The questions travelers actually Google before they arrive — and the answers you'd get from a friend who lives on Lake Lanier.
Getting there & around
Logistics
How was Lake Lanier created?
The Army Corps of Engineers built Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River, starting construction in 1950 and closing the intake gates in February 1956. The reservoir took over two years to fill, reaching full pool in August 1958 — 38,000 acres and 692 miles of shoreline, Georgia's largest lake.
What's the closest airport to Lake Lanier?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) is about 45 miles from Lanier Islands and the lake's main marinas — the closest major commercial airport of any lake in this guide, roughly 45 minutes to an hour's drive.
Groceries, gas, urgent care
Essentials
Where's the closest grocery store to Lake Lanier?
Publix at the Village Shops of Flowery Branch, on Spout Springs Road — Flowery Branch sits directly on the lake's south shore near Aqualand Marina.
Where's the closest emergency room to Lake Lanier?
Northeast Georgia Medical Center's emergency room, on Spring Street in Gainesville — a 629-bed hospital, the flagship of Northeast Georgia Health System, open 24 hours.
Where to eat
Food & drink
Where can I eat at Lake Lanier?
Pig Tales at Aqualand Marina in Flowery Branch covers lakeside barbecue with a big patio. Pelican Pete's at Port Royale Marina in Gainesville is the lake's only floating tiki bar, with live music and waterfront seating.
What's worth doing
Things to do
How close is Lake Lanier to Atlanta?
About 45 miles — Lake Lanier is the closest large lake to metro Atlanta, which makes it Georgia's busiest boating lake as well as its largest, especially on summer weekends.
On the water & on the trail
Outdoors
Where can I rent a boat at Lake Lanier?
Holiday Marina in Buford is one of the lake's largest, with over 1,200 wet slips and on-site rental operators. Safe Harbor Aqualand in Flowery Branch and Port Royale Marina in Gainesville both cover the lake's other shores.
Is there a beach at Lake Lanier?
Yes — Lanier Islands, home to the Margaritaville resort, has over half a mile of white sand beach with a lakeside water park. Buford Dam Park, run by the Army Corps of Engineers, has a second public beach near the dam itself.
Seasons & weather
When to come
When's the best time to visit Lake Lanier?
Late spring through Labor Day for full marina hours, the Margaritaville water park, and every restaurant deck open. Expect the busiest boat traffic of any lake in this guide on summer weekends, given the Atlanta proximity.