Top 5 Things to Do in Hanover, MD During Graduation Season
Graduation weekend deserves more than a rushed dinner and a long drive home. Hanover, Maryland, sits at one of the most convenient intersections in the mid-Atlantic, minutes from BWI Airport, adjacent to one of the region’s premier shopping destinations, and surrounded by dining, entertainment, and easy day-trip options that turn a single celebration into a full weekend experience.
The Hotel at Arundel Preserve places your group at the center of it all, with the best things to do in Hanover, MD, within walking distance or a short rideshare from the front door.
1. Shop Arundel Mills — America’s Largest Outlet Mall
A five-minute rideshare from the hotel, or a manageable walk on a pleasant day, Arundel Mills anchors the Hanover entertainment corridor with over 200 stores, outlets, and entertainment venues under one roof. Graduation weekend practically demands a celebratory shopping excursion, and Arundel Mills delivers.
Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, and Under Armour sit alongside specialty retailers and outlet flagships that make this one of the top shopping destinations near BWI Airport. The mall also houses a full entertainment wing with a Live! Casino corridor nearby, making it easy to extend the afternoon well into the evening without moving the car.
2. Dine at the Best Restaurants Near Arundel Mills
Hanover punches well above its weight when it comes to dining, and the concentration of excellent restaurants within a short rideshare of The Hotel at Arundel Preserve gives graduation parties plenty of options for every appetite and budget.
Grillfire, located steps from the hotel, serves prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an impressive cocktail program in a setting that feels appropriately celebratory without requiring a reservation weeks in advance.
Experience bold flavors and interactive dining at KOHO Korean BBQ House, where premium meats, vibrant sides, and sizzling tableside grilling come together for a fun and memorable meal. Perfect for gathering with friends or family, it’s a delicious way to enjoy authentic Korean barbecue.
Nearby, the Elkridge and Jessup neighborhoods add even more variety to the dining landscape, with local favorites serving everything from authentic Korean barbecue to classic Maryland crab houses that give visiting families a genuine taste of the region.
3. Catch a Show or Try Your Luck at Live! Casino
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, just minutes from The Hotel at Arundel Preserve by rideshare, operates one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most dynamic entertainment complexes. Beyond the gaming floor, the Event Center hosts live concerts, comedy acts, and special performances year-round, making it a natural anchor for a graduation Saturday night when the group wants something more than dinner. Check the event calendar ahead of your visit, as graduation season reliably brings strong programming to the venue.
4. Explore the BWI Trail
For guests who want to balance the celebration with some fresh air, the BWI Trail delivers one of the most accessible outdoor experiences among things to do near Hanover, MD. This 12.5-mile paved loop encircles Baltimore/Washington International Airport and welcomes walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all ability levels.
The trail passes through open parkland with consistent sightlines of departing aircraft, a surprisingly entertaining backdrop for a morning walk before the day’s festivities begin. Rental bikes are available seasonally at trailhead locations, and the entire route stays flat enough for casual participants.
5. Visit Historic Ellicott City
A 20-minute rideshare from the hotel, Historic Ellicott City offers one of the most visually striking main streets in Maryland. The restored 19th-century mill town climbs a dramatic hillside above the Patapsco River, with independent boutiques, art galleries, wine bars, and farm-to-table restaurants occupying buildings that date to the early 1800s. It is an ideal Sunday morning outing for graduation families who want to decompress after Saturday’s ceremony and dinner, relaxed, walkable, and genuinely beautiful.
Make The Hotel at Arundel Preserve Your Graduation Weekend Base
The best things to do in Hanover, MD cluster naturally around The Hotel at Arundel Preserve, making it the smartest choice for graduation weekend logistics. Shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor escapes all sit within a short walk or rideshare, so your group spends less time coordinating and more time celebrating.
Reserve your rooms early because graduation weekends fill fast, and this corner of Maryland rewards those who plan ahead.
