Old Ocean Beach Apt

When you're planning a summer week on the Maine coast with kids in tow, you need more than just a room - you need space, a kitchen that actually works, and proximity to the things that matter. Old Ocean Beach Apt delivers exactly that. This two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment sits steps from the Old Orchard Beach Pier and Palace Playland, putting you within arm's reach of the beach and the amusement park without any fuss.

The property reads less like a hotel and more like borrowing a well-maintained beach house from someone who knows what families actually need. There's a full kitchen for breakfast before the beach, a fireplace for unexpected cool evenings, and a patio with a barbecue for grilling fresh catch. The private entrance and lack of hallway traffic mean you can come and go on your own schedule - no waiting for elevators, no apologizing to neighbors when the kids are loud at 7 a.m.

Guests consistently highlight the cleanliness, space, and location as the real draw. Families return here year after year, which says more than any amenity list.

The location is genuinely unbeatable for families with young kids. A two-minute walk puts you at Palace Playland; the beach and pier are steps away. You're not hunting for parking, not bundling kids onto shuttles, not debating which restaurant to eat at when you're exhausted. The apartment has a kitchen, so breakfast is whatever you decide it should be - overnight oats, scrambled eggs, or coffee in peace while the kids watch cartoons.

It's a full apartment, not a hotel room. Two bedrooms mean parents can put kids to bed and still have a living room to sit in. The kitchen is genuinely equipped - not a hot plate and a microwave situation. A washing machine lets you do laundry mid-week instead of packing double the clothes. That matters when you're with small children.

The owner maintains high standards. Multiple guests mentioned the cleanliness and the obvious care taken with the property. It's not fancy, but it's scrupulously kept. The fireplace and outdoor dining area suggest someone who actually thinks about how guests will spend their time here.

Open year-round, flexible for shoulder-season trips. Summer peak is obvious, but families also use this place for Labor Day weekends, fall breaks, and even Easter week. The heating works, so off-season is viable if you want fewer crowds.

The apartment is straightforward: two bedrooms, one full bathroom, and a living area with a fireplace. The layout is classic beach-house efficient - enough to spread out without being so large that everyone gets lost. One guest noted having to move a coffee table for safety with a toddler around, so factor in that you'll want to childproof before settling in.

• Apartment (2 bedroom, 1 bathroom): Full kitchen, living area with fireplace, patio with barbecue, private entrance, washer/dryer on site.

One note from reviews: the stove is older and the shower setup is minimal (no towel bars, basic curtain). These aren't deal-breakers for a family apartment at this price point, but they're worth knowing so you're not surprised.

Kitchen & Dining: Fully equipped kitchen with stovetop, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and full set of kitchenware · Coffee machine for morning caffeine · Outdoor dining area and barbecue grill.

Comfort & Convenience: Fireplace for cooler evenings · Washing machine and dryer for laundry mid-stay · Private entrance so you control your comings and goings.

Access & Parking: On-site parking included · Free WiFi throughout · Air conditioning for hot nights.

Activities: Direct beach access · Hiking in the surrounding area · Cable TV if weather forces an indoor day.

Summer (June–August): Peak season for families. Beach water is warmest (65–70°F), Palace Playland is fully open, and Old Orchard Beach is bustling with energy. Book early; this property fills quickly. Expect 70–80°F days and occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

Late Spring & Early Fall (May and September): Sweet spot for families who don't need beach-water swimming. Temperatures are 60–70°F, crowds are lighter, and you still have Palace Playland open and beach access. Schools may still be in session in mid-September, so Labor Day week books solid.

Fall & Winter (October–April): Quieter season. The fireplace becomes useful. Beach walks are beautiful but water is cold (40–50°F). Palace Playland has reduced hours or closes seasonally. Heating works, so it's doable for a cozy weekend, but this is not a swimming destination in these months.

"We liked everything. Place was very clean." - Maria, United States · Family · 10/10

"Location was perfect. Just as described. It is obvious the owner has very high standards." - Carol, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"It was plenty big enough and close to the beach." - Marion, United States · Family · 8/10

"One of the best vacations of our lives. We really enjoyed it. We will be making this a regular family destination." - Carol, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

Guests overwhelmingly praise the space, cleanliness, and location. The only recurring minor notes are that the stove is dated (but functional) and bathroom storage is sparse - not complaints, just realities of an older beach apartment. One family mentioned needing to move furniture for a young toddler, which is good context if you're traveling with very small kids.

• Old Orchard Beach Pier: 0.1 mi away · Classic Maine attraction with amusement games, food vendors, and stunning ocean views.
• Palace Playland: 2-minute walk · Direct access to rides, arcade games, and carnival atmosphere - kids can be back here within minutes of waking up.
• Old Orchard Beach itself: 2-minute walk · 7 miles of sand, perfect for swimming, sandcastle building, and evening beach walks.
• Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf: 0.9 mi · Miniature golf with a pirate theme; easy drive or walk for an evening out.
• Funtown Splashtown USA: 5 mi · Major water park and amusement park, worth a day trip if your kids are tall enough for the rides.
• Pine Point Beach: 3 mi · Quieter alternative to Old Orchard if you want fewer crowds and better swimming conditions.
• Portland Head Light: 20 mi · Iconic lighthouse; pairs well with a day trip to Portland proper for lunch and shopping.
• Ogunquit Beach: 15 mi · Another excellent Maine beach town with a boardwalk, galleries, and restaurants.

Is this apartment actually on the beach? Yes. It's a 2-minute walk from Old Orchard Beach itself and the pier. You can walk directly to sand from the property without needing a car.

Is breakfast included? No, but the full kitchen means you can cook your own. Guests appreciate not being forced into overpriced hotel breakfast buffets.

Is there WiFi and parking? Free WiFi is included. On-site parking is available and included in your stay, which is valuable during peak summer.

Can I do laundry here? Yes. The apartment has a washing machine and dryer on-site, which is huge for families staying more than a few days.

Is the apartment good for very young children? Yes, but you'll want to childproof. One guest mentioned moving a coffee table to prevent a toddler from falling. The layout is safe; just baby-proof as you would at home.

What's the neighborhood like at night? This is a summer beach town, so it's family-oriented and busy June through August. Evenings are generally lively with people strolling to and from the pier. Quieter in shoulder seasons.

Are pets allowed? The listing doesn't mention pets, so assume no. Confirm directly before booking if you're traveling with a dog.