Discover Destination: Lake Lanier
The Ultimate Lakeside Guide to Lake Lanier
Waterpark and Marina at Lanier Islands.
As the largest lake in Georgia, Lake Lanier offers stunning views, foodie spots and exciting outdoor recreation. Visitors from all over the state and surrounding areas come to kick back and relax at this 38,000-acre oasis. Discover your perfect lake adventure with our guide to the best-kept secrets of this beautiful property. You’ll be instantly hooked on good times and great vibes!
Holiday Marina.
Drop Anchor at Your Perfect Marina
Lake Lanier is home to nine marinas, each offering unique amenities for boaters. Picking the perfect one to suit your lake needs may seem impossible but we’ve got you covered so you can focus on reeling in unforgettable memories! For a tranquil atmosphere that’s away from the main part of the lake, Sunrise Cove Marina and Safe Harbor Hideaway Bay Marina are both great picks. Sunrise Cove has 626 open, covered, and PWC slips, while Hideaway Bay has 470 wet and 200 dry slips. It’s ideal for soaking up the sunshine without feeling like you’re constantly surrounded by other boaters.
On the northern-most part of the lake Port Royale Marina and Habersham Marina reside with equally nice amenities but slightly different docking offerings. Port Royale has over 1,000 wet and dry slips, along with a couple of on-site restaurants, and Hambersham has 635 slips. Safe Harbor Aqualand Marina has 310 covered wet and 1,428 open wet slips, along with the only self-service boat yard on the lake, making it another popular pick so you don’t have to worry about any unforeseen setbacks.
The oldest marina on the western part of the lake is Lazy Days at Holiday Marina, which features 1,200 wet and 550 dry slips, as well as a waterfront restaurant. Make your way over to this spot to get a feel for the good ol’ days of Lake Lanier.
Bald Ridge Marina is on the southern portion of the lake with 600 wet slips and great fishing spots, so make sure you bring your best poles! If you’re headed to Lanier Islands, Port of Indecision Marina has a variety of covered and wet slips, along with the convenience of being located within Lanier Island’s amenities and restaurants. It’s a great place for boaters with families who want to take advantage of the local waterpark scene.
Pig Tales on Lake Lanier.
Exceptional Lakeside Eats
With every great boating adventure comes delicious lakeside bites at restaurants you can enjoy right off the water. Whether you’re in the mood for Southern-style barbecue, American classics or fried seafood, you’ll find no shortage of great spots to choose from! Pelican Pete’s, which is located at Port Royale Marina, offers delicious seafood dishes from crispy coconut shrimp to drunken mussels, along with handcrafted cocktails and cold beer. It’s the only tiki-style floating restaurant on the lake, perfect for enjoying the island vibes. There’s a 40-slip courtesy dock along the right side of the restaurant that can be used for docking.
Another popular spot is Fish Tales, which is located within Hideaway Bay Marina. They have courtesy docks available for docking, along with exceptional views of the lake. Here, you can enjoy signature eats from a Dungeness crab boil and gator fritters to delicious burgers. Their seafood boils are legendary, so make sure to snag one when you visit! They’re also known for their shareable cocktails served in a souvenir bucket, so you can sip with your friends while taking in the views.
Within Holiday Marina, you’ll find The Twisted Oar, serving up American cuisine from Philly cheesesteaks and build-your-own pizza, to fried favorites like fish fingers and cajun shrimp. They have a courtesy dock so you can pull up and dock while you take in the breathtaking views. If mouthwatering barbecue is calling your name, Pig Tales which is in Aqualand Marina is a must stop. They have everything from smoked brisket and homestyle mac & cheese to crispy fried pork belly bites and smoked chicken. Barbecue always tastes better with a great view of the water so don’t miss out on this local favorite!
Don Carter State Park.
Hooked on Outdoor Recreation
There’s a ton of activities to experience on the lake, whether it's fishing, paddleboarding or simply coasting along the water to take in the stunning sunset views. For fishing, Little River Park and Buford Dam Park are two great options. Little River Park features river channels and a ton of fish varieties, including largemouth bass and big catfish. You’ll be set for a day of great catches at this spot! It even has a boat ramp for easy access. Buford Dam Park is at the south end of Lake Lanier with cool water where you can reel in largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and carp.
For stretching your lake legs, there are 64 public parks at the lake that you can explore with various trails, wildlife, and boat ramps. This includes the beloved Don Carter State Park, which is the only state park on the lake, perfect for exploring Lake Lanier’s wildlife and natural scenery. This park features multi-use trails for hiking and biking, boat ramps with access to the lake and Chattahoochee River, and a sand swimming beach. Whether you’re wanting to enjoy a relaxing swim, a kayaking adventure, or a scenic picnic, this is the spot for you.
Lake It or Not
Port Of Indecision Marina at Lanier Islands.
Located near Lake Lanier, here are a couple of go-to spots that you need to check out to keep those laid-back vibes flowing.
The Buford Corn Maze is a fall favorite amongst locals and is only a 20-minute drive from the lake. Here, you can explore a themed corn maze which varies each year, a haunted forest immersive experience, food vendors, and a petting zoo!
Another popular attraction that’s located 45 minutes from the lake is Jaemor Farms, known for its seasonal pumpkin patch, apple picking, countryside market with homemade pies and other goodies, and a ton of family-friendly activities. It’s a great place to explore for a couple of hours to break up the lake action!
