Colonial Beach, Virginia (CBVA) is a waterfront town in Westmoreland County on Virginia’s Northern Neck peninsula, just 35 nautical miles from the Chesapeake Bay. Bounded by the Potomac River and Monroe Bay, Colonial Beach is both a river town and a beach town, home to the second-largest beach in the state. Striking sunrises, sunsets and river views are observed from the shorelines. CBVA is less than 2 hrs. from DC, midway between Washington and Richmond. Fun fact: its location on the Virginia/Maryland line means if you step one foot into the water, you have left Virginia and entered Maryland.

Formerly referred to as the Playground of the Potomac, CBVA is a golf cart, bicycle and trolley community. Events and live music concerts are held year-round. It is a bird sanctuary, home to 10 marinas, municipal fishing pier, beachfront promenade, public boat launch, riverboat gaming, outdoor recreation and watersports, a thriving arts culture, charming shops and a variety of food and beverage establishments, including gourmet dining, fresh seafood, tiki bar, pirate cove, ethnic cuisine, ice cream parlor and microbrew. Lodging options include cottages and vacation home rentals, condos, bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, motels and camp sites. 

Colonial Beach boasts a rich history. It is the birthplace of President James Monroe, whose great-great grandfather settled the town in 1650 and near the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. The summer home of Alexander Graham Bell and several 18th Century Victorians still stand. The Town’s colorful maritime past includes being the epicenter of the century-long Potomac River Oyster Wars that lasted from the 19th Century to the 1960s. Travelers used to arrive by paddle wheelers and steamboats.