Worcester County, Maryland’s only seaside county, is known for Ocean City beaches, wild ponies that run the beaches along Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore -- a 37-mile long barrier island south of Ocean City -- and outdoor recreation.
According to legend, the ponies are descendants of horses that survived the shipwreck of a Spanish galleon. Another legend claims that settlers brought the ponies to the New World. In addition to the ponies, Assateague State Park has campsites, bike trails and rental boats.
In Snow Hill, the county seat, was named after the Snow Hill section of London by Col. William Stevens, stop by the Julia A. Purnell Museum, which has exhibits spotlighting the Victorian period of the southern Eastern Shore. Nearby, is Pocomoke River State Park – you’ll find nature trails, indoor exhibits and designated areas for birding.
Berlin is another town with Victorian charm. Learn about the town’s history at the Calvin B. Taylor Museum. Stop for a bite or stay the evening at the Atlantic Hotel, a restored Victorian landmark that’s more than 100 years old.
Worcester’s mild climate makes it possible to play golf year round at the county’s 14 championship courses. The county also has 100 miles of marked bike trails on flat country roads.
Visit the Worcester County and Wilds of Worcester web sites.