Reviews: Washington Waterfront Docks

Reviewed by: Carl Aubele on Aug 23, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 20'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 5

Sailing in 2 trailerable Compacs, the dockmster tied us up at the free docks. He was genuinely friendly, helpful with suggestions were to eat and shop. Given the the docks were free, we were surprised they included a pass code to the showers, the wifi password, and free use of bicycles. We spent 2 days exploring Washington, eating breakfast, lunch, & dinners in town with stops at ice cream parlors in between. The bikes allowed us to shop at the West Marine store too. Washington is great town with a good variety of restaurants.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac , Janthina, on May 21, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Washington Waterfront Docks is a thirty mile westerly diversion from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The diversion is simple; go west and follow the navigational markers with no less than nine feet of nominal depth the entire way. The Waterside Docks is a city government project. The dockmaster is very responsive and was there to help with docking. Power and water are available. Approach depths in the marked channel is nominally 9 feet. Depth at the "T" on the docks is 15 feet. As there is no lunar tide in Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, "Nominal" is, in this case, corrected depth to a zero reading on the Washington NC NOAA water level gauge. Booking is done through Dockwa and the current rate is $1.50 per foot per night. There is also a free wall with no services provided alongside the downtown park just before you get to the marina. It is best to check with the dockmaster even if you intend to stay on the wall.

The marina is fixed docks and in good condition. It is well laid out to provide for easy access for boats up to forty feet. For larger boats "T" dock heads accommodates vessels up to ninety feet. The marina office has two clean and well-designed private full bathrooms and a modern laundry room. Pump-out is available on "A" dock. There is no fuel available and there is no boaters lounge at the dock. Safety was simple chain closures for dock entrance but there was no feeling of concern during our stay.

We had not been into the Washington downtown/waterfront district since the Rt. 17 Bypass opened over ten years ago so we were not prepared for what we found. Washington has been completely renovated and reinvigorated with many lovely boutiques, galleries, bars, breweries, and restaurants in the waterfront area. The provided list of eateries within walking distance includes twenty options from pub to fine dining. In addition the waterfront park is lovely, with a new Visitors Center and the NC State Estuarium which offers many interesting history and natural history exhibits and even a two hour boat tour of the local waters.

We spent three very nice days in town and really enjoyed Little Washington's vibe.

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Reviewed by: Captain Gene Of Galene on Apr 23, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

April 22-25 2025. Stayed four days again . First day on free wall then on fixed wooden dock for three days. Water level depends on winds but usually stays pretty steady. Rented a car for two days to travel in the area. Staff is friendly, welcoming and helpful as always. WIFI is a bust so used our hot spot. Very public area so lots of traffic is near you. Scoops Ice cream is a must visit. May 7 2024 return visit, nice town to relax in . Rick makes feel welcome. 4 20 2021 Previous reviews are accurate. Came in first night and stayed on free dock for the night. Staff was friendly, and very helpful. Restrooms are clean and well stocked. Sturdy fixed docks in good condition. Used nice free bikes with baskets to obtain groceries. Stayed on pay docks with electric and water after first night. Nice River walk and downtown area to visit.

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Reviewed by: Scott A Westwood , Aphrodisiac, on Apr 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.3'

Rating: 5

Read the other reviews. Worth the trip. long bulkhead and first 2 nights free. After that .75 cents per foot per night. Free (boater only) showers. Laundry too but we never used/needed. No power/water but powered slips are available. Not sure of fees? Check ahead for local events and check out the local theatre. Free pair of bikes to borrow. Easy biking to Grocery, Tractor Supply, Auto parts and fast food (if that's your thing). Library 2-3 blocks away for rainy days (Good wifi there). Dock wifi was very little use even docked right next to antenna. Good Ice cream and restaurants easy walk.

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Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer , Do It Now, on Nov 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

I spent three nights at the Washington Waterfront Docks in early November and was very happy with the experience. The dock staff was on hand to grab my lines and help me get into my slip. The marina is in a No Wake zone so there was very little wake. Marina facilities, including private restrooms with showers, were in good shape. The staff was friendly and helpful. The marina also has a pumpout, laundry room, and basic loaner bikes.

The marina is located very close to downtown Washington, with plenty of shops and restaurants. The ones we tried and liked were The Mulberry House, Blu Farm to Table, and 1906 Bistro & Bourbon Bar. Provisioning in town is not easy; there are a handful of shops to get some gourmet items, but you'll need a taxi or bicycle to get to the Walmart or Food Lion more than a mile away. I found a great seafood shop walking distance from the marina, Washington Crab. There's a very nice walking trail along the river front and pleasant neighborhoods to bike through if you want to get some exercise.

While I realize that Washington is a bit out of the way for many cruisers -- it's 27 miles from the ICW -- it's a nice town that's definitely worth visiting. These affordable docks make a good place to park the boat while exploring the city. I would definitely come again.

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Reviewed by: Janet Gannon on Aug 31, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

This was a terrific stop. The docks are fixed but there is very little tide (all wind-driven) and everything is in great condition. There is a small current to be aware of when moving around the docks. The dock hands are very attentive (and they have dog cookies). We tried to tip them and they kept insisting that they would simply use the money to buy bottled water for the dock office. They have very nice bathrooms, free loaner bikes, and laundry that costs $5/day (no matter how many loads). We biked all over -- there is a super Walmart and a Lowes within striking distance, as well as a Tractor Supply (they refill propane). No Uber that we could summon though. Plenty of pleasant walks, a dog park about a mile away, and dozens of outstanding restaurants. Loved our time there and it felt like the town truly welcomed us. I hope to go back!

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Reviewed by: John Tyrell on Aug 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.7'

Rating: 4

Great location; right downtown. Dockhands helpful and friendly and checking on boats. Fixed docks with pilings on exterior which made for a long step off the boat if limited mobility. Clean large shower. Nice town. Wifi so weak it might as well have been non-existent.

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Reviewed by: Sara Turner , Coconuts, on Apr 24, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We went to Washington on Friday and stayed for the weekend. The dock master was very helpful before we arrived and then helping us when we docked. Such a beautiful town and really friendly! We were in a Krogen Express 49 with a 4ft draft. We would definitely go back again! Great restaurants and shops!

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Reviewed by: Robert Manier , Benita, on May 20, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 5

We thoroughly enjoyed a month long stay here. The dock-master and staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable from the moment they helped dock our boat. The restrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. The Washington waterfront is beautiful and has many great restaurants and stores to shop. The town is well protected from weather. We can't wait to go back.

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Reviewed by: Kathy Kehoe Lee on Aug 7, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Loved this town. Highly recommend. Dockmaster very accommodating. So far the best city dock on our trip.

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Reviewed by: Rob Dare , Liberty Call , on Apr 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Washington NC is a great little town with the city docks in a prime location. The dock hands are very knowledgeable, helpful and super friendly. Docks are fixed but the tide is only a foot. The town has some nice restaurants and a brewery opens the end of April. Lots of green space to walk the dog and lots of water dishes and dog treats are set out. This town was well worth the easy journey off the ICW. WiFi does not have sufficient strength at most piers. We stayed a week and loved it.

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Reviewed by: Dr. Chip Walpole , Egret , on May 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We came up the Pamlico River to avoid Tropical Storm Arthur. The dock master, Ed, was kind, and gave us additional fender boards to protect us on the outside face dock. This far inland we’re hoping to avoid the brunt of the storms.

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Reviewed by: Anita Smith on Apr 26, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This is a MUST visit destination that is overlooked by many. 7+ ft. Channel depths all the way up the Pamlico River and only a six inch tide with virtually no current, except when strong winds are out of the West. The people and town are delightful and the harbor master and dock crew are top notch. 48 hours of free dockage w/o power or water. Then $.75/ft. Or $1.25/ft with power and water. Although the chart does not show it there is also plenty of room to anchor across from the town docks in 6-12ft of water and use the dinghy dock at the NW end of the town docks. Also, an easy 6 block walk to West Marine with a good seafood market next door. Lots of history and restaurants to explore. The RR bridge at the entrance to the harbor is open except 9-11am. Call the bridge tender on vhf 16 during those times and he may be able to open for you. Then call the dockmaster on ch16 to ask for a berth. Dock side depths 12’. Boats often come for two nights and stay for several weeks!

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Reviewed by: Ed on Jul 10, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

The Washington Town Docks are delightful. Plenty of room and a great little town to visit. The dock master and his crew are always available to assist.

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