-free currant and hibiscus tea, or matcha latte.
Bike: The Rhode Island Trolley Trail runs for nearly seven miles along the old streetcar 82 route. It travels from Hyattsville to Riverdale Park to College Park, and it's the first bike trail you’ll take on this loop. The trail is paved, mostly flat, and weaves through the neighborhoods, along the water, and under shady tree canopies.
Fuel: Grab your next meal of the day from Call Your Mother Lil’Deli in Riverdale Park — but take it to go. The shop is just off the trail and serves well-crafted bagel sandwiches that will satisfy even the most discerning of eaters. Choose a breakfast combo, like the Bacon Sun City, or the pastrami-packed, cheesy Jetski. For a sweeter dish, try the chocolate babka muffin or the classic PB&J bagel.
Play: If you’ve packed your basketball for the day, now’s the time to pop over to Calvert Park in College Park. The park is a beautiful, tree-covered space with a playground, bathrooms, and a pavilion with picnic tables, where you can enjoy the food you grabbed from Call Your Mother Lil’Deli. Of course, the park also has well-equipped basketball courts. Practice your shots or play a round with some friends after you enjoy your meal.
Bike: Once you’re full and happy with your basketball session, hop back on the Rhode Island Trolley Trail and take it farther north. Eventually, you’ll cross the Paint Branch stream and get to Paint Branch Trail. Take that over the Lake Artemesia Park and then hop on the loop that circles the lake. It’s a short, easy cycle, and you’ll get lovely views as you go.
Birdwatch: Most importantly, Lake Artemesia is your birdwatching destination on this trip. There are a few particularly excellent viewing points along the loop, including some extensions on the Lake Artemesia Trail into the lake itself. The region is a great place to look for waterfowl, and many birders consider it to be “one of the best inland aquatic habitats in the DC suburban area.” You’ll likely spot a variety of ducks, including Long-tailed, Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, and Redhead. Outside the water, you might see Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, and Willow Flycatcher. Whatever you do, don’t forget your binoculars.
Bike: Once you’ve made it to the other side of the lake, you’ll bike onto the Northeast Branch Trail. You’ll travel most of the 3.5-mile trail — but not all of it — as you make your way back to Hyattsville. The route follows the levee along the Northeast Branch of the Anacostia River, passing green lawns, quiet neighborhoods, and smooth waterways.
Indulge: Take a quick detour off the trail to stop at La Flor de Puebla Bakery in Riverdale Park. Choose from a variety of fresh pastries, including cakes, doughnuts, and churros — and add a cup of coffee if you need an extra boost to keep you going.
Play: Hop back on the trail and head over to Riverdale Park to get your last basketball session of the day. This riverside park is well-appointed, with a playground, picnic tables, bathrooms, water fountains, and, of course, basketball courts. Have some fun shooting hoops and take a break in this green space.
Bike: Once you’ve got your fill of the basketball court, get back to the Northeast Branch Trail and ride it until Decatur Street. Turn there and take the road back to Hyattsville, where you started.
Imbibe: If you have time and feel inclined, finish your bike, basketball, and birding loop with a drink in Hyattsville. If you’re there at the right time, stop at Sangfroid Distilling, where you can enjoy fruit brandies, Dutch-style gins, or heirloom grain whiskey. The cocktail bar is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. If its schedule doesn’t fit yours, pop over to the outdoor Tiki bar at Franklins Restaurant, Brewery, and General Store. You can enjoy a cocktail or a beer under the palm trees and lights.
Would you rather travel on four wheels? Have some fun on this Prince George’s road trip