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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Francis Scott Key Family Resort

Enjoy family-friendly fun at Francis Scott Key Family Resort in Ocean City, MD. Features pirate-themed water park, pools, mini-golf, gym & near boardwalk.

12806 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 2343 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Indoor and outdoor pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable family-friendly resort with ample amenities

Guests appreciate the convenient location near Ocean City and the variety of on-site activities, though some note the property could use updates and occasional maintenance improvements.

Guests often praise

  • Family-oriented atmosphere with plenty of kid-friendly amenities like indoor/outdoor pools, mini golf, playground, and movie nights.
  • Convenient location close to Ocean City Boardwalk and nearby attractions.
  • Friendly and welcoming staff providing good customer service.
  • Clean and well-maintained facilities that contribute to a relaxing stay.
  • Variety of on-site activities including a casual restaurant, arcade, and outdoor pool bar with attentive bartenders.

Worth knowing

  • Rooms are functional but could benefit from updates like refreshed paint, improved lighting, and better soundproofing.
  • Some guests noted hard beds and occasional cleanliness issues in specific areas such as carpets and staircases.
  • No airport shuttle or pet-friendly options are available.
  • Food prices are typical for a resort and location; some guests suggest expanding food options at the pool bar.
  • Parking is free, and EV fast chargers are available nearby, but no direct beach shuttle in peak season mentioned.

Best for

  • Families seeking a relaxed, kid-focused vacation spot with plenty of activities on site.
  • Visitors wanting easy access to Ocean City attractions without staying in the heart of the busy boardwalk area.
  • Travelers who appreciate informal, unpretentious lodging with a community feel.
  • Guests looking for a combination of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities throughout seasonal changes.
  • Those planning multi-generational stays aiming to maintain family traditions in a friendly setting.
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About this property

Welcome to Francis Scott Key Family Resort

Located at 12806 Ocean Gateway in Ocean City, MD, the Francis Scott Key Family Resort is a 4.2-rated property that offers straightforward, family-friendly accommodations with a focus on practical amenities. This resort hotel features both indoor and outdoor pools, a seasonal pirate-themed water park, mini-golf, a fitness center, and a casual on-site restaurant, catering well to guests seeking a relaxed, activity-filled stay.

The resort’s location is convenient for visitors wanting easy access to nearby attractions such as the Ocean City Boardwalk, Tanger Outlets mall, and family amusement parks like Trimper Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Park. While the property is a short drive from the beach and boardwalk, it provides shuttle services to ease transportation for guests. Reviews consistently highlight the family-oriented atmosphere and the variety of children’s activities available on site.

Accommodations are described as comfortable though basic, with some notes on dated décor and the need for minor maintenance improvements. Guests appreciate the cleanliness and hospitality of staff, but some mention soundproofing and lighting as areas that could be enhanced. The resort’s casual style fits well for families looking for a practical stay rather than upscale luxury.

Overall, the Francis Scott Key Family Resort suits families and groups prioritizing kid-friendly amenities and easy access to Ocean City's main attractions over modern design. With free Wi-Fi, parking, and facilities that support both relaxation and entertainment, it remains a solid choice for a family getaway with an active, laid-back vibe.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Indoor and outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Business center
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Hot tub
Fitness center
Golf course
Bar

Not available at this property

Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

D
Danny Apr 13, 2026
8.0

Great location, just a few minutes’ drive from Ocean City. Good facilities and very kid-friendly. Rooms are decent, though the shower and bathroom could use repainting. Lighting is not ideal, the staircase carpet is somewhat dirty, and chipped walls need fresh paint. Large trash bins in the hallways are a drawback. With a few improvements, this could be an excellent family destination.

SA
Stephanie A Apr 09, 2026
8.0

1st time here with 4 kids and it was great. It has indoor and outdoor pool, mini golf,(a bit small) has playground, basketball hoops, lil movie theater and much more. Definitely a family oriented hotel. The room we got was on the Carolinas second floor. It's not the most upscale and updated hotel. You could hear the people next to you but it did t bother us much. Beds were a little hard and the building itself could use some fresh paint. But the pros did took over the cons. Place has good potential to do many family activities. Will come again!

DA
Daniel Alvarez Mar 21, 2026
10

My father-in-law came here when he was a kid, and now my wife and I are bringing our own kids!! it really is the perfect family place. The Francis Scott Key is super conveniently located near everything you’d want, even EV fast chargers which was a big plus for us. When it rained, they had a cozy movie night with free popcorn, and the little pond was a nice touch for downtime. The outdoor pool bar was a favorite — the bartender was so friendly and made the best drinks! Only small suggestion for ownership: maybe add a fryer at the indoor pool bar. The chicken fingers looked more like breaded cauliflower than the real deal. Not a complaint, just a thought to make it even better. And for anyone that complains about food prices — remember, you’re at a resort, in a tourist destination. Expect that! Overall, it was an amazing stay for our family of 5. We’ll definitely be back — it’s a spot that feels like home and keeps the family tradition alive.

AO
Abigail Ottley Mar 10, 2026
10

Our stay at Francis Scott Key Resort in Ocean City was absolutely amazing! This was our second time here, and it’s quickly become a family favorite. The location is perfect — just a 5-minute drive from the boardwalk — but still quiet and peaceful. The resort is so clean and well-kept, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. We loved all the amenities: the indoor pool with a slide, the outdoor pool, mini golf, arcade room, movie nights, and even having a restaurant right on site. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and my children had an absolute blast! I also really love the ranch-style rooms — spacious, comfortable, and perfect for families. Francis Scott Key truly has everything you could want for a fun, relaxing, and family-friendly vacation. We can’t wait to come back again!

AM
Andrew Metz Feb 12, 2026
10

We went on the off-season. But everything went really well. The room was well cleaned. Location was amazing. You're not in Ocean City but you're right next to it. They also have shuttles that take you to the beach and back so you don't have to pay for parking. So that is a major plus. Also two pools one that's inside where you could take your kids if it's raining outside. I would definitely recommend this for a family.

PM
Parish Martin-Taveras Jan 23, 2026
10

We could not have had a more enjoyable, relaxing stay! Plenty to keep our 7 year old busy, happy, and making friends. The other guests were all very friendly along with the staff. Our son got his practice run theater experience with the Minecraft movie which he enjoyed. The pool was perfect! Great atmosphere, it really put the cherry on top of our vacation. We can't wait to return!

SZ
Sabrina Zowaski Jan 12, 2026
8.0

I would highly recommend this family resort ! It’s so clean, great service, and they have plenty to do right at the resort if you’re not feeling the beach ! They have an indoor and outdoor pool, splash pad, mini golf, volley ball court, playground, and movie room where they play movies at night ! They also have a restaurant on site and also within walking distance to a diner and many other places. About 10-15 min drive from the boardwalk depending on traffic. My only issue with this resort is that they don’t have a complimentary breakfast. But you can get a room with a stove if you chose to cook. We had a great time and will definitely be back !

CF
Chioukh Fatima Dec 31, 2025
10

We had a wonderful stay at the Francis Scott Key Family Resort! The customer service at the reception was friendly and welcoming, making check-in/ out a breeze. The rooms and facilities were very clean, and our kids had an amazing time enjoying both the indoor and outdoor pools. Perfect spot for a fun, family-friendly getaway!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Francis Scott Key Family Resort

Ocean City, Maryland, USA

Opposite the Tanger Outlets mall along Highway 50, this laid-back, family-owned resort built in 1953 is a mile from the Ocean City Boardwalk.

  • Ocean City 6 min Walk
  • West Ocean City Park and Ride 7 min Walk
  • West OC Park and Ride 7 min Walk
  • Salisbury Regional Airport 38 min Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Maryland. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Jolly Roger Amusement Park 3,626 reviews

Jolly Roger Amusement Park

2901 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States

4.3 · Amusement Park
Ocean City Boardwalk 13,668 reviews

Ocean City Boardwalk

698 N Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States

4.6 · Tourist Attraction
Trimper Rides of Ocean City 4,018 reviews

Trimper Rides of Ocean City

700 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States

4.4 · Amusement Park
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