Fossil Beach

For dining options near Fossil Beach, visitors can explore several restaurants in Colonial Beach and surrounding areas. The Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar offers casual fine dining with a focus on seafood, located right on the water. Dockside is known for its lively atmosphere and live music. Another option is Lenny's Restaurant, which serves Philly-style cheesesteaks and submarine sandwiches, providing a casual dining experience. For those looking for a more upscale meal, The Log Cabin Restaurant offers choice seafood and steak in a cozy, wood-paneled setting. Additionally, Riverboat on the Potomac provides a casual dining experience with a variety of options, including live music.

For accommodations near Fossil Beach, the River Edge Inn in Colonial Beach is a convenient option. It offers budget-friendly rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and it's located close to the beach. Another option is The Inn at Montross, a bed and breakfast that provides a more intimate setting with free breakfast and WiFi. While there are limited hotels directly adjacent to Fossil Beach, these options offer a comfortable stay in nearby towns.

Westmoreland State Park, where Fossil Beach is located, offers several amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park includes restrooms, picnic areas, and a snack bar during peak seasons. Visitors can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the Potomac River. The park's Discovery Center features wildlife and fossil exhibits, providing educational insights into the area's natural history. Additionally, the park offers coin laundry facilities in Campground A.

Fossil Beach is primarily known for fossil hunting, which is best done at low tide. The Big Meadow Trail, leading to the beach, offers a scenic hike with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Visitors can also engage in fishing in the Potomac River, requiring a valid saltwater fishing license. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities for exploring the river and its sandstone cliffs. While there are no designated swimming areas, the park's scenic trails and fossil hunting opportunities make it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Westmoreland State Park offers several accessibility features to ensure that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the area. Cabin 6 and cabin 25 have accessible parking, ramps, restrooms, and showers. The park office, visitor center, and picnic area bathhouse also have reserved parking and accessible restrooms. Electric wheelchairs and scooters are allowed on trails, enabling people with disabilities to explore the park's natural beauty.

Parking at Westmoreland State Park is available for a fee, which varies depending on the day and season. The park charges $7 per vehicle on weekdays and $10 on weekends from April to October. Parking is conveniently located near the visitor center, from which the Big Meadow Trail begins. The proximity to the trailhead makes it easy to access Fossil Beach without a long walk.

Fossil Beach is renowned for its rich fossil deposits, which include shark teeth and other marine fossils from the Miocene Epoch. The area was once underwater, and the fossils found here provide valuable insights into ancient marine life. The nearby Stratford Cliffs, part of the Calvert Formation, are another significant fossil site, featuring remains of primitive shark-toothed porpoises and giant sharks like megalodons. The combination of natural and historical significance makes this area fascinating for both scientists and casual visitors.

Near Fossil Beach, several attractions complement the natural beauty of the area. Stratford Hall, the historic home of the Lee family, offers guided tours and insight into colonial history. The George Washington Birthplace National Monument is another nearby attraction, providing a glimpse into America's past. Additionally, the scenic views from Horsehead Cliffs, accessible via a short walk from the visitor center, offer stunning vistas of the Potomac River.