Just a bit over an hour north of Richmond is the hidden gem of Colonial Beach. Nestled along the Potomac River, this quaint town is the perfect getaway for relaxation. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the sandy shores, exploring the rich colonial history nearby, or enjoying in the local food spots, Colonial Beach offers a little something for everyone.
If you'd like to watch the video of my trip to Colonial Beach, you can here:👇
Day 1
9:15am Leave Richmond
10:30am James Monroe Birthplace & Museum
The house museum is only open for tours on Sat & Sun from 11am-4pm. The hiking trails are open year round. James Monroe grew up on this land on a peach and apple orchard plantation. The home is an exact replica of the one he lived in.
11:30am Pick up golf cart
We rented our golf cart from T and T Cart Rentals, open 10am-4pm. They run on gas and are allowed to be driven within the town. Parking is free with a golf cart. We recommend getting one, as you can travel better from place to place and take cruises around looking at the houses.
12:00pm Lunch: Muse Pizzeria & Arcade
This restaurant is open from 11am-11pm except Tuesday and has fun interiors including some arcade games and a full bar. We ordered the oyster mushroom sandwich and veggie pizza without cheese (these were the only vegan options). The oyster mushroom sandwich was delicious! Great sauce and crunchy mushrooms. We found the pizza to be a bit dry (but it had no cheese, so that's probably why!).
1:00pm Colonial Beach
It's time to get to the beach! Parking is super easy as it's right next to the sand. Just park and walk a few steps and you're at the water! It's very relaxing and a great place to float or do stand up paddle boarding.
Colonial Beach Municipal Pier
We actually stationed ourselves right next to the pier. It was such a cute view and it was fun to people watch those walking the pier.
The Colonial Beach Boardwalk
There us a walkway along the beach which follows the sandy shores of the Potomac River. It's lined with shops, restaurants and entertainment.
3:00pm check into your hotel or rental
Book here: https://www.mainstaystr.com/
We stayed with Mainstay Rentals at “The Chamber Quarters”, 106 Hawthorn Street, Colonial Beach, VA 22443. It was a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment located above a wine shop. It had a full kitchen and living room as well. It was super comfortable, and we loved coming back to it.
4:00pm Drive around to look at murals
There are so many vintage-looking murals around town. It was like playing I-Spy driving around on the golf cart looking for them. They are so detailed and fun. Most of them showcased Colonial Beach in the 19th & 20th centuries.
4-6pm Head to Happy Hour at Circa 1892
Circa 1892 is open from 11am-8pm except closed Mondays and a super cute wine and cheese store located in the heart of Colonial Beach, Virginia. They also have some gourmet groceries in the back. During Happy Hour all house wines are $5 a glass and includes free taste tests. I got the Prosecco and Lukas ordered the French white wine.
6pm Dinner: Drift Seafood + Bar
Open Wed-Fri 5-10pm, Sat 9am-10pm & Sun 9am-5pm and closed on Monday & Tuesday.
This restaurant has a gorgeous interior and specializes in seafood. They do have a few great vegan options in the menu like black-eyed pea hummus, side salad and vegan crab cakes made from oyster mushrooms. The chef's sister is vegan so she added these great choices to the menu. The crab cakes were flavorful and came with a vegan remoulade sauce.
7:00pm Dessert: Pink Poodle Ice Cream
This ice cream stand is open from 4-9pm. They have ice cream and sherbet available, no vegan options though.
7:30pm Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar
This tiki bar is open from 4-9pm. It has a laid-back vibe with amazing views of the Potomac River. They have seafood, drinks, and sometime live music. There was a storm when we were in town, but will definitely come back to enjoy it next time!
OR
Ice House Brewery & Kitchen
Open from 4:30-9pm, closed Tuesday. This is a brewery located at a marina with water views.
High Tides on the Potomac
This spot is open from 11-9:30pm. This is a family-owned pirate-themed spot with food and a tiki bar located on the boardwalk. Sometimes they even have live music!
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Day 2
8am Coffee at Colonial Buzz
This coffee shop is open from 8am-1pm. They have a huge menu and even offer decaf. We made a custom drink and ordered a coconut latte with oat milk. We asked for half sweet and it was just the right amount. The staff there was so sweet!
8:30am Golf Cart ride
I recommend to drive down Irving Ave and then up Monroe Bay to look at beach houses and water views. The Alexander Graham Bell house (pictured) is literally one of my favorite houses ever!
9:00am Pop into Colonial Beach Yacht Center
This Yacht Center has a beach, kayak rentals and a marine store. This is also a place where you can launch your boat or head to the Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar. I liked looking at all the boats.
Pop into the Bayside Marina
This is another marina with tons of boats and a restaurant.
10am Return golf cart
The return time for all golf cart rentals at T & T is 10am. I had Lukas drive there and pick me up. It was a bit hot for me to walk back after dropping it off.
10:30am Check out of Mainstay Rentals or Hotel
10:45am Stop by the Colonial Beach Museum
Open on Sat & Sun from 1-4pm, this museum is housed in a 1890s Victorian cottage, this museum highlights the stories of the people who shaped Colonial Beach to its era as the “Playground on the Potomac.”
11:30am Lunch:
Los Hermanos Cantina Mexican restaurant
Open from 11am-10pm, this is a Mexican restaurant attached to the Bayside Marina.
OR
Orchid Thai Cuisine
Open from 11am-3pm, 5-9pm, this is a thai restaurant with a huge variety and separate vegetarian menu.
12:30pm Shop in town!
Hawthorn Mercantile
Open Thurs-Sun 10am-6pm, this is a home goods store with clothing items and gifts.
Magnolia Hall
This store is open from 10am-2pm daily. It has home goods, furniture, coastal clothing and gifts.
1:30pm Drive 15 min to: George Washington Birthplace
Open from 9-5pm and closed on Mon & Tues, this park is ran by the National Parks Service and features a reconsturcted version of the house where George Washington grew up along the Potomac River. Tours are at 11am and 2pm. There are also hiking trails, and you can also visit the Washington Family burial ground.
That is it for my very full itinerary for Colonial Beach. Feel free to add and subtract any activities for what fits you and your family!
Here are additional options:
Colonial Beach Brewing - Open 4pm-10pm. This is a brewery with handcrafted ales located in a converted servcie station.
Monroe Bay Campground - This is a camp sit with stunning water views and amazing sunrise & sunsets.
Westmoreland State Park - This park is open from dawn to dusk. It has hiking trails, beaches, piers and boat rentals.
Stop by Horsehead Cliffs for breathtaking river views and collect fossils along the shortline. Camping, cabins, and group camping options are available for overnight.
Also you could do the popular Big Meadow Trail
This is a well maintained trail that leads through the woods and ends at Fossil Beach. 1.4 miles out and back. vasp.fun/Parking to pay for parking by Credit Card.
Monroe Bay Winery - This winery is only open on Sat & Sun from 12-5pm. They also ciders like Pumpkin Spice Cider, Boardwalk Cider, and Hopped Cider.
Ingleside Vineyards - Open from 12-5pm, this is a historic winery and has been producing wine since 1980.
I hope you found this itinerary helpful! There are more blogs on my website about other spots around Virginia, as well as Richmond tips. You can also follow me on YouTube for my travel videos or Instagram for daily updates. Feel free to DM me with any questions! Have a great trip!
💚Lauren Z Ray
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