beltwayandbeyondIn 2013, we headed to Lake Anna in search of respite from the city…and we never looked back. We instantly fell in love with the area and purchased a small weekend getaway. Only 90 miles south of DC, Lake Anna is Virginia’s third largest lake, with over 200 miles of shoreline across three counties. Whether you want to come for the day, the weekend, or the summer, get the insider scoop on this Central Virginia gem.
Most people are drawn to Lake Anna by the seemingly limitless water activities. Boating, fishing, swimming, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, or jet skiing, this lake has it all. Don’t have your own boat or water sports equipment? Not to worry, there are multiple marinas, boat and water activity rental shops, and even fishing tour guides on the lake.
Although water activities are a primary draw, there are lots of other things to do! Raise your glass at one of Lake Anna’s many wineries, breweries, or cideries, visit local shops in downtown Louisa, dine at one of several lakefront restaurants, or sleep under the stars at one of the area’s campgrounds.
Picture this: cold beer in hand, listening to a live concert on a warm summer evening with the sun setting on the lake. It doesn’t get much better than this. Local talent abounds--in addition to the official Lake Anna Summer Concert Series, many of the local wineries, breweries, and cideries also offer daytime and evening concerts.
Once a hidden secret, the Lake Anna State Park is now a popular weekend destination. For a nominal fee, you can access more than 15 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, a boat launch, lakefront picnic areas, a small beach, and a fishing pond. Overnight tent camping and cabin rentals are also available. During the summer months, plan to get there early (gates close when they hit capacity)!
No trip to Lake Anna is complete without ringing in and/or out a day on the lake. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, with the sky and lake painted in deep pinks, golds, and purples. Whether you’re on the water or relaxing on a deck, take a deep breath and take it all in.
Although Lake Anna has become a popular summertime destination, the real secret is that the area can be enjoyed all year round. The warm temperature of the lake makes water activities enjoyable May-October (maybe even early November if you’re lucky!). Peaceful mornings, colorful foliage, apple and pumpkin picking, hiking, and crisp evenings by the fire pit make late fall one of the best times to visit.
