TheLakeInsiderThe insider's guide to America's luxury lakes
← Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier · The outdoor list

Trails, docks, farms, markets.

The boat launch with the deepest channel. The trail to the gorge. The farm stand that takes Venmo. The icon you've heard of and the one you haven't.

Boat launches

3 listed
  • Buford
    Holiday Marina
    Editor's pick

    One of the lake's largest marinas, on Lanier Islands Parkway — over 1,200 wet slips, dry storage, a fuel dock, a marine store, and repair services.

    (770) 945-7201Visit site ↗
  • Flowery Branch
    Safe Harbor Aqualand
    Editor's pick

    A full-service marina in Flowery Branch with wet slips, dry storage, and marine services, alongside Pig Tales restaurant on site.

    (770) 967-6811Visit site ↗
  • Gainesville
    Port Royale Marina
    Editor's pick

    A full-service marina on the lake's northern shore with over 700 slips, boat rentals, a ship store, and a fuel dock, alongside Pelican Pete's.

Iconic stops

2 listed
  • Buford
    Buford Dam Park
    Editor's pick

    The Army Corps of Engineers park at the dam that created the lake — construction began in 1950, the gates closed in February 1956, and the reservoir didn't reach full pool until August 1958. The park has a beach, picnic areas, and overlooks of the dam itself.

    770-945-9531Visit site ↗
  • Buford
    Lanier Islands / Margaritaville Beach
    Editor's pick

    Over half a mile of white sand beach at the Margaritaville resort on Lanier Islands — pontoon rentals, a lakeside water park, and Legacy Lodge's five restaurants on a 1,500-acre peninsula.