Beautiful Lake Lanier: Atlanta’s “Great Lake” Getaway

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Atlanta is known for its temperate climate and amazing variety of things to do and see. From beautiful parks to trendy downtown shopping areas and diverse neighborhoods full of great food and history, the cosmopolitan city of Atlanta offers something for everyone. When you think of Atlanta, you may not immediately think of a giant lake resort, but believe it or not, there is a lake-lovers paradise less than one hour from downtown Atlanta just waiting for you to explore.

Lake Lanier is actually a reservoir and was created in 1956 upon completion of the Buford Dam and is still fed today by the Chestatee River. The lake is enormous, covering a staggering 38,000 acres and nearly 700 miles of shoreline. In fact, Lake Lanier is so large that it spreads out over five counties. At its deepest, the lake is nearly 160’ deep. This enormous lake is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, and its main job is to provide flood protection for the City of Atlanta.

The lake may serve a practical purpose, but it’s known just as much––or maybe more––as a summer lover’s paradise, offering incredible boating, fishing, beach lounging, and a large selection of dining and entertainment options. There are parks, hotels, and special events that draw crowds and help Atlanta’s residents cool off during those long hot, humid summer months.

Let’s explore the beautiful Lake Lanier region and all it has to offer, starting with the amazing array of recreation options the area has to offer. Get ready to discover a vacation paradise less than an hour from the big city!

Recreation and Events

What’s your favorite summertime activity? Chances are you’ll find it at Lake Lanier. The area is filled with parks for lazy afternoon picnics and spending quality time with the family. Take West Bank Park. A popular park and campground, the park is open from late March through the end of September and is located near Buford Dam and offers amazing lake views and fantastic swimming within a safe beach. There are basketball courts, playgrounds, restrooms, and picnic areas for public use, as well as plenty of hiking trails for active adventurers.

Maybe boating is your thing! There is nothing like the thrill of speeding along the water and taking in the amazing shoreline views. You can boat for days on Lake Lanier and never see the same place twice. Don’t have a boat? Don’t worry! There are plenty of local marinas that will rent you a pontoon or a speedy bowrider so you can explore the lake on your time. Check out Aqua Sports Adventures in Holiday Marina for a great fleet of rental boats. Take note: you must complete a boater safety course in order to rent a boat.

You might be traveling to Lake Lanier with the kids. Are you looking for a fun activity to keep everyone entertained? Try Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Located at the Lanier Islands Resort, this gigantic water park offers so many fun rides and attractions that the kids will stay busy all day. From the wave pool, which is Georgia’s largest, to the Raging River and Blackout slide that will plunge you into a pitch-black water slide. Margaritaville is brimming with fun.

Dining

Lake Lanier offers over 100 different dining options, depending on your tastes and whether you want something quick and casual or a more formal sit-down dining experience. Starting with the Lanier Islands Resort compound, you’ll find Landshark Bar & Grill, which offers lunch and dinner seven days a week. Choose a delicious Landshark Burger or the spicy fish tacos, but either way, this casual dining spot is sure to become a favorite whenever you’re at the lake.

If it’s waterfront dining you want, check out The Twisted Oar at Holiday Marina. Offering delicious wings with a variety of sauces, pizza, salads, tacos, and a long list of “shareables” like fried mozzarella ravioli, potato skins, and seared tuna, you’re sure to leave full. The Twisted Oar also offers nightly specials, including prime rib and crab legs and they have a great selection of beer and wine if a cocktail is on your list of things to enjoy.

If you’re craving a grouper sandwich, look no further than Skogies on Lake Lanier. Located at the Gainesville Marina, Skogies is famous for its grouper sandwich and excellent service. They’ll deliver take-out to your boat or pick you up by golf cart if you want to dine-in. Skogies also offers a Sunday brunch buffet for breakfast lovers. There’s nothing like heading out to dinner by boat and Skogies is set up to accommodate you.

Lodging

Planning a long weekend at the lake? You’re in luck! There are some great places to stay in the area, from hotels and giant resorts to cabin rentals and rustic camping. You choose your level of luxury and the amenities you want, and we can guarantee you’ll find a good option at the lake.

Lanier Islands Resort is not just a water park and restaurant complex; it’s a full-service resort hotel offering superior accommodations to Lake Lanier visitors. Lanier Islands calls itself “the most visited lakeside resort in Georgia,” and it’s no doubt because the resort encompasses 1,500 acres and offers a variety of packages for families looking to get away from the city. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including its Legacy Lodge guest rooms and lakeside Villas and cottages.

Lanier Islands Resort is pet friendly and also contains campgrounds within its Margaritaville RV Resort. This waterfront RV park welcomes all sizes of motorhomes and RVs and offers top-notch amenities, including laundry, golf cart rentals, full hook-ups, fire pits, upscale restrooms, and pet-friendly accommodations.

If you prefer a private residence, there are hundreds of lake cabins available for rent. You can find them via traditional vacation rental sites or by visiting the Discover Lake Lanier website directly. These cabins come in a range of sizes and prices, so you’re sure to find the best fit for your group. Some even offer a swimming pool!

Do you love bed and breakfasts? Check out the beautiful and rustic Ava House. With just five rooms, this is a quaint and tiny inn that caters to each guest with highly personalized service and a homey flair. Guests receive a complimentary breakfast daily and a complimentary gathering hour with non-alcoholic beverages served. High-end bed linens, pillows, and towels complete the luxury feel. This inn is located near one of Georgia’s most productive wine regions, so a wine tour is a must!

Visit Lake Lanier

As you can see, Lake Lanier is a diverse vacation destination that offers so many options that it’s hard to fit them all in over one weekend. You and your family will love the recreation options and expansive lake views throughout the region. Whether you visit the gigantic water park for a day of fun and excitement or retreat to a quiet inn on the outskirts of town for some peace and relaxation, Lake Lanier is sure to be a gateway to many happy vacation memories.

You can find Lake Lanier about one hour northeast of Atlanta, not too far from I-85. Although it is so close to the city, once you arrive at the shores of Lake Lanier, you’d swear you were in a different world. The beautiful lake provides a perfect backdrop for some serious recreation, and the sunny skies and hot summer weather will have you choosing this spot as your favorite summertime getaway.