Best Things to Do in Colonial Beach VA
Your Guide to Beaches, Waterfront Dining, Fishing, Golf Cart Adventures & Family-Friendly Attractions
Planning a Colonial Beach getaway? Whether you're visiting for a weekend escape, family vacation, fishing trip, or relaxing waterfront retreat, Colonial Beach offers beautiful beaches, local restaurants, outdoor recreation, historic attractions, and small-town coastal charm. River Gem places you in the heart of it all, just minutes from the area's most popular attractions.
🌊 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.
Why Families Love Colonial Beach Beaches
Unlike many crowded beach destinations, Colonial Beach offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with over two miles of public shoreline along the Potomac River. The calm waters, walkable boardwalk, and nearby restaurants make it one of Virginia's most enjoyable waterfront destinations.
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.
Looking for a vacation rental near the beach? Explore River Gem → The House
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
Why Visit The Point?
Located at the southern tip of Colonial Beach, The Point is one of the town's most photographed destinations. Here you'll find panoramic views where Monroe Bay meets the Potomac River, making it one of the best places in town for sunsets, beach walks, and waterfront relaxation.
🎣 Fishing, Boating & Water Activities
Colonial Beach is a popular destination for fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront recreation.
Popular Fishing Opportunities
- Colonial Beach Fishing Pier
- Shore fishing
- Charter fishing
- Crabbing
- Seasonal fishing tournaments
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
Colonial Beach is known as Virginia's Golf Cart Town. Renting a golf cart is one of the most popular ways to explore the beaches, boardwalk, restaurants, shops, and waterfront attractions throughout 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
Best Restaurants in Colonial Beach
Waterfront Dining
- Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar
- High Tides on the Potomac
- Drift Seafood & Bar
- Riverboat on the Potomac
Seafood Favorites
- Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant
- Shady Lane Seafood - carry out
- Pearson's Seafood - carry out
Breweries
Coffee & Breakfast
Casual Family Dining
- Crazy Jack's Sandwich Shack
- Muse Pizzeria
- Los Hermanos Cantina
- Ledo's Pizza & Pasta
- Dominio's Pizza
- Willey's N.C. BBQ
- Circa 1892
- Pier 909
- Sunflower
- Hunan Dinner
Sweet Treats & Ice Cream
🎉 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
- Virginia Osprey Festival
- Annual Colonial Beach Water Fest
- Beach concerts
- Farmers markets
- Arts & crafts festivals
- Holiday celebrations
- Colonial Beach Bike Fest
- Beach to Beer 5K & 10K Event
- Farmers Markets
Resources
Presidential History & Historic Attractions
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Explore the birthplace of America's first president, featuring historic grounds, walking trails, exhibits, and scenic views.
James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum
Discover the childhood home and history of America's fifth president just minutes from Colonial Beach.
The Museum at Colonial Beach
Learn about Colonial Beach’s history as a historic waterfront resort town.
Easy Day Trips from Colonial Beach
Westmoreland State Park
Known for hiking trails, fossil hunting, kayaking, and dramatic Potomac River overlooks.
Wineries & Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail
Colonial Beach is part of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, offering several nearby wineries perfect for day trips.