Updated July 12, 2022. From creeks and lakes to bays and marinas, Northern Virginia is blessed with lots of different bodies of water. And with the summer heat hitting the region hard this summer, there’s no better way to find relief than out on the water. Here are some private and public marinas as well as regional and county parks where you can row, row, row your boat (or stand-up paddleboard).
Belle Haven Marina
Located just south of Old Town along the George Washington Memorial Parkway is this waterfront spot owned by the National Park Service and operated by Belle Haven Marina. You can rent canoes, single and double kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, Sunfish, Flying Scots, and jon boats for a minimum of two hours to explore wildlife around the adjacent Dyke Marsh. George Washington Memorial Pkwy., Alexandria
Washington Sailing Marina
Enjoy amazing views of Downtown DC while sailing, kayaking, or enjoying a stand-up paddle board around Daingerfield Island from this marina in Alexandria. Rentals are available for a few hours or the entire day. 1 Marina Dr., Alexandria
Penguin Paddling
Rent a single or tandem kayak or stand-up paddle board by the hour or day from this operator in the quaint town of Occoquan. 201 Mill St., Occoquan
Lake Ridge Marina
This marina in Woodbridge rents canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and jon boats, so you can choose the perfect vessel for your next summer adventure . 12350 Cotton Mill Dr., Woodbridge
Hampton’s Landing Marina
Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or pontoon boat from this marina in Woodbridge nestled among a wooded shoreline of Neabsco Creek. 16205 Neabsco Rd., Woodbridge
Northern Virginia Sailing School at Leesylvania State Park
Anyone with at least ASA 101 certification can rent a sailboat at this Woodbridge marina; all vessels are equipped with outboard motors. Rentals are available for two or four hours, with or without a captain. 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge
NOVA Parks
Many of the locations in the NOVA Parks system rent kayaks, boats, and stand-up paddle boards, including Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station, Bull Run Marina in Clifton, Occoquan Regional Park in Lorton, and Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. Check the NOVA Parks boating website for more details and opening information. Multiple locations
Fairfax County Parks
You’ll find rentals including rowboats, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, and Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Check the park boating website for more details and opening information. Multiple locations
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