Located less than 11 miles from College Park, UMD’s Discovery Center at National Landing is a new world of opportunity only a short distance away.

Walk from the Crystal City Metro Station:

• Exit the metro turnstiles and take the escalator up one floor.
• At the top of the escalator, turn right into the underground Crystal City shops.
• When the hall dead ends after the Pita shop, turn right and walk in the direction of the Total Party supply store.
• Immediately after San Antonio Bar and Grill and before Coqui Boutique, turn right into the hallway of elevators.
• Any elevator will take you to the 3rd floor. Take the elevator up to Floor 3 and head towards the side of the floor that has the College Park and UMGC logos.
• Head to the right of the logos and you will have arrived.

By Car

Due to parking in the area, public transportation is recommended to reach UMD at National Landing. The Discovery Center is located only 15 miles from campus via car. Travel times can range from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.  Consult your preferred driving directions app for the best route, based on current traffic conditions.

The parking garage is pay-to-park and is often very full, depending on time of day.  Street parking in the area is metered, with hourly limits.

Parking

It is recommended that you use the 18th Street entrance to the parking garage. Other garages and entrances can provide access to the Crystal City Shops and elevators, but the 18th street entrance leads directly to the Discovery Center. If you enter from another street, please locate the signs directing you to elevators for Building 241 or Building 251. 

Parking Rates

• Up to 1 Hour: $7
• Up to 2 Hours: $12
• Daily Max: $21
• No charge for entry after 4pm
• Parking is free on the weekends (Saturday/Sunday)

Parking Structure on 18th Street

• Entering the parking structure from 18th Street
• The first floor is usually packed, but going down to the 2nd or 3rd floor usually opens up a lot of spots
• Park as close as possible to the elevator for Building 241 (Signs are on the elevators)
• You can use the 251 elevators as well, instructions are below
• Go to floor S to access the underground Crystal City Shops.
• Follow instructions below for your chosen elevator below

Elevators

Elevator for Building 241 S. 18th Street

• Exiting the elevator, an open table area should be directly in front of you and the San Antonio Bar & Grill restaurant to your left
• Head left, past the restaurant
• Directly after, you will see a bank of elevators on your right
• Any elevator will take you to the 3rd floor.
• Take the elevator up to Floor 3 and head towards the side of the floor that has the UMD College Park and UMGC logos.
• Head to the right of the logos and you will have arrived.

Elevator for Building 251 S. 18th Street

• Exiting the elevator, turn right to walk towards hallway.
• You will see a store with DC and Northern VA merchandise on your right and Bubble Tea on your left
• Turn right and walk straight towards the Costume/Party store
• Walk past the San Antonio Bar & Grill restaurant
• Directly after, you will see a bank of elevators on your right
• Any elevator will take you to the 3rd floor.
• Take the elevator up to Floor 3 and head towards the side of the floor that has the UMD College Park and UMGC logos.
• Head to the right of the logos and you will have arrived.

Building and Suite Access