Experience Life at Lake Lanier by Chafin Communities
Lake Lanier attracts people of all ages looking for a fun time. There are plenty of activities in and around the lake with lakeside cities including Cumming, Buford, Flowery Branch, Dawsonville, Oakwood, and Gainesville. Residents in this area have access to some of the most beautiful scenery and outdoor activities in North Georgia. There is everything from water sports to campgrounds, and excursion yachts to enjoy.
Passionate fishermen are drawn to Lake Lanier for its challenging fishing opportunities. It is well known for its striped bass and spotted bass fishing, but there is also the opportunity to catch black crappie, carp, rainbow trout, bluegill, and more. Anglers of all skill levels can try their luck, whether they are casting from the bank or heading out on a boat. Some hotspots for fishing include Bald Ridge Creek, Browns Bridge, Six Mile Creek, and Laurel Park. There is a wide selection of guided tours that will take you to their favorite spots, and help you catch your next trophy fish.
If golf is your game, then you won’t want to miss the Lake Lanier Legacy Golf Course. This course is equipped with 18 challenging holes and a stunning lake view, creating a golfer’s paradise. Guests are welcomed with excellent service and leave with a memorable experience.
Parks are abundant on Lake Lanier for people to enjoy good old-fashioned family fun without spending any money at all. You absolutely do not have to own a boat or lakefront property to take part in lake activities. These areas are ideal for fishing, playing, and socializing. Parks are scattered throughout the lake’s shoreline, making them convenient for residents in all directions. Examples include Mary Alice Park, Young Deer Park, and Big Creek Park. Some parks have beaches for swimming or pavilions for hosting cookouts.
To truly reconnect with nature, consider spending a couple of nights in a campground. The choice is yours in terms of how close you want to be to nature. Whether you prefer RV camping, tent camping, or glamping, the options are available year-round. With 14 campgrounds located by the water, it can be difficult to choose. River Forks Park and Shoal Creek Park are two family favorites in this category. They are great spots for classic family fun. These campgrounds welcome both tents and RVs. If you want to be close to the action, Margaritaville also offers an RV resort. For those who prefer glamping, Timberline Glamping offers Safari tents and retro RVs that provide comfort and style. They even include outlets and heating or air conditioning based on the weather conditions.
If you enjoy the thrill of waterslides on a hot summer day, you are in luck because Fins Up Waterpark opens this summer in 2024. It is a part of Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, and they will proudly present Georgia’s first water slide coaster. In addition to the original slides, three brand-new slides will make their debut this summer as well. Kids can swim out to an inflatable, water obstacle course, and the little ones can splash in the sprinklers or enjoy the junior waves pool. Not to mention the foam parties and raging river. When you need a break from the fun, there are cabanas to chill out in or restaurants for a tasty recharge.
On the other hand, maybe you are ready to let loose and spend time at the lake without the kids. In that case, Margaritaville’s adult-only beach is the spot for you. Landshark Landing is home to a beach bar, boat docks, fire pits, and their very own, LandShark Bar and Grill. Sip on some island cocktails, play some volleyball, try some watersports, or just soak up the sun. Even after the sun goes down, the party goes on.
Margaritaville’s boat cruises will transport you into an island state of mind without leaving the state of Georgia. This is an excursion for the adults, as they are only offered to guests at least 21 years old. Each cruise has a theme and includes food, music, and good times. There is a “Havana Nights” excursion, a brunch excursion with bottomless mimosas, and a “Beach House on the Moon” excursion. With just a few hours you can leave feeling like you just got back from a tropical vacation.
Do not be fooled by the refreshing waters, Margaritaville is designed for more than just summer fun. Snow Island opens in November for year-long outdoor entertainment. There is snow tubing, ice skating, amusement rides, snowball alley, and tasty-themed treats. If you are visiting during the winter months, you can also partake in the walkable holiday lights accompanied by hot cocoa and holiday music. All that goes to say, you can experience a winter wonderland right here in Georgia.
The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club is a great outlet for those who are interested in paddling on Lake Lanier. They have rentals for both canoes and kayaks, and they offer a crash course lesson for those seeking reassurance before hitting the water. Don Carter State Park also provides kayaks for rentals. The water is calmer here, making it more suitable for canoeing and kayaking compared to some other areas on the lake. Paddling is a great way to stay active, enjoy the scenery, and immerse yourself in the water. Also, a visit to Lake Lanier Olympic Park, allows you to see people using the original tower constructed for the 1996 Olympic Games. Pretty cool, right?
Another way to get some exercise in the great outdoors is by taking on one of the many trails surrounding Lake Lanier. From easy, family-friendly trails to more challenging hikes, there is a fit for everyone. The Buford Dam Trail (1 mile) and Laurel Ridge Trail (3.8 miles) are popular selections for both locals and visitors alike. However, it doesn’t stop there. Don Carter State Park offers an additional 4 miles, Lanier Islands contributes to trails in Buford, and there are more along the border of the water.
Some days it is more enjoyable to cruise along the water without having to exert too much effort. For those days, places like Port Royale Marina are the place to go. Port Royale offers pontoon boats, watersport boats, wave runners, and group boats for rent. Many other locations around Lake Lanier also offer boat rentals. Of course, if you own a boat there is no need to rent one- you can take it out whenever you like. There is no better way to experience the lake than by spending the day on the water at your own pace.
After a long day on the water, it is easy to work up an appetite. If you catch yourself on Lake Lanier craving some food, you are in for a treat. You can munch on some nachos at Pelican Pete’s at Port Royale Marina or some seafood at Twisted Oar at Holiday Marina. Fish Tales, Pig Tales, and Bullfrog’s Bar and Grille are more waterfront restaurants just to name a few. The best part is that you can travel to these restaurants by boat and dock right there for a bite.
If you want to extend your stay at Lake Lanier as a visitor or for a staycation, you are not limited to camping. There are lake houses, cabins, hotels, and bed and breakfast inns available. One highlight is Lanier Islands Resort which caters to the entire family with amenities like a heated swimming pool and fitness center. Lanier Islands offers its own Legacy Lodge, Legacy Villas, or Lake Houses. With their comfortable rooms and breathtaking views, you will have everything you need for a relaxing stay or a romantic getaway.
The day is not complete without a little retail therapy. Fortunately, there is no shortage of shops in the area. In Dawsonville, the North Georgia Premium Outlets presents 140 outlet stores, so you are bound to go home with a shopping bag or two. Then, there is the big one, the Mall of Georgia. Situated in Buford, this shopping center boasts over 200 stores. If you are looking for something a little more unique, Gainesville Square will sweep you off your feet with its array of boutiques.
As you can see, Lake Lanier has something for everyone on and off the water. Lake Lanier is one of North Georgia’s gems that offers delicious food, family fun, and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, you’re sure to find it here. So why wait? Start planning your trip today and experience all that Lake Lanier has to offer.
5230 Belle Wood Court, Suite A, Buford, GA 30518
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