Why This Maryland Town Deserves More Attention
Located in eastern Maryland on the Delmarva Peninsula, numerous attractions have put Berlin on the map, including bathtub races, jazz festivals, railbike tours, and hand-blown glass studios. Its quirk has not gone unnoticed, with various publications talking about the town in recent years, including the Smithsonian, which listed it as one of the 20 Best Small Towns to Visit, and Budget Travel, which named it as the “Coolest Small Town in America”. If Berlin is not on your travel bucket list yet, 2026 might be the perfect time to change that.
Events & Festivals
Berlin is known for its lively festivals throughout the year. One of the most iconic is the annual Berlin Bathtub Races, where competitors race creatively designed bathtub-style vehicles down Main Street each June. Another must-see event is the Berlin Fiddlers Convention, held over two days in September, featuring live bluegrass performances. For jazz enthusiasts, the Jazz, Blues, Wine & Brews festival in May is a highlight, where visitors can enjoy wine tastings, street art, and live performances. From May to October, the town hosts a weekly farmers market on Sundays, offering fresh produce, a petting zoo, and live music. At the end of October, make sure to attend Berlin’s Oktoberfest, which features authentic Oktoberfest music, German foods such as brats, knockwurst, pretzels, German Chocolate cake, and delicious brews.
Other events that deserve an honorable mention include the Spring Cruisers Classic Car Show, which showcases a wide variety of vintage and classic cars, the August Peach Festival, in which vendors sell fresh peaches and peach baked goods, the November Christmas Tree Lighting and Ice Sculpture festival, and the December Christmas parade. Make sure to check out Berlin’s website for its full list of events, there are so many more!
Outdoor Activities
The best way to explore Berlin’s surrounding coastal forests, farms, and historic district is with a railbike tour from Tracks and Yacks. With excursions ranging from six to 13 miles, some tours also feature kayaking segments, offering views of nearby islands and secluded coves. If rail biking does not seem interesting to you, there are plenty of other ways to explore the surrounding outdoors. Slightly northwest of Berlin, travelers will come across Herring Creek Nature Park, spanning a total of 44 acres and featuring a nature trail, picnic pavilion, and bird-watching stations for observing the area’s native bird species.
Assateague Island National Seashore is a popular nearby destination, covering nearly 18,000 acres with 37 miles of beaches. Visitors can see wild horses, which are divided into two main herds, and enjoy activities like fishing, crabbing, swimming, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. During summer, families can visit Frontier Town Adventure Park, a recreated 1880s western town featuring pony rides, gold panning, gunfight reenactments, and other interactive kid-friendly activities.
Dining Options
Make sure to arrive in Berlin hungry-- there are all kinds of restaurants and cafes you will want to try out. One of the town's most beloved restaurants is Blacksmith Berlin, opened in 2014 by professional chef Justine Zegna. The restaurant offers innovative, farm-to-table meals with the goal of supporting local farmers and bakers. Located on Main Street, The Sterling Tavern is another local favorite, serving hand-crafted burgers, crab cakes, freshly caught oysters, and 12 beers on tap to choose from. Those looking for a good cocktail and lively environment can head over to 410 Social, an eatery and barroom designed to foster a social atmosphere with an open-concept layout and walls adorned with colorful local artwork.
Whether you're looking to grab a morning coffee or work remotely while in town, Berlin has an excellent variety of coffee shops to check out. “On What Grounds?” Coffee Shop is a favorite, featuring a cozy interior and a prime spot on Main Street. 2nd Wave Coffee and Social is another well-loved cafe, offering macarons, muffins, and croissants alongside freshly brewed coffee. For those with a sweet tooth, Baked Dessert Cafe provides handmade, signature desserts that will leave a lasting impression.
Art & History
Berlin features an Arts & Entertainment district recognized by the Maryland State Arts Council, offering a vibrant art community. Visitors can explore numerous murals, such as the Berlin Welcome Center Murals, Pollinator Way Interactive Mural, and Dr. Reverend Charles Albert Tindley Mural. The town boasts various unique studios, including Beach Memories, which offers hand-blown glass jewelry and decorations, and Henry Fine Arts, a local painter’s studio. For books or artwork, The Greyhound Indie Bookstore and Fine Art Gallery provides plenty of options. While exploring downtown, look out for hand-blown glass stars hidden throughout town as part of the Berlin Bubble Project!
The best way to learn about Berlin’s history is by visiting the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. This museum, housed in a 19th-century restored home, is conveniently situated in Berlin’s National Register Historic District and displays local memorabilia and historically furnished rooms inside. Afterward, travelers can take a stroll through the nearby historic commercial district, appreciating its federal-era homes.
Final Thoughts
Visit Berlin for its eccentric festivals, then stay to explore natural sights or the Arts & Entertainment District. Whether you aim to spot wild horses on Assateague Island or enjoy the town’s murals, there are many worthwhile experiences. This year, consider venturing beyond usual destinations to uncover the unique charm of this small town.
