Not Every Family Vacation Needs a Boardwalk
When most families start planning a summer vacation, they usually end up looking at the same destinations.
Virginia Beach.
Ocean City.
Maryland's Eastern Shore.
The Outer Banks.
They're all wonderful places—and for many families, they're exactly the right fit.
But if your idea of a great vacation isn't spending hours in traffic, searching for parking, waiting in long restaurant lines, or staking out a tiny patch of sand before breakfast, there's another option that many families have never heard of.
Welcome to Virginia's Northern Neck—one of the Mid-Atlantic's best-kept waterfront secrets.
Only about two hours from Washington, DC, it's where families come to slow down, reconnect, and make memories together.
What Kind of Vacation Does Your Family Want?
Every family is different.
Some love amusement rides and bustling boardwalks.
Others are looking for something a little quieter.
A place where the kids can spend hours outdoors instead of asking for another turn on a screen.
Where parents can actually relax.
Where the biggest decision of the day is whether to kayak before lunch or fish after dinner.
That's the kind of vacation you'll find in Virginia's Northern Neck.
Comparing Popular Mid-Atlantic Family Getaways
| Destination | Drive from DC* | What You'll Love | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia's Northern Neck (Easthaven) | ~2 hrs | Waterfront, fishing, kayaking, shark tooth hunting, peaceful setting, charming towns | Ideal for families who want space, nature, and quality time |
| Virginia Beach | ~3.5–4 hrs | Ocean beaches, boardwalk, attractions | Popular and lively, especially in summer |
| Ocean City, MD | ~3–4 hrs | Beach, amusement rides, restaurants | Can be busy during peak weekends |
| Maryland's Eastern Shore | ~2–3 hrs | High end towns, seafood, boating | Great for couples |
| Outer Banks, NC | ~5–7 hrs | Wide beaches, iconic lighthouses | Longer drive, especially with summer traffic |
*Approximate drive times from Washington, DC.
There's no "best" destination—only the one that fits the vacation you're hoping to have.
Trade Crowded Beaches for Waterfront Adventures
Instead of packing up the car every morning and hoping to find a parking spot, imagine waking up with the water just steps away.
At Easthaven, your family's day might look like this:
- Morning coffee on the dock while the kids try to catch their first fish
- A paddle around Nomini Bay in one of the complimentary kayaks or other boats
- An afternoon hunting for fossilized shark teeth at nearby Westmoreland State Park
- A family game tournament before dinner
- S'mores around the smokeless fire pit as the sun sets over the water
No schedules.
No rush.
Just time together.
Adventures Kids Will Still Talk About
Ask kids what they remember about vacation, and it's rarely the hotel room.
It's the moments.
Like...
- Finding their first fossilized shark tooth.
- Catching a fish from the dock.
- Spotting a bald eagle overhead.
- Paddling a kayak by themselves.
- Roasting marshmallows until they're perfectly golden.
- Laughing through one more round of Pop-A-Shot before bedtime.
Those are the stories they bring home.
Parents Get a Vacation Too
One of the things our guests mention most isn't a specific amenity—it's how relaxed they felt.
Instead of packing everyone into the car several times a day, much of the fun is already waiting at Easthaven.
Guests enjoy:
- A private dock for fishing and crabbing
- Complimentary kayaks, canoe, paddleboard, and paddleboat
- Four bedrooms and three bathrooms for everyone to spread out
- A fully equipped kitchen for easy family meals
- A game room with Pop-A-Shot, board games, and puzzles
- A smokeless fire pit overlooking the water
- Dog-friendly accommodations, so the whole family can come
It's everything you need for a memorable getaway—without the crowds.
Explore More Than the Water
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is just how much there is to do nearby.
Within minutes of Easthaven, you can:
- Hunt for shark teeth at Westmoreland State Park
- Tour Stratford Hall
- Visit George Washington Birthplace National Monument
- Explore local wineries and breweries
- Browse charming shops in Montross
- Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants
- Go birdwatching or cycling through scenic backroads
You can stay busy—or do absolutely nothing at all.
Both make for a great vacation.
Is Easthaven Right for Your Family?
Easthaven is a great fit if you're looking for:
✔ A waterfront vacation close to Washington, DC
✔ A destination where kids can explore outdoors
✔ Fishing, kayaking, and nature instead of crowds
✔ Space for grandparents or another family
✔ A dog-friendly getaway
If your family thrives on boardwalk rides, nightlife, or large resort pools, one of the beach destinations above may be a better match—and that's okay.
But if you're craving a slower pace and more time together, the Northern Neck might become your new favorite tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia's Northern Neck good for families?
Yes. Families love the combination of waterfront activities, outdoor adventures, history, and the relaxed pace that makes it easy to reconnect.
How far is Easthaven from Washington, DC?
Easthaven is about a two-hour drive from Washington, DC, making it an easy weekend getaway.
Is there a beach near Easthaven?
While Easthaven isn't an oceanfront property, nearby Westmoreland State Park offers shoreline access along the Potomac River, including the famous Fossil Beach where families hunt for shark teeth.
What makes the Northern Neck different from Ocean City or Virginia Beach?
The Northern Neck offers a quieter waterfront experience focused on nature, boating, fishing, kayaking, local history, and quality time together, while destinations like Ocean City and Virginia Beach offer larger beaches, boardwalks, and more nightlife.
Sometimes the Best Family Vacation Isn't the One Everyone Else Is Taking
The vacations our guests talk about years later aren't the ones packed with the most attractions.
They're the ones where everyone slowed down enough to enjoy each other.
Where kids caught their first fish.
Where parents finished a cup of coffee while it was still hot.
Where sunsets became the evening entertainment.
If that sounds like the kind of getaway your family has been craving, we'd love to welcome you to Easthaven.
Because sometimes the best memories aren't made at the busiest beach—they're made on a quiet dock, together.