21 of the Best Things to do in Smith Mountain Lake 2023

Smith Mountain Lake is home to some of the most beautiful mountain and lake views in the state of Virginia.

Smith Mountain Lake (SML) has a special place in our hearts and that is why we had to create this list of the best things to do in Smith Mountain Lake to help inspire your next lake getaway!

The Best Things to do in Smith Mountain Lake: 

1. Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Smith Mountain Lake State Park has something for everyone to enjoy! This park has an incredible beach access for individuals and families alike to relax and have fun.

Additionally, there are community grilling areas, hiking trails, and picnic areas for you to use. 

If you are looking for a little bit more of an activity… feel free to grab your fishing rod and fish from the pier, put your kayak in at the kayak/canoe launch, take your children to the community playground, or go swimming in the lake inside the swimming lane! 

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is an excellent area for individuals, couples, friends, and family to enjoy.

It’s truly a magnificent area to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake and has so much to offer. 

Plus, if you are looking for a place to camp, we consider it one of the best places to stay in SML so be sure to bring your favorite tent for hot weather camping and your favorite camping fan and head to Smith Mountain Lake State Park for a memorable experience.

2. Bridgewater Plaza and Marina

Bridgewater Plaza and Marina is home to countless boat slips, condominiums, mini golf, and several restaurants and shops. 

If you are looking to grab a bite to eat, be sure to check out Mango’s Bar and Grill, Moosie’s, or the Pizza Pub. 

For those that would rather hit some shops or if you need to grab an extra swimsuit or sunscreen, be sure to check out Bridgewater Sportswear.

Lastly, if you would like to take a break from the water… feel free to play 18 holes at the Harbortown Mini golf course right in the center of the Bridgewater Plaza!

3. The Virginia Dare Cruise

The Virginia Dare Cruise is a marvelous option for those looking to see some of Smith Mountain Lakes most beautiful sites without wanting to rent a boat.

This cruise will take you throughout the lake and introduce you to various sites and views. It’s an excellent option for those looking to relax and take in the surrounding views! 

4. Harbortown Mini Golf

Harbortown Mini Golf is at the Bridgewater Plaza and is an excellent activity to do with friends, family, or even on a date!

The Harbortown Mini Golf course is 18 holes and is sure to bring some fun to your lake getaway.

The location of the mini golf course is incredible right on the water and near countless restaurants and shops. 

If you are looking for a fun activity other than hanging out on the water, be sure to check out the Harbortown Mini Golf for a great experience. 

5. Hickory Hill Vineyards

If you are looking to get off the lake for a bit and would like to enjoy some delicious wine, Hickory Hill Vineyards is a great option!

Hickory Hill Vineyards is in Moneta, Virginia and they are serving up some scrumptious white and red wines for everyone to enjoy.

6. Smith Mountain Lake Alpaca Farm

The Smith Mountain Lake Alpaca Farm is a great place to visit for animal lovers!

They have over 70 alpacas that you can visit with. You can feed the alpacas, take photos with the loving creatures, and you can learn all about them on one of their tours. 

7. Watch a Movie at Westlake Cinema

If you enjoy watching movies in theaters, Westlake Cinema is right near SML and offers various films and showing times.

This is an excellent option for families that would like to take a break from the sun and water. 

8. Hit the Links at Mariner’s Landing Golf Course

One of the most beautiful public golf courses on the lake can be found at Mariner’s Landing!

Not only is the golf course pristine but the surrounding lake views are unbelievable as well. 

If you are looking to hit the links, pack your clubs and be sure to play 18 holes here! 

9. Go Fishing

Smith Mountain Lake is infamous for its excellent fishing. Whether you want to go out on a boat and fish or just want to fish from a dock, fishing is an excellent activity to do at SML year-round. 

SML has a wide array of fish to catch including catfish, carp, large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and several others! 

Fishing is an excellent activity to do by yourself but it’s even a great activity to do with the whole family!

10. Smith Mountain Lake Dam and Visitor’s Center

The Smith Mountain Lake Dam and Visitor’s Center is a great place to visit if you would like to learn more about the history behind the SML Dam and gain a better view of the Dam from above. 

11. Smith Mountain Lake Sailing School & Sailing Charters

For those that are interested in sailing, be sure to check out Smith Mountain Lake Sailing School & Sailing Charters!

You can book a charter for half the day and a captain will take you and a small group out on the lake or you can enroll in their sailing school and learn sailing lessons firsthand. 

12. The Blue Ridge Parkway

One of the most beautiful drives in Virginia can be found on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is about 470 miles in length and goes from Cherokee, North Carolina to Rockfish Gap, Virginia.

Along this drive you will see endless breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains! 

13. Booker T. Washington National Monument

The Booker T. Washington National Monument is a great place to visit for those that are history buffs or would like to know more about Booker T. Washington! 

The National Monument is in Hardy, Virginia and is a great place to visit for those that would like to know more about how Booker T. Washington fought for racial equality. 

14. Go Horseback Riding at Spring Valley Farm

If you are a fan of horses, you have got to check out Spring Valley Farm!

Their farm is right near SML and they offer private horseback riding lessons, group lessons, or even just trail rides! 

This is an awesome option for those looking to spend some time off the water and for those that love animals. 

15. Feed the Carp at Smith Mountain Dock & Lodge 

One of the most unique experiences on the lake can be found at Smith Mountain Dock & Lodge.

You can pay for some peanut butter to put on your toes, sit on the dock, and the carp suck the peanut butter off your feet!

I know this may sound crazy but it is actually one of the most popular activities to do in the area and it’s a fan favorite amongst children. 

16. Grab a Delicious Treat at Homestead Creamery

Homestead Creamery is a popular ice cream and milk company and they have a location right near Smith Mountain Lake.

If you would like to take a break from the sun and need a treat to cool down, be sure to head to Homestead Creamery for some smooth and delicious ice cream to enjoy on a hot summer’s day!

17. Rent a Boat from Parrot Cove

If you would like to ride around a boat on SML but you don’t own your own ride… make sure to check out Parrot Cove for an excellent boat rental option.

18. Catch Live Music at Drifters

One of my personal favorite spots on the lake is the restaurant Drifters. This restaurant has phenomenal seating indoors and outside.

They serve up some delicious summertime lake foods and delicious cold cocktails.

Plus, they are infamous for having live music playing on the weekends during the summertime!

19. Visit the National D-Day Memorial

If you are a history buff or if you are searching for something truly intriguing in the area, be sure to check out the National D-Day Memorial. 

The D-Day Memorial serves to honor and remember the soldiers that were lost on June 6th, 1944 during World War II.

The D-Day Memorial resides in Bedford, Virginia because Bedford lost 19 men that day during the war. This memorial was created to honor the lives of those that were lost.

If you would like to learn more about America’s history and World War II, you have got to check out the D-Day Memorial.

20. Eat a Delicious Lunch at Mitchell’s Point Marina

Mitchell’s Point Marina is an excellent location for grabbing a bite to eat on the lake. They serve up pizza, salads, beer, amongst many others.

Plus, you can get some great views of the lake from their restaurant!

21. Visit the Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival

The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is a robust event that features live music and incredible wines.

If you love lake views and enjoy the taste of wine, you must check out this event!

FAQs About The Best Things to do in Smith Mountain Lake

What is the best part of Smith Mountain Lake?

There are truly so many phenomenal parts of Smith Mountain Lake. However, if I had to chose one, I would say that the Huddleston area stands out when it comes to being the best part of Smith Mountain Lake. 

The Huddleston area has Smith Mountain Lake State Park which is a popular park for visitors.

One of the more local areas that I love is Mariner’s Landing due to the incredible golf course and restaurants.

Is Smith Mountain Lake fun?

Smith Mountain Lake is extremely fun! There are endless water activities to take part in such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.

For more relaxed water activities you can go fishing or kayaking! 

What is Smith Mountain Lake known for?

Smith Mountain Lake is known for its incredible lake and mountain views. Plus, it is Virginia’s second largest lake. 

Overall: Our Favorite Things to do in Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake has a special place in my heart because it is where I met my husband!

I truly love visiting and staying at SML and there are endless things that I love to do in the area.

However, some of my all time favorites consist of hanging with family, riding around on a boat around the lake, watching the sunset, and eating out at one of the many delicious restaurants.

We hope this list of the best things to do in Smith Mountain Lake convinces you to book your next lake getaway!

For similar posts, be sure to check out 11 Best Hikes Near Lynchburg, Virginia.