Things To Do
in Laurel
Laurel is a suburban city located in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. It is situated between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, making it a convenient location for commuters. The city has a diverse population and offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Laurel is known for its historic Main Street district, which features charming shops, restaurants, and community events.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the beautiful Laurel River Park, where you can enjoy a refreshing walk along the trails. Take some time to appreciate the natural scenery and perhaps spot local wildlife.
Visit the historic downtown area for lunch at one of the charming cafés. Afterward, explore the local shops and immerse yourself in the community's artistic vibe.
Wrap up the day by enjoying a calm picnic at the park as the sun sets. Bring along some local treats to share and enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors.
Begin with a delicious breakfast at a local diner famous for its hearty portions. Savor some classic American breakfast fare to fuel your day.
Join a cooking class at a local culinary school and learn how to prepare regional dishes. This hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for the local cuisine.
Dine at a renowned restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients. Treat yourself to a multi-course dinner that showcases the flavours of the region.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient location between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, providing easy access to both cities.
- A diverse community with a mix of cultural backgrounds and activities.
- Affordable housing options compared to nearby metropolitan areas.
- Access to various parks and recreational facilities for outdoor activities.
- Strong public school system and educational opportunities.
- Traffic congestion can be problematic during peak hours.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Some areas may experience higher crime rates than desired.
- Public transportation options are not as extensive as in major metropolitan areas.
- Weather can be humid in the summer, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Best Activities in Laurel
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Offers hiking, fishing, and birdwatching in a scenic natural setting.
Great for boating, kayaking, and picnicking with beautiful lake views.
Ideal for hiking, wildlife observation, and nature photography along the river.
Tours
Uncover the best of Laurel with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Laurel
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the water and surrounding forests, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Features picturesque gardens, historic architecture, and scenic grounds, providing plenty of opportunities for capturing beautiful images.
Known for its scenic trails and open spaces, offering panoramic views and ideal settings for outdoor photography.
Food in Laurel
Laurel Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Maryland dish made with crab meat, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, and seasoning, typically served with a side of coleslaw or salad. Recommended to try at Olive On Main or Rams Head Tavern.
Must-Try!
A local favorite, this sandwich features thinly sliced, char-grilled beef served on a Kaiser roll. Enjoy this dish at Pioneer Pit Beef or Conrad’s Crabs & Seafood Market.
A traditional dessert originating from Maryland, known for its multiple thin layers of cake with frosting between each layer. Head to Touche Touchet Bakery for a delightful slice.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Laurel better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This market offers a wide array of locally produced goods, including baked goods, fresh produce, and traditional Dutch specialties. Perfect for trying out local snacks and farm-fresh treats.
Every Friday, local food trucks gather at the municipal center, offering a variety of cuisines including BBQ, tacos, seafood, and vegan options. A great way to experience diverse street food in Laurel.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Laurel, it is important to respect personal space and maintain a comfortable distance when interacting with others.
Punctuality is valued in Laurel, so it's important to be on time for appointments and meetings.
Expressing gratitude and appreciation for others' help or hospitality is considered respectful in Laurel.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Laurel with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Laurel
Ensure a smooth experience
In Laurel, United States, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, bars, and other service-based establishments. It is customary to tip between 15-20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service received.
Payment in Laurel, United States, is generally made using credit or debit cards, but cash is also widely accepted. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are becoming increasingly popular, and most businesses accept electronic forms of payment.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Laurel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Laurel, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. You can expect pleasant weather for outdoor activities and nature walks.
Summer in Laurel brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a popular time for outdoor events, festivals, and enjoying the nearby lakes and parks.
Fall showcases beautiful foliage in Laurel, with the leaves changing colors. It's a great time for scenic drives and outdoor adventures as the weather starts to cool down.
Winter in Laurel can be cold, but it also offers opportunities for winter sports and festive holiday events. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
Laurel at Night
Hiking in Laurel
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large natural area providing numerous trails for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying nature, located just outside of Laurel.
Situated near Laurel, this location offers scenic hiking trails around the lake, ideal for both hiking and biking.
A beautiful state park with hiking trails that lead to rock formations and stunning views. It’s a bit farther but worth the drive from Laurel.
Offers trails around the historic site, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural history for hikers.
A local park featuring trails and paths ideal for short hikes and walking, perfect for a quick outdoor escape.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Laurel through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Laurel by plane.
Located approximately 30 miles northeast of Laurel, BWI is one of the busiest airports in the region, serving a wide variety of domestic and international flights.
Situated about 40 miles southwest of Laurel, DCA offers convenient access to Washington, D.C. and serves many national and some international destinations.
Located roughly 50 miles west of Laurel, IAD is a major international airport serving the greater Washington, D.C. area and provides numerous international flight options.
About 90 miles northeast of Laurel, PHL is a significant international gateway, providing a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Located approximately 140 miles northeast of Laurel, EWR is one of the major airports serving the New York metropolitan area, with extensive international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Caucasian population.
A sizable African American community.
Growing Hispanic and Latino population.
Smaller, yet vibrant Asian community.
Individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds.
A small percentage of Native American individuals.
A very small community of Pacific Islander individuals.
The Soul of Laurel
Discover the essence of Laurel through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport played on a court where two teams aim to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
A widely played team sport that involves kicking a ball into the opposing team's goal to score points.
An American team sport where two teams compete to advance an oblong ball into the opposing team's end zone for points.
A bat-and-ball game played between two teams of nine players each, where players score runs by hitting a pitched ball and running around bases.
A variant of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field, often popular among women and youth leagues.
A collection of sports events that involve running, jumping, and throwing, practiced both competitively and recreationally.
A fast-paced game played with a stick and a ball, where players aim to score by throwing the ball into the opposing team's net.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Laurel.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants in Laurel offer vegetarian dishes, ranging from salads and veggie wraps to pasta and tofu-based entrees. Local eateries like Olive On Main and Olde Towne Cafe provide tasty vegetarian selections.
While less prevalent, vegan options can still be found at select restaurants like Olde Towne Cafe and certain food trucks at the weekly Food Truck Fridays event. They offer vegan-friendly dishes such as salads, veggie wraps, and plant-based burgers.
Many dining establishments in Laurel are sensitive to gluten-free needs, offering dedicated menus or dishes such as gluten-free pastas, seafood, and salads. Restaurants such as Mango's Grill and Ragin' Reef provide a good selection of gluten-free choices.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Laurel with these cultural adventures.
