Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay covers the tidewater country in eastern Virginia where the Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and James rivers flow into the Bay. The landscape is flat to gently rolling — pine and hardwood forest interrupted by tidal creeks, salt marshes, and broad river estuaries — with most of the region within easy reach of the water. The region splits into three peninsulas: the Northern Neck (Westmoreland, Northumberland, Lancaster, Richmond, and King George counties) between the Potomac and Rappahannock; the Middle Peninsula (Middlesex, Mathews, Gloucester, King and Queen) between the Rappahannock and York; and the lower stretch south toward Hampton Roads. Anchor towns include Kilmarnock, Irvington, Reedville, Urbanna, and Mathews. George Washington Birthplace and Stratford Hall both sit on the Northern Neck. Most travel here runs slow and water-oriented. Sailing, crabbing, fishing, and cruising the Bay tributaries shape most weekends; the small towns supply oyster bars, marinas, and historical sites. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions; summer brings heat and heavier insect season in the marshes.