Explore the Eastern Shore on Your Next Trip to Ocean City, MD

Ocean City has numerous activities and good eats to offer, but if the inner explorer seeks out more adventures while on vacation, then this is the list for you! Whether you’re looking for an excuse to shop ‘till you drop, exploring nature or a chance to dive into a small town’s culture, then we’ve got you covered with lots of ideas for day trips from Ocean City, Maryland. If you’re feeling adventurous you can combine some of these trips into one day, but each town has plenty to keep you entertained for hours.

With travel times ranging from 10 minutes to an hour, a car is your best bet for traveling. For areas closer to Ocean City taxis and ubers may be available for low prices.

Berlin, Maryland

If you like small town charm and local shops, then this is a perfect spot. Voted the Coolest Small Town in America in 2014, Berlin, MD offers a beautiful, wide-range, shopping scene as you walk up and down Main Street. Local boutiques, antique shops, coffee shops & butcher shops fill the buildings in Downtown Berlin.

Looking to indulge into the history of Berlin? Check out the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. This carefully restored 19th century home displays a beautiful lawn, historic rooms and fascinating displays of local memorabilia.

Hungry? Don’t worry Berlin can satisfy your food craving with the numerous dining options they offer. Looking to be transported in time? Check out the 50’s themed diner Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain and Grill for burgers and yummy shakes. Have more of a unique taste? Blacksmith’s takes simple recipes and transforms them to make them fresh. Be sure to try their killer shrimp tacos. Want entertainment while you eat? The Globe offers live bands, shows, and events while you dine.

Snow Hill, Maryland

Just 30 minutes south, lies the quaint town of Snow Hill. This area offers a few tiny shops for you to enjoy and walk to. If you’re looking to explore the outdoors try visiting the Pocomoke River State Park. You are able to go out and enjoy fishing, boating, or the swimming pool while visiting the park.

Furnace Town Living Heritage Village allows you to take a step back in time, while they share the history of the people that lived and worked here. You are able to enjoy hands on experiences with the buildings, artifacts, and workplaces. The Julia A. Purnell Museum lends a hand at allowing you to time travel as well. You can become enriched in how Worcester County truly felt during the 1800s in this restored Catholic Church.

All that exploring can cause for a big appetite. The Blue Dog cafe offers a variety of meals to satisfy any craving, including Blue Dog Crab Cakes, and Seared Beef Tenderloin. Love Sandwiches? Harvest Moon Tavern has a plethora of yummy sandwich options, and many more entrees to choose from.You can never go wrong with cheesy, delicious pizza. The Four Seasons Pizza prides themselves on making fresh, made-to-order pizzas exactly like how you like it.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

A little further of a journey South takes you to this amazing island, located in the Eastern Shore of Virginia. About an hour away, you can travel here and enjoy the wildlife community. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers trails and beaches to walk through and view the famous wild ponies as well. If you want to get up close, they also offer rides and petting of ponies at the Chincoteague Pony Centre.

You are able to explore the Islands rich area from a birds eye view by climbing the Assateague Lighthouse, originally built in 1833. For the the more active people I recommend renting a bike on the island and exploring that way. While coasting along the beautiful trails of this island, you’ll also be working out and having fun. If you love wildlife and breathtaking views you need to check out Chincoteague Island.

Chincoteague also offers a wide range of food options. Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steak has enough yummy seafood meals to feed the whole eastern shore! Cream of crab soup is my favorite! A quick stop by Pico Taqueria, will crave any hunger paints you might be feeling. After lunch be sure to visit The Island Creamery to satisfy your sweet tooth. There is a plethora of homemade flavors to try and fall in love with!

Bethany Beach, Delaware

If you want to explore a new atmosphere, while staying close to the beach, then we recommend a quick trip to Bethany. North of Ocean City beaches, Bethany offers a different, smaller beach town setting with numerous local shops and activities. With everything much closer and located within walking distance, the beach and boardwalk are perfect for a relaxing beach day. Sharks Cove Marina offers banana boat rides everyday throughout the summer that will for sure make your vacation one to remember!

If you’re after something fun to do with the kids, Arnie’s Playland arcade is close to the beach with numerous games to keep them entertained. Not very much further is Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf where you can practice your putt-putt skills.

After basking in the sun for a few hours, stroll on down to Grotto’s Pizza for some some of the best pizza you’ll ever have! If you’re in the mood for seafood Bethany Oyster House & Raw Bar has a wide range of options for whatever you are craving.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Get ready to spend big bucks shopping in this adorable town. Rehoboth Beach is known for their wonderful Tanger outlets, filled with shops galore! Pristine beaches, soft sand, award-winning restaurants, and tax-free shopping are a few things that make Rehoboth Beach so popular. This town offers a beautiful beach and boardwalk for guests to enjoy, but if you’re in the mood for a quieter beach setting, check out the Cape Henlopen State Park (Gordon’s Pond).

The Rehoboth Beach museum transports you back into the early years of this beach town. Going as far back as 100 years, you are able to see displays of vintage swimsuits, postcards, archaeological artifacts, and so much more! If you’re looking for a more active experience then Jungle Jim’s is the outdoor experience for you. The outdoor waterpark features numerous rides and pools to enjoy all day. For rides that don’t require a swimsuit you can head to Funland. This amusement park feature 19 rides, an arcade, and much more!

Ever heard of the beer Dogfish Head? Well it was created here. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats is a local treasure filled with fresh food, and original beer. Looking for good local seafood? Head to Henlopen City Oyster House where all seafood is regionally sourced. Lastly you might be able to catch this food truck around town. Taco Reho has amazing fresh tacos that you will crave days after devouring them.