Laurel is a fascinating city in Prince George’s County (nearly halfway between Washington, DC, and Baltimore), Maryland, United States. It sits on the banks of the scenic Patuxent River and was once a top mill town and railroad epicenter.
The city had a population of 29,490 in 2021. Over the years, this Maryland city has become a leading hub for government activities and tourist attractions.
Laurel is home to many first establishments in the County, such as the first public high school, public library, and national bank.
The city offers charming spots for attractions, from the celebrated Laurel Park to the opulent Montpelier Mansion.
Are you planning an exploration of Laurel? Let’s explore the best things to do in Laurel, MD.
Things to Do in Laurel, MD
1. Laurel Park Race Track
Laurel Park Race Track Laurel
Laurel Park Race Track is an excellent option for individuals who want to see some fun events on the city streets. Head to Laurel Park to watch the racing in the autumn or winter.
The most are the Grades 2 and 3 Stakes and State-bred Showcase Stakes. The track is linked with Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, which organizes the annual Preakness Stakes, a component of the Triple Crown series.
Address: 198 Laurel Race Track Rd, Laurel, MD 20725, United States
2. Patuxent Research Refuge’s North Tract
Patuxent Research Refuge’s North Tract
The Patuxent Research Refuge’s North Tract is the main visitor portion of the Patuxent Research Refuge. It was founded in 1936 as the US’s only National Wildlife Refuge to support wildlife research.
The refuge spans over 12,800 acres in Baltimore and Washington, DC, with more than 1,100 species of vascular plants. There, you can find meadows, wetlands, and wood habitats.
Visitors who enjoy an outdoorsy feeling come to fish, hunt, bird-watch, hike, or bike in this North Tract of the refuge. The refuge’s National Wildlife Visitor Center portion serves as a center for environmental science and education programs year-round. You can check out the interpretative signs at this center to identify the refuge’s wildlife.
Patuxent Research Refuge’s North Tract is less trafficked and only a few kilometers off downtown Laurel. Around 20 miles of trails take you down the woods to the Little Patuxent River.
This North Tract was an artillery training range until 1990. As such, they discover unexploded ordnance recurrently. Staying on the trails is safer for visitors.
Whether you aim to relax in nature or get active, there is something worth doing in this scenic wildlife refuge.
Address: 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, Maryland 20708, United States
3. Dinosaur Park
Dinosaur Park
This attraction is a great place to go when looking for fun things to do in Laurel, MD. The Park was where African-American miners discovered the first dinosaur fossils, hence the name. That was some 115 million years ago.
Later, John Bell Hatcher and other Smithsonian Institution scientists discovered more fossils of dinosaurs, turtles, and crocodiles. Scientists have also uncovered some Astrodon teeth and other early Cretaceous fossils preserved here.
In addition, this captivating site is near the Montpelier Mansion southwest of Laurel. It is maintained by the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation. Today, the public can visit the site and embark on a guided paleontological discovery.
Kids are welcome to hunt for real fossils every first and third Saturday. They can take the opportunity to play at the dinosaur-themed playground.
Address: 13100 Mid Atlantic Blvd, Laurel, MD 20708, United States
4. Laurel’s House of Horror and Escape Room
If you want to feel scared in a good way, your next destination should be Laurel’s House of Horror. For all things frightening, the house is a high-rated haunted house in the city all year round.
It is located in the Laurel Centre Mall Shopping Center and was built in a deserted movie theater to give you the feel of the Halloween season anytime you want. The area’s ghost hunters and paranormal buffs usually explore this site.
The experience creates fear and excitement in the guest’s mind through creative interactive displays. The public can also access the house’s escape rooms, working in groups to discover the key to escape from the themed room in less than one hour.
Besides, these escape rooms are themed after popular horror movies. Take a paranormal tour of the building to learn about its history and the lurking ghosts there. It is one of the fun things to do in Laurel, MD.
Address: 371 Armstrong Ave, Laurel, MD 20707, United States
5. The Laurel Museum
The Laurel Museum
Horace Capron built this elegant 2,590 sq ft brick-and-stone museum between 1836 and 1840. The original intention was to highlight four home units. However, it was maintained as a two-family home before the City of Laurel bought it in 1985.
It was then converted into a public museum. Today, it displays exhibits on Laurel’s cultural, social, and civic history. This beautiful place is accessible year-round.
If you want a place to discover the history of Laurel, MD, this museum is worth a trip. Head to the west end of Main Street, you will locate the site. Every February, the major annual exhibit is celebrated.
Address: 817 Main St, Laurel, MD 20707, United States
6. The Gardens Ice House
The Gardens Ice House
The Garden House is a privately owned skating rink in Fairland Regional Park, which has been around since 1996. This gorgeous icehouse houses the Mid-Atlantic Skating School and the Garden Future Skating House.
As the highest ice-skating hockey facility in the state, it has hosted top figures in skating, hockey, and curling championships. These include the Potomac Curling Club, the Maryland Scholastic High School Championship, and the Washington Junior Nationals.
The house hosts many other championships, including roller hockey and indoor football. The public is allowed to grace the occasion after a ticket purchase.
From November through March, the Gardens Ice House opens its doors for people to watch an outdoor mini rink, an Olympic rink, and two NHL rinks.
The building has a pro shop, fitness center, a café, and a schedule filled with public skate sessions, hockey lessons, and more.
Address: 13800 Old Gunpowder Rd, Laurel, MD 20707, United States
7. Montpelier Mansion
Montpelier Mansion
Montpelier Mansion, constructed in the 1780s by Major Johnson Snowden, once commanded a plantation of over 9,000 acres. The Mansion is a National Historic Landmark in Laurel.
Four generations of the Snowdens and the named enslaved people who once lived here are documented in a trove of artifacts in Montpelier Mansion.
The building has served as a residential house for famous American figures like Breckenridge Long, the Undersecretary of State in President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration.
Through a self-guided tour, you can traverse this Georgian-style plantation house in George’s County, located south of Laurel. However, on Sundays, the public enjoys decent-led tours.
Throughout the year, people come to the Mansion to host events, from music concerts to academic lectures.
Address: 9650 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD 20708, United States
8. Laurel MARC Station
Laurel MARC Station
Laurel MARC Station is a public transportation line operated by the state government. It shuttles between Baltimore and Washington, DC, throughout the week.
It was initially constructed as part of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line in 1884 and designed by E Francis Baldwin. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic site in 1973.
Laurel MARC Station has become a tour location where guests can explore its preserved historic features. Some include its interior chimney system and gabled and hipped roof sections.
Along the roof’s ridge, you will spot the terra cotta cresting, the large eaves, and bracketwork.
It was at this spot that the then VP Joe Biden gave a speech, drumming support for an economic stimulus package in Congress for the state’s infrastructure projects.
Address: 22 Main Street, Laurel, MD, 20707, United States
Maryland makes one of the top places to visit in the United States, check out the list of things to do in Towson and things to do in Easton for a fun time.
9. Pasta Plus Restaurant and Gourmet Market
Pasta Plus Restaurant and Gourmet Market
This attractive restaurant in the heart of Laurel is famous for serving the finest Central and North Italian cuisine. The restaurant was established in 1983 and focuses on lunch and dinner, which it has successfully done.
Pasta Plus Restaurant and Gourmet Market highlights a tasty menu of gourmet Italian specialties cooked to order daily. Their pasta, pizzas, seafood, meats, and bread are in-house.
Visitors also opt for white Italian wines to go with their classic meals. After a great day in Laurel, a dinner at Pasta Plus Restaurant and Gourmet Market should be the best part of your experience.
Address: 209 Gorman Ave, Laurel, MD 20707, United States
10. ClimbZone
If you are looking for a popular spot for family entertainment in Laurel, ClimbZone is a destination worth visiting. The center provides friendly climbing experiences for guests of all ages.
It is the US’ first indoor climbing center derived from the famous New Zealand entertainment center concept. An auto-belay system in the Park is established to keep every climber safe.
You can enjoy a variety of themed climbing experiences in the complex. One of them is the themed area designed similarly to the American Mount Rushmore and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial.
Other areas include a gigantic spider web, a colossal space rocket climbing structure, and a Jack’s Beanstalk climbing zone. They are designed for families and children.
Address: 13200, 130 Mid-Atlantic Blvd Ste 130, Laurel, MD 20708, United States
11. Klobys Smokehouse
Klobys Smokehouse
Another award-winning favorite spot in Laurel for food lovers is Klobys Smokehouse. It is a place to relish your cherished delectable barbecue smoked to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
The restaurant focuses on Carolina-style smoked pull pork served on a signature platter. Their homemade coleslaw in signature sandwiches is worth a bite. But most people prefer Texas-style beef brisket, hand-cut turkey breast, boneless chicken thighs, and sirloin tri-tip steaks.
The staff serves the dishes with the customer’s choice of in-house sauce, ranging from brown sugar bourbon and citrus barbecue sauce to honey habanero and other spicy variants.
You will find over 350 exclusive bourbons and whiskeys to pair with the meals. But if you would want something different, select from their delectable craft beers, milkshakes, wines, and seasonal cocktails.
Address: 7500 Montpelier Rd #116, Laurel, MD 20723, United States
12. Superstore International Market
Superstore International Market
Consider Superstore International Market a one-stop shopping location for all your shopping needs. You will find a plethora of items for kids and adults. Some of the things in this market are rare to find elsewhere.
A trip to Superstore International Market will be perfect if you want to do things in Laurel, Maryland. You will find something worth taking home, whether you are looking for toys, groceries, or clothing.
They also have places to stop and savor international cuisines. Some of them offer diverse services, including pickups and deliveries. Besides, if you are looking for a specific item, you will always find a vendor to point you in the right direction.
Address: 202 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20707, United States
13. Children’s Hospital
One good thing about living in Laurel, MD, is the affordability of healthcare. Plan a visit to the famous Children’s Hospital.
The hospital has some of the best medical practitioners you can get around. Besides, it is not only a hospital but also a place for a family day out with the kids.
Plenty of activities await the children as they get there, including exploring the patient rooms and playing doctor. This could teach them empathy or stir something that could lead to them choosing a medical profession.
The hospital also has a planetarium where visitors can play games and watch movies all day.
Address: 13922 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707, United States
14. Laurel Main Street
Laurel Main Street
Laurel Main Street is a busy commercial hub of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Laurel, MD. Laurel’s history cannot be complete without a mention of significant events that took place on this iconic street.
Along the street, you will find a community of closely-knit retail shops, restaurants, banks, and other services. Its quaint feeling is a sign that it was one of the first developed locations in the city.
The Laurel Museum holds Main Street’s industrial past and other collections on the west end. The Laurel Municipal Swimming Pool and the Riverfront Park are also at this end.
The lineup of local and exotic restaurants, from burgers to pizza, is another remarkable reason to take a trip to this street. On the east end is the famous MARC Station, a tourist attraction that holds Laurel’s past in high esteem.
Early May, guests troop to Main Street for the annual Main Street Festival. The street is shut down for fun activities, parades, food, and arts & crafts exhibits. Live music scintillates the ear all day as people dance to lovely tunes while others engage in one fun thing or the other.
15. Sapphire Restaurant and Lounge
Sapphire Restaurant and Lounge
For a delectable meal, head to Sapphire Restaurant and Lounge to enjoy Indian, Thai, and American-infused dishes. The restaurant caters to its customer’s lunch or dinner needs.
So, if you desire the best of the East or West, you know where to visit whenever you are in Laurel, MD. Their dishes are affordable and served in an intimate dining setting.
The atmosphere is family-friendly, with something to offer to the kids. Try the South Indian delicacies, including pakora or dosa. If you prefer their northern options, channa masala, chicken korma, or lamb jalfrezi are great.
Their American selections focus on diverse Maryland-style cuisine and other fresh meals. You can’t go wrong with Sapphire Restaurant and Lounge.
Address: 13308 Laurel Bowie Rd, Laurel, MD 20708, United States
For a fun road trip in Maryland, do not miss exploring our checklist of in things to do in Kent Island and things to do in Columbia.
16. Laurel Shopping Center
Laurel Shopping Center
Laurel Shopping Center offers a spectacular shopping experience. Shopping here is one of the top things to do in Laurel, MD.
The products they sample for sale range from apparel to furniture and home equipment. Banking, health & beauty, and other services take place in the Shopping Center.
Plenty of shops sell the products or offer the services you desire at affordable rates. You will also find casual dining spots with freshly made local and international cuisine. An excellent shopping experience awaits you.
You can locate the shopping center along US Route 1, just south of Route 198. It is extensively known as the site where the near-fatal assassination of Wallace George, Alabama Governor, occurred during his US presidential campaign.
Address: 910 Fairlawn Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707, United States
17. National Wildlife Visitor Center – Patuxent Research Refuge South Tract
National Wildlife Visitor Center
Having been to the North Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge, it is essential to check out the South Tract. The refuge has three tracts: the North, South, and Central. While the first two are open to the public, the last is not.
This national reserve houses over 13,000 acres of forest, wetland, and meadow life in a thickly populated setting. It was established to conserve and protect wildlife and wildlands through research.
The Visitor Center also serves as a leading science and environmental education center.
Visitors are introduced to global environmental concerns, animal life cycles, migratory birds, and the work of scientists regarding them.
The Visitor Center is open from Tuesday to Saturday and closed on national holidays. If you want a place to connect with nature, here is an opportunity. A lakeside setting onsite takes you to an arrangement of trails and a two-mile loop.
Undoubtedly, you will feel at home amid numerous birds, amphibians, and pollinators. People are allowed to fish and hunt in some selected areas. Over 200,000 guests are welcomed yearly from all locations.
Address: National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708, United States
18. Howard County Library System
The Howard County Library System is a beautiful place to visit if you want to relax in Maryland. You can also stop at the library to learn about the state’s history from celebrated professionals.
The library is not only a place to read books; it offers numerous other resources, including movies and music. Visitors come to read books, play games, or listen to music.
In addition, you can call and request a book, and the staff will find it for you if it is available. New and exciting titles await you as you check out the catalog. If you need assistance, the staff is at your service.
They schedule classes and workshops in this library for kids. You can check out their events and exhibits because they are always fun and educational. The place is laid out and clean, perfect for a stopover.
Address: 9525 Durness Ln, Laurel, MD 20723, United States
19. Granville Gude Park
Granville Gude Park, on the south shore of Laurel Lake, has been standing since the city’s inception. In the 1900s, the Lake was the source of water supply to the residents. Today, its shores are lined by contemporary developments and commercial setups.
Granville Gude Park was established in 1984 as part of the development surrounding Laurel Lake. A picturesque lakehouse was unveiled two years ago, which has become part of the attractions.
In this 29-acre Park, a paved multipurpose trail of over one mile runs across the Lake. Hikers, bikers, and walkers enjoy leisure activities along this trail. Visitors who want to engage in water activities can walk to the Lake for paddle boating and other fun things.
The Park holds Numerous events year-round, including Laurel’s July 4th Celebration. A snack bar is also by the corner of the Park for those who may need something to refuel after a fun day.
Other facilities include picnic tables, BBQ grills, horseshoe pits, and pavilions. Hence, there is no end to exciting activities in this quaint location.
The serene atmosphere makes it perfect for relaxing, reading, or viewing. Kids can run in the open space, or the family can picnic under the trees or the pavilion on weekends. This Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Laurel, MD.
Address: 8300 Mulberry St, Laurel, MD 20707, United States
20. The Dutch Country Farmer’s Market
Conveniently located in downtown Laurel, the Dutch Country Farmer’s Market is an ideal spot to pick fresh food. This indoor place sells food freshly stocked from the Pennsylvania Dutch Country with an excellent selection of cheeses, meats, and baked goods.
You can also find prepared meals in the market. If you want to tease your taste buds, walk in and order an exciting brunch. Check out their weekly specials for unique and fresh orders.
In one section, they sell unusual gift items. When you are done buying and eating, take a mid-day stroll around the surroundings to enjoy the fresh air.
Address: 9701 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20707, USA
21. National Cryptologic Museum
National Cryptologic Museum
This national museum was established in 1993 with thousands of artifacts from the history of cryptology. You will find unique cryptologic treasures the museum collected and preserved.
There is an eclectic range of rare encryption machines from the World War 2 era. Among them are a KANA typewriter and a C-36 cipher machine.
If you are curious about the history of encryption and how masterminds defended America through science, the National Cryptologic Museum is an excellent place to learn. The site offers quality educational programs and serves as a research center for the public and cryptologic scholars.
Address: 8290 Colony Seven Rd, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701, United States
22. Shear Bliss Salon & Day Spa
Adding a touch of beauty to your day ought to be on your list of what to do in Laurel, MD. Shear Bliss Salon & Day Spa offers fantastic services that would blow your mind, from hair to nails.
You can also stop over for a relaxing massage or waxing. They have diverse services, and their customer care is top-notch.
Their staff is friendly and relates well with customers. They are well-trained for their service, enabling them to operate at their best.
A relaxing day spa is something everyone needs. On the outside, the building may not look like it. However, you will be impressed by the quality of service you get.
Address: 105 Main St, Laurel, MD 20707, United States
23. Jailbreak Brewing Company
Among the best things to do in Laurel, MD, on a weekend is to visit the Jailbreak Brewing Company. It is a place to relax after work for a glass of beer and a delicious meal.
The Company, established in 2013, has a large taproom and a kitchen, added in 2018. You will find diverse drinks on tap, from amber ale to hazy DIPA, American IPA, and West Coast-style IPA.
The kitchen, called FoodWorks, has an eclectic menu focusing on homemade American comfort food with plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options.
The food choices and beers pair to give you an excellent dining experience. It is a full-service kitchen; you will find your favorite dishes there.
They also provide a guided tour of the brewhouse. Besides, the place has a setting for a family or friends reunion.
Address: 9445 Washington Blvd N Ste F, Laurel, MD 20723, United States
Explore other parts of Maryland, check out our list of things to do in Salisbury, things to do in Rockville and things to do in Frederick.
Plan Your Trip to Laurel
If you are looking for what to do in Laurel, MD, as a family, group, or individual, our guide offers a fantastic array of activities and attractions you would love to explore.
Take your time and review the above; you will surely find something that will excite you.