Searching for a charming small town near the beach? Head to Berlin, Maryland! Just minutes from Ocean City, Berlin boasts Victorian charm, vibrant art, boutique shopping, and award-winning dining. Named “America’s Coolest Small Town,” it’s a perfect blend of history, creativity, and coastal proximity.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Berlin is from late spring through early fall (May to October). Enjoy warm weather, outdoor festivals, and nearby beaches. Fall offers cooler temps and festive events like Oktoberfest and holiday parades.
How to Get There
- By Car: Berlin is easily reached via U.S. Route 50 and MD-113, just 15 minutes from Ocean City and 2.5 hours from Baltimore or Washington, D.C.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Salisbury–Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY), about 30 minutes away.
- By Bus: Bus services to nearby Ocean City are available; from there, a short drive or rideshare takes you to Berlin.
Where to Stay
- Atlantic Hotel – Historic inn with elegant rooms and a central location right on Main Street.
- Bed & Breakfasts – Enjoy local hospitality and cozy charm at several charming B&Bs in and around town.
- Ocean City Lodging – Stay by the beach and take a quick drive inland to explore Berlin.
Top Attractions
⮕ Shop, Dine, and Stroll the Historic Charm of Main Street Berlin
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Main Street Berlin is a lively historic downtown district, home to more than 60 local retail stores, dining destinations, cafes, antique stores, and bakeries. The lovely street has been designated as a Maryland Main Street Community, located just minutes from the vibrant attractions of Ocean City.
Visitors can peruse the street's charming shopping and dining destinations throughout the year with maps provided at the district's Welcome Center, open to the public seven days a week.
Four dozen structures within the district are preserved on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can also explore the local history exhibits of the Taylor House Museum or stroll through the district's art galleries during the district's Second Friday Art Stroll events.
⮕ Swim, Camp, or Spot Wild Ponies at Assateague State Park
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Assateague State Park is a lovely public recreation area in Worcester County, located along the northern edge of Assateague Island. As Maryland's only oceanfront park, the park offers year-round opportunities for Atlantic Ocean swimming, surfing, fishing, and beachcombing throughout the year along its gorgeous two-mile public beachfront.
It was established in 1956 by Maryland's Board of Public Works and has hosted annual New Year's Day beach walks for the nearby Berlin community since 1970.
Visitors can explore secluded coves within Sinepuxent Bay via rental canoe or kayak or observe native wildlife throughout the park, including feral horse populations on the island. The 18th-century Rackliffe House coastal plantation has been fully restored to its historic glory, open for living history tours showcasing exhibits connected to the Coastal Maryland Heritage Center.
6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 410-641-2918
⮕ Try Your Luck or Catch a Show at Ocean Downs Casino
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Ocean Downs Casino is a lively full-service casino located at the harness racing track of the same name, originally opened to the public in 1949 and overseen by the Churchill Downs, Inc. racing association.
Since 2008, the racetrack has been home to a $45 million casino floor, open to the public 24/7 throughout the year. More than 900 slot machines range in game from pennies up through $25, complemented by video, reel, and electronic game favorites like poker and blackjack.
Open live game tables feature player favorites like Mississippi Stud Progressive and Texas Hold'Em. A lively casino bar serves up drinks until 4:00am, while onsite restaurant Poseidon's Pub serves clever craft bar fare accompanied by local brewery selections.
10218 Racetrack Rd, Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 410-641-0600
⮕ Step Into 19th-Century Life at The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum
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The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum preserves the historic home of the same name, which was constructed in 1832 for Isaac Covington, a local plantation owner and West Indies trader. The home's namesake and most famed occupant, Calvin B. Taylor, founded the Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company and lived in the residence until 1932. Today, the home has been restored to its early 19th-century appearance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, operated as a living history home museum throughout the year. Visitors can view exhibits of local memorabilia and antiques within the home's west wing, which has been converted into a gallery space. Special events are hosted at the museum throughout the year, including holiday events during the winter months.
208 N Main St, Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 410-641-1019
⮕ Cool Down With a Cone at the Beloved Island Creamery
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Island Creamery is a local Maryland favorite ice cream parlor chain, serving up delicious homemade ice cream flavors crafted with local farm ingredients since 1975. The chain operates three locations in the coastal Maryland and Virginia areas today, including a location in Berlin just minutes from downtown Ocean City. Creative ice cream flavors take inspiration from locally-grown fruits and produce, showcased in favorites like brandy-soaked cherries jubilee, black raspberry, and rum raisin. Other house specialty flavors include Bourbon Caramel Crunch, Birthday Cake, espresso-bean-infused Java Jolt, and peanut butter cup-infused Pony Tracks. All ice cream is produced in small batches and served up in housemade secret recipe waffle cones.
120 N Main St, Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 410-973-2839
⮕ Feast on Local Seafood at The Assateague Crab House
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The Assateague Crab House is a delightful family-operated restaurant that has been renowned for its delicious local seafood and shellfish dishes since 1985. The nautical-themed restaurant showcases the culinary skills of the VanFossen family, crafting classic dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from top local seafood suppliers. Family-style menus feature favorites like Maryland jumbo lump crab cakes, crabmeat-stuffed flounder, crab Imperial, and seafood platters piled high with favorites like shrimp and scallops. Sirloin steaks and St. Louis-style barbecue ribs are also served up, along with shareable appetizer favorites like mac and cheese bites, stuffed mushroom caps, and deep-fried mozzarella sticks.
2656, 7645 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 410-641-4330
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Dive Into Myth and Magic at The Mermaid Museum
© The Mermaid Museum
Those who enjoy myths and legends should not miss the opportunity to visit the magical Mermaid Museum in downtown Berlin. The upstairs museum is located next door to the Atlantic Hotel where it offers all visitors an intriguing glimpse into the myths and legends which surround the topic of mermaids. There is a full wall of plaques documenting dozens of real-life mermaid sightings, and a collection of artifacts dedicated to these beautiful half-fish-half-human sirens, which are rumored to have beckoned many unfortunate seafarers to their death. However, many other people believe that mermaids are the guardians of the oceans and that spotting one is a good omen.
The Mermaid Museum, 4 Jefferson Street, Berlin, MD 21811, 360 648 2224
⮕ Tour Colonial Coastal Heritage at the Rackliffe House
© Rackliffe House
Rackliffe House is an historic homestead which dates back to the 1740’s, when it was built to be the home of merchant/planter Captain Charles Rackliffe. The 2-storey house was a very impressive structure back in the day, and its prominence was enhanced by its elevated location overlooking Assateague Island and Sinepuxent Bay. The house has been beautifully preserved and restored and gives visitors a very accurate picture of everyday life in the 1700’s. During the open season visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the house and see costumed docents who bring the “good old days” back to life. Rackliffe House is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursday from mid-May to October.
Rackliffe House, Behind the Visitor’s Center, Assateague Island, Berlin, MD 21811, 410 629 1011
⮕ Sip Estate Wines Among the Vines at Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery
© Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery
Celebrating the simple pleasures of a bucolic farming lifestyle, Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery offers a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of the Ocean City Beach and Boardwalk. The winery is located in an historic homestead which has been home to 3 generations of the Mariner family, who currently own and operate the vineyard and winery. Beautifully restored, the historic house has a tasting room where you can enjoy a wine tasting. The first wines on the estate were produced in 2018 and include Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Voignier and a selection of fruit wines. There is also a craft brewery on site.
Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery, 11206 Worcester Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811,
410 251 6122
⮕ If You’re a Craft Beer Lover, Don’t Miss a Pint at Burley Oak Brewing Company
© Burley Oak Brewing Company
The Burley Oak Brewing Company is a popular meeting place for Berlin residents and their visitors. The brewery prides itself on using sustainable practices and locally sourced materials and hopes to provide visitors with distinctive artisan beers produced using traditional methods.
The Tap Room offers an excellent variety of beers to suit all tastes from traditional Pilsners and IPA’s to fruited sours and creamy porters. The kitchen opens at noon every day to serve up classic favorites like Maryland Crab Soup, Caesar Salad, Taco’s, Sandwiches and delicious flat breads. Burley Oak hosts regular events including Murder Mystery nights and live music nights.
Burley Oak Brewing Company, 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin, MD 21811,
443 513 4647
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- Historic Downtown Berlin – Shop boutiques, browse galleries, and admire preserved 19th-century buildings.
- Berlin Falls Park – Scenic spot with walking trails, green space, and picnic areas right near downtown.
- Assateague Island National Seashore – Just 15 minutes away, enjoy beaches, wild ponies, and coastal trails.
- Taylor House Museum – Learn about Berlin’s history in this restored 1800s home.
- Burley Oak Brewing Company – Popular local brewery with craft beer, live music, and a laid-back vibe.
Where to Eat
- The Globe Gastro Theatre – Enjoy elevated pub fare, craft cocktails, and occasional live performances.
- Blacksmith – Modern American cuisine using local ingredients in a rustic-chic setting.
- Baked Dessert Café – Cozy spot for organic baked goods, local art, and award-winning cookies.
Local Events
- Berlin Farmers Market (Sundays, May–September) – Local produce, crafts, and live music downtown.
- Oktoberfest (October) – Family-friendly celebration with food, beer, crafts, and entertainment.
- Victorian Christmas (December) – Holiday lights, carriage rides, and festive Main Street shopping.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Berlin, Maryland
- Ocean City Boardwalk (20–25 min) – Ride the Ferris wheel, snack on Thrasher’s fries, and enjoy classic beachside fun and games.
- Frontier Town Western Theme Park & Water Park (5–10 min) – Catch Wild West shows, float the lazy river, or camp with the family near the beach.
- Stephen Decatur Park (0–5 min) – Let kids play, walk shaded trails, or picnic at this peaceful green space in the heart of Berlin.
- Rackliffe House (15–20 min) – Tour this restored 1740s coastal plantation home and learn about colonial life near Assateague Island.
- Ocean Downs Casino (10–15 min) – Try your luck at slots or watch live harness racing just a short drive from Berlin.
- Outlets Ocean City (15–20 min) – Shop name brands and outlet deals just west of the Route 50 bridge into Ocean City.
- Ayres Creek Adventures (10–15 min) – Kayak or paddleboard quiet creeks and marshes for birdwatching and peaceful paddling near Assateague.
FAQ
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Q: Where is Berlin located?
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A: Berlin is located close to the lively boardwalk attractions of Ocean City, offering a quieter alternative to the oceanfront district's hustle and bustle.
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Q: What is Berlin best known for?
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A: The city is best known as the primary filming location for the feature film Runaway Bride, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
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Q: What can visitors do in Berlin's downtown district?
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A: Visitors can stroll through the city's quaint downtown district, which is preserved on the National Register of Historic Places, and peruse lovely art galleries, gift stores, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Top Activities |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. |
Atlantic Hotel – A charming historic hotel in the heart of Berlin. |
Explore Downtown Berlin – Visit unique shops, galleries, and historic sites. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for beach trips. |
Inn on Poplar Hill – A cozy and highly-rated bed & breakfast. |
Day trip to Assateague Island – See wild horses and enjoy the beach. |
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather with fewer crowds. |
Waystead Inn – A stylish and peaceful retreat. |
Attend the Berlin Fiddlers Convention – Enjoy live bluegrass music and local culture. |
Winter (December-February) – Cool temperatures with holiday charm. |
Tru by Hilton Ocean City – A modern stay near Berlin and Ocean City. |
Experience Christmas in Berlin – Enjoy holiday markets, parades, and festive lights. |
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