Berlin MarylandBEST BEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Berlin, Maryland.
1. Assateague Island National Seashore
WILD HORSES AND BEACHES
Assateague Island National Seashore is a stunning oceanfront park bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Sinepuxent Bay, offering beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife including the famous Assateague wild horses. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking through the natural landscape. The park is conveniently located less than 10 minutes away from Berlin, making it an accessible escape for nature enthusiasts seeking outdoor adventures.
2. Ocean City Beach
POPULAR SEASIDE DESTINATION
Ocean City Beach is a highly-rated coastal attraction located just 9.8 miles from Berlin, offering expansive sandy shores along the Atlantic Ocean. The beach attracts thousands of visitors seeking sun, surf, and relaxation during the warm season from early May to late October. With comfortable water temperatures and plenty of space, Ocean City Beach serves as the perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports.
3. Ocean City Boardwalk
ICONIC COASTAL PROMENADE
Ocean City Boardwalk is a vibrant waterfront attraction situated 7.2 miles from Berlin, featuring a lively pier and boardwalk experience along the Atlantic coast. Visitors can enjoy oceanfront views while exploring numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options that line this iconic promenade. The boardwalk provides the perfect complement to a day at the beach, allowing guests to experience both the natural beauty of the ocean and the energetic atmosphere of a classic seaside town.
4. Ayers Creek Adventures
PEACEFUL WATERWAY EXPLORATION
Ayers Creek Adventures offers kayak and canoe experiences that allow visitors to explore the calm streams and peaceful marshlands around Berlin. The waterway is home to countless species of fish and birds, making it an excellent destination for wildlife observation and nature photography. In addition to self-guided explorations, they provide paid guided tours and youth education programs for a more informative experience on the water.
5. North Beach
CHARMING CHESAPEAKE BAY ESCAPE
North Beach is an idyllic waterfront town located on the Chesapeake Bay, offering a more relaxed alternative to the ocean beaches near Berlin. Visitors can enjoy scenic boardwalks that provide beautiful views of the bay while offering easy access to the water. The town combines the charm of a small coastal community with proximity to the more bustling Annapolis area, making it a versatile destination for day trips.
6. Frontier Town Water Park
WESTERN-THEMED AQUATIC FUN
Frontier Town Water Park is an essential attraction to visit while in Berlin, combining the excitement of an arcade with refreshing water activities in a western-themed setting. The park accommodates campers and is RV-friendly, making it suitable for extended stays and family outings. Boat owners can even park their vessels at Frontier Town, adding to the convenience for water enthusiasts exploring the Berlin area.
7. Herring Creek Nature Park
SERENE WILDLIFE WATCHING
Herring Creek Nature Park is a 5-acre natural area in Berlin featuring tranquil water views and peaceful walking trails along the creek. The park is the ideal place for a picnic or day out observing birds from its many dedicated bird watching stations throughout the property. This waterside retreat offers a more intimate natural experience compared to the larger beaches in the area, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape.
8. Cape May-Lewes Ferry
SCENIC BAY CROSSING
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides a picturesque water journey across the Delaware Bay, connecting the nearby region to New Jersey's Cape May peninsula. Passengers can enjoy spectacular views of the bay during the crossing, with opportunities to spot dolphins and various seabirds along the way. The ferry experience combines practical transportation with a scenic cruise, making it both a functional service and an enjoyable water attraction for visitors to the Berlin area.
9. Sinepuxent Bay
PROTECTED COASTAL WATERS
Sinepuxent Bay is a sheltered body of water that separates Assateague Island from the mainland near Berlin, offering calmer conditions than the Atlantic Ocean beaches. The bay is perfect for paddling sports, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a more protected environment than the open ocean. Its location between Berlin and Assateague Island makes it an accessible waterfront destination for both beginner and experienced water enthusiasts.
10. Fenwick Island State Park
PRISTINE DELAWARE SHORELINE
Fenwick Island State Park features a pristine stretch of beach along the Atlantic Ocean just north of the Maryland state line, providing another excellent oceanfront option for Berlin visitors. The park offers a less crowded alternative to Ocean City's beaches while still providing lifeguarded swimming areas during the summer season. Visitors can enjoy 3 miles of barrier island beaches for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing in a more natural setting than some of the developed beach towns.