Prince George’s is a place of multitudes. There are art centers, college towns, regional and national parks, award-winning restaurants, historic sites, renowned wineries and vineyards, luxury spas, and delightful hotels and inns. Truly, there is something for everyone — and it’s all within easy reach. All you’ll need is a car, an open mind, and a penchant for joy.
This four-night itinerary crosses the region, pulling in activities from each corner. It dips a toe into the best of what Prince George’s has to offer, and it can easily be expanded for a longer trip, delving deeper into your interests. You can add more farms and markets, explore extra historic sites, take more time at the spas, focus on Prince George’s best restaurants, or center your trip on the region’s parks and outdoor adventures.
Still, you can follow this carefully curated itinerary as it is for a fantastic Prince George’s experience:
Arts and Letters from Hyattsville to College Park:
Start your trip on Route 1, traveling from art-centric Hyattsville to academic-centered College Park.
Grab your morning brew at Vigilante Coffee, a local spot that roasts its own beans. With your coffee in hand, wander through the galleries and art centers on the street. Check out the tiny showcases at Studio Sohy, try your hand at textile arts at Tuft’n Up, and peep into the studios and shops at the Sohy Arts Building. At the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, you can check out the exhibits and studios of local artists and shop for one-of-a-kind pieces. Stop for lunch at the nearby Akira Ramen & Izakaya, where you can order ramen, bento boxes, and sushi.
Head up the road to College Park, where you’ll check into your first hotel of the trip: The Hotel at the University of Maryland. After getting settled, either drive over Lake Artemesia Park, where you can walk along the lake, rent a kayak, or explore the trail, or book a treatment package at the hotel’s spa. Try a signature facial with a collagen mask, honey magnolia milk massage, or brandy pear body scrub.
For dinner, you won’t need to go far. Head to the Iron Rooster for the Maryland crab dip, brisket shepherd's pie, or blackened catfish. If you’re there for happy hour, you can get extra deals on the draft brews and funnel cake waffle bites. From there, you can walk over to The Board and Brew to grab an evening drink and play some board games.
Nature and History in Bowie and Upper Marlboro:
Grab a quick breakfast at Colette’s Cafe in Greenbelt on your way to the natural wonder that is Bowie’s Patuxent Research Refuge. Once you’re fueled with egg sandwiches and breakfast burritos, you’ll have the energy to explore some of the 13,000 acres of tranquil forest, meadows, and wetlands at the park. In the South Tract, there are five miles of walking trails that cover two lakes and the National Wildlife Visitor Center.
Once you’ve built up your appetite with all that outdoor adventure, stop for an authentic West African lunch at the Verache Lounge. Try the beef suya, Jollof rice, yam porridge, or abula.
Move on to your Prince George’s history lesson with a drive over to the Belair Mansion, where you dive into the region’s past. There are self-guided tours through the historic collection preserved in the 1745 home.
Finally, make your way from the mansion down to Wellspring Manor & Spa in Upper Marlboro for the evening. Book an evening at the bed and breakfast, and include a private dinner curated by their expert chefs. You can dine in your suite or under the stars. Before and after dinner, leave time to peruse the art collection, walk the landscaped grounds, or join an event.
Indulgence and Wine in Upper Marlboro and Brandywine:
Spend the morning at Wellspring Manor & Spa to enjoy the site’s multi-course, house-made breakfast, designed to encourage wellness and connection. From there, head to Upper Marlboro’s Dutch Village Farmers Market to find your provisions for the day.
Pick up homemade baked goods, local fruits and vegetables, and prepared foods from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Once you’ve got your fill and packed your bags, you’re ready to start your Prince George’s winery adventure.
Reserve a night at the Hennessy Creek Bed & Breakfast in Brandywine to safely enjoy your day at the wineries. The private rooms, personal fireplaces, and Southern charm will have you feeling cozy and at home. Book car services for this leg of the trip or reach out to Vino 301 Wine Concierge, a local team that builds personalized wine experiences, to arrange a tour.
Head first to the Two Lions Vineyard in Upper Marlboro, where you can enjoy curated wine flights from the husband-and-wife owners. From there, make your way to the Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards, where you can pick and choose to create a flight of your favorites. Then visit the gorgeous Janemark Winery & Vineyard, where, if you’re up to it, you can also join a trail ride on horseback with Foxfire Farm.
A Life of Luxury in National Harbor:
Once you’re relaxed and rejuvenated from your day at the vineyards, you’ll be ready to head to a space with a bit more hustle and bustle.
First, check in at the Westin Hotel Washington National Harbor — and ask for a room with a view of the Potomac River. Once you’re settled, start your day with a bit of shopping. Look for a novel at MahoganyBooks, get some cooking necessities at Pepper Palace, or find an outfit at Comm Unity Love, ZAAF Collection, and Carhartt.
After you’ve finished your retail therapy, stop at the Walrus Oyster & Ale House. Start your meal with oysters on the half shell, little neck clams, crispy calamari, or jumbo lump crab dip. Order the rack of lamb, grilled branzino, or Chesapeake cioppino — or stick to a signature steak.
Head to the Gaylord National Harbor resort to tour the gorgeous space, grab a tea or coffee under the massive windows of the Belvedere Lobby Bar, and enjoy a treatment at the Relache Spa. You can book a therapeutic massage, a cleansing facial, or a custom facial.
From there, make your way to dinner at Grace’s Mandarin for contemporary Asian cuisine in a gorgeous, inviting atmosphere. Order the crab rangoon, green seaweed salad, Shanghai spare ribs, and tempura sampler, then finish your meal with the ginger lemon wasabi cheesecake.
Kick off your evening with a ride on The Capital Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel with fantastic views over the river and the city. If you can catch a sunset ride, even better. Bring your trip to a musical end at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar, with its live performers and exuberant guests. The energy at the restaurant makes it the perfect last stop on your joy-filled Prince George’s adventure.