A Road Trip from Bryans Road to Greenbelt: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit
Are you looking for an adventure that's not too far from home? A road trip from Bryans Road to Greenbelt, Maryland might be just what you need. These two cities are only about 15 miles apart, but there are plenty of interesting places to visit along the way. So grab some snacks, your favorite playlist, and hit the road!
Did you know that the first automobile road trip in history took place in Germany in 1888? Bertha Benz, the wife of inventor Karl Benz, drove their "Motorwagen" from Mannheim to Pforzheim and back, without her husband's permission. She took her two sons on the trip and made many repairs herself along the way. The trip was a success, and it proved that automobiles could be practical for everyday use.
Halfway between Bryans Road and Greenbelt is Suitland, Maryland. This census-designated place is home to the Suitland Federal Center, which houses several government agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Census Bureau's National Processing Center, and the U.S. Census Bureau's Suitland Federal Center.
The distance from Bryans Road to Greenbelt is only about 15 miles, but there are plenty of interesting places to visit along the way. The trip should take around 25 minutes, but you might want to plan to spend a whole day exploring.
Here are the top five places to visit:
- National Museum of the Marine Corps This museum is located in Triangle, Virginia, just south of Quantico Marine Corps Base. It's a 30-minute drive from Bryans Road, but it's worth the trip. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of the Marine Corps from its founding in 1775 to the present day. Visitors can see real tanks, helicopters, and other military vehicles up close. There's also a theater that shows a short film about the history of the Marine Corps.
Point of interest recommendation: Stop at the Leatherneck Gallery to see the 8,000-pound Marine Corps War Memorial statue, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.
- National Museum of Natural History This museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is located in Washington, D.C. It's free to enter and is a great place to bring the whole family. The museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, ocean life, insects, and more. There's even a butterfly pavilion where you can walk among hundreds of live butterflies. Don't miss the Hope Diamond, which is on display in the National Gem Collection.
Point of interest recommendation: Stop by the Sant Ocean Hall to see the full-scale model of a North Atlantic Right Whale.
- United States National Arboretum This park is located in Northeast Washington, D.C., and covers over 400 acres. It's a great place to take a picnic or just enjoy a stroll among the beautiful gardens. Don't miss the azalea collection, which features over 50 types of azaleas. There's also a bonsai collection with over 150 trees and a museum that tells the history of the arboretum.
Point of interest recommendation: Stop by the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum and see the oldest bonsai tree in North America, which is over 390 years old.
- Greenbelt Park This park is located in Greenbelt, Maryland, and is a great place to get outside and enjoy nature. There are hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, such as deer, foxes, and songbirds.
Point of interest recommendation: Take a hike on the Perimeter Trail, which is a 5.3-mile loop that offers scenic views of the park.
- National Air and Space Museum This museum is also part of the Smithsonian Institution and is located in Washington, D.C. It's free to enter and is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation or space exploration. The museum features exhibits on the Wright Brothers, the Apollo moon landings, and the history of air travel. Visitors can also see iconic aircraft, such as the Spirit of St. Louis and the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Point of interest recommendation: Stop by the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, to see even more aircraft, including the Enola Gay and the SR-71 Blackbird.
In conclusion, a road trip from Bryans Road to Greenbelt is a fun way to spend a day or even a weekend. The trip is short, but there are plenty of interesting places to visit along the way. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or space, there's something for everyone. So pack your bags and hit the road!