Virginia is the perfect place for sailors to set sail and explore. Whether you’re seasoned or just starting out, Virginia has many great places to sail and enjoy the water. If you are looking for some fun places to sail, try checking out the following places.
Lower Chesapeake Bay
The Lower Bay is noted as a popular place to sail for several reasons. Typically defined as the part of the Chesapeake Bay running from the Potomac River to Virginia Beach, the Lower Bay has several great cities with ports perfect for a variety of different goals. One of the reasons this area is popular is because it has lower traffic than most areas in the greater Bay area. Lower Chesapeake Bay includes the following fantastic sailing locations:
Virginia Beach
Located at the southernmost point of the Lower Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is a popular beachfront town with beautiful views of the beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and various sights such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse and Lesner Bridge. Porting here can give you access to many great adventures, such as visiting the First Landing State Park or visiting one of the city’s museums or science centers.
Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia is located to Virginia Beach’s west and is known for its naval base. Some popular attractions in Norfolk include the aforementioned Naval Station Norfolk, the Chrysler Museum, and its large collection of art, the Virginia Zoo, Norfolk Botanical Garden, among other points of interest. Sailing over the Hamptons Road Bridge Tunnels is also a cool experience for sailors in the area.
Newport News
As the fifth-most populous city in the state of Virginia, Newport News has several fun activities to partake in. The Virginia Living Museum is a great place to visit, as it features many exhibits, a planetarium, and a nature trail. Also popular are The Mariners' Museum and Park and the Lee Hall Mansion museum.
Hampton
Located to Newport News’ immediate right, Hampton is a large city with plenty of activities to enjoy. Several great museums are in the area, including the Hampton University Museum, Virginia Air & Space Science Center, and the Hampton History Museum. Other fun activities include the Rosie’s Gaming Emporium casino and parks like Fort Monroe, Dog Beach, and Eason Park. Grandview Beach and its adjoining nature preserve also offer tranquility and wildlife viewing to pass the time.
Jamestown
History buffs can enjoy a sail to Jamestown, which was the first permanent settlement in North America. The obvious point of interest here would be the Historic Jamestowne reconstruction, with many historic points in the town viewable from your boat.
Yorktown
Yorktown also has several fun activities for visitors to enjoy. After finding a place to dock, taking a walk into Yorktown puts you right into an active spot in Virginia. Shopping and dining are plentiful in this area, in addition to the many tourist attractions to visit. If you’re looking to spend a bit of time out, Yorktown can whisk you away with its art galleries, historic sites, and museums.
Upper Chesapeake Bay
The Upper Bay, designated as parts of the Bay following the Potomac and north of their meeting, is also popular for its many metropolitan cities and points of interest. With slightly more traffic than its lower counterpart, the Upper Chesapeake Bay has several well-known cities such as Washington D.C., Arlington, and more. The following are some of the best cities to visit on the Virginia side of the river.
Arlington
Starting with the northernmost point of interest, Arlington is one of the most well-known cities in Virginia. Also popular among history buffs, Arlington is home to one of the more somber sites to history: Arlington National Cemetery. While honoring the fallen soldiers here, another fascinating thing to see is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Pentagon is also nearby, offering tours of the government facility as well as its own 9/11 Memorial.
Alexandria
To Arlington’s immediate south, Alexandria is also a popular city along the Potomac. Alexandria is home to several historic sites, such as the Carlyle House Historic Park and the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site. The city also has beautiful 18th- and 19th-century buildings sitting along brick sidewalks. With its old-time charm, Alexandria is the perfect place to walk and shop while sailing the Virginia coast.
Fort Hunt
Located in Fairfax County, Fort Hunt was named for the historic fort built to protect Washington D.C. from attack in 1897. More slow-paced than the previous two cities, Fort Hunt is perfect for a leisurely break from time on the water. Popular points in this area include the River Farm, which focuses on gardening, and Fort Hunt Park, which is home to historic batteries and land perfect for a variety of outdoor activities.
Colonial Beach
Located down the Potomac and closer to the greater Chesapeake Bay, Colonial Beach is a beach and river town on the Northern Neck peninsula. Known for having the second-largest beachfront in the state, Colonial Beach is a quaint town perfect for spending time at the beach and finding a delicious bite to eat.
If you love sailing and are looking for a luxurious home in Virginia, The Waterfront Group team of realtors will be able to help you along at any point in the process. Whether looking for a waterfront property in the D.C. Metropolitan Area or along the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries, The Waterfront Group has the best knowledge of properties in the area. If you’re searching for waterfront and water privileged properties in particular, get in contact with Patrick DeLeonibus today!