A little under 10 miles from Ocean City, Maryland, you’ll come to the lovely little town of Berlin. The proximity between the two makes Berlin an ideal destination for those seeking a convenient day trip detour away from the shore.
Berlin is an absolute gem, boasting an array of delightful attractions and endeavors to explore. The versatile offerings are plentiful and speak to everyone regardless of age or unique interest. In keeping things versatile and varied, here are my top 10 bucket list recommendations to keep in mind while making your rounds through Berlin, Maryland.
Explore Assateague Island
Horse-crazy or not, you can’t pass on the rare opportunity to see those famed wild ponies of Assateague Island roaming freely, up close and in person. In addition to exciting equine pursuits, there are many other recreational activities to enjoy here. From hiking and biking to picnicking and even overnight camping. Beach lovers take note of the miles of sandy shoreline and access to swimming (with lifeguards onsite seasonally). Several nature cruises and additional opportunities for optimal outdoor exploration are also available.
Assateague Island spans 37 miles and comprises areas of both Maryland and Virginia. The Maryland side is dually managed by the National Park Service as Assateague Island National Seashore and by the State of Maryland as Assateague State Park. While it is often touted as an Ocean City attraction, the Maryland side of Assateague is geographically located within Berlin.
Shop Along Main Street
If shopping in an idyllic small-town setting is something you’ve always dreamed about doing, a stroll along Berlin’s Historic Main Street district is just what you need. USA Today even named Berlin “Best Town for Shopping” in 2018 and 2020. It also made the list of “Top 10 Great American Main Street” locations twice.
While quiet and quaint, Berlin’s Main Street scene never lacks in action. It is home to over 60 retail shops, including specialty boutiques and antiquing stops. There’s no shortage of great dining options, either. Galleries and entertainment venues can also be found here, along with seasonal offerings that include vendor markets and annual celebratory events.
As for the quintessential community appeal that Main Street evokes, it’s something you’d expect straight out of a movie. No wonder such films as Runaway Bride (1999) and Tuck Everlasting (2002) chose to shoot on location here.
Experience Globe Gastro Theater
Consider popping into this unique establishment on Broad Street while out and about the greater Historic Main Street area. Housed within a formerly operating theater with a long history, Berlin’s resident Globe Theaterrecently underwent renovations to present a slightly reimagined concept after new ownership took over in 2020. The focus on providing craft beer, cocktails, great food, and live entertainment remains their number one commitment.
Stop in for a light bite or a lavish libation any time. Or coordinate your visit to coincide with one of their upcoming live musical offerings.
Visit the Historic Atlantic Hotel
Built around 1895, Berlin’s historic Atlantic Hotel is an absolute marvel. Consider a tour of the halls and rooms, or maybe grab some lunch or dinner on location at the resident Atlantic Hotel Bistro Bar. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, you can even opt for overnight accommodations. As a venue, the Atlantic Hotel frequently plays host to several special events and serves as one of the area’s most optimal rental locations for weddings and other occasions.
Mingle at the Mermaid Museum
One of Historic Downtown’s newer attractions, having just opened in 2020, Berlin’s Mermaid Museum is ever an amusing endeavor. The museum is small, yet it houses so many awe-inspiring exhibits and touchable displays dedicated to magical mermaid lore and other sea legends and oddities. To say it’s “otherworldly” would be an understatement. You just have to experience it all for yourself!
Calvin B. Taylor House
Another Main Street marvel, the Calvin B. Taylor House, is your best source for exploring local memorabilia and relics from the area’s past. Having been built in 1832, this former dwelling of Calvin Taylor—who was once the mayor of Berlin and served in the Maryland House of Delegates in the 1910s—now operates as a nice little museum showcasing life in Berlin from the 1800s to the present.
Attend an Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market
The residential community of Ocean Pines, located within the limits of Berlin, presents weekly farmers/artisans markets year-round. These are held on location at the community’s White Horse Park and occur every Saturday morning. They’re always open to the public and are a great way to shop locally while supporting small businesses.
Additionally, White Horse Park is also home to the more permanent housing of the Pine’eer Artisan Gift Shop. Stop by during one of the markets, or even visit on an independent outing. This shop keeps regular operational hours and is great for checking out local and residential-produced crafts and Ocean Pines-related merch.
Ocean Downs Casino
Believe it or not, Ocean City’s resident casino isn’t located within the city limits. That honor again belongs to none other than nearby Berlin, Maryland.
Ocean Downs Casino is a contested must-do for those who are into slots, betting, horse racing, and table games. Owned and operated by Churchill Downs Inc., there’s always something going on here whenever you arrive. From weekly promos to live entertainment and special events, you’ll even find various dining options onsite to suit any need.
Indulge in the Igloo Village Experience at Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery
As one of Berlin’s “can’t miss destinations,” Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery truly offers a unique setup to check out. Their offerings go beyond those of being a scenic vineyard and resident winery; they offer several onsite attractions, events, and even family-friendly activities children can partake of.
One of their most remarkable offerings, however, is their outdoor dining Igloo Village Experience. Available by reservation during colder months, groups of all sizes (and ages) can experience the magic of nighttime dining outdoors via comfortable heated igloos decked out in charming, twinkling lights. The dinners are served fondue-style with all the appropriate wine pairings. As you dine, you’ll even be serenaded by live music, further accenting the breathtaking views of the vineyard under the enchantment of nightfall.
Going on a Guided Rail Bike Tour
Did you know Tracks and Yaks, the company known for their guided rail biking tours of Frostburg, also offers excursions right in the heart of Berlin? It’s a hidden gem experience that very few visitors even know about, but it’s one of the best ones to boot.
Available seasonally, you have two awesome options to choose from. There is the six-mile Ironshire Express, for example, which takes riders on a journey through Historic Berlin, passing by farmland and coastal forests along the way. This tour lasts about an hour and a half. Then there is the Queponco Excursion, which runs a three-hour duration and a 13-mile course. Both are exceptional, treasured activities deserving of a spot on your bucket list.
These are just 10 recommended experiences to enjoy on your visit to Berlin, Maryland. But I assure you there are countless others to consider as well. Once again, it all depends on your own personal pursuits and specific interests.
Photography and Article by: LC Hermoza
December 2024