A Weekend Trip to Colonial Beach: What to Eat, Drink, See & Do
Let’s go to to the beach!
If you’re looking to hit the shore but hoping for calm waters and small-town charm, then Colonial Beach is the perfect destination!
We spent a night in this nearby locale to sniff out all the best things to eat, drink, see, and do while we were there — as well as the best places to stay (spoiler: the answer is with Mainstay Rentals).
Read on for your complete guide to the best weekend possible in this sweet coastal spot along the Potomac River.
— by Paige Poprocky, Social Media Manager (and the brains behind Sips & Trips with Paige. Follow her @sipsandtripswithpaige!)
Basic Info
At the northern tip of Virginia's Northern Neck, Colonial Beach is one of the few remaining small seaport towns on the Potomac River. Nestled between the Potomac River to the east and Monroe Bay to the west, its sandy beaches and marinas have drawn water sports enthusiasts for over a century.
Visitors enjoy fishing, sailing, boating, swimming, and crabbing. The town's rich history includes nearby Washington's birthplace, Stratford Hall, and James Monroe's birthplace in Westmoreland County. Once thriving in the 1940s and '50s, Colonial Beach is experiencing a renaissance. If you haven't been recently, it's time to visit.
Where to Stay
Mainstay Rentals
CoBe on the Potomac has a growing portfolio of short-term rental properties, including houses and apartments. The largest rental, a five-bedroom home that sleeps 10, sits adjacent to CoBe Workspaces.
We stayed at Riverside Bliss, a beautiful property in a renovated historic building in the heart of Colonial Beach. Ideal for family and friends, the open living room and kitchen are perfect for entertaining. There's plenty of space for everyone to unwind and relax after a day on the river or exploring the town. Plus, the modernized co-working space below the unit is perfect for weekend warriors who need to stay connected while enjoying downtime. The best part: You’re within walking distance to the beach and a handful of restaurants.
Booking link: Found here
What to Do
Hit the beach
Colonial Beach, nestled along the shores of the Potomac River, boasts Virginia's second-largest sandy beach, stretching over 2 miles. With five unique beachfronts, there's something for every beachgoer.
Downtown Beach is perfect for those seeking excitement: stroll the Boardwalk, dine at waterfront restaurants or food trucks, rent kayaks and paddleboards, ride the swings, shop for souvenirs, fish from the Municipal Pier, or use the bathhouse facilities. For a more tranquil experience, explore the quieter, more secluded beach areas further north and south of downtown.
Catch up on work at CoBe Workspaces
Within a careful restoration of a former bank, CoBe Workspaces offers co-working facilities, with the one-time vault serving as a cozy conference room. The largest facility of its type on the Northern Neck, this offers residents and visitors comprehensive work facilities, including a common space and a galley kitchen. Individual workstations are complemented by small conference rooms, and private offices can be rented for a week, month, or year. CoBe Workspaces also hosts special events like the town holiday party and wedding brunches. Upstairs is a short-term two-bedroom apartment with a separate entrance (where we stayed!).
Location: 100 Hawthorn St
Peruse Stratford Hall
Stratford Hall is a national history landmark that preserves the legacy of the Lee family. Established by Thomas Lee in the 1730s, Stratford Hall is one of the great houses of American history.
Location: 483 Great House Rd (Stratford)
Visit George Washington’s birthplace
George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George Washington was born in 1732.
Location: 1732 Popes Creek Rd
Hours: Found here
Check out the James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum
The James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum is a more-than-70-year project of the James Monroe Memorial Foundation, which was established by the descendants of President James Monroe.
Location: 4460 James Monroe Hwy
Hours: Found here
Where to Eat & Drink
Drift Seafood & Bar + Muse Pizzeria & Arcade
Need to know: Sharing a kitchen under the same executive chef, these restaurants offer two unique dining experiences along with indoor and outdoor seating along the waterfront. The seafood-inspired Drift serves up destination dining. With a nod to the arcades that once lined the boardwalk, Muse features pizzas, video games, and extended hours.
Location: 101 Taylor St
Hours: Found here
Circa 1892
Need to know: Part of the Hawthorn Avenue corridor, Circa 1892, offers chocolates, gourmet food, and wine. The shop is named in honor of the town’s date of incorporation and is operated by a couple from Northern Virginia. This space also features an upstairs short-term rental apartment. Pro Tip: Stop by and take your lunch to go and enjoy on the beach!
Location: 106 Hawthorn St
Hours: Found here
Ice House Brewery & Kitchen
Need to know: Ice House Marina and Brewery is your one-stop spot for fun! The brewery offers delicious beer and wine at its historic waterfront property. The marina also offers slip rentals and is working on "tiny houseboats" for rent.
Location: 119 Monroe Bay Ave
Hours: Found here
Dockside Tiki Bar
Need to know: Dockside Tiki Bar is a local hotspot for great food and year-round live music. Located on the point in Colonial Beach, Dockside boasts an all-around view of the Potomac River.
Location: 1787 Castlewood Dr
Hours: Found here
The Pink Poodle Ice Cream
Need to know: The Pink Poodle (formerly known as Nancy's Ice Cream) has been an icon in Colonial Beach for almost 20 years. Stop by for a cup of serve soft-serve, milkshakes, hand-dipped ice cream, and smoothies.
Location: 301 Washington Ave
Hours: Found here
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