Things To Do
in New Carrollton
New Carrollton is a suburban city in Prince George's County, Maryland, located just east of Washington, D.C., and serves as a transit-focused bedroom community. It is anchored by the New Carrollton station, a multi-modal hub with Metro, Amtrak and commuter rail connections that make the city convenient for commuting to the capital. The area combines mid-century suburban neighborhoods, small commercial strips, and easy access to larger shopping centers and green spaces nearby.
Visitors will find practical services, nearby cultural attractions in College Park and D.C., and quieter residential streets compared with the urban core.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your exploration with a visit to a cozy local café where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. Wander through the City Center plaza and admire contemporary public art installations. Feel the friendly pulse of the community as you plan your upcoming adventures.
Sample a light lunch at Pho D’Lite or Chicken Kitchen to savor neighborhood flavors. Stroll along the Anacostia River Trail and enjoy serene water views beneath a canopy of trees. Capture street scenes and smiles of passersby, letting the town charm wash over you.
Dine at Moon Thai Kitchen to indulge in fragrant curries and spicy stir-fries that ignite your senses. Stop by a local bar for a craft cocktail or microbrew accompanied by live music that pulses through the night. End the evening with a leisurely walk under twinkling plaza lights, feeling the city’s warm embrace.
Delve into local history at the Prince George’s Heritage Museum, exploring exhibits on early settlers and community milestones. Admire vintage photographs and interactive displays that bring the past to life. Chat with friendly docents who share insider stories of the county’s evolution.
Enjoy lunch at a historic tavern-themed restaurant, savoring hearty sandwiches and artisanal soups. Visit the nearby Riversdale House Museum to tour a restored Georgian mansion and its lush gardens. Take a moment to breathe in the fragrant blooms and imagine 19th-century life unfolding around you.
Experience a guided ghost tour through historic streets, listening to eerie legends and whispered tales. Sip hot cider as local storytellers recount mysterious happenings under the moonlight. Feel a shiver of delight in every unexpected creak and shadow.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-160 |
| 🚇One-way Metro fare | $2-6 |
| 🚕Typical short rideshare (local) | $10-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent transit links to Washington, D.C. via New Carrollton station (Metro, Amtrak, MARC).
- More affordable lodging and low-key suburban atmosphere compared with central D.C.
- Close to parks, trails and family-friendly outdoor spaces.
- Convenient access to College Park and National Harbor attractions.
- Limited nightlife and high-profile tourist attractions within the city itself.
- Rush-hour congestion on the Beltway and local arterials can be heavy.
- Summer humidity and occasional stormy weather.
- Some pockets have higher crime rates — neighborhood safety varies block by block.
Places to Visit in New Carrollton
Visit one of these nice places.
A calm lake with boardwalks, reeds and reflections; good for sunrise, birdlife, and nature shots close to New Carrollton.
Long riverside trail with scenic river views, bridges and changing light — ideal for cycling and panoramic shots.
Wooded trails, old stone picnic areas and quiet forest scenes that work well for nature photography.
Colorful waterfront skyline, the Capital Wheel and sunset reflections — best late afternoon into evening.
Modern transportation architecture and commuter activity; useful for urban/suburban transit photography and murals or signage.
Food in New Carrollton
New Carrollton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Maryland classic — lump crab formed into a cake and pan-fried; available at many nearby seafood restaurants and local diners.
Must-Try!
A smoked pork and beef sausage popular in the D.C. area; try in nearby food spots and casual grill restaurants.
Thinly sliced grilled beef typically served on a roll with horseradish — common at regional BBQ and deli spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Neighborhood grocers and international markets (Latino, African, and Asian) in Prince George’s County are good for discovering prepared foods and regional ingredients.
Seasonal farmers market offering local produce, baked goods, and prepared items — best for fresh, local flavors in spring through fall.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally informal but polite — say please and thank you, and avoid intrusive personal questions. Respect personal space in lines and on public transit.
Being on time is appreciated for appointments and tours; allow extra time for travel during rush hour.
Expect bag checks at some public venues and security presence at federal buildings; comply with instructions and carry ID if asked.
Safety
Tipping in New Carrollton
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S. applies: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars if no added tip is given, $2–5 for valet or bell service, and 10–15% for taxis or rideshares depending on service. Tip more for exceptional service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small purchases or markets. For public transit, use a SmarTrip card for WMATA services or reloadable fare media.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid summers with temperatures often in the upper 80s–90s°F (30–35°C). Plan for afternoon thunderstorms, wear light clothing, stay hydrated, and expect busy tourist traffic into D.C.
Pleasant and mild with colorful foliage in late October; one of the best times for outdoor activities, festivals, and comfortable sightseeing.
Cool to cold weather with occasional snow and ice; temperatures often range from the 20s–40s°F (-6–5°C). Some services and parks are quieter — bring warm layers and check for snow closures during storms.
Warmer temperatures and blooming trees/flowers make spring ideal for walking trails and visiting the university areas; pollen can be high for allergy sufferers.
New Carrollton at Night
Hiking in New Carrollton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, flat loop around a small lake with boardwalks and native plants — great for families, birdwatching and gentle hikes.
Wooded trails maintained by the National Park Service, offering several easy to moderate loops through a quiet forested area.
A long, multi-use trail along the Anacostia River with paved and natural sections; ideal for longer runs, cycling and connecting to other parklands.
More extensive natural areas and trails a short drive away, with wetlands, forests and wildlife viewing opportunities for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach New Carrollton by plane.
About 20–30 minutes by car or a short Metro ride via the Orange Line (with a transfer in D.C. depending on service); convenient for domestic travel and closest to downtown D.C.
Approximately 30–45 minutes by car or reachable by Amtrak/MARC services from New Carrollton station; good for many domestic and international flights.
Around 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; services many international carriers and is the largest international gateway in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Established suburban households, many of whom have lived in Prince George’s County for decades and contribute to neighborhood community life.
Residents who commute into Washington, D.C., federal agencies, or nearby employment centers by rail and road.
A mix of African American, Latino, Asian and immigrant populations that contribute to the area’s cultural variety and businesses.
University of Maryland students and young professionals who frequent nearby College Park and the region’s social and cultural venues.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is a major draw — area fans follow college teams like the University of Maryland Terrapins and the NFL’s Washington team games (FedExField in Landover is nearby).
Minor-league baseball (Bowie Baysox nearby) and local youth leagues are popular community activities during spring and summer.
Recreational and youth soccer are widespread, with many local leagues and pickup games in parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New Carrollton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially at coffee shops, gastropubs, and restaurants in nearby College Park; mention restrictions and ask servers for vegan/vegetarian swaps.
Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests, but confirm cross-contamination; grocery stores and health-food shops carry GF staples.
There are halal and kosher options in Prince George’s County and neighboring suburbs; look for specialty markets and Middle Eastern/South Asian restaurants.