Colonial Beach, Virginia

Colonial Beach is a small Potomac River resort town in Westmoreland County, Virginia, with a public sandy beach and boardwalk on the wide, brackish lower Potomac. The beach is a modest stretch of sand with shallow water that is typically brownish and calm, with only small wind-driven waves, because the river is several miles wide at this point and sheltered from the ocean. The Maryland shore is visible across the water, and the setting is more nostalgic river resort than surf beach.

The town developed as a summer getaway in the early twentieth century, and traces of that era remain, including a boardwalk, small hotels, restaurants and gift shops near the waterfront. The beach is generally family-oriented, popular with day visitors and weekenders, and the water suits wading and casual swimming. Because water quality can vary after rain and bacteria or sea nettles can appear in summer, visitors should check local swim advisories before entering the water. Lifeguard coverage is not guaranteed, so confirmation with the town is advisable.

Facilities include public restrooms near the beach, benches, picnic areas and a number of nearby restaurants serving seafood, as well as ice cream and snack stands. Fishing is popular from the pier and in the river, and boating and kayaking take place in the nearby waters. Evenings bring live music and a relaxed, small-town feel, with golf carts a common way of getting around town.

Colonial Beach is reached by car only. It lies about 70 miles south of DC, roughly an hour and a half, usually via US-301 and VA-205 or through Fredericksburg. Street parking and small lots serve the waterfront. The town works as an easy overnight or day trip, and it can be combined with visits to nearby historic sites in the Northern Neck, including the birthplace of George Washington at Popes Creek.