11 Things To Do In Colonial Beach That Make It Special
Colonial Beach is a very lovely little town with a rich historical background and many sites that can attract visitors. Once regarded as the playground of the elite of Washington DC, this old river town offers quaint old-world charm along with modern comforts and activities.
From lazy days at the beach and watersports to tours of historic downtown and unique museums, certain activities account for the magic of Colonial Beach.
Here are eleven things that must be done when in this Virginia River town!
Historic Attractions
With Colonial Beach being one of the oldest settlements in Virginia, it boasts over three centuries of almost uninterrupted history. Get a feel for yesteryear at these historic attractions.
1. Colonial Beach Museum
Set in a restored schoolhouse from 1912, the Colonial Beach Museum casts a glance at the very culture and history of this little town that hugs the banks of the Potomac River. Walking through the museum's exhibitions embarks one witness to that sacred past in artifacts, photographs, documents, and other historical relics.
The museum stretches back into the ancient know-how of the locality by way of exhibits on traditional implements and pottery by some local tribes, the Doeg and Patawomeck. The European colonization of the land is also captured in exhibitions covering artifacts of first European settlers who came to settle in the area in the 1600s. Some examples include the household devices of some early Colonial Beach communities.
While browsing through every collection found within the museum, you will find how much importance the Potomac River has made through various ages. It would have made their lives easier for colonization and trade, made the town a resort in the early 1800s, and supported some very productive fisheries. Namely, some of the artifacts belonging to the steamboat age include fine pieces of ornate china and crystal tables for dining lavishly with passengers. Photographs show stately steamships lining the busy pre-Civil War waterfront.
More than artifacts, compelling exhibits incorporate life-size dioramas, models, interactive touch displays, and an inevitably photogenic colonial-era outhouse. The showstopper is an amazing model meant to recreate downtown Colonial Beach in the roaring 1920s and 30s, the lifeblood resort town of yore. Imagine almost a century ago how these beach boardwalks, riverside parks, and the downtown scene looked.
Touring this Colonial Beach Museum will give you insights into the Potomac River's history, the Colonies' beginnings, Victorian resort life, trade, community, and culture. This museum holds a gift shop selling local history books and souvenirs. Before departing, I wandered through the building of 1912, imagining life as a student when it was still a school.
2. Westmoreland State Park
This park, on the pompous shore of Potomac, is Westmoreland State Park. It extends across an area of about 1,300 acres and nestles one in nature and history for centuries. The vast hiking trails are meandering up and down cliffs and scenic beaches along the river's edge. Wherein lay the remnants of Native American settlements and European settlements.
You will definitely find cold crumbling foundations in dense woods and muddy wetlands, where it is said that a Swedish community was first established back in the late sixteen hundreds. It is one of the original European settlements alongside the banks of the Potomac. Nearby are visible remains of encampments by Native Americans who have fished the abundant waters of the river for over 5,000 years.
To get the fabulous views of the shimmery Potomac, walk through the trails leading to the high, soaring sandstone cliffs called Horsehead Cliffs. From these heights of a little over 100 feet, you can see across a mile-wide river. Do not forget to take note of any passing ships along this historic waterway.
Camping, fishing, boating, and swimming make up the recreational offerings of history and scenic beauty. Picnic under the soaring trees, cast your line into that river teeming with fish, or stay in an adorable rental cabin. Explore more about the wildlife and the environment in this region by visiting the park's Plumb Point Nature Center.
Beach & Riverfront Activities
With over a mile of beach along the Potomac River, water reigns supreme in Colonial Beach. Enjoy fun in the sun at these spots.
3. Colonial Beach Boardwalk & Beach
It's packed with all the traditional seaside amusements, and it will take you straight from the beach to the streets of downtown fun, the bustling Colonial Beach Boardwalk. Take a stroll along the wooden planks that overlook stretches of beach along the Potomac River. Work the brakes to put your look in your rear-view mirror, watch boats cruise by, and feel the breeze.
Sand-filled are the boardwalk shops, eateries, and visitor amenities. Get your boogie boards and beach gear at the nearby boardwalk shop. Chug some frozen custard, devour heaps of fries or nibble on a perfectly grilled juicy burger from any of the snack bars lining the way. Shade your tired feet from the scorching heat of the benches looking out over the beach.
The boardwalk takes you down wooden ramps to a long access public beach with very fine sand and has shallow calm waters with very laid-back vibes. Beach chairs and umbrellas, castles, shell digging, or just lying on the sand soaking in the sun are the activities that can be enjoyed. And when it gets hot, or you want a nice refreshing swim, wade into the nice Potomac.
These beaches are well equipped with playgrounds and picnic tables, making them a perfect family destination. This is where the kids can spend hours happily playing in the sand and gentle waves. Also, wide beaches are the main attraction on weekends where huge crowds gather for reunions, parties, and vacationers indulging in classic shoreline relaxation. The romantic sun dips into the river while families and couples stroll along the boardwalk to complete yet another splendid day.
4. Colonial Beach Fishing Pier
The long timber Colonial Beach Fishing Pier, stretching somewhat 600 feet over the Potomac River, is ranked among the prime locations in the area for attempting to fish for striped bass, croaker, perch, and other species. Generations of anglers have come to cast lines from this wooden pier that reaches out into the river.
Stopping at the pier's bait and tackle shop, near its entrance, for some fresh bait, as well as whatever gear and supplies you require, is always a good idea. All set to fish? Claim your space anywhere along the pier's length. Find a quiet corner at sunrise, or join the friendly chaos on bustling weekends. Lights ensure that the pier remains accessible throughout the night for anglers.
Spend some time enjoying the view of the Potomac, bustling with sailboats, kayakers, cruise ships, and waterbirds, while this pier is also a great spot for waiting for a bite. Should you get too captivated by the views and scenery, the tug on your line shall remind you of why you are there. The fishing here provides plenty of fun for family and novice anglers alike.
Reel in and release, or bag up for dinner a few within the legal limits. Amenities, lights, fishes, and a long stretch guarantee that the Colonial Beach Fishing Pier is a prized location for shore fishermen.
Historic Downtown
Downtown Colonial Beach brings you back in time with its quaint shops and eateries housed within historic early 20th-century buildings.
5. Riverboat on the Potomac
The long timber Colonial Beach Fishing Pier, stretching somewhat 600 feet over the Potomac River, is ranked among the prime locations in the area for attempting to fish for striped bass, croaker, perch, and other species. Generations of anglers have come to cast lines from this wooden pier that reaches out into the river.
Stopping at the pier's bait and tackle shop, near its entrance, for some fresh bait, as well as whatever gear and supplies you require, is always a good idea. All set to fish? Claim your space anywhere along the pier's length. Find a quiet corner at sunrise, or join the friendly chaos on bustling weekends. Lights ensure that the pier remains accessible throughout the night for anglers.
Spend some time enjoying the view of the Potomac, bustling with sailboats, kayakers, cruise ships, and waterbirds, while this pier is also a great spot for waiting for a bite. Should you get too captivated by the views and scenery, the tug on your line shall remind you of why you are there. The fishing here provides plenty of fun for family and novice anglers alike.
Reel in and release, or bag up for dinner a few within the legal limits. Amenities, lights, fishes, and a long stretch guarantee that the Colonial Beach Fishing Pier is a prized location for shore fishermen.
6. Colonial Beach Brewery & Hotel
The Colonial Beach Brewery localizes much of its liveliness within the premises of an early 1900s rambling hotel. The brewery rolls out signature beers and casual wood-fired pizzas in its busy brewery-lifestyle design. The old building itself charms inviting patrons to sample their latest brews.
Settle at the bar's polished wood counter, or stick your chair right in the high-ceiling taproom lined with large fermenters. Choose from some of their flagships such as their floral Hibiscus Saison or malty Rivah Red Ales. They also have a rotating summer beer option infused with fresh peach and watermelon, seizing on local flavors.
There's more to our house, such as wood oven pizzas like 'SMokehouse', filled with BBQ chicken, or 'Cheesy River', concealing crab imperial. From oyster shooters, sandwiches to appetizers such as beer-battered soft pretzels, the list is just endless. There's also a weekend tour running behind the scenes in the brewery.
Then go to your room in the Colonial Hotel up at their second floor, where most of it recalls history from past periods back to 'the 1800s'. Tap into the old-world atmosphere of creaking hardwood floors, very high windows, antique furnishings, and clawfoot tubs.
7. New Orleans-Style Boardwalk
From bright lights lining the downtown boardwalk of Colonial Beach, it is New Orleans where the lively music scene comes alive in a whole new world for tourists. The bright failure of zydeco, Dixieland jazz, blues, and rock makes for inciting of a flavor of Cajun/Crelian specialties.
Stroll the wooden boardwalk and follow your ears to find balconies, patios, and verandas inspired by the great French Quarter, all generously spilling sounds of energetic live music. Have a Hurricane and nibble on some powdered sugar-dusted beignets, tapping your toes along to bluesy jazz trios, energetic zydeco jams, and good old rock and roll.
Highlights: Bourbon Street Pub's exciting Mardi Gras, crawfish etouffee, po'boys, and vegan red beans and rice at Magnolia's Cafe. Get some pralines from Angie's Sugar Shack and enjoy sampling Southern sweets. That busy broad walk makes the 7 New Orleans Style Boardwalk seem quite similar in flavor to the New Orleans popular Bourbon Street itself. But that small-town charm, combined with beautiful riverfront views, makes it quintessential Colonial Beach. Laissez les bon temps rouler!-let the good times roll!
Museums & Historic Sites
Beyond the history showcased downtown, a handful of museums and sites in the area provide more insight into Colonial Beach's heritage.
8. Westmoreland County Museum
This lovely little museum occupies one of those old schoolhouses where it describes the history of the areas with artifacts, images and even furniture, and some more relics. There are Native American tools, Victorian-era household objects-no end to the artifacts, including those from a 1940's grocery store. It also has some vintage fire trucks.
9. George Washington Birthplace National Monument
A mere 20 minutes away, this is where the country's first president was born. The historic buildings include a Memorial House from the 1930s, as well as an 18th-century kitchen, blacksmith shop, and smokehouse reminiscent of Washington's boyhood surroundings. A walking trail traces the site of the original Washington family home. Rangers provide history talks and other programs.
10. Ingleside Winery
Right next door, the Ingleside Vineyards train European grapes on 130 sandy loam acres of land. Tour the grounds and winemaking facilities, which are open for tastings of such vintages as Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Viognier. Some days will bring live music to the outdoor space.
11. Westmoreland State Park Horseback Riding
Take a trail ride through the state park with a guided tour to enjoy the exquisite vistas of the wild beauty. The ride will take you through marsh, meadow, wood, and historical sites at a leisurely walking pace for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. No one below the age of 6 shall be admitted to the rides. The park also features carriage rides.
Day Trips (Additional Tips)
Beyond the beaches and historic downtown of Colonial Beach, several fascinating destinations lie within easy driving distance for day trips.
George Washington's Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm
Just across the river, George Washington spent his formative years at Ferry Farm plantation. Tour the site to see the archaeological remains of the original house and various outbuildings. Learn about Washington's upbringing through interactive exhibits and displays. Reconstructed gardens reflect what they were like in the 1700s.
Stratford Hall Plantation
This sprawling plantation an hour north is the birthplace of Robert E. Lee and home to generations of the famous Lee family. Take a guided tour of the meticulously restored Great House and gardens. Learn about 18th-century plantation life in the kitchen, smokehouse, and other buildings.
Westmoreland State Park & Fossil Beach
An hour's drive north, this state park preserves a stretch of Potomac shoreline with hiking trails along cliffs and beaches. Find shark teeth and ancient fossilized shells along the beach. Camp or stay in a rental cabin on the scenic riverfront.
Caledon State Park
Just 30 minutes south lies a 2,500-acre nature preserve with hiking, fishing, canoeing, and eagle-watching along the wide Potomac River. Pristine trails pass through hardwood forests and wetlands. The park offers environmental programs and guided tours.
Stratford Hall Wine Festival
Every May, Stratford Hall hosts a wine festival showcasing Virginia vintages from Cabernet Franc to Viognier. Taste wines from the region's top wineries while enjoying food vendors, crafts, and live music amid the historic plantation grounds.
Reedville Fishing Village
This quaint harbor community 45 minutes north was once the wealthiest town in the U.S. due to its fishing industry. Walk the docks and see historic fishery buildings. Charter a boat for deep-sea fishing, sailing, or wildlife cruises on the Chesapeake Bay.
Westmoreland Berry Farm
Head to this family-run berry farm an hour north during harvest time. Pick juicy strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries while enjoying pastoral countryside scenery. Grab freshly baked berry pies, jams, and other homemade treats.
With plentiful sights, and a short drive up or down the Potomac River, extend your Colonial Beach getaway with scenic day trips exploring the region's history, nature, and food.
Conclusion
Colonial Beach offers a seaside getaway steeped in maritime heritage and small-town charm. The town's beaches guarantee quintessential seaside fun.
Gain insight into centuries of history at area museums and historic sites. See artifacts from Native Americans and early colonists at the Colonial Beach Museum. Walk the trails of Westmoreland State Park to explore the remains of a 17th-century Swedish settlement and ancient Native fishing village. Marvel at the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, Stratford Hall Plantation, to learn about plantation life in lavish 18th-century Virginia.
In addition to history, area wineries provide another interesting option for excursions just outside town. Sip vintages grown in sandy Virginia soil at Ingleside Vineyards, or catch their music festivals. Attend Stratford Hall's popular annual wine festival showcasing Virginia's top wineries.
Book your favorite vacation rental in Colonial Beach now!
