SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE ACTIVITIES

Smith Mountain Lake Activities for Every Kind of Getaway

Smith Mountain Lake is made for days outside. Spend time boating, fishing, visiting nearby parks, exploring scenic areas, playing a round of golf, or finding a quiet place to enjoy the water.

Bedford Landings gives you a welcoming home base near Smith Mountain Lake, with hosts who can help you choose activities that fit your schedule, interests, and pace.

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Boating · Fishing · Parks · Hiking · Golf · Air Tours

Pontoon boat with passengers cruising on a calm lake, forested shoreline and blue hills in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Make the Most of Your Time Around the Lake

There is no single way to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake. Some guests want a full day on the water. Others want a scenic walk, a fishing trip, a round of golf, a quiet beach day, or a drive that leads to a good local stop.

The advantage of staying at Bedford Landings is that you do not have to sort it all out alone. Karen and Jack can help point you toward the activities that make sense for your visit, whether you are planning ahead or deciding over breakfast.

Person riding a blue jet ski at speed on a lake, spraying water with a tree-lined shore in the background.

ON THE WATER

Boating & Time on Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia’s favorite places for boating, paddling, and lake days. Guests can look into boat rentals, marina visits, scenic cruises, or simply plan time near the water during their stay.

From pontoon rides and fishing boats to kayaks, paddleboards, and lake cruises, there are several ways to experience Smith Mountain Lake from the water. The area includes boat rental options, marinas, boat ramps, and the Virginia Dare Riverboat cruise.

Good For

  • Boat rentals
  • Lake cruises
  • Paddling
  • Marina visits
  • Relaxed days near the water
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 CAST A LINE

Fishing at Smith Mountain Lake

For many visitors, fishing is one of the best reasons to spend time at Smith Mountain Lake. Guests can fish from shore, book a local fishing guide, visit nearby tackle shops, or use a boat rental to explore more of the lake.

Smith Mountain Lake is known for year-round fishing opportunities, with local guides, marinas, public access points, and seasonal conditions that can shape the best plan for the day. Karen and Jack can help point guests toward current local resources before heading out. 

Good For

  • Fishing trips
  • Guided fishing
  • Bait and tackle stops
  • Guests staying in the Fishing Room
  • Outdoor-focused getaways
Man standing on a wooden dock fishing at sunset, with a calm lake and trees in the background.
Shaded lakeside park with a wooden picnic table and bench beside a path, overlooking a calm blue lake and green tree canopy

PARK DAYS

Parks, Beaches & Scenic Areas

Smith Mountain Lake has nearby parks and scenic outdoor areas where guests can enjoy the fresh air without needing a full itinerary. Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Smith Mountain Lake Community Park are two key local options, with opportunities for swimming, trails, picnicking, fishing access, and lake views depending on the season and park facilities.

A park day can be as simple as a walk, picnic, swim, or scenic stop before heading back to Bedford Landings to unwind. 

Good For

  • Swimming areas
  • Walking and trails
  • Picnics
  • Lake views
  • Relaxed outdoor time
Ask About Nearby Parks

SCENIC WALKS

Hiking & Scenic Walks

Guests who want to stretch their legs can find walking areas, trails, wooded paths, and scenic stops around Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding region. Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers trails and outdoor programming, and the broader lake area includes additional scenic places to explore.


Whether you want something short and easy or a more active outing, Karen and Jack can help you think through what fits your day.

Good For

  • Morning walks
  • Scenic trails
  • Nature time
  • Low-key outdoor plans
  • Guests who want a break from the car
Scenic wooded walking trail near Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia with mature trees, dappled sunlight, natural greenery, and a quiet lake view in the distance.
Scenic golf course near Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia with a manicured green, golf cart, mature trees, rolling terrain, and Blue Ridge foothills in warm afternoon light.

TEE TIME

Golf Near Smith Mountain Lake

Golf is another popular way to enjoy the Smith Mountain Lake area. Nearby options include courses and country clubs where guests can plan a tee time as part of a longer getaway or a relaxed day outside.


Local golf resources listed by Bedford Landings include

  • Mariners Landing Golf & Country Club
  • The Waterfront Country Club
  • The Water’s Edge Country Club
  • The Westlake Golf & Country Club


Good For

  • Couples’ getaways
  • Friend trips
  • Extended stays
  • Low-key outdoor days
  • Golf-focused weekends
Ask About Golf Options

FROM ABOVE

Air Tours & Scenic Flights

Bedford Landings has a natural connection to aviation, and guests interested in seeing the area from above may enjoy exploring local air tour options. The Bedford Landings local activity list includes SML Aviation for seaplane and airplane rides. For guests staying in the Flying Room or arriving by air, this can be a memorable way to connect the inn’s aviation spirit with the beauty of Smith Mountain Lake. Good For
General aviation aircraft parked at a regional airport near Smith Mountain Lake, highlighting fly-in travel and aviation experiences close to Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast.
Private aircraft hangar at Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast near Smith Mountain Lake, welcoming fly-in guests and celebrating the property's aviation heritage.

LOCAL INSIGHT

Ask Karen & Jack Before You Head Out

One of the best parts of staying at Bedford Landings is having hosts who know the Smith Mountain Lake area. Whether you are choosing between a boat rental, park visit, fishing trip, scenic drive, or quiet day close by, Karen and Jack can help you think through what makes the most sense. You can plan every detail before you arrive, or you can leave a little room for local advice once you are here. Around Smith Mountain Lake, that flexibility can be a very good thing.

PLANNING YOUR DAY

A Few Tips for Lake Activities

A little planning can make outdoor activities around Smith Mountain Lake easier to enjoy, especially during busy seasons or warmer months.

Helpful Notes

  • Confirm hours, seasonal availability, and reservations before heading out
  • Ask about parking, beach access, boat rental requirements, or fishing licenses when needed.
  • Bring sunscreen, water, and shoes that work for parks or docks.
  • Leave extra time for lake-area roads, parking, and weather changes.
  • Ask Karen and Jack for recommendations based on your plans.
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Guests relaxing on floats beside a boat during a sunny Smith Mountain Lake outing near Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast.

KEEP EXPLORING

More Ways to Enjoy Smith Mountain Lake

Looking for a different kind of day? Bedford Landings also helps guests explore wineries, family-friendly outings, romantic getaways, and local favorites around the Smith Mountain Lake area.

Intimate wine tasting at a boutique Virginia winery with red and white wine flights, charcuterie board, local cheeses, fruit, crackers, wine barrels, and warm rustic wood accents.

Wineries & Local Tasting Experiences

Plan an easy tasting day with nearby wineries, scenic drives, local flavors, and relaxed stops worth adding to your stay.

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Family playing mini golf near Smith Mountain Lake as part of a family-friendly stay at Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast.

Fun for the Whole Family

Find simple, family-friendly ways to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake, from outdoor time and sweet treats to local stops kids and adults can enjoy.

Find Family Activities
Virginia Dare cruise boat sign on Smith Mountain Lake near Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast.

Things to Do Near Smith Mountain Lake

Browse the main guide to activities, attractions, local stops, and guest-friendly ideas around Bedford Landings.

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Couple enjoying a romantic evening with live music and lake views near Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast at Smith Mountain Lake.

Perfect for Couples

Find romantic getaway ideas, date-night options, scenic outings, quiet moments, and local experiences for two.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Smith Mountain Lake Activities — FAQs

What are the most popular Smith Mountain Lake activities?

Popular activities include boating, fishing, swimming, visiting parks, hiking, golfing, scenic cruises, marina visits, and enjoying lake-area dining and views.

Yes. Karen and Jack are happy to share local insight, maps, restaurant ideas, and activity suggestions based on your interests, schedule, and the kind of trip you want.

Yes. Smith Mountain Lake has boat rental options, marinas, and boat ramps. Guests should confirm availability, rental requirements, and seasonal schedules before planning a lake day.

Yes. Smith Mountain Lake is a popular fishing destination, with guide services, bait and tackle options, public fishing access, and boat rental opportunities available in the area.

Yes. Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Smith Mountain Lake Community Park are two popular outdoor options, with opportunities for swimming, walking, fishing pier, picnicking, trails, and lake access depending on the season.

Yes. Guests can find hiking and walking opportunities around Smith Mountain Lake, including trails and outdoor areas at Smith Mountain Lake State Park and other nearby scenic spots. For guests who want a more strenuous hike, nearby Sharp Top and Flat Top in the Peaks of Otter area offer more challenging Blue Ridge mountain trails within driving distance of Bedford Landings.

Yes. The Smith Mountain Lake area has several golf options, including courses and country clubs that guests can explore during their stay.

Yes. In addition to boating, fishing, and parks, guests may be interested in scenic cruises, air tours, horseback riding, or simple lake-area drives and overlooks.

READY TO EXPLORE?

Make Bedford Landings Your Home Base for Smith Mountain Lake Activities

Whether you want a full lake day, a quiet walk, a fishing trip, a round of golf, or a scenic outing, Bedford Landings gives you a welcoming place to return to at the end of the day.
Choose your room, ask your hosts for ideas, and enjoy the Smith Mountain Lake area at your own pace.

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