Upper Marlboro Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, outdoor adventures, food, and accommodations of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.


Introduction to Upper Marlboro

Upper Marlboro is a charming town located in Prince George’s County, in the Capital Region of Maryland, USA. Known for its historic landmarks, natural attractions, and outdoor recreational activities, Upper Marlboro has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Upper Marlboro

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Surratt House Museum: A historic house that offers guided tours and showcases the life of Mary Surratt, a conspirator in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
  • Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum: The restored home of Dr. Mudd, who set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth after Lincoln’s assassination and was imprisoned for his involvement in the conspiracy.
  • Marietta House Museum: A beautifully preserved 19th-century plantation house that offers tours and exhibits about life during that time period.
  • Darnall’s Chance House Museum: A one-of-a-kind 18th-century plantation house that offers tours and exhibits about the lives of women during that time period.

Natural Attractions of Upper Marlboro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Patuxent River Park: A beautiful park that spans over 7,800 acres of forests, wetlands, and shoreline. It offers hiking, biking, fishing, and boating opportunities for all nature lovers.
  • Rosaryville State Park: A serene park that boasts over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and camping facilities.
  • Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary: A perfect place for ecological enthusiasts, with over 1,400 acres of wetland habitats that offer birding, hiking, and kayaking opportunities.
  • Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Visitor Center: A nature lover’s paradise with over 1,000 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands. It offers hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife observation opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Marlboro

  • The Patuxent River Rural Legacy Trail: A scenic 12.7-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the Patuxent River, wooded forests, and fields.
  • The Lake Trail: A 1.5-mile trail that loops around the beautiful Lake Largo, offering scenic views of the water and lush greenery.
  • The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour: A 13-mile bike route that takes you through the Chesapeake Bay’s critical protection area, offering scenic views of the bay and its surroundings.

Best Things to Do in Upper Marlboro: Activities and Tours

  • Tandem Skydiving: Experience the thrill of freefalling with an experienced instructor while enjoying the scenic views of Upper Marlboro from above.
  • Horseback Riding: Take a horseback riding tour through the beautiful Rosaryville State Park, where you can enjoy the scenic views of forests, meadows, and wetlands.
  • Wine Tasting: Visit a local winery and sample some of Maryland’s finest wines while admiring the scenic views of lush vineyards.
  • Ghost Tour: Embark on a spooky adventure and discover Upper Marlboro’s haunted history with a guided ghost tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Marlboro

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Surratt House Museum, then enjoy a picnic at Watkins Regional Park.
Day 2 Go hiking in Patuxent River Park, followed by a seafood dinner at Jerry’s Seafood.
Day 3 Explore the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, then head to a local winery for a wine tasting.
Day 4 Visit the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum, then take a horseback riding tour through Rosaryville State Park.
Day 5 Embark on a spooky ghost tour followed by a dinner at the famous Old Towne Inn.
Day 6 Take a bicycle tour through Upper Marlboro’s countryside, followed by a BBQ dinner at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.
Day 7 Spend the day at Six Flags America.

Food and Drink Scene of Upper Marlboro

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maryland Crab Cakes: A true Maryland delicacy, made with fresh crab meat and Old Bay seasoning.
  • Pit Beef Sandwich: A famous Maryland sandwich made with thinly sliced pit beef and a sweet BBQ sauce.
  • Smith Island Cake: A decadent cake made of multiple thin layers with various flavors in-between, all coated in a sweet icing.

Local Beverages

  • Flying Dog Brewery: Enjoy a variety of craft beers made by this local brewery at their fun taproom.
  • Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Savor some of the best rye whiskey and gin at this local distillery.

Where to Stay in Upper Marlboro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center: A relaxing hotel that offers convenient access to the University of Maryland and local attractions.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Budget-friendly accommodations that offer a comfortable stay with complimentary breakfast.
  • Airbnb: A variety of options for visitors looking for a local experience.

What to Buy in Upper Marlboro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maryland Blue Crab-themed Merchandise: Anything from T-shirts to keyrings, with the iconic blue crab on them.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: The classic Maryland spice mix, perfect for seasoning seafood and other dishes.
  • Maryland-made Wine: Bring home a bottle or two of Maryland’s finest wines to remember your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Upper Marlboro

Upper Marlboro is a vibrant town with a rich history and diverse culture. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Upper Marlboro

The best time to visit Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is from late spring to early fall when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Marlboro

Do:

  • visit the local museums and historical sites to learn about Upper Marlboro’s rich history
  • explore the natural attractions like Patuxent River Park and Rosaryville State Park
  • try the local seafood and Maryland crab cakes
  • enjoy the friendly and welcoming culture of the town

Don’t:

  • litter or harm the natural habitats and parks
  • disrespect the customs and traditions of the town
  • ignore safety precautions when enjoying outdoor recreational activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Upper Marlboro

Upper Marlboro is generally a safe town, but visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings from theft and petty crime. It is important to lock car doors and keep valuables out of sight.

Health in Upper Marlboro

Visitors should take necessary precautions to protect themselves from ticks and mosquito bites when enjoying outdoor activities in the parks and natural habitats. Appropriate insect repellents and clothing should be used to reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.

Getting to Upper Marlboro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Upper Marlboro

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - 34 miles from Upper Marlboro
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) - 36 miles from Upper Marlboro

Bus Stations Near Upper Marlboro

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: The nearest stations are located in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD.

Other Options

  • Rental Cars: There are several car rental companies located at the nearby airports.
  • Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft both operate in the Upper Marlboro area.

How to Get Around in Upper Marlboro

  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car for the duration of their stay.
  • Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft are both available in the area.
  • Bicycles: Rental bikes are available at some of the local bike shops.

Where to Go Next from Upper Marlboro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Washington, DC: The nation’s capital, located only 20 miles from Upper Marlboro.
  • Annapolis, MD: Maryland’s capital city, known for its beautiful harbor and historic landmarks, is just a 45-minute drive away.
  • Chesapeake Bay: One of the largest estuaries in the US, located just an hour’s drive from Upper Marlboro, offering a variety of outdoor activities and beautiful scenic drives.

Conclusion

Upper Marlboro is a beautiful town with a rich cultural and historical heritage, offering a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. With its natural attractions, museums, outdoor activities and local food and drink scene, it is a desirable destination for anyone seeking a unique and enjoyable experience.