Berlin is a charming town in eastern Maryland. With its tree-lined streets, Victorian town center, and nearly two centuries of architectural heritage, there are plenty of fun things to explore in Berlin MD. It is also a great destination for an affordable Maryland getaway.
Fun Things To Do In Berlin, Maryland – Outdoor Activities
While visiting Berlin, Maryland, there are various outdoor activities to enjoy. The town is just west of Ocean City, Maryland. So, if you are on your way to the Ocean City beach in the summer, be sure to make a stop in Berlin to check out the many attractions.
Historic Downtown Berlin, MD – Kid Friendly
The heart of Berlin’s history and charm lies in its historic downtown area. The district features beautifully preserved historic buildings and homes, some dating back to the 1700s. As you explore downtown Berlin, you can take a stroll through tree-lined streets, visit antique shops, and dine in one of the town’s delightful restaurants. It’s no wonder that Berlin, Maryland, has earned the title of the Coolest Small Town in America.
This well-preserved historic area offers a picturesque setting to appreciate and celebrate the community’s past while enjoying modern amenities and attractions. It’s the perfect place to stroll the antique stores and do a self guided walking tour of the town’s rich history.
If you are a Julia Roberts and Richard Gere fan, then you will love a visit to the the village of Berlin. The downtown area was where the film Runaway Bride was filmed. In the movie, the town of Berlin was called Hale, Maryland.
Kayak On The Pocomoke River
The Pocomoke River is the deepest river for its width in the U.S. and is one of the best places for canoeing and kayaking. As you go on your water adventure, you will have especially scenic views of the Pocomoke Forest.
Hike In Pocomoke River State Park – Kid Friendly
This state park is divided into two sections, Shad Landing and Milburn Landing. It’s popular for camping, picnicking, hiking, and boating. The park is particularly known for its cypress swamp. This swamp gives a unique character to the landscape here.
Visit Assateague Island National Seashore – Kid Friendly
Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore are two separate areas that share the same island. Assateague Island is a barrier island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. This island is accessed by a two-lane bridge and parallel bike bridge from MD Route 611 which is about 15 minutes south of MD Route 50.
The distance between Berlin, MD and Assateague State Park is about 10 miles, which takes approximately 15 minutes by car. The distance between Berlin, MD and Assateague Island National Seashore is about 12 miles, which takes approximately 20 minutes by car.
Both areas offer outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, but there are some differences in the types of activities available. For example, Assateague Island National Seashore has more opportunities for beach activities such as swimming, surfing, and fishing, while Assateague State Park has more trails for hiking and biking.
The entire area is known for its wild horses, but the populations are managed differently. The wild horses in Assateague Island National Seashore are managed by the National Park Service and are free to roam throughout the park, while the horses in Assateague State Park are managed by the Maryland Park Service and are kept in a fenced area.
Head To Ocean City Beach – Kid Friendly
Berlin Maryland is a short drive away from Ocean City, Maryland. In fact, Ocean City is only about 10 miles away from Berlin, so it’s a popular destination for people who are staying in the area. In Ocean City, there are a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including families with kids.
You can head there for a day trip from Berlin Maryland or you can choose to stay overnight in Ocean City.
Visit An Island On The Chesapeake Bay – Kid Friendly
There are many barrier islands along the Chesapeake Bay. You can visit Tangier Island by driving to Crisfield, Maryland from Berlin and catching the ferry. This makes an easy day trip from Berlin. This island specifically is only accessible by sea or plane so you won’t be able to drive.
Visit Rehoboth Beach – Kid Friendly
Rehoboth Beach, in Delaware, is also not too far from Berlin, Maryland and is another beach you can visit from Berlin, MD. The two locations are approximately 20-25 miles apart, and it will usually take about 30 minutes to drive between them.
Berlin Maryland Classic Car Show – Kid Friendly
Every Spring and Fall Berlin hosts a classic car show with cars from the 50s to 70s. In addition to viewing classic cars, this event also has music, shopping, and dining from 9 restaurants. There is no charge for spectators. And the streets are closed to normal traffic so it’s easy to walk around. Streets in downtown Berlin close at 6am for car parking.
Berlin Maryland Jazz And Blues Bash
The Berlin Maryland Jazz and Blues Bash is an annual music festival held in Berlin, Maryland. The event features live performances by jazz and blues musicians from across the country, and is usually held in Spring, typically in May.
In addition, to live music, the Berlin Maryland Jazz and Blues Bash also includes a classic car show, a beer and wine garden, and a silent auction. The festival attracts visitors from around the region and is a popular event for music lovers and families.
Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery
Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned winery located in Berlin, Maryland. The winery is situated on the grounds of the historic Mariner House, which dates back to 1858. The new vineyard and winery opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular destination for wine lovers in the region.
The winery produces a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, using grapes grown on site as well as grapes sourced from other vineyards in Maryland and Virginia. Visitors to the winery can enjoy wine tastings, take a tour of the vineyard and winery, and purchase bottles of wine to take home.
In addition to its wine offerings, Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, food and wine pairing dinners, and more. The winery also has a partnership with The Garden Grill, a restaurant located on the same property, which serves farm-to-table cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. If the weather is nice you can also take advantage of their outdoor seating for your wine tasting.
Fiddlers Convention
The Fiddlers Convention is an annual music festival held in Berlin, Maryland. The event features bluegrass, old-time, and Celtic music performed by musicians from across the country. The convention includes a variety of activities such as live music performances, a competition for musicians, and a Sunday gospel and bluegrass jamboree. The event is organized by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and has been held for over 30 years, attracting visitors and music enthusiasts from around the region.
Visit An Amusement Park – Kid Friendly
Jolly Roger Amusement Park is located in Ocean City, Maryland and has a variety of attractions including bumper boats, mini-golf, and amusement rides. There are other amusement parks nearby as well like Baja Amusements, Grand Prix Amusements, and Frontier Town Adventure Park.
Berlin Art Stroll
The Berlin Art Stroll is a monthly event that takes place on the 2nd Friday of each month. During the event, businesses located in historic downtown Berlin keep their doors open late to showcase the talents of Ocean City area artists. Visitors can stroll the streets, go shopping, check out the art galleries, and get a bite to eat.
In addition, some places often provide live music and refreshments, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.
Visit During The Peach Festival – Kid Friendly
The Berlin Peach Festival is an annual event held in Berlin, Maryland, that celebrates the town’s peach crop. The festival is typically held on the first Saturday in August and features a variety of activities and events for visitors of all ages.
The festival is organized by the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum and is held on the museum’s grounds. The event features live music, food vendors, craft vendors, and a variety of activities for kids, including face painting and a petting zoo.
One of the highlights of the Berlin Peach Festival is the peach pie eating contest, where participants compete to see who can eat the most peach pie in a set amount of time. There is also a peach dessert contest, where local bakers can enter their favorite peach dessert for a chance to win a prize.
Visitors to the Berlin Peach Festival can also purchase fresh peaches and other peach products, such as peach preserves and peach salsa, from local vendors.
Picnic At Stephen Decatur Park – Kid Friendly
Stephen Decatur Park is a public park located in Berlin, Maryland. The park covers approximately 21 acres and offers a range of recreational facilities, including picnic and playground areas, tennis and racquetball courts, a disc golf course, a nature pond, and a walking trail with fitness stations.
Fun Things To Do In Berlin, Maryland – Indoor Activities
Berlin is a treasure trove of attractions that capture the essence of American small-town living. It was even once referred to as part of a list of the “Coolest Small Town in America.” Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Berlin, Maryland.
Calvin B. Taylor House Museum
The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum is a historic house museum. The house was built for Isaac Covington in the early 1830s but became famous due to one of its later occupants, Calvin B. Taylor. Calvin B. Taylor was a prominent local banker and founder of the Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company, which is known today as Taylor Bank.
The house itself is an great example of Federal-style architecture. This type of house design was popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in the United States. The Berlin Heritage Foundation oversees the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum.
Burley Oak Brewing Company
Burley Oak Brewing Company is a craft brewery that is about 15 minute walk from the historic downtown area and Main Street Berlin. Burley Oak is known for its innovative and experimental approach to brewing, with a focus on using local ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
The brewery was founded in 2011 by Bryan Brushmiller, and it has a taproom that is open to the public. Inside the taproom, you can sample a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and more. Visitors can also tour the brewing facility and learn about the brewing process.
In addition to its taproom and brewery tours, Burley Oak hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, food truck festivals, and more. The brewery is also involved in the local community, supporting local charities and organizations through fundraising events and donations.
Art Galleries
Berlin’s thriving arts scene features several galleries and art spaces, perfect for viewing and purchasing unique local artwork. Here is a list of some of the popular art galleries that you can visit.
- Art In the Fields Gallery – This gallery features a variety of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces.
- The Dusty Lamb – This gallery showcases the work of local artists, with a focus on paintings, prints, and photography.
- Worcester County Arts Council Gallery – This gallery is run by the Worcester County Arts Council and features a rotating selection of exhibits by local artists.
- Bishop’s Stock Fine Art, Craft & Wine – This gallery features a wide variety of fine art and crafts, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, and more.
- Jeffrey Auxer Designs – This gallery features handmade glass art, including vases, bowls, and sculptures.
All of these galleries are located in or near downtown Berlin, making it easy to explore them all in a single visit. Additionally, Berlin hosts several art events throughout the year, such as the Berlin Arts Festival, which showcases the work of local and regional artists.
Visit Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain & Grill – Kid Friendly
Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain & Grill has been a staple of the Berlin, Maryland community since 1901. Originally opened as a drug store, it eventually evolved into a restaurant.
The restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for over 40 years and has maintained its vintage decor and charm. This makes it a very popular destination for locals and tourists. Rayne’s has a vintage soda fountain as well as 1950s diner decor. The restaurant serves American-style food such as burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes.
Visit The Globe Theater
The historic globe theater is no longer an operational theatre. It was a historic theater and gathering place that had undergone various transformations over the years. By the early 21st century, it had become “The Globe,” a popular restaurant and bar known for its live music. The arts scene and eclectic decor here show the history of the theater and its roots.
Shopping
From antique stores to the Berlin Farmers Market there are plenty of places to shop in Berlin. Here are some of the most popular stores that people love to shop at.
- Bungalow Love – This store features home decor, gifts, and accessories with a coastal theme.
- Victorian Charm – This store sells antiques, vintage items, and collectibles.
- The Treasure Chest – This store features a variety of handmade and unique gifts, including jewelry, pottery, and home decor.
- The Greyhound Indie Bookstore & Fine Arts Gallery – This store sells new and used books, as well as featuring local art and handcrafted items.
- World of Toys – This store sells a variety of toys, games, and puzzles for children of all ages.
- The Berlin Clothing Company – This store offers a selection of clothing and accessories for men and women, with a focus on casual and comfortable styles.
- The Berlin Coffee House – This coffee shop and cafe offers a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and light fare.
Ocean Downs Casino
Ocean Downs Casino is about 7 miles from Berlin, Maryland and will take about 15 minutes to drive there. The casino has over 800 slot machines, including traditional reel slots, video slots, and progressive jackpot slots. The casino also offers a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and three-card poker. Additionally, Ocean Downs Casino has a poker room that features Texas Hold’em and Omaha games. Visitors to the casino can also take part in sports betting, which is available on a variety of professional and college sports events.
Fun Things To Do In Berlin MD: Summary
Berlin’s diverse array of attractions definitely make it one of America’s coolest small towns. It is a beautiful place that has plenty to do for all ages. The Berlin Main Street is lined with great shops and restaurants and you can still view many of the remnants of historic Berlin here.
There are also many local events from bathtub races, to the Peach Festival to a thriving art scene that makes Berlin a great time for the entire family. You can also visit many popular neighboring areas from Berlin MD including the many amusement parks near here like Trimper Rides, play mini golf, visit Ocean City, as well as head to Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore.
