Enjoy a Drink at Island Time Bar and Grill

Island Time Bar and Grill is one of Arlington’s most unexpectedly delightful places to spend a few hours, tucked right at the Columbia Island Marina alongside the Potomac. With its casual waterfront setting, cold drinks, frequent live music and a menu built for relaxed outdoor eating, this is the closest thing Arlington has to a true beach bar vibe — and on a warm evening, it genuinely feels like a mini escape from the city. The views across the water toward the DC monuments are hard to beat at any price point.

The bar draws a fun mix of boaters, kayakers, cyclists coming off the Mount Vernon Trail, and locals who’ve made it their unofficial summer living room. It’s the perfect post-paddle destination if you’ve rented a kayak at the marina, or a worthy destination on its own merits. Order a frozen drink, grab a seat on the patio, and let the slow pace of the waterfront work its magic — Island Time lives up to its name completely.