Summer is here, and it’s that time of year when you have to look inside yourself and ask the all-important question……..
Are you Team Beach or Team Lake?
How you answer that question could determine the happiness level of your summer vacation.
Those on Team Beach tend to be the ones that love throwing down a blanket, and spending a day catching rays and feeling the warm sun as it bronzes their skin. These also tend to be the ones that enjoy getting their hands dirty making sandcastles, and splashing along the shorelines with friends and family.
Those on Team Lake enjoy not having to deal with huge ocean waves as they crash against the shoreline, but still love getting on the water and splashing around. They also tend to frown upon the taste of saltwater, and have a great time playing in the water while avoiding any possibility of a shark attack.
Alabama’s Freshwater Coast
Some will tell you to pick a side. We don’t believe you have to though-you CAN have it all. At Lake Martin, you can be Team Beach and Team Lake at the same time. It’s the vacation that makes everyone in your crew happy-no matter what side they fall on. Lake Martin has taken on the nickname of Alabama’s Freshwater Coast, and with almost 900 miles of shoreline, there is a lot of coast. You will find private residences, wooded areas, restaurants, bars, and marinas along the shorelines. However, there a couple of cool public beaches that those on Team Beach have to check out.
Lake Martin’s Public Beaches
While many people do rent a boat while at Lake Martin, two of our favorite spots at the lake happen to be places that you don’t even need a boat to get to. These two public beaches at Lake Martin are available for all to enjoy.
The Beach at Wind Creek State Park
Address: 4325 SR 128 Alexander City, AL 35010
Thousands of people visit Wind Creek State Park each year to camp, but you are welcome to just come out for the day and enjoy the state park to the fullest for just a few bucks. Wind Creek State Park boasts activities such as ziplining, horseback riding, a full service marina, a fishing pier, mini golf, an archery range, and hiking trails. They also have an awesome beach that is open to the public. There is a volleyball court and picnic tables right there, as well as a public restroom. The beach itself is the perfect spot to set up for the day and enjoy looking out at the beauty of Lake Martin. You may even get to meet some of the beach bums that have taken up residence there-the ducks of Lake Martin. This is a fun place to take the family and enjoy time relaxing on the beach. This park is open 365 days a year for your beach loving fun!
The Beach at D.AR.E. Power Park
Address: 4633 Young’s Ferry Road Jacksons’ Gap, AL 36861
D.A.R.E. Power Park is maintained by Alabama Power and is free to enter. In addition to the beach right on the shores of Lake Martin, the park also has great amenities like a playground, walking trail, fishing piers, playground, and a boat ramp on the adjacent APC property. There are pavilions that can be reserved at no charge. Although they are free to reserve, you must call to reserve them. There are picnic tables scattered around though, and plenty of room to spread out on the beach and make those sandcastles as you splash in the beautiful waters of Lake Martin. The park is open from 9am-8pm 7 days a week June-August, 9am-8pm weekends only in May and September, and is closed October-April.
So whether you are Team Beach or Team Lake, at Lake Martin, you truly can have it all. Just don’t forget the pail and shovel for those sandcastles at Alabama’s Freshwater Coast!
