As the summer days get longer, most people look to their days outdoors. Thankfully, many Northern Virginia state and regional parks offer refreshing ways to beat summer boredom. Whether you are a seasoned kayaker or have yet to test the waters, these marinas, lakes, and ponds, make it easy to get out on the water and make the most of the warm weather.
Belle Haven Marina
Travel just south of Old Town Alexandria, and you’ll find Belle Haven Marina, a private marina on the Potomac. The marina offers sailing lessons and rentals of Flying Scot and Sunfish sailboats for both kids and adults. Canoes, kayaks, row boats, and stand-up paddle boards are available for a minimum two-hour rental. Reservations are suggested but walk-ins are available. 6401 George Washington Memorial Pkwy., Alexandria, kayaks starting at $45 for two hours
Fountainhead Regional Park
With over 2,000 acres of preserved forest along the Occoquan Reservoir, this local park offers plenty of water to explore. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and jon boats are all available to rent between March and mid-November, depending on the weather. Boat owners are welcome to use the park’s boat launch with annual and daily passes available for purchase. 10875 Hampton Rd., Fairfax Station, kayaks starting at $18 per hour
Lake Accotink Park
This Springfield park is home to various hiking and mountain biking trails and is an ideal location for kayaking newcomers to learn the ropes. Lake Accotink has single and tandem kayaks to rent by the hour, not to mention bikes, and a pier to launch your own boat. Pack a lunch and prepare for a relaxing afternoon in nature. 7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield, kayaks starting at $14 per hour
Mason Neck State Park
With access to most of the peninsula, Mason Neck State Park boasts over 1,800 acres to explore. Kayakers can launch from Kane’s Creek and paddle out to Belmont Bay for a full-day expedition. Boating is permitted from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The park also offers canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles for hourly and four-hour rentals. 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, kayaks starting at $15 per hour
Occoquan Regional Park
Enjoy a peaceful day on the water and 350 acres of outdoor fun at Occoquan State Park. Explore the river and surrounding areas on single or double kayaks, launched from the park’s shore. Visitors must be 16 years or older to rent hourly or daily kayaks and stand-up paddle boards until October 31. 9751 Ox Rd., Lorton, kayaks starting at $18 per hour
Pohick Bay Regional Park
Pohick Bay Regional Park is open from sunrise to sunset and just a stone’s throw from Mount Vernon. Don’t let kayaking along the Potomac River scare you – the area is remarkably calm and a great place to explore by boat, even for amateurs. In addition to single and double kayak rentals, the facility also offers canoes, paddle boats, and stand-up paddleboards. The park offers hourly and 4-hour rentals. 6501 Pohick Bay Dr., Lorton, kayaks starting at $18 per hour
Riverbend Park
Make your way to Great Falls’ Riverbend Park for a tranquil ride down a shallow section of the Potomac River. Head upstream to avoid the Aqueduct Dam and spot wildlife — including deer, osprey, and bald eagles — roaming by the water’s edge. Newbies can take advantage of the kayaking and fishing tours, camps, and classes offered. Guests can rent single and tandem kayaks, as well as canoes until September 1. Boating rental slots vary between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and are subject to river conditions. 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, kayaks starting at $25
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