Up the Potomac to DC

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BigGrin

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Sep 1, 2002
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Getting ready to cruise my way up and down the Potomac to DC. Have reservations already in the city but looking for good anchorages and marinas along the way. Any place to anchor off the river by Mt. Vernon? (2.5' Draft) Any must stop places? Thanks for any and all input. Planing on being a tourist in my own town. ;) BigGrin
 
How long a trip are you planning? Do you want to stay in marinas or on the hook? Are you going all the way to the bay? Further than the river? Quiet out of the way marinas or something a little livlier? What kind of boat? Looking for high dollar marinas or more budget minded marinas?
 
Yes CWMS, traveling up from the bay on Vacation. We have about 4 days planned going and 4 days returning on the river from DC. Have cruised the bay for many years but never ventured up the Potomac. We like to mix up anchoring with marinas. We like mom and pop marinas as well as upscale...as long as they are clean. We are a Power Catamaran with a shoal draft so we can "Gunkhole" as well. Looking for some local knowledge and must see stops. By the way we will not be traveling with any kids (just us!)
BigGrin
 
One stop can be Colonial Beach. I've not been there but I understand they have a nice little downtown area to walk about. THe second recommendation would be Occoquan just past Woodbridge. The bakery has blackberry crumb cakes to kill for!
 
Remember that DC water police will stop you and will ask for proof that you have taken and passed a boating safety course, so you must carry the certificate with you. DC waters start at the Wilson Bridge.
Alexandria old town is another do not miss place.
On the way up river, Cobb Island, and Coles Point Marina are good stopping places. There is a marina at the RT301 bridge and that may be the last fuel stop till you get to the DC area.
 
On the lower Potomac, on the VA side, you have Coles Point marina - restuarant and pool. Further down river in the Yeocomico, you have White Point marina - small with pool, Port Kinsale - restuarant, I think a pool-not sure, and Olverson's marina, my marina with pool and several courtesy cars are available to go shopping or restuarants.
Maryland side, you have Tall Timbers, pool and rest. Further down you have St. Mary's Yachting center, pool and rest. St. Mary's town is a nice place to visit. Point Lookout Marina has a pool and rest.
 
I keep my boat in Colonial Beach, nice town with some good restaurants, low keyed.

About 6 miles north of us is Aqualand Marina, just above the Rt 301 bridge. Simple marina with fuel. There are many places to anchor out, eat or spend an afternoon on your trip up or down. Tie up at the Alexandria City Pier for a few dollars and have lunch or just walk around and site see. If you wish to anchor near Mount Vernon, perhaps your best bet would be in Piscataway creek, just off the river at Ft. Washington.

If you venture above Georgetown, you'll find anchorage above the Key Bridge at Three sisters Islands. Also if you can grab a spot at the "Wall" in Georgetown, there are a couple of restaurants on the waterfront. Spaces fill quickly especially on weekends but most will welcome you to raft up with them.
As mentioned, there are many places to vist along the way and most marinas are accomodating. If you have a specific question on a particular spot, ask. When are you planning this trip?
 
Near Colonial Beach on Mattox Creek If you prefer a more isolated Mom and Pop there is Stepps Harborview. it does have the advantage of having a pool and I believe is the only marina from Coles Point at least to the 301 bridge that does.
 
Thanks for all the responses and sugestions. Lot's of options...I like that. Looks like we will anchor in Piscatwway creek and take the rib across to Mt.Vernon. Anchoring in St. Marys River by the college, how far is the walk into town and can we tie up the dink at the college dock? We will certainly visit some of the mentioned marinas as a pool during the hot weather is a plus. Again thanks, See you on the water! BigGrin
 
Big Grin, I'm not sure how far into town, or if you can tie up at the college pier.

However, I have stayed here many times. It used to be Dennis Point Marina. They have refurbished the marina and grounds and are great people who may help you arrange a ride into town or offer answers to your questions. Plus, they have a nice pool too!

http://www.stmyc.com/
 
If you anchor in Horseshoe Bend, off the college, you can walk to the location where they have the Dove. There is not really a town. What is there, is a museaum and recontructions.
Last time I went there you could dock at the college dock during the day but no overnight.
If you like concerts, St Mary's College has concerts every Friday night and they are free. Dinghy in to the shore and pull the boat well up the beach and then walk up the hill to the concert location. Sit on the grass and enjoy.

Here is a link to the web site with details: http://www.riverconcertseries.org/
 
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