Best Things to Do in Colonial Beach VA
Explore Beaches, Waterfront Dining, Fishing, Shopping & Family-Friendly Attractions Near River Gem
Located on The Point in Colonial Beach, River Gem places you close to some of the best things to do in Colonial Beach VA. From relaxing beach days and waterfront dining to fishing, golf cart rides, local festivals, and outdoor adventures, Colonial Beach offers the perfect blend of small-town coastal charm and family-friendly fun.
🌊 Beaches & Boardwalk
Relax Along Virginia’s Second-Longest Public Beach
Colonial Beach Boardwalk is one of the area’s most popular attractions and a favorite destination for visitors looking to enjoy scenic waterfront views, beach walks, restaurants, and seasonal entertainment. The beaches and boardwalk are just a short walk from River Gem.
Popular Activities
- Swimming & sunbathing
- Scenic waterfront walks
- Fishing from the pier
- Beachcombing
- Live music & seasonal events
- Sunset viewing
North Beach - Colonial Avenue and Beachfront Colonial Beach, VA
North of Riverboat on the Potomac, North Beach is close enough to the action on the Boardwalk, but quieter and more secluded.
Downtown Boardwalk Beach Parallel to Taylor Street Colonial Beach, VA
Lively beach with a bathhouse, watersports, swings, Town Pier, CBVA’s LOVE Golf Cart; and shops, food trucks, and restaurants on the Boardwalk.
Irving Avenue Beach Along Beach Terrace and Irving Avenue Colonial Beach, VA
Located in a residential area with a number of vacation rentals, bed & breakfasts, restrooms, and the Cannon War Memorial.
Castlewood Beach Southern end of Irving Avenue Colonial Beach, VA
Near this beach is the public boat launch on Monroe Bay, dog park, and Castlewood Park with restrooms, benches, picnic tables, jungle gym, seesaws, slides, and swings.
Helpful Links
🌅 The Point
One of the Best Sunset Spots in Colonial Beach
The Point is where Monroe Bay meets the Potomac River and is known for stunning waterfront views, relaxing beach walks, and peaceful coastal scenery.
Perfect for:
- Sunset watching
- Morning walks
- Beach photography
- Relaxing by the water
- Family beach days
🎣 Fishing, Boating & Water Activities
Experience the Potomac River
Colonial Beach is a popular destination for fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront recreation.
Popular Water Activities
- Fishing from the public pier
- Kayaking & paddleboarding
- Boating & marinas
- Crabbing
- Jet skiing
- Charter fishing
Local Marinas & Water Access
🚲 Golf Cart Friendly Coastal Town
Explore Colonial Beach Like a Local
One of the most unique things about Colonial Beach is its golf cart-friendly atmosphere. Many visitors rent golf carts to explore beaches, restaurants, shops, and waterfront attractions throughout town.
Perfect for:
- Family outings
- Beach cruising
- Evening rides
- Exploring downtown
Town Colonial Beach Golf Cart Information
Golf Cart Rental Locations
Golf Cart Rentals in Colonial Beach VA | Bill Britt Golf Carts
Recommended Restaurants & Bars
Breweries
- Icehouse Brewery & Marina: https://www.icehousecb.com/bre...
- Colonial Beach Brewing: https://www.cbb.beer/
- NNK Brewing Company: https://nnkbrew.com/
Wineries
- Ingleside: Ingleside Winery
- Monroe Bay Winery: Monroe Bay Winery
- Rivah Vineyard: Rivah Vineyard
- Back Porch Winery: Back Porch Vineyard
- Estates at White Hall: Whitehall Vineyard
- Hague Winery
Restaurants & Bars
- HighTides on the Potomac: HighTides Restaurant
- Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar: Dockside Restaurant
- Circa 1892: Circa 1892
- Crazy Jack's Sandwich Shack: Crazy Jack's Sandwich Shack
- Lenny's: Lenny's
- Drift Seafood & Bar: Drift Seafood & Bar
- Fire Escape Grille: Fire Escape Grille
- Hunan Dinner: Hunan Dinner
- Los Hermanos Cantina: Los Hermanos Cantina
- Pier 909 Pier 909
- Muse Pizzeria: Muse Pizzeria
- Ledo's Pizza & Pasta: Ledo's Pizza & Pasta
- Dominio's Pizza: Dominio's Pizza
- Raven's Point: Raven's Point Restaurant
- Riverboat on the Potomac: Riverboat Restaurant
- Sunflower: Sunflower Restaurant
- Shady Lane Seafood: Shady Lane Seafood
- Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant: Wilkerson's Seafood
- Willey's N.C. BBQ: Willey's N.C. BBQ
Ice Cream
- Pink Poodle: Pink Poodle Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Hut: Ice Cream Hut Facebook
🛍 Local Shops & Boutiques
Explore Downtown Colonial Beach
The downtown area offers charming boutiques, beach shops, gift stores, art galleries, and seasonal markets. Great For Coastal gifts Beachwear Local art Boutique shopping Souvenirs
Grocery Stores in Colonial Beach
- Hall's Market – A local favorite for fresh produce and grocery essentials.
- Food Lion – Convenient grocery store for all your daily needs.
Merchant's – Shop for everyday items and local goods
- Hawthorn Mercantile: A boutique offering a range of unique finds. Visit on Facebook
- Beach Paws: The perfect place for pet lovers and beach accessories. Check out Beach Paws on Facebook
- Beach Shop: A beach-themed store with everything you need for your seaside vacation. Follow Beach Shop on Facebook
- Magnolia Hall: Offering a range of beautiful items for home and garden enthusiasts. Stay updated on Facebook
- Colonial Beach Discount: For great deals on a wide range of products.
- Gitie's: A hidden gem offering unique finds and local products.
- Peddlers Market: Find antiques, collectibles, and vintage items. Follow Peddlers Market on Facebook
🎉 Festivals & Seasonal Events
Year-Round Family-Friendly Events
Colonial Beach hosts festivals, concerts, waterfront celebrations, car shows, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Popular Events
- Annual Colonial Beach Water Fest
- Beach concerts
- Farmers markets
- Arts & crafts festivals
- Holiday celebrations
- Beach to Beer 5K & 10K Event
Resources
🌳 Parks, History & Outdoor Attractions
Explore Beyond the Beach
Visitors can also enjoy nearby parks, historic attractions, scenic trails, and waterfront recreation.
Nearby Attractions
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Historic site featuring the birthplace of George Washington.
🔗 George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Westmoreland State Park
Popular state park offering hiking, fossil hunting, kayaking, beaches, and scenic river overlooks.
The Museum at Colonial Beach
Learn about Colonial Beach’s history as a historic waterfront resort town.
🔗 The Museum at Colonial Beach
Outdoor Activities
- High Water Paddle Board Rentals: Paddle Board Rentals Colonial Beach
- Cruisin' Tikis Colonial Beach: Tiki Boat Rentals Colonial Beach
- E‑Bike & Bike Rentals Raven’s Point E‑Bikes (322 Washington Ave) Raven's Point
Why Guests Love Staying Near Everything
✅ Walk to beaches & restaurants
✅ Family-friendly attractions nearby
✅ Waterfront dining & nightlife
✅ Golf cart-friendly town
✅ Fishing, boating & outdoor recreation
✅ Relaxed coastal atmosphere
Plan Your Colonial Beach Getaway
Whether you're planning a relaxing beach vacation, family getaway, romantic weekend, or waterfront adventure, River Gem places you close to the best attractions, restaurants, beaches, and activities in Colonial Beach.