Looking for a Virginia weekend getaway packed with lake time, outdoor adventures, local drinks, and seriously good food?
Lake Anna has you covered, with plenty of opportunities to swim, paddle, boat, hike, and catch gorgeous sunsets, plus much more to experience beyond the water.
You can also explore wooded trails, sip drinks made right in the area, tackle some friendly competition, and finish the day with dinner beside the water.
To make the most of everything waiting for you, pack your sunscreen, bring your appetite, and keep reading for a weekend itinerary that brings it all together.
1. Pleasants Landing at Lake Anna
Pleasants Landing at Lake Anna is a 12-acre waterfront recreation spot in Bumpass with more than 2,600 feet of shoreline and plenty of space to enjoy a sunny day.
It features a sandy beach, designated swimming area, boat launch, picnic spots, and wide-open views, making it an easy place to visit with the whole family.
For even more time on the water, rent a kayak to explore Lake Anna’s 13,000 acres, or cast a fishing line for largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and striper.
With so many activities giving you direct access to the lake, pack sunscreen, snacks, towels, and water shoes to make the most of your time here.
2. Lake Anna Winery
Just a 15-minute drive from Pleasants Landing, Lake Anna Winery in Spotsylvania offers a relaxing change of pace with local wine and peaceful vineyard views.
Set on 76 acres, the property produces wines from grapes grown on-site, including Chardonnay, Morgan Merlot, Petit Verdot, Verdi, and Lake Side White.
You can stop by the tasting room to sample a few, then grab a glass and find a seat on the deck overlooking rows of grapevines stretching across the countryside.
Be sure to check the winery’s calendar before visiting because it hosts events throughout the year, and you might catch live music or a festival during your trip.
3. Lake Anna State Park
Once you’ve sampled the local wines, drive 5 minutes to Lake Anna State Park, a 3,127-acre spot filled with forests, shoreline, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Start with the 2-mile Railroad Ford Trail for water views, then switch things up with a bike or horseback ride along some of the park’s 12 miles of multi-use trails.
If you work up a sweat on the trails, cool off at the unguarded swimming beach, but stick to the designated area and keep in mind that summer can get busy.
And if you want to stay a little longer, rent a cabin, yurt, or lodge for the night, launch a boat onto the lake, or learn about the area’s gold-mining history.
4. Lake Anna Outfitters & General Store
After enjoying the state park, continue for 10 minutes to Lake Anna Outfitters & General Store in Mineral to gear up for another round of adventures on the water.
You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards here, making it easy to explore Lake Anna even if hauling your own equipment was not part of the weekend plan.
Inside the general store, you can stock up on fishing and camping gear, clothes, sunglasses, and handy supplies, then pick out a souvenir to remember your trip.
If you need some guidance before heading out, the friendly crew can help with equipment and share local tips to keep the rest of your day stress-free.
5. Lake Anna Taphouse
About a 5-minute drive from Lake Anna Outfitters is Lake Anna Taphouse, a casual spot for cold drinks, delicious food, and a chance to refuel your energy.
The taphouse pours everything from ales, lagers, and craft beers to seltzers and ciders on tap, with seasonal cocktails if you want to switch things up.
Pair your drink with something tasty by grabbing a table outside and ordering bang bang shrimp sliders, BBQ tacos, or shareable bites like nachos and pretzels.
Live music takes over every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, giving you another reason to hang around, settle in, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
6. Cooling Pond Brewery & Winery
From the taphouse, drive 10 minutes to Cooling Pond Brewery & Winery, a family-owned brewery and winery in Mineral that keeps the local drink tour going.
English-inspired beers are the highlight here, along with rotating selections, and you can order a flight to sample a few before settling on your favorite for a full pint.
You can find a seat inside the cozy tasting room or take your drink outside to the spacious patio, where fresh air and hilltop views make the experience even better.
Since you’re here on a weekend, enjoy the live entertainment and grab a bite from a food truck before moving on to your next stop.
7. The Boardwalk on Lake Anna
End your weekend on a lively note at The Boardwalk on Lake Anna, a waterfront entertainment complex filled with food, games, and beautiful views across the water.
Here, play a round at Boardwalk Miniature Golf, test your skills in the arcade, or cool down with a sweet treat when Virginia’s summer heat starts working overtime.
After working up an appetite, grab pizza, seafood, drinks, or other easy vacation favorites from one of the restaurants and casual spots around the complex.
Come around sunset to watch the sky change over Lake Anna, then stick around for evening entertainment and one last round of friendly competition.
Related Posts
