With so many things to do in the area, there is no shortage of fun! Smith Mountain Lake offers visitors the perfect lakeside vacation. But, if you want to stray from the water activities, you may be asking yourself: "What else is there to do at Smith Mountain Lake?" History, fun, excitement - Smith Mountain Lake and nearby areas have something for everyone.
GET OUT ON
THE WATER
Get Out On The Water! Rent a boat or Waverunner from a marina and head out on the lake for a couple of hours. There are plenty of places to rent boats and personal watercraft.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
A drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway should be on everyone's Bucket List and The Peaks of Otter on the Parkway is a short drive from Smith Mountain Lake. The overlooks and vistas are amazing and there are ideal locations to have a picnic or just take in the scenery.
If hiking is your thing, there are several trails in the area with Sharp Top Trail being the most popular with a 1.5-mile hike to the summit.
MOVIE
Take in a first-run movie at the air conditioned Westlake Cinema, a four-plex theater with stadium seating, concessions, and games at the Westlake Towne Center.
INTRODUCE THE KIDS TO BRIDGEWATER
A trip to the lake is not complete without feeding popcorn to the huge fish at Bridgewater Plaza.
The carp, which range from 24 to 36 inches long, practically pluck the popcorn from your fingers. So get your camera and some money for popcorn and head to Bridgewater Plaza. The fish will be waiting for you.
PUTT-PUTT
Looking for a little family fun that doesn't involve the water? Putt-Putt Golf may be the answer.
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Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza, Westlake Safari Miniature Golf off Route 616, or Hot Shots Family Fun Center on Route 122, may just be the ticket to fun your family is looking for.
Each course offers a wide variety of holes that are constructed with attention to detail and designed for fun. The kids will enjoy the game and you will enjoy the much-needed relaxation walking through the course.
SIGHTSEEING CRUISE
If you don’t want to rent a boat, let the Virginia Dare do the driving for you. A sightseeing cruise on a 19th century replica side-wheeler is a unique family experience. Travel aboard the Virginia Dare and see what makes Smith Mountain Lake such a desirable vacation destination.
SMITH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Experience Smith Mountain Lake State Park. The park offers way more than water related activities including swimming, boating, and fishing.
In addition to these are miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails. If you desire more strenuous hiking trails, a short drive up the road will take you to the Peaks of Otter which is on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.
HISTORY
There is a lot of history in Virginia. Be sure to visit the Visitor’s Center at The Smith Mountain Lake Dam. See how electricity is generated and try out the hands-on exhibits. Take a picnic lunch and sit by the overlook and enjoy the view.
Visit Thomas Jefferson's summer home Poplar Forest or spend a day on the farm when you visit the birthplace of Booker T. Washington on the Burroughs Tobacco Farm on Route 122 or drive to Bedford and visit the
FISH WITH A GUIDE
Smith Mountain Lake stripers are some of the most sought after game fish in Virginia. If you have never fished for stripers, then definitely consider hiring a guide to fish for that “ultimate” striped bass and the picture to take home and show all of your friends. Catching fish has never been so much fun.