Washington DC trip on 4th of July?

A

ANGEL ANNE

New Member
Mar 10, 2007
29
Chesapeake Bay
Boat Info
1995 Sea Ray Sundancer 370,
Engines
twin 454s
Looking for ideas/sugestions on a cruise to DC on 4th of July week. We were thinking two days travel time from Rock hall area, so we would need a stop in the lower section of the Potomac. Spend 3 or 4 nights in DC, and then head home. Sound Crazy?

Thanks,
Russ
 
Rock Hall to Solomons is ~ 55nm, add another 20 and you will be at Pt Lookout and on the Potomac. Ten miles upriver on the Virginia side is Kinsale, and I highly recommend Port Kinsale marina. We've never been all the way to DC so can't give any advice on that leg.

-CJ
 
I live near Annapolis, MD which is roughly 10 miles from DC but by boat it would tahe 8 hrs, seems crazy but true. I'm sure boating in DC during the 4th is fantastic! I one day would like to make this trip.
 
ANGEL ANNE said:
Looking for ideas/sugestions on a cruise to DC on 4th of July week. We were thinking two days travel time from Rock hall area, so we would need a stop in the lower section of the Potomac. Spend 3 or 4 nights in DC, and then head home. Sound Crazy?

Thanks,
Russ
Click to expand...

This does not sound crazy at all; in fact a few members of our group were considering doing the same thing this year. Last year we went to New York, but with the gas prices on the rise I think this year we are going to keep all of our cruises closer to home, just do more of them. (I’m still recovering from last year’s gas bill)
This would be a two day ride, on the first day go as far as the Solomon’s, and then finish up on the second day. The National Harbor is a good place to stay, but I think that will be a little too far south for the fireworks. There are a couple of other marinas further north but not all take transits, so do your homework first.
 
We bought our boat just north of Bodkin Creek and brought it home on the water. It's a great trip. We made it to Coltons Point on day 1 (about 11 miles south of Colonial Beach). However, the boat wasn't in the best running condition or as efficiently as it is now, so I'm fairly certain Colonial Beach in a day is possible. From Colonial, it's another 85ish, miles up to good spots in DC. We did a big raft up in DC, in spite of everyone telling us what a nightmare it is. It was actually awesome. The USGC and about every police department with a boat was on hand to keep the crowd under control. We had great weather, but DC summer storms blow up fast and we've stood on the shore and witnessed the devastation in the past.

Places to stay?? South, I've only stayed at Colonial Beach. Up in DC...On the hook just south of Memorial Bridge offers some wonderful views of the city and the fireworks. Up around Georgetown (3 Sisters) is very peaceful but FOLLOW THE CHARTS. The water goes from 70' to ROCK in no time if you slide out of the channel. (Been there done that!!) The City of Alexandria has a nice city dock in Old Town. Also, National Harbor is supposed to the business!!! I've not been yet but it is beautiful. However, FOLLOW THE CHARTS carefully around the Woodrow Wilson bridge and don't follow the water taxis.

There's nothing like the upper part of the Potomac. Coming north and passing Fort Washington, you begin to see the nations capital growing on the horizon. The planes from National Airport passing overhead. HMX1 and the Presidential helicopters taking off and flying 150' over the top. Then all the monuments. For me, there's no where I'd rather be on the 4th. If you're going up, I'd recommend arriving late morning thru mid-afternoon, as the choice spots tend to get gobbled up. But, money being what it is, and fuel being....well.....

Safe trip. Feel free to touch base if you need anything.
 
I second the recommendation to make a stop at Port Kinsale. One thing to prepare for before going is to have proof of having completed a boating safety course. DC law requires it for all boaters and I have heard that it is frequently enforced. It can be an online version, I took the BoatUS version to make sure I was compliant.
 
alnav said:
I second the recommendation to make a stop at Port Kinsale. One thing to prepare for before going is to have proof of having completed a boating safety course. DC law requires it for all boaters and I have heard that it is frequently enforced. It can be an online version, I took the BoatUS version to make sure I was compliant.
Click to expand...

OH YES....they do check quite often, so have your stuff squared away. I've not heard of Port Kinsale, would someone fill me in?
 
4th of July in DC can get crowded, one of the best places to watch the fireworks is in the Washington Channel, It's just off the Potomac river as it flows down from Georgetown, when yor are on the hook, your in 25 feet of water just off the shore, Capital Yacht Club is a good place if you want to stay the night at the dock, they can usually find a spot for overnighters, it's one of our favorites. When you come here be sure to go to 3-sisters and Georgetown, some best spots to be on the hook. The Admiral and I are usually up on the 4th, let us know when your coming, we can meet up!
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the input. I talked to a few marinas this week and there are already waiting lists. They also want full payment up front once confirmed with a minimum stay. Still trying to decide if we will attempt the trip. Maybe we will go a different time of year.
 
Hey! we live in dc metro area and stay overnight on the hook every year - on the night of the 4th, DC Marine Police mark off an area of the potomac right under the monuments and hundreds of us stay overnight right there (just east of Columbia Island Marina). don't hesitate to go! for nights before/after, try National Harbor, Gangplank, Fort Washington, etc.. Additionally, further south are some great coves like gunston cove, belmont bay, mattawoman creek (all are between the Occoquan River in the South and Alexandria, VA. See you there!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,165
Messages
1,427,662
Members
61,076
Latest member
DevSpell
Back
Top