Ruse
Credit: Julie Hove Andersen
COLONIAL BEACH, VA.
Distance from IAD: 87 miles; from DCA: 65 miles
THE SCENE
Located in the northwestern part of Virginia’ s Northern Neck peninsula, this mixed suburban and rural enclave features two miles of public sandy beach. The Florida-shaped town is bordered by the Potomac River to the east and Monroe Bay to the west. Its Potomac River beachfront is the second-longest in Virginia, stretching enough to create five separate sandy areas.
At its core, Boardwalk Beach is a promenade lined with eateries and businesses that rent watersports and fishing gear. There is playground equipment and a municipal pier dating back to the late 19th century. Back then, Colonial Beach was a popular summer spot for Washingtonians looking to escape the heat in a resort setting. Many arrived on steamboats for long stays. But the rise of automobile ownership eventually replaced steamboat travel, and Colonial Beach shifted into more of a weekend getaway destination.
These days, it’ s a quiet town of 4,000 residents. But that number can double on summer weekends when visitors flock to its shores. For a relatively low-key atmosphere, head to South Beach near the tip of the peninsula. Irving Avenue Beach is in a residential part of town.( Note the large naval ship cannon here, a memorial installed after World War II.) The southernmost public shore is Castlewood Beach on west-facing Monroe Bay. It’ s an ideal spot for a sunset stroll. Castlewood Park has restrooms, a picnic area, and children’ s playground. At the tip of the peninsula sits another small beach on the grounds of the Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar.
Free trolleys run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, making it easy to visit multiple spots, including the James Monroe Birthplace Park, two miles southwest. The town is also golf-cart friendly, with rentals available. There are dedicated paths, but carts are also allowed on many public roads.
DON’ T MISS
This treasure trove of historic sites highlights significant American history. George Washington not only slept here but was also born here. The George Washington Birthplace National Monument is a 551-acre park that was once farmed by seven generations of Washingtons. The town also claims James Monroe as a native son.
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SUMMER 2025
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