Colonial Beach & Virginia’s Northern Neck

Feb 16

Wide sandy beach at Colonial Beach, Virginia, with calm Potomac River waters, a clear blue sky, small rock jetty in the distance, and a few beach tents along the shoreline. — *A quiet stretch of sand and sky at Colonial Beach, Virginia—where the Potomac feels almost like the sea.*

Arriving in Colonial Beach

After a short drive from Alexandria, the pups and I arrived in Colonial Beach, a quiet riverfront town on the Potomac. Our first stop was the Colonial Beach Dog Park, where Saydie and Archie were happy to get out of the car and explore, sniffing around and checking out the new place.

Brick entrance arch reading “Colonial Beach Municipal Pier,” leading to a wooden gazebo on the pier overlooking calm Potomac River waters under a lightly clouded blue sky. — *Along the Municipal Pier, Colonial Beach, Virginia*

Exploring Downtown Colonial Beach

We started the day with coffee and a pastry from Love Bites Coffee & Pastries, a cozy local spot that made a perfect mid-morning stop. Afterward, we explored the charming downtown area on foot. The streets are full of interesting spots, including Colonial Beach Brewing, a popular local hangout, and Beach Paws Boutique, where I picked up a travel water bowl for the road. After lunch at Raven’s Point Restaurant, a wonderfully dog-welcoming spot, the staff brought out a big bowl of cold water for Saydie and Archie while I enjoyed a relaxing lunch in the shady courtyard. Afterwards, I couldn’t resist stopping by the very popular Pink Poodle Ice Cream for a sweet treat.

Two dogs sitting in a leafy yard in front of an A-frame cabin, surrounded by trees, shrubs, and dappled sunlight. — *Settling in at our A-frame hideaway, with the dogs happily exploring their new surroundings.*

Our Cozy Cabin at Ingleside Vineyards

After lunch, we checked into our A-frame cabin, “Summerton,” a Vrbo rental located right on the grounds of the vineyard. Overlooking Roxbury Pond, it was a peaceful place to settle in and watch for wildlife. From the cabin, it was an easy stroll to the vineyard’s dog-friendly, European-style courtyard—fountain included—where I could enjoy a glass of wine while the pups lounged nearby in the sun.

Two dogs standing on a rug inside a cozy A-frame cabin living room, with sliding glass doors opening to a wooded deck and soft natural light filling the space. — *Inside the cabin: morning light, a quiet deck beyond the glass, and two very content travel companions.*

Wide green lawn leading to the red-brick buildings of Stratford Hall, framed by mature trees under a clear blue sky in Westmoreland County, Virginia. — *The sweeping grounds of Stratford Hall, near Montross, Virginia—historic, serene, and beautifully preserved.*

Historical Sites in the Northern Neck

Over the next couple of days, we explored some of the Northern Neck’s historical sites. We visited Stratford Hall, the birthplace and family home of Robert E. Lee, as well as the George Washington’s Birthplace and James Monroe’s birthplace. While dogs weren’t allowed inside the buildings, the grounds were perfect for walking, and we enjoyed lunch in the picnic areas while taking in the views—the sprawling grounds of Stratford Hall and Washington’s birthplace were especially beautiful.

Small dog sitting on a wooden platform along a wooded riverbank at George Washington Birthplace National Monument, with calm water and trees in the background. — *Along the river at George Washington’s Birthplace, surrounded by shade and still water.*

Sandy shoreline at Westmoreland State Park with driftwood along the water’s edge, calm river waves, wooded cliffs in the distance, and a dog walking along the beach. — *Hiking the shoreline at Westmoreland State Park, where driftwood, sand, and river views line the trail.*

Exploring the Trails

At Westmoreland State Park, we wandered along miles of scenic trails, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest. Saydie and Archie explored alongside me, noses in the air as they discovered the little wonders along the paths. On our way back home, we visited Caledon State Park, originally owned by the Alexander brothers, founders of the city of Alexandria. The quiet trails and open spaces made for a peaceful final stop and a relaxing close to our trip.

Two dogs standing on a dirt hiking trail at Westmoreland State Park, surrounded by trees and dappled sunlight. — *It was a hot day, and the shaded trails at Westmoreland State Park made all the difference.*

A Relaxing Northern Neck Escape

If you’re looking for a quick dog-friendly getaway from Northern Virginia, Colonial Beach and the Northern Neck offer a mix of riverfront charm, scenic trails, historical landmarks, and cozy spots to relax. With plenty of places for pups to explore, cafés to stop at, and vineyards to enjoy, it’s a getaway that leaves both humans and dogs happy — and already dreaming of the next visit.

Colonial Beach and Virginia’s Northern Neck are part of the longer stays we include in Quiet Walks & Slow Travel with Dogs, alongside local walks and easy escapes.

Map showing Colonial Beach downriver from Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, along the Potomac route used by excursion steamers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. — Map showing Colonial Beach’s location downriver from Washington, D.C., and Alexandria

Part of the Potomac route traveled by excursion steamers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carrying city residents to the “Playground on the Potomac” for swimming, entertainment, and summer relief.

Colonial Beach, VANorthern Neck, VADog-friendly travelScenic trailsState parksVineyards & wineriesHistoric sitesOutdoor adventuresCabin rentalsCafés & bakeries

Pamela Schulz https://www.wanderingpuptravels.com