Colonial Beach is one of the few remaining towns on the Potomac River. Located on Monroe Bay, it has wide, sandy public beaches sporting fishing, swimming and boating. There is even a place for crabbing. Colonial Beach also comes with a history--it is George Washington's birthplace, childhood home to Gen. Robert E. Lee and birthplace of James Monroe.
Located on the Potomac's mouth, Westmoreland State Park offers many park-type activities, including a swimming pool, boat rentals, hiking trails, campgrounds and a secluded beach. The park and beach follow the Potomac River for one and half miles and it includes more than 1,311 acres of nature reserves, appealing to nature aficionados offering great areas for birdwatching and fossil collecting. For those wishing to stay the night, the park contains cabins and camping grounds. Keep in mind that the park and the beach require a small entrance fee.
Chippokes Plantation State Park contains two miles of beach used primarily for fishing. In addition to the beach, the park maintains a farmhouse that has been operational since 1617, an antebellum mansion and an antique farm and forestry equipment located at the Farm and Forestry Museum. There is a small fee to enter.
Located on Chesapeake Bay, Buckroe Beach and Park is a public beach that offers eight acres of family-oriented beaches. The beach includes a playground for kids, picnic areas, and walking and bike paths. The beach also rents out kayaks, umbrellas and paddle-boats. During the summer, the beach has live concerts and outdoor movie showings. The beach includes certified lifeguards on duty daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
