Colonial Beach is located in the Northern Neck along the Potomac River. It is also the birthplace of not one but three Presidents: George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe!
Among the many things to do in Colonial Beach, VA, you can find a wide range of attractions, including historic landmarks, wineries, state parks, and of course, many activities at the beach!
Colonial Beach was once referred to as the “Playground on the Potomac” as travelers from Washington, D.C. would travel by boat and vacation along the mile-long beach.
Colonial Beach is actually the second-longest beach in Virginia. Only Virginia Beach is longer! It’s located about 73 miles from Northern Virginia and 70 miles from Richmond. This makes it a convenient beach getaway from many regions in Virginia!
(Top photo courtesy Ice House Marina Brewery & Kitchen.)
16 Best Things to Do in Colonial Beach, VA
Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing on the beach, Colonial Beach has something for everyone.
From strolling along the boardwalk to exploring the town’s museums and historical landmarks, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Colonial Beach.
Below are my top recommendations for the best things to do in Colonial Beach, VA.
1. Visit the George Washington Birthplace National Monument
When visiting Colonial Beach, you’ll definitely want to stop at the birthplace of founding father George Washington!
Though he later lived at Mount Vernon, he was actually born near Colonial Beach, and spent part of his childhood in the region.
Today, visitors can explore the 551-acre park, which includes Colonial Revival farm, a burial ground, a visitor center, and historic structures.
There is also a 1-mile Nature Trail in the park, as well as bicycling trails. There are also picnic grounds and a public beach.
The park is also one of many note-worthy National Parks in Virginia.
2. Explore Nature at Westmoreland State Park
Westmoreland State Park is another top destination to check out when you’re visiting Colonial Beach.
The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features over 1300 acres to explore in the Northern Neck. The park skirts the Potomac River and offers lovely water views.
Birding is popular in the park. You might spot American bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, green herons, gulls, and waterfowl.
Hikers have 6 miles of trails to explore along 7 different trails. There is also a playground, a fishing pier, and boat rentals.
Westmoreland is also a great place to go camping. There are campsites and cabins available in the park.
3. Stroll Down the Colonial Beach Boardwalk
Like many great water spots, Colonial Beach has its own boardwalk, where you can stroll along the water and experience many of the highlights that the town has to offer.
Along the boardwalk, you’ll find restaurants and bars like the Black Pearl Tiki Bar, which features a large seated area on the sand right by the water, a fire pit, and a stage with frequent live performances.
You can also stop by the High Tides on the Potomac restaurant, which specializes in steak and seafood.
There are picnic areas along the boardwalk too, which are perfect for grabbing lunch and chilling by the water.
Other attractions along the boardwalk include Ferry Landing Pier, where you can rent bicycles and paddle boards.
You can also book a fishing charter or dinner cruise from the pier.
4. Relax at the Beaches at Colonial Beach
Colonial Beach has five distinct beach areas, each with its own vibe. Spend some time exploring them all.
✅North Beach: Perfect for a quieter beach vacation
✅Downtown Boardwalk Beach: Where to go for water sports rentals, restaurants, food trucks, and shopping.
✅Irving Avenue Beach: A residential area with Bed & Breakfasts and Vacation Rentals.
✅Castlewood Beach: Home to a Dog Park and Castlewood Park with a playground, picnic tables, and benches.
✅The Pointe: Where you can find the Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar.
5. Grab a Drink and Bite to Eat at Ice House Marina Brewery and Kitchen
Ice House Marina Brewery and Kitchen is a fun beach spot that has a little bit of everything for your vacation!
Source: Ice House Marina Brewery & Kitchen
They have a brewery and restaurant on-site, but also a marina where you can dock your boat. They are even in the process of creating “tiny houseboats” that you can rent and stay at!
The restaurant serves lots of seafood favorites, like salmon sliders, crabcake sliders, lobster rolls, and bayside salmon.
There’s a wide selection of beers on tap as well, including Pale Ale, Belgian Wit, Brown Ale, and Chocolate Stout. They also have a selection of wines for purchase.
6. Grab a Drink at Colonial Beach Brewing
As the name implies, Colonial Beach Brewing is the place to find small-batch brews in Colonial Beach!
They serve up familiar brews, as well as some creative twists. Some of their beers on tap include Blood Orange Double IPA, Buzz’s Brew (beer with a kick of cold brew), German amber lager, Beach Blonde Ale, and Cherry Apple Seltzer.
The brewery hosts regular events including live music performances, yoga, and trivia nights. They also host fun special events like Drag Brunch, which features a Mexican Brunch Buffet and drinks. You can find a full list of upcoming events online.
7. Visit the Museum at Colonial Beach
A visit to the Museum at Colonial Beach is a great way to explore the rich history of the area. The museum is located in a historic home that was rescued by the Colonial Beach Historical Society.
The museum features stories and artifacts from the town’s history, including the history of the Potomac River, oyster wars, and even gambling.
Some of the exhibits include the Watermen’s Room, which is dedicated to the fishermen and oystermen from Colonial Beach.
The museum is free to the general public.
8. Explore the History at James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum
You can learn about the life and times of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. He was born and raised in Colonial Beach.
At the site, you can explore the ruins of the home where Monroe was born and raised.
There is currently a project underway to rebuild the home. In the meantime, though the park is still worth a visit.
There is a visitors center, a small museum, and trails around the grounds that you can explore.
9. Experience Local Wines at Monroe Bay Winery
Another great place to visit in Colonial Beach is Monroe Bay Winery, which is a small winery and cidery.
They offer wine tastings in a lovely water setting on Monroe Bay.
Some of the wines that they feature include Chardonnay, Blue Heron White, Traminette, Blue Heron Rosé, and Blue Heron Red.
They also produce numerous ciders, like Pumpkin Spice Cider, Boardwalk Cider, and Hopped Cider.
The winery is also a beautiful wedding venue.
10. Try Out the Wines at Ingleside Vineyards
Ingleside Vineyards is another local vineyard worth visiting. It’s only 13 miles away from Colonial Beach.
The vineyard is one of the oldest in Virginia, dating back to the 19th century. It has won numerous awards for its wines, including the Virginia Governor’s Cup and San Francisco International Wine Competition.
They offer self-guided flights of five wines, which you can choose from among their collection of over 20 wines.
To add an extra flavor to your visit, you can even go on a free tour to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the wine-making process.
On nice weather days, Ingleside Vineyards has a lovely European-inspired courtyard where you can lounge with a glass of wine and cheese from the gift shop!
11. Visit Historic Stratford Hall
Stratford Hall is another historic landmark near Colonial Beach. It is the ancestral home of the Lee family and the birth home of Robert E. Lee. It is also the home of brothers Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, who were signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The home dates all the way back to the 1730s. You can visit and take a guided tour of the main house, which includes exploring rooms filled with artifacts dating back to the hall’s rich history.
Some of the rooms that you can enter include the Kitchen, Servant’s Hall, School Room, Library, Parlor, Great Hall, and Main Chamber. Each room is decorated with 18th-century furniture, books, and artwork that allow you to step through time and relive the hall’s storied past.
Visitors can also explore the Grist Mill on the property. It dates back to the early 1740s. Since then, the working mill has been restored and it continues to produce grits, cornmeal, and pancake flour. You can even buy some of these products at the gift shop!
Beyond the home, you can also explore the extensive, multi-tiered gardens outside, which have been recently restored based on archaeological records.
There are also over 3 miles of walking trails on the estate that wind through the woods and hills that surround the property. You can even stroll along the beaches that are part of Stratford Hall.
12. Grab a Beer at Montross Brewery & Beer Garden
Montross Brewery is a little further away from Colonial Beach, but it’s close to Stratford Hall, which makes it a great place to go when you’re visiting the historic home.
They have the distinction of being the first brewery in the Northern Neck! They make both beers and ginger ales.
Some of their beers include Vanilla Stout, New England IPA, Wild Berry Seltzer, and Brown Ale.
They also have flavorful unique brews like Hibiscus Ginger Honey Ale and Blackberry Oatmeal Stout.
Montross Brewing makes their ginger ale using an 1800s recipe with natural ingredients, like cane sugar, lemons, and fresh ginger.
And as a great bonus, you can sit in the beer garden outside while enjoying your beverage of choice!
13. Eat at Dockside Restaurant and Tiki Bar
Grab some drinks and food by the water at the Dockside Restaurant and Tiki Bar.
This fun, atmospheric spot has a bourbon bar, screened-in porch, and outside picnic tables in the sand with a tiki bar. It’s like a tropical getaway in the heart of Colonial Beach.
They frequently have live music performances year round on both inside and outside stages.
As you would expect, the menu has many great seafood options to choose from, including Fried Shrimp, Fried Oysters, plus sandwiches and salads.
14. Go Fishing at the Colonial Beach Municipal Pier
The pier is a popular fishing spot at Colonial Beach. It extends 500 feet into the Potomac River.
The area is a prime location for Rock Fish (Striped Bass), Blue Fish, Spot, Croaker and Flounder, and even crabbing.
15. Go Shopping at Peddler’s Market
Peddler’s Market is a perfect shopping destination at Colonial Beach! You can find over 80 vendors to visit.
They have something for just about everyone and every budget! The boutique shops sell everything from furniture and home decor to art, pottery, crafts, collectibles, antiques, sports memorabilia, gifts, books, toys, and much more.
16. Explore the Art at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts
For a dose of art at the beach, stop by Jarrett Thor Fine Arts to see an eclectic array of artwork.
The gallery displays art from just about every genre, including impressionist, abstract, collages, and photos, as well as all types of subject matter (landscapes, still life, portraits, and even political satire).
They also host several workshops throughout the year.
Free Things to Do in Colonial Beach, VA
Not only are the beaches at Colonial Beach free, but there are many great free things to do in the region too. Below are some of the best activities to check out!
✅Swim and sunbathe at the Five Beaches at Colonial Beach: North Beach, Downtown Boardwalk Beach, Irving Avenue Beach, Castlewood Beach, and The Pointe.
✅Stroll Down Colonial Beach Boardwalk – You can take a stroll down the boardwalk and visit shops, and restaurants, including the High Tides on the Potomac Restaurant and Black Pearl Tiki Bar.
✅Visit James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum – You can visit the birthplace of the President and learn more about his life and legacy. There are also lovely paths to explore around the property.
✅Visit the Museum at Colonial Beach – Learn about the history of Colonial Beach at this quaint museum.
✅ Explore the Art at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts – Explore the many fine arts displays at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts.
Hotels in Colonial Beach, VA
To help you plan your next vacation in Colonial Beach, VA, here are some of my top picks for places to stay. They’re also located right on the beach!
Colonial Beach Plaza Bed & Breakfast
Colonial Beach Plaza Bed & Breakfast is an adorable hotel that is filled with charm and historic decor. It has a prime location right next to the beach, plus a pool. Guests are also treated to a full breakfast every morning.
| 🛏️ Book your stay at the Colonial Beach Plaza Bed & Breakfast by clicking here! 🛏️ |
River Edge Inn
River Edge Inn has a prime location right along the water. It also features an outdoor swimming pool and BBQ facilities, which makes it an excellent vacation spot.
| 🛏️ Book your stay at the River Edge Inn by clicking here! 🛏️ |
Colonial Beach FAQs
What is Colonial Beach VA known for?
Colonial Beach is known for being the birthplace of three Presidents: George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe.
Historically, it was known as The Playground on the Potomac. It served as a popular vacation destination for people from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
Does Colonial Beach have a boardwalk?
Yes, Colonial Beach has a boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Can you swim in Colonial Beach, VA?
Yes, you can swim in Colonial Beach, VA. There are also lifeguards on duty.
Is Colonial Beach, VA free?
Yes, Colonial Beach, VA is free.
Conclusion: 16 Best Things to Do in Colonial Beach, VA
Colonial Beach is a great vacation destination that is filled with history and small-town charm.
Whether you’re in the mood for chilling on the beach, seafood, wineries, breweries, or learning more about the founding fathers, you’ll find the perfect way to spend your holiday!
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