If you’re traveling to rural, coastal Virginia from a distance, finding the right overnight accommodations is essential. In these rural areas, it can sometimes be difficult to just drop in on a mainstream hotel chain, so it’s important to plan ahead. We’ve rounded up a list of lodging options across the coastal region – all waterfront, and all on (or very near) Virginia’s stunning water trails. From swanky, retro hotels to rustic vacation rental properties, this list is sure to strike any paddler’s fancy.
Added bonus: every spot on this list has kayaks available for guests!
Northern Neck Region
Cole’s Point Marina & RV Resort
📍 Located on the Potomac River Long Distance Water Trail
✅ Kayak rentals available onsite
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Branson Cove Public Boat Launch – 3.5 miles away
🦪 Designated Virginia Oyster Trail site
Once you arrive at Cole’s Point, you may not need to plan anything else! This resort has a restaurant & tiki bar, pool, and adorable creekfront cottages to stay the night. If you do decide to venture out and explore, the Northern Neck is packed with historic sites and water trails. Cole’s Point is located on an advanced water trail, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed paddling trip, be sure to check out the nearby Lower Coan and Bonum Creek water trails.
Riverview Inn
📍 Located on the Potomac River Long Distance Water Trail
✅ Kayak rentals available onsite
🚣♀️ Paddle in from the George Washington Birthplace River Acces – 4 miles away
🦪 Designated Virginia Oyster Trail site
Another spot along the Potomac River water trail is a retro hotel known as the Riverview Inn in the funky town of Colonial Beach. Built in the 1950s, the inn is located within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and Colonial Beach Brewing. With each room sporting a different theme, you might have to stay here on multiple occasions to get the full hotel vibe.
The Tides Inn
📍 Located on the Rappahannock River Long Distance Water Trail
✅ Kayak rentals available onsite
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Yankee Point Marina – 5.5 miles away
🦪 Designated Virginia Oyster Trail site
The Tides Inn is a bit of a Northern Neck legend, having opened its doors in July of 1947! Today, it is a luxurious resort complete with activities that range from mixology classes, yoga retreats, guided boat cruises, and art instruction from local artisans. The Tides’ onsite Chesapeake Restaurant and Fish Hawk Bar serve meals made with local ingredients, keeping you immersed in rich Chesapeake heritage. Although the closest official water trail to the inn is at an advanced level, the Tides sits directly on the protected waters of Carter’s Creek, which is perfect for all skill levels.
The Osprey Nest: Rappahannock River Retreat
📍 Located on the Rappahannock River Long Distance Water Trail
✅ Kayaks available
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Heritage Park/Belle Mount Vineyards Boat Ramp – 8 miles away
If staying at a resort or hotel isn’t your thing, the Northern Neck has several waterfront vacation rental properties along the water trails, many of which include the use of kayaks and/or paddleboards! One of those spots is known as The Osprey Nest, located at the intersection of the Cat Point Creek water trail and the Rappahannock River. This private suite is a remodeled boathouse from the 1950s and kayaks are available upon request. Cat Point Creek is suitable for beginners and meanders through portions of the Rappahannock River National Wildlife Refuge. It also provides access to Menokin, a historic site praised for being the most engaging preservation project in the country. For more information on paddling Cat Point Creek, check out this article about paddling historic sites near Warsaw, VA.
Middle Peninsula Region
The Chesapeake Inn in Urbanna
📍 Located on the Urbanna Creek Water Trail
✅ Kayaks available
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Oakes Landing – 1.2 miles away
🦪 Designated Virginia Oyster Trail site
If you’re venturing to Urbanna, the Chesapeake Inn is a must-see. Owners Gari and Matt have recently renovated every room, and provide all of their guests use of kayaks and bikes at no additional charge! They are not located directly on the water, but they aren’t far, and will provide transportation. The town of Urbanna dates back to the 17th century and is packed with history as a former tobacco port and watermen’s town, and is home to the famous Urbanna Oyster Festival, held every year in early November.
Last Flight Out Beachfront Cottage
📍 Located on the New Point Comfort Water Trail
✅ Kayaks available
🚣♀️ Paddle in from New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve – 2 miles away
Built in 2016, this modern bayfront cottage provides the perfect escape to the quiet coastline of the Middle Peninsula. For experienced paddlers, we highly recommend venturing out to the icon of Mathews County, the New Point Comfort Lighthouse. Check out our recent blog post for information on paddling to the lighthouse.
Dockside Inn
📍 Located in Deltaville, where the Rappahannock meets the Chesapeake
✅ Kayak rentals available from a nearby company that delivers
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Mill Creek Landing – 7 miles away
Although the Dockside Inn in Deltaville is not located on an official water trail, that doesn’t mean you can’t paddle in this area! You can explore the protected creeks of Deltaville (just beware of boat traffic) or take a day trip to explore the nearby Mill Creek water trail or the Piankatank water trail. While staying in Deltaville, be sure to check out the Deltaville Maritime Museum, a designated Virginia Oyster Trail site.
Eastern Shore Region
Wachapreague Inn
📍 Located on the Finney Creek Water Trail, as well two advanced trails leading from Wachapreague to Quinby and Folly Creek
✅ Kayak rentals available
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Quinby Harbor – 6.5 miles away
Finding lodging on the seaside of the Eastern shore south of Chincoteague can be a challenge, but the Wachapreague Inn has got you covered! Choose from a variety of lodging options, from hotel rooms to a 5-bedroom house. They’ll hook you up with kayak rentals, boat cruises to the barrier islands, winery tours, and of course flounder fishing charters (Wachapreague is the flounder fishing capital of the world!). If you choose to paddle to Wachapreague, the owners will gladly store your kayaks on their racks during your stay. While you’re there, be sure to grab a bite of fresh, local seafood from the Island House Restaurant, another designated stop along the Virginia Oyster Trail.
Snug Harbor Marina & Hotel
📍 Located on the Tom’s Cove East Side Water Trail
✅ Kayak rentals available
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Fir Landing – 4 miles away
Beach huts and tiki bars, overlooking the Chincoteague lighthouse and the marshes of Assateague. Throw in some world-famous ponies and you’ve got yourself the perfect Chincoteague getaway at Snug Harbor Marina & Hotel. This spot is located on the east side of town, with easy access to the Tom’s Cove water trail. Rent or bring your own kayaks to see the famous ponies grazing in the marsh. Read our blog post for tips on paddling to see the ponies.
Historic Dryden House in Cape Charles
📍 Located on the Cape Charles/Cherrystone Water Trail
✅ Kayaks available
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Kiptopeke State Park – 7.5 miles away
A stop in the quaint town of Cape Charles is a real treat, even if you’re only making a day trip. The town boasts great dining options, boutique shops, a brewery, and a gorgeous beach and fishing pier. If you’re staying overnight, there are several charming options to choose from, but if you want to stay beachfront, this historic 1912 home has got it all! Bring the whole family and enjoy the use of kayaks, bikes, and beach chairs during your stay.
The Apartment at Holly Cove
📍 Located on the Onancock/Schooner Bay Water Trail
✅ Kayaks available upon request
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Onancock Wharf – 2.5 miles away
Similar to Cape Charles, there are several adorable Bed & Breakfast lodging options in the town of Onancock. But if you want a waterfront option, the Apartment at Holly Cove is right on Onancock creek, and just a 2.5 mile paddle into town – perfect for a 5-mile excursion, complete with a bite to eat in town! If you’re looking for more paddling options nearby, be sure to check out Parker’s Marsh and Tobacco Island water trails.
Lower Chickahominy Region
River’s Rest Resort
📍 Located on the Big Marsh Point Water Trail
✅ Kayaks – coming soon!
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Brickyard Landing – 2 miles away
Waterfront establishments are hard to come by on the Lower Chickahominy River, but that’s also why we love the Chickahominy, because you really feel immersed in nature when paddling its quiet waters. There is, however, the River’s Rest Resort. This boutique inn features newly renovated rooms, a pool, and onsite restaurant.
Williamsburg Creekside Hide-Away
📍 Located on the Lower Diascund Creek Water Trail
✅ Kayaks available
🚣♀️ Paddle in from Brickyard Landing – 4.5 miles away
If it’s an entire home you’re after, rather than a resort hotel room, be sure to check out the Williamsburg Hide-Away. This creekfront home is ideal for backyard bar-b-ques, complete with a grill, fire pit, and views of the creek. The rental also includes use of the nearby neighborhood boat ramp.
Save this post for when you’re planning your next trip to paddle in rural, coastal Virginia!
Happy Water Trails!
About the Author: Laura Scharle lives on the Eastern shore of Maryland and is a frequent paddler in coastal Virginia. She is a Virginia certified ecotour guide and is an independent marketing contractor with a focus in ecotourism and heritage tourism. Laura can be reached through our Eastern Shore ecotour guide listings.