Outbound Collective logo
  • United States
  • Virginia
  • Colonial Beach
  • Colonial Beach, Virginia

    Top Spots in and near Colonial Beach

    • Nanjemoy, Maryland

      Paddle through the Ghost Fleet of the Potomac at Mallows Bay

      4.5
      The Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay, as it's now known, is the result of our great nation's call for 1,000 wartime transport vessels to be built in 18 months. The quick deadline led to hasty construction and, when World War I ended before the contract was fulfilled, hundreds of ships sat unused. Attem...
      Read more
    • Lorton, Virginia

      Woodmarsh Trail

      4.0
      2.83 mi / 154 ft gain
      Just at the entrance to Mason Neck State Park is the Woodmarsh Trail. The entire loop is about 3 miles. This is a pleasant easy hike that is relatively flat with no rocks to speak of. The trail wanders through a forest and passes by a large swamp along the Potomac River. There is one well built o...
      Read more
    • Lusby, Maryland

      Hike the Red Trail, Calvert Cliffs SP

      4.8
      3.6 mi
      Starting in the parking lot you will follow the Red Trail for 1.3 miles until you reach the cliffs that give this park its name. The trail to the cliffs is both easy to follow and gorgeous at every turn. This is a fairly flat trail and is perfect for all skill levels as well as dog-friendly. Once...
      Read more
    • Huntingtown, Maryland

      Paddle the Patuxent River through Maryland

      While there are many parks along its length, one of the best places to explore along the 115 mile long Patuxent River is by putting in at Kings Landing Park.  There is ample parking near the launch, and while vehicles are not allowed to park near the water, vehicles are encouraged to open the gat...
      Read more
    • Scotland, Maryland

      Explore Point Lookout State Park

      4.5
      0.5 mi
      Point Lookout State Park is at the southern most tip of the joining of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County, Maryland. The park offers many activities such as fishing, canoeing, boat launch, camping and lounging at the beach.   When you arrive, there are multiple places t...
      Read more
    • Alexandria, Virginia

      Run or Bike the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

      3 mi
      Start your adventure at the Belle Haven Parking area then head down the Dyke Marsh Trail. To add on additional distance, head south down the Mt. Vernon Trail for more views, well maintained paths, and even some sitting areas. You'll find boardwalks that take you right across the marsh, so keep an...
      Read more
    • Fishing Creek, Maryland

      Kayak to Barren Island

      3 mi
      Barren Island is an uninhabited island located in the Chesapeake Bay. It is part of the Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex and is known to be a swan nesting ground, as well as an active restoration project led by Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, the FWS, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, an...
      Read more
    • Fairfax Station, Virginia

      Explore Burke Lake in Fairfax

      4.5
      4.7 mi / 0 ft gain
      Burke Lake Park has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy trail running, hiking, fishing, canoeing, Frisbee golf, or just having a picnic with your family, you can do it all at Burke Lake. Those who want to be active or exercise can run, hike or biket the 4.7 mile trail that circles the entir...
      Read more
    • Clifton, Virginia

      Hike the Bull Run Occoquan Trail

      13 mi
      The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is located in Fairfax County, Virginia and is 50 miles outside Washington, DC and runs along the Bull Run waterway for 6.5 miles from Bull Run Marina to Fountainhead Regional Park. The blue blazed trail undulates for a total ascent of 1,510 ft and descent of 1,526 ft, ...
      Read more
    • Washington, District of Columbia

      Visit the National Mall in Washington D.C.

      4.6
      7 mi
      Everyone has so many things on their plates these days that take all their time up. It is hard to get away for adventures or to experience new things. The National Mall in Washington D.C. is within an hour from millions of people on the East Coast. This centralized location makes the National Mal...
      Read more
    • Washington, District of Columbia

      Photograph Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial

      4.8
      Located on the far-west portion of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. stands the Lincoln Memorial. At almost 100 feet tall, this majestic structure overlooks the reflecting pool and offers an iconic view of the Washington Monument.  Parking is almost always an issue near the Lincoln Memorial, ...
      Read more
    • Arlington, Virginia

      Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island

      4.3
      2 mi
      It seems only fitting that the president who gave us our national parks would have one all to his own.  Located on the edge of Washington D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island offers a glimpse of what the city may have looked like before the politicians, before the marble buildings, before the traffic-...
      Read more
    • Arlington, Virginia

      Bike the Mt. Vernon Trail

      5.0
      14 mi
      Start your ride at the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking area and head southbound towards Mt. Vernon. You'll be riding next to the Potomac the entire time, with great views of the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Memorial Bridge. The ride is as long as you want to mak...
      Read more
    • Falls Church, Virginia

      Bike the W&OD Trail

      45 mi
      The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail stretches through northern Virginia and is a great spot for bike riding, running, or walking. The trail is paved, well maintained, and wide enough for traffic in both directions. There are also a couple breweries along the way that you can make a f...
      Read more
    • Washington, District of Columbia

      Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

      4.5
      1.5 mi
      The Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are a unique spot in Washington, D.C. The grounds are full of ponds, boardwalks, and a trail that connects you to the Anacostia River Trail. The main draw of this park are the ponds full of lotus flowers. During the summer months, they grow tall with colors ranging ...
      Read more
    • Arlington, Virginia

      Fish the Potomac River in Arlington

      Parking along 36th Road in Arlington, VA, head down the path on the Gulf Branch Trail. Walk northeast for roughly a quarter mile, where you will intersect with the Potomac River. Find a spot along the sand, cast out, and watch the catfish bite! Chicken liver seems to work well.  Don't forget to h...
      Read more

    Camping and Lodging in Colonial Beach

    George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion
    Colonial Beach, Virginia

    George Washington Birthplace National Monument Picnic Pavilion

    Fredericksburg / Washington DC South KOA Holiday
    Fredericksburg, Virginia

    Fredericksburg / Washington DC South KOA Holiday

    Telegraph Picnic Pavilion
    Triangle, Virginia

    Telegraph Picnic Pavilion

    Oak Ridge Campground
    Triangle, Virginia

    Oak Ridge Campground

    Fort Washington Park Day Use Facilities
    Fort Washington, Maryland

    Fort Washington Park Day Use Facilities

    Turkey Run Ridge Group
    Triangle, Virginia

    Turkey Run Ridge Group

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Colonial Beach

    7 Sunrise Photos from Virginia's Historic Leesylvania State Park

    7 Sunrise Photos from Virginia's Historic Leesylvania State Park

    Nick Palastro

    How the Outdoors Won in the Recent Spending Bill

    How the Outdoors Won in the Recent Spending Bill

    Outdoor Alliance