It is known for the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, houses along the beach, a lighthouse, and a museum.

Named after the long-leaf yellow and loblolly pines lining the shores of the Potomac River, the Point provided a nature retreat for Presidents James Monroe, Franklin Pierce and Teddy Roosevelt.

A number of other Capital figures such as Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster were frequent visitors to the Piney Point Hotel, which was shut down after a hurricane in 1933.

The small cottage-type homes located across from the maritime school were originally housing for Navy enlisted men and their families.

The Navy base included a hospital, bowling alley, motor pool, and ships' dock.