Hampton Roads Waterways

Below is a guide to boating destinations in and around the Hampton Roads region, including: Marinas that take transient boaters, tips on where to get supplies, a good meal and a few adventures within walking distance.

One should call ahead, either by phone or on Channel 16, for slip availability and directions.

Virginia Beach

Rudee Inlet

Located at the southern end of the resort strip, Rudee Inlet has dockside dining and several marinas with many services for transient boaters:

• Fisherman's Wharf Marina, (757) 428-2111, www.fishermanswharfmarina.com
• Rudee Inlet Station Marina, (757) 422-2999, www.rudeesmarina.com
• Virginia Beach Fishing Center, (757) 491-8000, www.virginiafishing.com

Lynnhaven Inlet

Past the 35-foot high bridge into the inlet are two full-service marinas with numerous amenities for boaters:

• Long Bay Pointe has a fitness center, salon and spa, dinner cruises and two restaurants: One Fish, Two Fish and the more casual La Marienella. (757) 321-4550, www.longbaypointemarina.com
• The Marina at Marina Shores on Long Creek has a pool and two restaurants, Kokamos and Surf Rider Grille (757) 496-7000, www.marinashores.com

Norfolk

Waterside Marina

Dodge the Elizabeth River barges and cruise ships to dock at Waterside, a happening site day or night with dining and entertainment inside the festival marketplace and major festivals at Town Point Park. Take the ferry to Harbor Park for a Tides baseball game or across the river to Portsmouth.

Within walking distance are Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin, more than 60 restaurants and shopping along Granby Street and inside MacArthur Center.

Nauticus Marina

The Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center hosts giant cruise ships and, now, smaller boaters to the 16-slip Nauticus Marina.

Little Creek marinas

• Little Creek Marina caters to the fishing and powerboat set. (757) 362-3600, www.littlecreekmarina.com.
• Bay Point Marina hosts the sailboat and live-aboard crowd. (757) 362-8432, www.littlecreekmarina.com.
• Taylor's Landing Marina has Surf Rider Restaurant, tiki bar and ship's store. (757) 587-8000, www.taylorslanding.com

Portsmouth

Boaters approaching this city will find the Renaissance Hotel Portsmouth with its nautical-themed restaurant and lobbies, as well as the white sail-like top of the nTelos Wireless Pavilion, a venue for musical artists.

Ocean Marine Yacht Center

The center is just steps from the historic district, museums, shops and restaurants. (757) 399-2920, www.oceanmarinellc.com

Tidewater Yacht Marina

This marina has The Deck restaurant, and is also close to the historic district and offers panoramic views and an unusual floating swimming pool. (757) 393-2525, www.tyamarina.com

Portsmouth Boating Center

Travel just a bit up Scotts Creek to find Portsmouth Boating Center with a ship's store, showers and laundry. (757) 397-2092, www.portsmouthboating.com

Scotts Creek Marina

Also on Scotts Creek, this marina has a ship's store and a pool. (757) 399-2628

Heading South

For a lazy day of boating, take the Intracoastal Waterway along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River through the locks at Great Bridge.

Atlantic Yacht Basin

This is first up at Mile 12. Restaurants and shopping are within walking distance, and the marina has a store, laundry and full-service repair shop. (757) 482-2141, www.atlanticyachtbasin.com

Pungo Ferry Marina

The waterway passes through the city of Virginia Beach, but at Pungo Ferry Marina at Mile 41 you'll feel worlds away from it all. (757) 721-3299

Coinjock, N.C., marinas

At Mile 50 in Coinjock, two marinas offer transient, alongside docking:

• Coinjock Marina's Dockside Restaurant is famous for its prime rib. (252) 453-3271, www.coinjockmarina.com
• Midway Marina and Motel, located across the canal, has an outdoor pool, store, motel and Crabbie's Restaurant. (252) 453-3625, www.midwaymarina.com

Mariners' Wharf

In Elizabeth City, known as the "Harbor of Hospitality," you'll find this city-owned wharf that offers free dockage for 48 hours. When more than five boats are docked, the volunteer "Rose Buddies" throw a wine-and-cheese reception, presenting the lady of the boat a rose. Grab a welcome packet from the dock's information kiosk, then walk to the historic district for shopping and dining. (252) 335-5330, www.elizabethcitychamber.org

Heading North

On the James River

Leeward Municipal Marina

Next to the James River Bridge in Newport News, this marina is within walking distance of Huntington Park's beach, tennis courts and the James River Fishing Pier, upon which sits the Crab Shack restaurant. There are showers, picnic area and grill, but no store. (757) 247-2359, www.nnparks.com/boating_leeward.php

Smithfield Station

A few miles past the James River Bridge on the left is the entrance to the Pagan River, the route to Smithfield Station, a restaurant, marina and hotel. The dining is worth the trip, and it's just a short walk to downtown. (757) 357-7700, www.smithfieldstation.com

The Marina at Kingsmill Resort

On the other side of the James, via Skiffes Creek, is Kingsmill, a private resort with a marina and 15 transient slips. The resort's amenities - fine dining, spa, golf and tennis - are available to overnight boaters. There's also a shuttle to Williamsburg. (757) 253-3919, www.kingsmill.com

Hampton

Stroll Old Town Hampton, catch a block party or tour the Virginia Air & Space Center, all within walking distance of Hampton's waterfront.

Hampton Public Piers

Has floating transient slips; use of the Hampton Marina Hotel's pool, spa and fitness center; and a boater's business center with phone, fax and wireless Internet. Rent a car or borrow a complimentary bicycle to explore. (757) 727-1276, www.downtownhampton.com/marinas

Customs House Marina

Also nearby, has transient docking and showers. (757) 868-9375.

Bluewater Yachting Center

On the western side of the Hampton River has a pool, Surfrider Restaurant, laundry, ship's store, WiFi, full-service boat yard and a free water taxi service. (757) 723-6774, www.bluewateryachtingcenter.com

Sunset Yachting Center and Dry Storage

Located at the top of Sunset Creek, has a floating dock, ship's store and restaurant, Cross d'Bridge Café. (757) 722-3325, www.sunsetboatingcenter.com

Salt Ponds Marina Resort

Sail into the Chesapeake Bay, past Fort Monroe, and just past Buckroe Beach to this resort. There's a swimming pool, restaurant and cabana bar, ship's store, tennis courts, laundry, picnic area and grill. (757) 850-4300,www.saltpondsmarinaresort.com

On the York River

Riverwalk Landing Dock

In the heart of Yorktown at Riverwalk Landing and walk to restaurants, shops and the historic battlefield. Two concrete floating piers and nine mooring balls can accommodate both day trippers and overnighters. Electric, sewer pump-out and showers for overnighters. (757) 890-3370, www.riverwalklanding.com

York River Yacht Haven

Great food draws many to the River's Inn Restaurant near Gloucester Point. But boaters also will find a full-service boat yard, a pool, outdoor grills, showers, free WiFi, ship's store and captain's lounge. Car rentals available. (804) 642-2156, www.yryh.net

Eastern Shore

Cape Charles Town Harbor

Is within an easy walk of the historic downtown. Here, boaters share dock space with working watermen. (757) 331-2357, www.capecharles.org/harbor.htm

Bay Creek Marina

On the north end of Cape Charles is open to visiting boaters and offers access to restaurants, shops, showers, luxury suites, wireless Internet, a pool and a private beach. (757) 331-8640, www.baycreek.net/boat.asp

Onancock

40 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and four miles off the Chesapeake Bay up Onancock Creek. The town marina's 16 slips are free the first two hours. You can pay to tie up for the night or anchor for free in the picturesque harbor. (757) 787-7911, www.onancock.org