A 3-Day Mural and Public Art Trail Itinerary Along Maryland’s Coast

A 3-Day Mural and Public Art Trail Itinerary Along Maryland’s Coast

Explore Eastern Shore art, local culture, and scenic small towns

Looking for a creative road trip that blends public art, small-town charm, and photo-worthy stops? This 3-day mural and public art trail itinerary takes you through four artistic destinations in Worcester County, Maryland—Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke City, and Ocean City. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or with friends, this route offers walkable town centers, inspiring outdoor murals, and a glimpse into the heart of Maryland’s Coast.

Day 1: Berlin, Maryland

Vintage charm, local art, and creative stops in a walkable downtown.

Morning: Arrive in Berlin, MD

  • Drive time from Baltimore: approx. 2 hours 35 minutes
  • From Philadelphia: approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
  • From Virginia Beach: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
     

Start your trip in downtown Berlin, a historic and artsy Main Street town filled with murals, locally owned shops, and creative energy. Park once and explore on foot—many murals and artful details are tucked just off Main Street.

Downtown Berlin Public Art Highlights (All Walkable):

  • Ghost Murals: Vintage-style ads restored on historic brick buildings throughout downtown.
     
  • Pollinator Way Interactive Mural: A butterfly-themed mural in the alley between Gilbert’s Provisions and Island Creamery, designed to highlight the importance of pollinators through movement and play.
     
  • Pollinator Sidewalk Mural: Located beside Island Creamery, this sidewalk art adds color and purpose to the walk.
     
  • Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley Mural: A tribute mural on the Bruder Hill building on Commerce Street honoring the Berlin-born gospel music pioneer. Learn More
     
  • Berlin Welcome Center Mural: A five-panel mural created by the community and designed by artist John Donato, depicting Berlin’s past and present in a whimsical style.
     
  • The Big Painted Chair at Sisters: A larger-than-life chair out front of Sisters boutique, perfect for a fun photo opportunity
     

Jeffrey Auxer Designs – Glass Studio and Outdoor Installation:
Before entering this working glass studio on Jefferson Street, stop and admire the “Berlin Love Locks,” a trio of large gate-like metal panels designed for couples to leave personalized locks. Inspired by the European “Love Locks” tradition, this outdoor installation brings a romantic and creative touch to the mural trail. Inside the studio, you can browse glass art or sign up for a hands-on glassblowing session.

Optional Nearby Murals (Short Drive Required):
These public art pieces are located just outside the walkable downtown and may require a quick drive:

  • Stephen Decatur Park Mural and Rock Garden: A nature-inspired mural at the entrance to the park on Tripoli Street.
     
  • Henry Park Basketball Court Mural: A bold, youth-led project celebrating unity and color through sport and art.
     
  • Butterfly Mural at Stephen Decatur High School: A student-created mural promoting mental health awareness.
     

Food and Art Indoors:

  • 410 Social: A modern space downtown featuring a large mural by Evan Fitzgerald (Noble Beast Studios) and rotating works by local artists. It’s also a great spot for lunch or a drink.
     
  • The Mermaid Museum: Just off Main Street, this quirky, whimsical stop blends mermaid mythology, local history, and artistic flair.
     

Evening Lodging Options:

  • The Inn Berlin: A boutique stay with design-forward rooms and easy walkability.
     
  • Holland House B&B: A traditional inn with historic charm and front porch seating.
     

Dinner Suggestions:
Blacksmith, The Globe, or Atlantic Hotel

Travel Note:
Plan for a scenic 15-minute drive to Snow Hill in the morning to begin Day 2 of your mural trail.

Day 2: Snow Hill and Pocomoke City, MD

Explore heritage murals and riverside charm in two artsy towns!

Morning in Snow Hill, MD

  • Drive time from Berlin: approx. 15 minutes
     

Snow Hill offers a peaceful, historic setting along the Pocomoke River with an emerging arts scene.

Public Art and Creative Highlights:

  • Legacy Mural: A long-standing mural celebrating Snow Hill’s history.
  • Painted Storefronts: Look for hand-painted signs and creative storefronts throughout town.
  • Bishop’s Stock Gallery: A fine art gallery featuring regional artists.
  • Toy Town Antiques: More than an antique store, this colorful shop features playful window displays, nostalgic treasures, and unique photo ops that add a creative twist to your walk through town.
  • Furnace Town:  Located in the heart of the Pocomoke Forest, Furnace Town is home to Maryland's only bog ore iron furnace.
  • Dryden Ghost Mural located at 218 W Green Street
  • Riverfront murals along the dockside 
  • Evelyn's Village Inn mural located on 107 West Green Street
     

Coffee Stop:
Fika Coffee Roasting

Walkable Tip:
Park near Green Street for an easy 30-minute art and town loop on foot.

Afternoon in Pocomoke City, MD

  • Drive time from Snow Hill: approx. 15 minutes
     

Public Art Highlights:

  • Cypress Roots Brewing Co. Mural: Created by We Are Limitless Studios, highlighting Native heritage and family traditions.
     
  • Market Street and Clarke Avenue Accents: Painted doors and artistic touches throughout the downtown area.
     

Optional Stop:

Dinner Options:

Evening Lodging Options:

  • River House Inn (Snow Hill): Cozy riverside accommodations within walking distance of downtown.
  • Econo Lodge (Pocomoke City): Budget-friendly and centrally located for travelers on the go.
  • Ocean City, Maryland: Consider heading to Ocean City for the night. With a wide range of accommodations, it’s a convenient base for Day 3 and puts you in a prime position to catch a Boardwalk sunrise.

Travel Note:
Ocean City is just a 30–35 minute drive from both Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. Arriving in the evening allows you to settle in and enjoy the coast before continuing the mural trail in the morning.

Day 3: Ocean City, Maryland

Coastal murals, creative energy, and beach-town fun

Morning Arrival in Ocean City, MD

  • Drive time from Snow Hill or Pocomoke City: approx. 35 minutes
     

Start your day downtown or near the Inlet, where murals are easy to access on foot.

Downtown Mural Highlights:

  • Greetings From OC Mural: A colorful postcard-style mural.
  • Cruisin’ Mural (Talbot Street): Classic cars and beach nostalgia.
  • Oceanfront Mural by Erica DeHart (412 S. Baltimore Ave): A beach scene with rocking chairs and coastal calm.
  • Art Outside The Box Downtown Walking Tour - View The Map
     

Family Photo Stop:

  • “SMILE” installation at 4th Street and the Boardwalk: A playful photo opportunity for groups.
  • Shenanigans Celtic Wing Mural (4th Street & Boardwalk) – A striking set of Celtic-style wings painted on the side of Shenanigans Irish Pub. Designed as an interactive mural, it lets visitors stand between the wings for a bold, Instagram-worthy photo rooted in Irish pub flair.
     

Midday Mural Tour – Coastal Highway (Midtown to North Ocean City):
Explore more murals by car or hop on the Coastal Highway bus.

  • Layton’s (15th St.): A massive 86-foot OCMD mural by Ali Jacobs
  • Sea Loft Oceanfront Mural (45th Street) - by Hamilton Glass
  • Blue Fish (94th St.): Ocean wave mural on a seafood restaurant
  • Ropewalk (82nd St.): Tribute to Maryland’s fishing heritage by Robert Merrell
  • The Crab Bag (130th St.): A fun mural of Natty Boh riding a crab, painted by Stefan Ways
     

Creative Indoor Stops:

Lunch Ideas:
Longboard Café, Coastal Salt, or Seacrets

Evening Options:

  • Head home after your last mural stop.
  • Or book a night at a hotel for one more night on the coast.
     

Final Tips for Exploring the Mural Trail

  • Bring comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle.
  • Mornings offer the best lighting and fewer crowds.
  • Share your favorite finds using #MarylandsCoast.
  • Support artists and local businesses along the way.