Best Transient Marina's - Middle / Lower Chesapeake

[IslandTime]

Looking to spend some nights on the boat this summer... new to Rappahannock and Lower Bay - any opinions out there of some of the more enjoyable transient marina's Near Deltaville / Urbanna and Hampton / VA Beach ? Is the Tides Inn worth the gold coin they ask for an overnight slip ?
any feedback is appreciated!

 

[Gimme Time]

We normally hit the Tides Inn 2-3 times a year such as Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend and some other times. When we are there we stay over at the Old Tides Lodge side rather than the main docks as it is cheaper and we have basically as our own pool. Cape Charles is a good place to hit as well as Onancock which is where we went last weekend. No pool at Onancock so that is usally a Spring or Fall trip. All of these locations depend on what you are looking for and if you have kids to entertain.

 

[IslandTime]

Gimme-

thanks for the response... will definitely be giving the Tides a shot this summer.

Has anyone tried Windmill Point overnight ? seems to have nice amenities, etc...

also, planning a trip to VA beach - thinking of heading to Hampton - Bluewater yacht / marine center...
For those that do the VA beach trip - any advice - other transient marinas' that are not too tricky to get to and relatively close to some nightlife ?

thanks in advance!

 

[Y Knot]

I have always had great experiences at the Hampton Public Piers.

 

[Converse48]

Love, love, love the Tides! Kingsmill is nice too if you don't mind docking in open water exposed to the prevailing wind... but the resort is beautiful and if you're a roller coaster fan then Busch Gardens is a must.

 

[src]

I had a pretty good experience at Windmill Point, but there's not much "there" there. The staff was great. The one big caveat is the restaurant - it is run by a different company, and the manager has NO idea how to staff it. They are always overstaffed during the day, and understaffed at night. Both nights we were there, they had a band and well over 100 patrons (over 200 the first night), but only 3 wait staff. Those kids were literally running all night, but there was no way for them to handle that many people. Service was horrible despite their best efforts.

I also stayed at Salt Ponds (Hampton), and it seemed nice. Good access to the beach, several pools, and again a very accommodating staff.

If you stay at Kingsmill, buy your gas somewhere else. Unless you like gold-leaf in your gas, because that's what you pay for. We were hit for $4.80/gallon when others were charging under $4/gallon ($3.80 at Salt Ponds the very next day).

 

[araxton]

I am local to VB and can vouch for Marina Shores inside Lynhaven Inlet. Good (and reasonable) restaurant (Surfrider) and nice pool. Transient is $2/ft. Also some nice restaurants along the inlet nearby (Chic's, Bubba's, Dockside, One Fish - Two Fish etc.) All in nice environment.
Al

 

[araxton]

PS, let me know if you need some local transportation to oceanfront. I live at oceanfront and frequent the area of Marina Shores. Happy to help out fellow boater. Just let me know and I'll drop you my number.
Al

 

[IslandTime]

PS, let me know if you need some local transportation to oceanfront. I live at oceanfront and frequent the area of Marina Shores. Happy to help out fellow boater. Just let me know and I'll drop you my number.
Al

Thanks everyone for the responses.... just continue to be amazed at the information and help you can get on this forum. I'm still working on getting the first overnight done and planned... work has just not cooperated this year, but i declare - August will be my month! Looking forward to a trip to the Tides Inn and somewhere in VA beach .. may have to try Marina shores based on the feedback.. Thanks for the suggestion Araxton, and especially appreciate the offer for ride over to the oceanfront. Looks like we both have the same boat (260) separated by a few years... would love to catch up when i make it down that way. I will definitely let you know when i get that planned and i'll hopefully have the wife along for the trip down the Rappahanock over to VA beach.