Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Hyattsville, MD

South of the University of Maryland at College Park, Hyattsville is a culturally rich, politically progressive suburban city located within the Gateway Arts District.

The Gateway Arts District, established along the Rhode Island Avenue corridor, represents a long-term revitalization initiative that fosters public-private partnerships, ensuring affordable rents and studio spaces for artists.

This encourages a vibrant community in Hyattsville, supporting artists and businesses that prioritize community engagement, ranging from meaderies to craft breweries that cater to hearing-impaired patrons.

Moreover, Hyattsville serves as a central hub in the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, with trails radiating in various directions along the river’s branches and Sligo Creek.

1. Downtown Hyattsville

Hyattsville’s creative spirit is evident along Route 1, showcasing a continuous array of galleries, artist studios, yoga and dance spaces, boutiques, and other art-centric independent shops offering materials for crafts and art.

Shoppers will find a variety of used books, fabrics, home goods, handmade jewelry, yarn, organic food items, clothing, bicycle accessories, and much more.

The culinary landscape here is diverse, featuring southern-style seafood, West African cuisine, BBQ, Thai fare, contemporary Indian dishes, Caribbean, Mexican, Ethiopian, Salvadoran, and Dominican options—mirroring the community’s inclusiveness.

Seventeen of the twenty murals commissioned by the city are located on or near Route 1. A downloadable interactive map is available for a guided tour of these transformative pieces.

2. Pyramid Atlantic Art Center (PAAC)

Established in Hyattsville since 2017, PAAC is a non-profit contemporary arts center, originally founded in 1981 by artist and curator Helen C. Frederick.

The center features a gallery honoring its founder, showcasing dynamic themed and solo exhibitions. There are numerous opportunities for artists at PAAC, including residencies, internships, and juried exhibitions.

The center encompasses several art studios, including a print shop, a papermaking studio, and a bindery. Furthermore, the facility conducts demonstrations, lectures, workshops, and enjoyable studio hours for members.

3. Anacostia Tributary Trail System

In Hyattsville, one can readily observe the accessibility of pedestrian and bicycle transport. This accessibility is attributed to an extensive network of paved hiker-biker trails converging at a zero milepost in Hyattsville’s Port Towns area.

True to its designation, this network tracks the tributaries of the Anacostia River, converging at Hyattsville’s southern boundary to create the river’s primary stem.

In the area, visitors can traverse the Northeast and Northwest branches and access the three-mile Anacostia River Trail, which leads to the splendid Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

Additionally, nearly nine miles of trails run alongside Sligo Creek, which drains into the Northwest Branch on the western side of Hyattsville. Also noteworthy is the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, following the historic path of Streetcar 82 through College Park and Hyattsville.

4. University of Maryland (UMD)

Hyattsville’s northern end reaches the main campus of Maryland’s largest university, which also serves the Washington, D.C. area.

The campus is impressively expansive, anchored by McKeldin Mall, recognized as the largest quad at any university in the United States, spanning nine acres.

Even for those not interested in attending, UMD presents numerous cultural and entertainment opportunities.

Diverse events are hosted within the intricate Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, the largest single structure ever built in Maryland, providing various performance venues including a 962-seat concert hall and a 626-seat proscenium theatre.

Additionally, the Maryland Terrapins showcase Big Ten sports, particularly with their outstanding men’s and women’s basketball teams that compete in the Xfinity Center—a venue rivaling an NBA arena, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere.

5. Riversdale House Museum

This grand Georgian mansion, constructed at the dawn of the 19th century, allows visitors to engage with a captivating yet troubled aspect of local history.

Riversdale House once commanded a 739-acre plantation initiated by Henri Joseph Stier, a Flemish émigré who fled the French Revolution.

Stier soon returned to Belgium, and it was his daughter, Rosalie, who completed the mansion and managed the plantation operations.

Her son, U.S. Representative Charles Benedict Calvert (1808-1864), established a precursor to the University of Maryland on a portion of this property. The preserved letters of Rosalie Stier Calvert offer insight into life at the mansion and plantation.

Riversdale House’s history encompasses various narratives, from the experiences of enslaved laborers to those of Rosalie, a rare female property and business owner.

The site remains an active attraction, hosting workshops, educational programs, special events, and guided tours throughout the year.

6. College Park Aviation Museum

Another significant reason to include College Park in your itinerary is its designation as the oldest continuously operating airport worldwide.

A visit here transports one back to the early days of military aviation, particularly in 1909 when Wilbur Wright was commissioned by the government to instruct the first military aviators.

The College Park Aviation Museum retells this groundbreaking history, although it was undergoing renovations at the time of this writing.

The museum displays full-size replicas of early aircraft, including the 1910 Wright Model B—two of which were acquired for College Park Airfield in 1911.

Notable is also the replica of the Blériot Type XI, the first heavier-than-air aircraft to cross the English Channel in July 1909.

Interactive exhibits highlight numerous “firsts” that occurred at the airfield, along with significant aircraft developments, important African-American aviators, and elements of early flight training.

7. Bladensburg Waterfront Park

This beloved park in Prince George’s County lies directly south of Hyattsville along the Anacostia River.

The site is easily accessible via the trail system, making it a worthwhile destination during the summer months for various water activities.

Patrons can rent kayaks, canoes, and rowboats, while bicycles and trikes are available for exploring the trails along the riverbanks.

The park’s historical significance is heightened by its location at the site of the Battle of Bladensburg (1814), a key event during the War of 1812. This American defeat resulted in the capture and burning of Washington, and interpretive signs on-site recount the details of the battle.

The river in this area is tidal, and during periods of low water, one may encounter terns, gulls, and waders foraging along the banks.

8. Vanadu Art House

Located on a seemingly ordinary suburban street in Hyattsville is a whimsical site that appears to be crafted from another realm.

Vanadu is the ongoing project of artist and conservator Clarke Bedford (b. 1947). In the 2000s, he began transforming his residence and various vehicles, enveloping them in recycled metal and repurposed decorative components.

This artistic endeavor involves a meticulous process where the materials are layered with paint and aged with carburetor cleaner, resulting in an unusual, timeless aesthetic.

The vehicles were initially treated in this manner, with the house following suit in 2007. Despite the apparent chaos, there exists a pleasing uniformity to Vanadu, reflecting Hyattsville’s nonconformist character, as Bedford has not encountered any objection to his artistic creation.

9. David C. Driskell Community Park

This serene public park, part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, was formerly known as Magruder Park.

The name change carries an interesting backstory. Established in the 1920s, Magruder Park was granted to the city with the stipulation that it be used exclusively for “the Caucasian inhabitants only” of Hyattsville.

Efforts to remove this segregationist language led to a revisiting of the park’s name, which was decided by popular vote.

The chosen name honors David Driskell (1931-2020), an eminent authority on African American art, and a Distinguished University Professor of Art, Emeritus, at UMD.

It is particularly significant to recognize that Driskell would have been denied access to this park during his childhood. The park itself features open fields, tennis courts, basketball half courts, a baseball diamond, a playground, and a sizable pool available in the summer months.

10. Busboys and Poets

Hyattsville features one of nine locations of Busboys and Poets, a chain of progressive restaurants and cultural hubs originating at 14th and V Streets, NW DC in 2005 as a response to the Iraq War.

This establishment defies simple categorization, functioning as a restaurant, bar, bookstore, and community gathering space. The Hyattsville branch opened in 2011 and seamlessly fits into the city’s developing literary and artistic communities.

A variety of events take place here, including book clubs, author events, open mic nights for poetry, and storytelling series for children. The bookstore also provides ample space for local writers to showcase their works.

In terms of dining options, the menu features offerings such as blackened salmon, beans and wild rice, fried catfish served with collard greens, crab cakes, and cage-free fried chicken.

11. Hyattsville Armory

Opposite Busboys and Poets stands a distinctive landmark, the castle-like National Guard armory completed in 1918.

This facility was the first National Guard armory in Prince George’s County, and its medieval design is representative of military architecture from the early 20th century.

Constructed from native Maryland granite and outfitted with ashlar limestone for its windows and doorways, the Hyattsville Armory features a limestone relief of the State Seal of Maryland on the parapet above the primary entrance. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980 and is situated within an area designated for transformation through the Hyattsville Canvas redevelopment initiative.

12. Maryland Meadworks

Hyattsville boasts a burgeoning craft beverage scene, which includes a unique meadery, Maryland Meadworks, founded by Ken Carter, who has over four decades of brewing expertise.

For those unfamiliar, mead is produced by fermenting honey in combination with water, with a variety of flavors achieved through the inclusion of fruits, spices, hops, grains, or other natural additives such as coffee or tea.

At the time of writing, there were six distinct meads available, including the hoppy Bitter Bee, the smooth Mead Marian, and Dragon’s Breath, which is infused with habanero peppers.

Maryland Meadworks collaborates with the local Shortcake Bakery, offering a selection of delightful Jamaican patties, brownies, and blondies.

13. Streetcar 82 Brewing Co.

On the beer front, a craft brewery is situated near the Hyattsville District Court Building along Rhode Island Avenue.

Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. derives its name from the historic streetcar line that operated until 1958 along Route 1 between Washington, D.C., and College Park. This connection to place is integral to the founders, all of whom are alumni of Gallaudet University in Washington.

People can choose from a diverse beer selection, with options to satisfy varied tastes, including hoppy (Fancy Nancy IPA), crisp (The Colonel Pilsner), tart (Poolside Service Sour), and malty (Paddy Workin’ on the Railway Irish Red Ale).

Each of the three founders are hearing impaired, contributing to Streetcar 82’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for a wide range of communities.

14. Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival

There is never a less favorable time to explore Hyattsville, but one of the most enjoyable times is mid-September during the annual street festival, which extends over several blocks in the downtown area.

This event stands as the largest arts festival in Prince George’s County, drawing thousands of visitors to the city each year.

Attendees can expect a diverse array of exhibiting artists and artisans, contributing works in disciplines such as painting, photography, printmaking, glassworks, jewelry design, ceramics, textiles, fashion, mosaics, and many more.

The festival is complemented by an enticing selection of food vendors, numerous participating craft breweries, and a main stage featuring a diverse lineup of musical performances.

15. Mall at Prince George’s

Situated in Hyattsville, the Mall at Prince George’s is a large enclosed shopping destination located on Highway 410 and accessible through the Prince George’s Plaza Metro station.

Originally established in the late 1950s as an open-air shopping center, it became enclosed in the late 1970s.

During the time of this writing, despite the national trend of declining mall occupancy, this location maintained a respectable rate of tenancy.

Among the prominent national and international retailers present are H&M, Claire’s, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, GameStop, Foot Locker, Kay Jewelers, and Old Navy.

The food court features popular options such as Sbarro, Charleys Cheesesteaks, and branches of Chipotle Mexican Grill and McDonald’s.