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Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore!

Photo gallery for Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore!

Entrance from the Garden
Welcome!
Path to the beach
Living area
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Top rated beach location
    Discover paradise at this top rated beach location.
  • Games
    A rare find - enjoy a variety of games available on-site.
  • Steps from the shore
    Top-rated for its nearby beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Willard Beach
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchenette
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
SOUTH PORTLAND, ME
  • Place, Southern Maine Community College
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Willard Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Fort Preble
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore!

Perfect for a Maine summer vacation. This 400 sq foot studio apartment is one house away from Willard Beach, 4 blocks to Willard Square, 1 mile from downtown South Portland, and a 5 minute drive to downtown Portland, ME.

The apartment has a full bath, a kitchenette, air conditioning, free wifi, cable TV, a small porch with seating for three, and a completely fenced-in back yard with a small grill. It has hardwood floors throughout, cathedral ceilings, and plenty of natural light with lovely views of Casco Bay.

Bringing your pup? It is a very dog-friendly area and you'll be able to find lots to do with your dog; however, if you'd like to go out to dinner or do an activity where your dog is not welcome, I am happy to arrange very trustworthy dog-walking/sitting services.

No smoking or vaping allowed in the studio or on the porch. There is a private back yard and a shed for smoke/ vape breaks.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Well-behaved, socialized dogs only.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 790807vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

South Portland

Located on the beach, this apartment is in Willard Beach, a neighbourhood in South Portland. Portland Head Light and State Theatre are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Thompson's Point and Higgins Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Cross Insurance Arena or Merrill Auditorium. Power boating, sailing and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
View more Apartments in South PortlandOpens in a new window
Map
SOUTH PORTLAND, ME

What's nearby

  • Southern Maine Community College - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Willard Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Fort Preble - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • South Portland Historical Society Museum - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Bug Light - 4 min drive - 1.8 km

Getting around

  • Portland Transportation Center - 14 min drive
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Second Rodeo Coffee - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪North43Bistro - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Luke’s Lobster - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪DiMillo's On the Water - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cumberland Farms - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Willard Beach Get Away - Dog Friendly - Steps from the shore! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Willard Beach apartment building is just steps away from Casco Bay and Willard Beach. Southern Maine Community College and Fort Preble are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 51 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

John J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay. We would rent here again.

The location is amazing and Brenda is great with communication. We loved staying here and would rent again. What a great VRBO find.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jack C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Maine vacation

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Willard Beach. The studio apartment was in a prime location - one house away from the beach. And within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Great ice cream store and bakery just up the road. Walking path along the perimeter of the beach was perfect. The overall accommodations were excellent! Loved our stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt A H.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet

Very comfortable, not over the top, location is awesome!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2023
Thank you for staying and for this lovely review!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent, cozy studio by the sea

We will stay in this lovely studio apartment. It's not large but it has everything you need for a relaxed time at Willard Beach. Great walks, bakery and restaurants in the neighborhood.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A gem in South Portland

This was our fourth year staying here. The ocean is a hundred feet away and Portland is a 6 minute drive. Perfect for beach lovers and yet fantastic regarding proximity to Portland and all it offers. Truly a great vacation getaway. Brenda is an amazing host.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Willard Studio

This is the 3rd time my wife and I have stayed here. Fantastic location with the beach ~100 feet away and Portland a ten minute drive. Brenda is the perfect host. Can’t wait to come back next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

laura a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bliss at the Beach

We had a fabulous stay at Brenda’s! Quite literally steps from the beach, the location cannot be beat. Willard beach is a dog paradise every morning (7-9am) and a great people beach during the day. Brenda was a great host! Very responsive, and friendly via message and in-person. Thanks for having us, and hope to come again soon :) Laura and Katie
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 June 2024
Thank you Laura & Katie. I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JoAnn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in Willard Beach Studio apt

Returned to stay in a studio apt I used pre-Covid and felt right at home. The owner is wonderful and very responsive to questions. The neighborhood is great for walking the dog, especially the off-leash policy this time of year during most hours. Convenient location to downtown Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor and Freeport, amongst other places.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bev J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Little Apartment

We had a great week staying in this studio apartment! It is very convenient to all that Portland has to offer and easy to get to places like Freeport and points south towards Kennebunkport & Ogunquit. We enjoyed walking and biking around South Portland to the bakery the ice cream shop and the lighthouses. Our dog was in heaven during the dog hours on Willard Beach - Literally just a few steps away! Brenda was super easy to communicate with and completely unobtrusive during our stay. We would not hesitate to stay here during our next visit to the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2024
It was so lovely to meet you and I'm so glad you enjoyed my space. Come back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debrenee F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint little corner of Portland

Second stay at this charming studio in So Portland. Location is fabulous for adventure is and around Portland. Great location for biking. Easy access to highway. 5 minutes from downtown or 295 to go south. Apartment literally has everything. Comfortable bed, couch, TV for streaming, large enough couch for a couple to cozy up. Working kitchen with stove, toaster oven (where I actually made cookies from dough I got from Whole Foods). Great shower, towels, dresser and full sized closet. The list goes on. Very close to Willard Beach and a walking/biking path. Lovely host, location, accommodations, and experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Nov 2022
Thank you Debrenee! Always a pleasure to host you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debrenee F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, hospitality, comfort, what more could there be?

What a wonderful place! Host has really thought of everything which made my week the best that it could be. Location: easy access to Portland, 295 and Rte 1. Grocery options close by, including a Whole Foods within 10 minutes. Neighborhood was quiet. Close to beach and walking path. Property: perfectly designed with comfortable bed, Wi-Fi, kitchenette with clean and modern toaster oven and microwave, couch large enough for a nap, TV with a couple streaming services, ceiling fan, and the list goes on. Lots of things to love about how the space is used. One that I especially appreciated was a real closet and dresser! Host: Brenda was available if needed but not intrusive. She provided lots of helpful information about things to do, eateries, local options, house rules, etc. I really appreciated that the information was current. I highly recommend this location for a couple or single person and hope to come back next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2021
Thank you fair this lovely and detailed review! I hope you come back next year & your dogs were so beautiful and well-behaved. Have a lovely winter!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ginny & Audrey P.

Lovely Stay At This Dog Friendly Studio Apt.

We had a wonderful stay at this lovely dog friendly studio apt in South Portland. We were so comfortable in Brenda's home. She was very welcoming, friendly and helpful. Everything was clean and nothing was needed due to what she provided. Our doggie, Sydney, enjoyed the beach just yards away. She was able to run off leash in the mornings and evenings on the beach, play with many friendly dogs and swim in the bay. She had a blast as we did watching her frolic. We spent a few nights just relaxing on the little porch that is for Brenda's guests and listening to the sound of the waves and boats out on the bay. So peaceful! We used the location as a hub as we were able to quickly travel into downtown Portland for sightseeing and great dog friendly restaurants. We were able to visit other close towns such as Kennebunkport and Freeport easily from this great location. Beautiful lighthouses are within minutes including Portland Headlight, Bug Light and 2 Lights. We enjoyed lunch picnics at all these places with our pup as well as doing some hiking. C Salt Market provided great picnic sandwiches which is located near the lighthouses. If you are looking for a convenient, lovely location which is also dog friendly, don't hesitate to stay at Brenda's studio home. She helped make our vacation enjoyable and easy. We are looking forward to returning when we can. Thank you Brenda. It was lovely to meet you and spend time in you Sea Glass Studio. -Audrey and Ginny + Sydney
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Thank you for reviewing! I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay - come back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent South Portland accommodation

Convenient location, beautiful views, easy access to Willard Beach, host owner accessible and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monika J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

We really enjoyed our stay! The studio is right next to dog friendly Willard Beach, which was awesome. The host Brenda was wonderful and we had everything we needed. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great hidden gem

Great beach getaway. 50 feet from the beach and only 10 minutes from downtown Portland. Brenda is an amazing host. She communicates effectively and is readily available for help, but she doesn’t interfere in your vacation. This was our second stay here and we already booked a week for next July. This was the most relaxing vacation we have had in years. I give the accommodations 5/5 stars. I highly recommend that you stay here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place just steps from a dog friendly beach

Nice place just steps from dog friendly Willard Beach. Brenda is a gracious host. Only a 10 minute drive from downtown Portland.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amabelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect beach getaway

Brenda's apartment was the perfect beach getaway. The location is a 30 second walk to the beach. We had our dogs and until Oct 1 they had dog hours, but there is a lovely trail along the beach just on the next street which is direct shot to the lighthouse. The apartment is a small studio but it was just the two of us and our dogs. It had everything we needed from bedding, towels and kitchen utensils and gear. It was very clean! We also loved that we were able to compost and recycle. She also provided beach chairs and towels for convenience. The room had a small refrigerator with a freezer. It fit all our drinks and food for 5 days. I have stayed in a lot of rentals and this place has the best bed! It's medium/firm. There is also a separate air conditioning unit that helped during warm nights when we couldn't open the window. We had a wonderful time and appreciated everything including all the recommendations and suggestions in the binder and basket in the room.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time

Fantastic location steps from the beach. Great food nearby and a few minutes from downtown Portland. We plan on coming back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly Recommend!

We loved everything about this property. Brenda was a lovely host and quickly responded to any questions. The apartment was spotless, comfortable, and well equipped. Steps from beautiful Willard Beach, we spent many hours there. We look forward to a return visit!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 June 2021
Thank you Deborah. Please come back next season - I enjoyed hosting you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely seaside get away

We just enjoyed a 4 night stay at this perfectly located studio, 150 feet from Willard Beach. We walked and hiked all around the area. Great place, friendly hostess.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location in South Portland

Everything was fantastic, Brenda was easy to reach and we loved our stay. Her place is only one house away from Willard Beach and a quick drive into Portland and things to do. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property!

We had a great stay at this property! It was clean and just steps away from Willard Beach. Brenda was very accommodating and available if needed. We will be back for sure!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

eleonor g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for people and dogs!

Fantastic place amazing view and for a dog owner perfect as a dog beach is just down the street - loved the place and sleeping under a giant peace sign on the roof
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location and easy access to beach

Perfect in every way if your not a dog person this beach is not for you house was dog friendly we didn’t bring ours but would have if she wasn’t afraid of other dogs . This place is great for 2 people three would be a little crowded but doable . Yard very nice to Enjoy a bbq . Bring everything you need to cook condiment wise but need nothing to cook with . Ac was perfect as it was hotter than heck this week . We would go again . Bed was heaven and to me of a bed was so cozy :) slept like a baby
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2020
Thanks, Carol - great meeting you! You are correct - 3 adults is a crowd in there, but people have done it :). You are also correct that during dog hours (7-9 in the morning and evening) the beach can be challenging for non-dog people and for dogs that are not all that enamored with romping, wet dogs! I'd love to host you again and I really loved all the great bird pictures you took in the yard. I learned so much about all the wonderful birds and those Cooper Hawk photos were really something! Have a great rest of your summer!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

james p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Maine Holiday

Great neighborhood, beach and views. Excellent walking and biking area too.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

About the host

Hosted by Brenda Peluso

Host profile image
This is the house I grew up in. My parents bought the house in 1967 when living on Willard Beach wasn't a particularly desirable thing to do!

In 1999, we built an in-law apartment for my father and moved back into the main house which is attached to the apartment by a shared breezeway. My father passed away in 2014 and we renovated his space and are happy to offer it to people (with or without their canine family members) on a weekly or monthly basis.

I love Maine and South Portland and am happy to share my love of and history with this fabulous place with vacationers. Of course, I am also happy to leave you completely in peace!

Why they chose this property

I was so thrilled to move back to the beach house I grew up in and give my children the same opportunities I had as a child. This area is just so great. Good schools, close to downtown Portland and all that Portland has to offer. All this and in a neighborhood that is totally walkable, with access to the beach, the Greenbelt, and Willard Square.

You couldn't ask for a better neighborhood to raise a family, live and grow old in!

What makes this property unique

Vacationers will see why I fell in love with this place. The views coming down the street, out the unit's windows, and strolling along the beach are amazing. Enjoying your morning coffee in the sky chair on the back porch with the birds chirping, the surf rolling in and the boats cruising by is hard to beat.

The convenience of being so close to Willard Square, Mill Creek, and downtown Portland are another reason this place is so great. As realtors always say, "location, location, location."

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