South Colonial Beach

Colonial Beach offers a diverse dining scene with a variety of restaurants to suit different tastes. The Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar is a popular spot for seafood lovers, providing a casual fine dining experience with a lively atmosphere and live music. For those looking for a quick bite, Crazy Jack's Sandwich Shack is a great option, offering casual, family-friendly dining with a focus on comfort food. Drift Seafood + Bar is another notable choice, known for its trendy vibe and live music events. Additionally, Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant provides a classic riverfront dining experience with lunch specials and down-to-earth decor. For a taste of Latin America, Los Hermanos Cantina offers delicious Mexican dishes in a cozy setting.

Visitors to Colonial Beach have several accommodation options that cater to different preferences. The Riverview Inn is a charming choice, offering cozy cottage-style rooms with a retro vibe and free Wi-Fi. It provides a relaxed atmosphere and is well-suited for those looking for a vintage experience. Another option is the River Edge Inn, which offers straightforward, low-key rooms equipped with minifridges and microwaves, along with free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Both hotels are conveniently located near the beach and town amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests.

Colonial Beach provides a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. The beach area includes restrooms, showers, and picnic facilities, making it convenient for families and groups. Visitors can also rent equipment for water sports or bicycles to explore the town. The boardwalk features shops and food trucks, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of dining options. Additionally, the town's public boat launch and marinas cater to boaters, while golf carts are a popular mode of transportation, available for rent to explore the area.

Colonial Beach offers a variety of activities for all ages. Swimming and fishing are popular pastimes, with the town pier being a favorite spot for anglers. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on the Potomac River. The beach itself is perfect for sunbathing or building sandcastles. For those interested in history, there are several historical sites and markers to explore, including the Bell House, once owned by Alexander Graham Bell. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Potomac River Festival and the Rod Run to the Beach, which add to its lively atmosphere.

Colonial Beach strives to be accessible for all visitors. Many of the town's restaurants and shops offer wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, and restrooms. The beach area itself is generally flat and easy to navigate, although specific accessibility features like ramps or beach wheelchairs may be limited. Golf carts, which are a common mode of transportation in the town, can also be adapted for accessibility with prior arrangement. Overall, while there may be some limitations, Colonial Beach aims to provide an inclusive environment for visitors of all abilities.

Parking in Colonial Beach is generally accessible and convenient. Many restaurants and shops offer free parking lots, and there is also ample free street parking available throughout the town. The beach area has designated parking spaces, ensuring that visitors can easily find a spot to park their vehicles. Additionally, the use of golf carts as a mode of transportation helps reduce the need for parking in some areas, making it easier to get around town.

Colonial Beach has a rich history that makes it fascinating for visitors. It was once known as the 'Playground on the Potomac,' attracting wealthy visitors from Washington, D.C. in the early 20th century. The town played a significant role in the Civil War as a Union supply base. Additionally, it was a popular spot for slot machine gambling in the 1950s, earning it the nickname 'the poor man's Las Vegas.' Today, it remains a charming beach town with a strong sense of community and history.

Colonial Beach is surrounded by attractions that appeal to both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The nearby Westmoreland State Park offers camping facilities, boat rentals, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can also explore the birthplaces of U.S. Presidents George Washington and James Monroe, which are located in the vicinity. The town itself is steeped in history, with several historical markers and monuments commemorating its role in the Civil War. For those interested in wildlife, the area is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, with bald eagles frequently spotted.