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Our Oceanfront Escape in Ocean City, MD: Salty Sands #202 through OCVH.NET

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If you’re looking for a beachfront escape in Ocean City, Maryland that blends comfort, convenience, and coastal charm, let me tell you about our incredible stay at Salty Sands #202 — a beautifully updated oceanfront condo that gave us the beach vacation of our dreams!

Fun fact: Jason and I used to visit OCMD before we had kids, and now we are super excited to share our family-friendly adventures with you. It’s such a full-circle moment to watch Emilia and Nicholas enjoy the same beaches, boardwalks, and attractions we once explored as a couple. There’s something really special about creating new memories in a place that already holds so many of our own.

We booked our stay through OCVH.NET, which is Ocean City Vacation Homes, a local property management company with a wide selection of rentals. Their website made browsing and booking so easy, and the customer service that the property managers provide was responsive and professional throughout the entire process.

One thing we loved about Ocean City Vacation Homes is that every property has its own vibe — from cozy bayside cottages to luxe oceanfront condos. Some rentals even have pools, rooftop decks, and other fun extras that can take your stay to the next level. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with young kids, or a big group, there’s truly something for everyone.

🏖️ About Salty Sands #202

Located at 2 46th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, Salty Sands is a mid-rise condo building right on the ocean. Unit #202 is a gorgeous, recently updated oceanfront unit that offered everything we needed and more.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean right from our private balcony. The condo was clean, modern, and felt like a true home away from home. Some of the highlights included:

  • Elevator access – super helpful with kids and beach gear!
  • Designated parking spot – no need to search or stress about parking.
  • Private beach locker – such a convenient perk for storing sandy toys, chairs, and umbrellas.
  • Fully equipped kitchen, updated decor, and a cozy living area where we could relax after long beach days.

We loved being just steps from the sand — morning coffee on the balcony with the sunrise and falling asleep to the sound of waves? Yes, please.

🎢 Family Fun at Jolly Roger Amusement Parks

We kicked things off with Splash Mountain, located at 30th Street, and it was the perfect way to cool down and kick off our Ocean City adventures. With over 17 water slides, a lazy river, and a huge kiddie splash area, there’s truly something for everyone — though we stuck to the more family-friendly attractions.

While we didn’t venture onto the major thrill rides (maybe in a few years!), we watched older kids and teens having a blast on them — there’s no shortage of heart-pounding slides for those seeking adventure.

Emilia and Nicholas especially loved Pirate’s Cove, the giant pirate-themed splash playground with water cannons, fountains, and slides made just for younger kids. They also had a blast in the wave pool, laughing as the waves rolled in and jumping over them together. The green and yellow slides were huge hits too — fast, fun, and just right for their age and comfort level.

We all enjoyed a peaceful float around the Lazy Lagoon, a relaxing river ride that winds through the park and gave us a nice break from the excitement.

We were pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-maintained the bathrooms were — always appreciated when you’re visiting with little ones! There were also plenty of food options throughout the park, from classic boardwalk-style snacks to quick, kid-friendly meals and icy treats to beat the heat.

Splash Mountain was exciting for the kids, easy for parents, and full of smiles all around.

🎠 Rides and Games Galore

We had to visit Jolly Roger at the Pier, right on the boardwalk. This was an absolute highlight of the trip — the atmosphere is classic coastal carnival fun!
Our favorites included:

  • The carousel, which Emilia wanted to ride again and again.
  • The ferris wheel, that Emilia & I loved
  • The teacups, where Emilia & Nick spun themselves silly
  • Carnival games that brought out our competitive side (and yes, we did win a plush prize!).

Since the Pier is right on the boardwalk, we were able to shop, grab snacks, and take a sunset stroll without moving the car. There’s something magical about the sound of the ocean blending with the laughter of kids and the nostalgic jingles of boardwalk games.

On the same night, we also visited Jolly Roger at 30th Street, which is especially perfect for younger kids like Emilia (7) and Nicholas (3.5). This location has a variety of gentle rides and attractions that cater to little ones, making it super manageable and fun for families with small children. From the mini cars and spinning rides to the easygoing pace and shaded seating areas, it was the kind of park where we could let the kids explore and enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. It was a relaxing and joy-filled experience that truly hit the mark for our family.

✨ A Perfect OCMD Stay

Between our stay at Salty Sands #202 and the endless entertainment at Jolly Roger, this Ocean City vacation was everything we hoped for. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a couples’ getaway, or a multi-generational vacation, I can’t recommend booking a rental through Ocean City Vacation Homes enough. It was the perfect launchpad for adventure and relaxation — and we already can’t wait to return.

Make sure you follow Ocean City Vacation Homes on Instagram & Facebook and Jolly Roger Amusement Park on Instagram.

Have you ever stayed in Ocean City, MD? What are your favorite boardwalk spots or beach activities? Drop them in the comments below — I’m always looking for inspiration for our next visit!

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Woodloch Pines Resort – Hawley, PA

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Our stay at Woodloch Pines was #hosted. All opinions within are my own.

Prior to this trip, I didn’t realize how big of an area the “Poconos” covered, even though I graduated from East Stroudsburg University many, many years ago. I have never ventured to Hawley, PA, where Woodloch Pines Resort is situated until this past weekend for our #hosted family getaway.

Woodloch Pines was absolutely amazing and will be an unforgettable trip.

We were in a 1 bedroom Edgewater suite in the Springbrook section of the resort. Our room had a balcony and overlooked the lake. It was stunning. In the warmer months, I could picture myself sitting with a big glass of wine and a book, taking in the fresh air and beautiful lake view. The two bathrooms (one with a stall shower, and one with a tub) were very helpful and we appreciated the coffeemaker, microwave, and comfortable beds/pillows. J is picky AF when it comes to cleanliness, and Woodloch is extremely clean and the grounds appear to be meticulously maintained. Everyone was super friendly and helpful; the resort is huge and I am bad with directions even with my trusty map, so thank you to everyone at Woodloch who explained and re-explained where to go and how to get there.

Let’s talk about meals. Woodloch Pines is an all-inclusive resort where you can choose a 2 or 3-meal plan option. (All of the details are on their website) You have a designated table for the duration of your stay and seat yourself during the breakfast, lunch, and dinner times. Can’t make it to the Inn? No problem, just call in your order and they will have it prepared for take-out. We did this for lunch when Nick was napping. Miss a dining window? Don’t worry, there are several a la carte options around the resort. The food was spectacular. Emilia loved the pumpkin bread. Nick enjoyed the pizza and french fries. Jason loved the pork shank with whipped potatoes. I loved the Woodloch Mud Pie dessert. The Bloody Mary at breakfast was one of the best I’ve had and the Tiddly Wink is a Woodloch specialty — must try! Menus are all posted online or on the Woodloch app.

As for activities, you can be busy from the morning until 1:00 AM. They have an activity sheet (also on the website or app) that lists all of the activities for the day. One of my friends messaged me and said, “Dan, it’s like a cruise but on land!” Honestly, that’s how Woodloch is — they have pools, hot tubs, a sauna, gyms, a splash pad with a slide, a toddler section, an arts and crafts room (Em made a photo frame out of popsicle sticks), a snow tube run, bumper cars/kiddie cars, an indoor playground with a toddler section, an outdoor playground, a climbing wall, a ropes course, a basketball court, several ping pong/pool table, and arcade games throughout. {I am missing things, so be sure to check out the website.) Then, they have activities that change daily. Em was able to attend the jewelry-making activity in the Kids Club room. Nicholas played with the toys and activity cubes. The staff was so kind and helpful. They had activities like Winter Olympics, Horse Racing, Bingo, and nightly entertainment (magic shows, a DJ, etc.)

This is where I tell you that these family trips are for the kids; J and I would wake up late, go to the gym, venture around the resort (we didn’t see half of what Woodloch has to offer during our stay), play pool, take a dip in the hot tub, sit in the sauna, eat meals in peace, get a spa treatment at The Lodge at Woodloch, go to the adult activities, catch a show, and grab some drinks at the nightclub if we didn’t bring the cherubs with us. Our nights end at 7pm when Nicholas is tapped out at 15 months old. Emilia, however, got to stay up late and challenged Dad to a few games of ping pong.

Here are a few tips to make your trip to Woodloch memorable:

  1. Bring a stroller for the kids or plan on utilizing the shuttle.
  2. Visit the gift shop. I got the coolest Woodloch ornament and some stickers.
  3. Take a walk around the lake. It is gorgeous. Bring a telescope or binoculars because the starry sky is mesmerizing. Em found the Big Dipper.
  4. Grab an activity sheet at the front desk every morning and prioritize your day. (Our priorities were the pool/splash pad and getting Em to the jewelry-making activity). Don’t expect to see or do it all. We didn’t see the entire resort and didn’t do a fraction of what was offered. We’ll just have to go back!
  5. Download the Woodloch app on your phone. It has menus, a daily activity sheet, a map, and more!
  6. Breathe. Even I took a few minutes to sit on the balcony to look at the lake and took some nice deep breaths of the crisp winter air. It was refreshing and revitalizing.

[[Side note: I want to tell you that if you aren’t following me on Instagram, make sure you head over there and check out my Woodloch highlight reel.]]

Between looking at the beautiful lake, taking a dip in the pool & hot tub, going down the water slide, making arts and crafts, beading a necklace during the jewelry-making activity, playing in the indoor playground, and taking the indoor kiddie cart for a spin, staying at Woodloch was a welcomed break from reality and allowed our family to make memories to last a lifetime.  

Book a room at Woodloch right through my link.

Though this was a hosted trip, (thank you, Woodloch), all opinions expressed within are my own. Be sure to visit Woodloch’s website and Instagram.

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