Colonial Beach, Virginia, is located on the Potomac River. Founded in 1892, the town is rich with history and inhabits four square miles of land. Look out across the river to Maryland. Enjoy the views from the river, sight a bald eagle in the sky and enjoy all that Colonial Beach has to offer for families looking for entertainment and history.
The Museum at Colonial Beach offers free admission. The museum was an historical home on the brink of destruction. It was rescued and turned into a museum honoring the history of Colonial Beach. Artifacts and photos throughout the museum give insight into the story of the town. The museum participates in a program called History-on-the-go, which brings programs into the local schools. The exhibits change frequently, but one constant exhibit is the Watermen's room, depicting the life of the fishermen and oystermen who made their living on the river. Bring your children for a step back in time and a look at the life of the regular people who made the community what it is today.
The Westmoreland Berry Farm is located in Oak Grove, Virginia, approximately seven miles outside Colonial Beach. A fun family outing, take your child berry picking in the berry groves. The berry farm encompasses 700 acres of land, with 60 acres used for fruit production and 100 acres used for grain production. The adjoining Voorhees Nature Preserve has many species of birds to watch, and the trails are accessible from the farm. After a day of berry picking and hiking the trails, treat your child to a fruit shortcake or berry sundae while watching the goats eat on an overhead walkway.
Stratford Hall, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, is located in Montross, Virginia, about seven miles outside Colonial Beach. The plantation encompasses 1,900 acres, all original and still managed as a farm. Daily admission is available as well as a grounds pass, which gives guests access to hiking trails, a public beach area, gardens and the grounds. On-site lodgings are also available for your family vacation. Choose from cabins or one of the two guest houses, which each offer 20 guest rooms for overnight stays.
Westmoreland State Park is located in Montross, Virginia, approximately 20 miles outside of Colonial Beach. The state park opened in 1936 and encompasses 1,311 acres of land. Over a mile of the land is along the Potomac River. Cliffs abound, offering breathtaking views of the river. There are many trails throughout for a family hike. Take your child on a hunt for fossilized shark teeth along the waterfront. The park offers a retreat facility, cabins and camping available for overnight stays.
