Coastal Plain (Tidewater) Region Map

Hampton, Virginia Newport News, Virginia Chesapeake, Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia’s Coastal Plain, often called Tidewater, covers the easternmost part of the state along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. This region is defined by low, flat terrain, tidal rivers, wetlands, and long coastlines that shape both daily life and the economy. Major rivers such as the James, York, Rappahannock, and Potomac flow through this area, creating natural transportation routes that influenced early settlement and trade.

Historically, Coastal Plain is the birthplace of English America. Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown established Virginia as the foundation of colonial development, politics, and maritime commerce. Today, the region remains one of the most economically important parts of the state. Hampton Roads serves as a global shipping center and home to the world’s largest naval base. Tourism, defense, port logistics, shipbuilding, fishing, and coastal recreation all play major roles.

The region blends dense urban areas with rural shoreline communities and protected natural areas. Beaches, waterfront districts, wildlife refuges, and historic towns exist side by side. Residents benefit from access to international ports, military installations, and a strong tourism economy, while visitors are drawn to beaches, colonial history, and coastal culture.

City	Population	County
Alexandria	159,463	Independent city
Cape Charles	1,176	Northampton County
Carrollton	7,498	Isle of Wight County
Chesapeake	249,302	Independent city
Chester	23,414	Chesterfield County
Chincoteague	3,341	Accomack County
Colonial Beach	3,897	Westmoreland County
Colonial Heights	18,146	Independent city
Emporia	5,751	Independent city
Exmore	1,470	Northampton County
Franklin	8,177	Independent city
Gloucester	3,030	Gloucester County
Gloucester Point	10,587	Gloucester County
Hampton	137,154	Independent city
Kilmarnock	1,445	Lancaster County, Northumberland County
Newport News	186,239	Independent city
Norfolk	238,029	Independent city
Onancock	1,166	Accomack County
Poquoson	12,454	Independent city
Portsmouth	97,945	Independent city
Smithfield	8,535	Isle of Wight County
Suffolk	94,406	Independent city
Tappahannock	2,190	Essex County
Virginia Beach	459,444	Independent city
Warsaw	1,637	Richmond County
Waverly	1,957	Sussex County
West Point	3,415	King William County
Williamsburg	15,416	Independent city
Windsor	2,744	Isle of Wight County