Nothing beats a day on beautiful Lake Martin! Spanning across 880 miles of pristine shoreline, this enchanting destination beckons adventure with unlimited opportunities for fun, recreation, and relaxation. Now that Lake Martin’s waters have finally reached summertime levels, it’s time to take boats out of storage, dust off wakeboards, enjoy the many unique attractions both on and off the water, and start planning your next day on the lake!
On the Water
Discover all Lake Martin has to offer through a guided boat tour, with options to personalize your excursion and include must-see landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring you get the full Lake Martin experience.
Or, embark on your own adventure by dropping in your personal watercraft at any one of our public boat ramps, conveniently located around the lake. With multiple unique marinas to choose from, such as Harbor Pointe Marina and its floating daiquiri bar or Anchor Bay Marina, home of The Social, you will have plenty of options to refuel on snacks, gas, and souvenirs during your day on the lake.
Chimney Rock is easily one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks at Lake Martin, Alabama. Located near the Ridge Marina, it can be spotted by the colorful graffiti artwork and large gatherings of boats around its cliffs, making it a popular local hangout spot on the water.
Wind Creek State Park stretches across more than 1,440 acres of Lake Martin’s shoreline, greeting visitors with sweeping waterfront views and endless activities, such as camping, hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, and more. If you are looking for a unique adventure, park guests can also climb to the top of the historical silo and catch sweeping views of the water.
Take in breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake Martin from atop the Smith Mountain Fire Tower. As the highest point in the area, the cabin of the fire tower offers unparalleled views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Hikers will also find delight in the various trails of all skill levels throughout the area. Notably, the “Island Hop Trail” is unique in that it is only accessible during winter months when the lake water recedes.
A popular, yet secluded, lake day area for families is DARE Park, a small sandy and wooded cove with numerous amenities including a beach, grills, picnic tables, pavilions, public restrooms, and even a boat launch.
For sailing enthusiasts, The Dixie Sailing Club is an exclusive community that provides an opportunity for sailors to sharpen their skills while building a camaraderie amongst fellow members. From introductory courses to competitive club races, it’s a hub for both seasoned sailors and newcomers looking to enjoy the beauty of Lake Martin from the serene and thrilling perspective of a sailboat.
Island Hopping
Ahoy, matey! Set sail and discover the many themed islands around Lake Martin, such as Pirate Island. Here, visitors are greeted by “Jolly Rogers” and his skeleton crew who stand guard over their coveted chests of treasure, making this a fun photo stop for kids and adults alike.
Other popular island stops include Big Beach, Cheeseburger Island, and Sand Island. Sand Island, in particular, offers a unique adventure with a geocache waiting to be found. Geocaching, a delightful family activity, involves deciphering clues to uncover secret containers and hidden “treasures” around you.
Waterfront Dining
Nestled on the picturesque shoreline of Lake Martin, Kowaligia Restaurant pays homage to the great country music legend, Hank Williams, and his Billboard hit song “Kow-aliga”, said to be written right here at a cabin on Lake Martin. Kowaliga offers diners sweeping views of the lake and perhaps one of the most enchanting spots to catch a breathtaking sunset.
Chuckwalla’s Pizza at Chuck’s Marina is your go-to spot for gourmet pizza on the lake. Their creative menu options and vibrant, colorful atmosphere makes this a top dining destination on the water.
Or make a stop at the wildly popular hang-out spot, The Landing at Parker Creek – an open air dining experience madecompletely out of shipping containers. Best known for their “Bushwackers”, guests also rave about their mouthwatering food menu and panoramic waterfront views. Don’t forget to try out their newest location, The Landing at Harbor Pointe, set to open later this summer.
Boondocks at Bay Pine is yet another new waterfront dining option set to open later this summer. In addition to being a spot to fill-up on gas, they will also offer guests with a variety of food items, beverages, and entertainment.
The Social is an outdoor dining venue on the lake, known for their live music, extensive food menu, and brightly colored cocktails. They are also a great “brunch by boat” spot.
If you are looking for a mid-day boating snack, every local knows to head to Peanut Point. Their claim to fame is having the best boiled peanuts on Lake Martin since 1988. Have your choice of classic freshly boiled peanuts or spice things up with a bag of their Cajan-style snack.
For a sweet treat, there’s no need to dock your boat. Simply keep an eye out for the floating dessert boat, Yellow Top Ice Cream Shop, as they make their rounds on the water during summer weekends.
Attractions & Events
Both on and off the water, there is always something to do in the Lake Martin area. Plan your next day on the lake with a visit to one of the many seasonal attractions that welcome residents and visitors to enjoy what our area has to offer, like Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures at Wind Creek State Park, where guests can enjoy views of the lake from the treetops.
Fish your way around Lake Martin with the experts at Alex City Guide Service, or register for Crank4Bank and try your luck at catching the elusive “Millie” the Million Dollar Fish.
Art lovers will take delight in a variety of events occurring throughout the summer, such as Art on the Lake, Arti Gras, and Everything’s Art in the Park. Or, sit back, relax, and enjoy a show from local performance groups like Alexander City Arts or the Dadeville Performing Arts Center.
RXR Fest, Jazz Fest, Blues in the Park, and the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival are just a few events that celebrate Lake Martin’s rockin’ music scene. Not to mention, there are countless venues that host live music performances almost every night.
Start Planning Today
As your day is coming to an end and the sun begins to sink behind the horizon, take a moment to reminisce of your time at the lake with one last experience – a famous Lake Martin sunset.
So, what are you waiting for? With plenty of attractions and a wide range of activities, start planning your next day (or two) on beautiful Lake Martin!
To learn more about local attractions, events, dining, or places to stay, check out our website! Stay up to date and keep up with all things Lake Martin by following us on social media.