Berlin

Located just minutes from Ocean City, Maryland and Assateaque Island National Seashore, Berlin enjoys a superb location and the town and surrounding area offer a variety of activities to visitors.

Forty-seven individual structures in Berlin are noted in the National Register of Historic Places and represent nearly two centuries of architectural heritage. These structures are well-preserved or renovated and date from three distinct periods: Federal, Victorian and 20th Century. The town center features mostly brick structures with compatible roof lines, proportionate window and door openings, uniform setbacks from the street and bulkheads beneath the lower windows. Magnolias, sycamores, tulip poplars, bald cypress and ginkgo trees add to the beauty of the town's settings.

Today the town is a wonderful example of what can be done when citizens work together for the success of their community. The renovation of the town center and the historic preservation of the commercial and residential districts are a result of the cooperative efforts of local citizens, businesses and the town government. Berlin's beautiful tree-lined streets, Victorian town center, museum and historic homes captivate those who visit.

Town History:

The village of Berlin began in the 1790s around the original, 300 acre, land grant of 1677 that became Burley Plantation. It is believed that the name Berlin (accent on the first syllable) was derived from a contraction of Burley Inn, a tavern at the crossroads of the Philadelphia Post Road and Sinepuxent Road.

Main Street was originally part of the path connecting the Assateague Indians with the neighboring Pocomoke tribe. In colonial times the path became the Philadelphia Post Road, the main route up the Shore to the commerce centers to the North and west. In the early 1900s, Berlin was known as a pleasant rest stop for travelers on their way to the small coastal village of Ocean City. At one time, it boasted more overnight accommodations than Ocean City.

The town's residential areas preserve nearly two centuries of architectural heritage from the Federal, Victorian and American schools of architecture. Many of the historic homes are graced by mature shade trees and shrubs. Magnolias, sycamores, tulip poplars, bald cypress and ginkgo trees add to the beauty of Berlin's peaceful streets.

The Town has undergone considerable revitalization of its historic downtown commercial district since the late 1980s, through a joint effort between the public and private sectors. The downtown and adjacent historic district are listed on the National Register of Historic Place, as are several individual buildings. The Town is designated by the State of Maryland as a "Main Street Community" in recognition of its revitalization progress.

Berlin has all the special character of the southern Eastern Shore. Harmonious rows of red brick buildings line Berlin's downtown Main Street offering a number of antique, jewelry, and gift shops as well as several excellent restaurants.

Berlin is located in Worcester County; Maryland's only county bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Just 7 miles from Ocean City, we offer the best of both worlds - fine dining, and shopping, in a peaceful, historic setting - all within minutes of the beach.