A Whimsical Frolic: Visiting the Mermaid Museum in Maryland

During our annual weeklong vacation in Ocean City, Maryland, we encountered a somewhat rainy day that led us to expand our reach further away from the beach and pool to the Mermaid Museum in nearby Berlin. As a mom of three daughters, the allure of mermaids is always a draw, and I had been looking for excuses to visit this tiny town for years.  

A Charming Destination

I had wanted to visit Berlin for a while but had never found the right reason since mom’s interest in history and walkable places is not widespread in my family. Typically, our trips focus on the beach and kid-friendly activities, so this grayish, drizzly day provided the perfect opportunity to explore something new. My sister and niece, along with the kids and my husband  (not so much) were game so off we went.

After the 20 minute drive from north Ocean City, we found an on-street parking spot and located the museum. The museum is situated on the second floor of a brick building across from the historic Hotel Atlantic (or is it Atlantic Hotel?) of the rom-com Runaway Bride in Berlin, a charming town which grew from a plantation and historic village in post-Revolutionary War Maryland. The angular streets and quaint architecture added to the atmosphere as we approached the building.

Entering the Museum

As we climbed the stairs to the museum, the excitement built for the females in the group but Dad opted to sit outside and take in the main street atmosphere. The entrance features a small lobby and gift shop where you can purchase tickets for just $11— a magic number of significance for the museum and, apparently, mermaids. Once inside, we were greeted by a spacious room with high ceilings, adorned with eclectic decor that lent itself to the whimsey of the mermaid theme.

Mermaid Magic Awaits

Inside, the museum showcases fascinating displays about mermaids, drawing inspiration from the most famous mermaid characters like Ariel, Daryl Hannah’s character in Splash,  and the curious mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida shown in the Netflix documentary MerPeople. With plenty of natural light streaming through large windows, the space was inviting and engaging. Interestingly,teenage and tweenage daughters and neice found several activities that captivated their attention, while my husband opted to relax outside and soak in the historic vibe of the town.

We spent about an hour exploring the exhibits, but I won’t spoil the mystery or surprises for those who want to visit and see for themselves.

Summing it Up 

The Mermaid Museum was a novel way to spend a non-beach day, adding a touch of magic to our vacation with cute photos for social media to boot.  If you find yourself in the Ocean City area, I highly recommend making the short trip to Berlin to check it out for yourself. I would very much like to go back and spend more time in Berlin to explore the little shops, restaurants, walking tours, and any special events in the future when the kids aren’t dictating the schedule so much. 

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