My best childhood summer memories are from my family’s time spent on Lake Martin: cruising in the boat, learning to water ski, holding on tight during tube rides, and trying to eat ice cream fast enough that the sun wouldn’t melt it. Seeing my kids enjoy doing the same things makes lake trips even more fun for me as a mom. Lake Martin is just a short drive from Birmingham and has so many fun things to do. Why not take your family to make sweet family memories of your own at Lake Martin?
Where is Lake Martin?
Lake Martin is an hour and a half trip down Highway 280, southeast of Birmingham.
What Activities are at Lake Martin?
Everything on the Water
Boating, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, water skiing, tubing, knee boarding, wake boarding, swimming, fishing… Lake Martin is the perfect place for any activity that requires water. Remember safety first! Pack plenty of sunscreen and have life jackets on hand, even for those who have mastered swim lessons.
If you don’t have a watercraft of your own, boat and equipment rentals are available at several locations.
Russell Crossroads
Russell Crossroads is one of our favorite places to visit off of the water. In addition to delicious restaurant options, there is also a coffee shop called Bru 63. Russell Forest Trails are great for hiking or biking.
For animal lovers, The Stables offers horseback riding on beautiful trails. You can also visit horses in the barn, see Watusi cattle grazing in a pasture, and check out hens nesting nearby.
My kids always ask to stop by the Naturalist Cabin where Marianne Gauldin, a naturalist and wildlife educator, uses hands-on exhibits to teach kids of all ages about the plants and animals that call Lake Martin their home. Dates and times are listed in the events calendar.
At the Company Store, you can enjoy shopping while your kids play on the nearby playground. There are also bicycles, paddle boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes available to rent.
Check the Russell Crossroads events calendar. They often host Yoga on the Green, musicians, and special holiday events.
- Location: 27 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City
Wind Creek State Park
Wind Creek State Park offers many fun activities including horseback riding, archery, fishing, putt putt, and hiking. For those who like a thrill, the Zipline Canopy Tour is a must! Check their website for dates and times activities are available, as they are subject to change with the seasons.
- Location: 4325 Alabama Highway 128, Alexander City
Smith Mountain Fire Tower
The Smith Mountain Fire Tower was built in 1939 and enabled watchmen to guard the forest and prevent large forest fires. Due to advances in fire detection, the tower was eventually no longer needed and closed in the 1980s. The tower was recently restored, and the 780 foot structure offers spectacular views of Lake Martin. There are also nearby trails to explore and enjoy. Bring plenty of water and plan to conquer the tower during a cooler part of the day.
- Location: 2000 Smith Mountain Drive, Jackson’s Gap
The Preserves
The Preserves are undeveloped areas of land at Lake Martin that are protected by Alabama Power. The goal is to preserve the natural state of the land for generations to come. D.A.R.E. Power Park at the Lake Martin Preserves is home to several great trails and areas to picnic, fish, swim, and launch your boat at the public boat ramp. If you need a break from the water, your kids could spend hours at the amazing playground there.
- Location: 44-98 Martin Road, Dadeville
Golf Courses
Whether you have a full set of clubs or just want to play putt putt, Lake Martin offers several options for families who enjoy golf.
Willow Point and Wicker Point are both award-winning private golf courses with beautiful lake front views. If you know a member, it is worth asking if you can play with them while you are visiting Lake Martin.
Lake Winds and Still Waters have nice golf courses that are open to the public. At Wind Creek State Park, you will find an 18 hole putt-putt course that the entire family will love.
- Locations:
- Willow Point: 3054 Willow Point Road, Alexander City
- Wicker Point: 295 Wicker Drive, Alexander City
- Lake Winds Golf Course: 95 County Road 40, Jackson’s Gap
- Stillwaters Golf Course: 797 Moonbrook Drive, Dadeville
- Wind Creek State Park: 4325 Alabama Highway 128, Alexander City
Where Should We Eat?
On the Water
Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria
Waterfront pizza with a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere.
- Location: 237 Marina Road, Dadeville
Kowaliga Restaurant
A Lake Martin classic, named after the Hank William’s song about a lonely wooden Indian. While you wait for your order, send the kids to feed the fish, play yard games, or enjoy the sandy beach.
- Location:295 Kowaliga Marina Road, Alexander City
Niffer’s Place
A great place for a specialty burger with a large kids menu.
- Location: 7500 Highway 49 South, Dadeville
Peanut Point
A Lake Martin classic snack stop with boiled peanuts and frozen treats.
- Location: Peanut Point, Alexander City
Shipwreck Sam’s at Smith’s Marina
Fuel up your boat at Smith’s Marina while the family fills up on yogurt and the toppings bar.
- Location: 1590 Pine Point Rd, Alexander City
The Landing at Harbor Pointe
New lakeside dining that I expect to be just as good as its sister restaurant, The Landing at Parker Creek.
- Location: 77 Marina Point Road, Dadeville
The Landing at Parker Creek
Outdoor, lake front dining with a rotating menu and great kids meal. Our kids love to play on the sandy beach and swim in a designated, roped-off area while waiting on their food.
- Location: 8300 Parker Creek Marina Road, Equality
The Social
Live music with a little bit of everything on the menu: brunch, tacos, salads, burgers, plus a kids menu.
- Location: 2001 Castaway Island Road, Eclectic
Yellow Top Ice Cream Shop
An ice cream boat driven by grandparents looking to spread joy. It makes for a fun scavenger hunt and is our family’s favorite way to end a long boat ride.
- Location: Check their website ahead of time to see where they are and how long they will be out on the water.
Off the Water
Catherine’s Market
A cafe with good lunches, a bakery, coffee shop, and small market at Russel Crossroads.
- Location:17 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City
Fanny’s
A well rounded American food menu with yummy breakfast at Russell Crossroads.
- Location:57 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City
Lake Martin Pizza Co.
Our favorite pizza off the water. They often have live music and feature a green space with yard games for kids.
- Locations:
- 8469 Highway 63 South, Alexander City
- 5042 Highway 49 South, Dadeville
Rita’s
Delicious Italian ice and frozen custard, right next door to Lake Martin Pizza Co.
- Location: 8469 Highway 63 South, Alexander City
Where Should We Stay?
Wind Creek State Park is a popular place to spend the night at the campgrounds, or in one of their cabins or cottages. For a unique camping experience, book a glamping safari tent for the weekend!
If you prefer renting a house for your visit, tiny house living, VRBO, or Airbnb are all options that have something for every budget.
