Fun Things to Do, Boating

Lake Lanier Marinas and Lakefront Restaurants

Lake Lanier Georgia
Published on April 8, 2015

BEST PLACES TO RETIRE GEORGIA - LAKE SIDNEY LANIER 

Some people like the ocean, but a vast majority of Boomers opt to live near at a lake during their retirement. Folks looking to spend their Golden Years in a large lake community may want to consider the best places to retire Georgia in 2015. Lake Lanier in Georgia is the place to be this year, and it is no surprise that everyone is flocking to this classic, antebellum destination for retirement. It's Georgia's biggest lake.

Just in time for the boating season, we thought we'd share with you the various Lake Lanier Marinas that are just as popular as the available Lake Lanier lakefront homes for sale. Retirees are buying property without hesitation in and around this lake community, and are happy they did.

Lake Lanier is located in northern Georgia, just 45 minutes north of Atlanta. Gainsville and Buford are the cities that rest along the shoreline of the lake. Some main attractions in the area include: the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue, Chicopee Woods Golf Course, Sardis Sports Complex, North Hall Park and Community Center, Laurel Park, Hog Mountain Sports Complex and don’t forget-- the Lake Lanier Marinas.

Folks interested in Lake Lanier lakefront homes for sale, should also check out the nearby marinas in the area. Each one caters to all sorts of activities for boating enthusiasts, kayaking fanatics, waterskiing fiends and more. Take a look at the nearby marinas that are piquing interests, and encouraging more Baby Boomers to discover the best places to retire Georgia this year.

Aqualand Marina

  • Hours of Operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week 
  • Phone: 770-967-6811 
  • Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Road, Flowery Branch

AquaMarina Lazy Days

  • Hours of Operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Phone: 770-945-1991
  • Location: 6700 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford 

Bald Ridge Marina

  • Hours of Operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri
  • Phone: 770-887-5309
  • Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Cumming

Gainesville Marina

  • Hours of Operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Phone: 770-536-2171
  • Location: 2145 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville

Habersham Marina

  • Hours of Operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Phone: 770-887-5432
  • Location: 2200  Habersham Marina Road, Cumming

Hideaway Bay Marina

  • Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Phone: 770-967-5500
  • Location: 6334 Mitchell Street, Flowery Branch

Holiday Marina

  • Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Phone: 770-945-7201
  • Location: 6990 Holiday Road, Buford

Port Royale Marina

  • Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Phone: 770-887-5715
  • Location: 8800 Port Royale Drive, Gainesville

Sunrise Cove Marina

  • Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed-Mon, Closed Tuesday
  • Phone: 770-536-8599
  • Location: 8800 Port Royale Drive, Gainesville

If boating is not one of the activities for the day and there are plenty of places to wine and dine at– even at some of the Lake Lanier Marinas. Check out some amazing restaurants with stunning lakeviews.

Big Creek Tavern- Is the place to be for classic American food and killer Angus beef burgers. This lakeview restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is no excuse not to stop in!

  • Hours of Operation: Mon.- Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Fri and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
  • Phone: 678-482-1662
  • Location: 8050 Big Creek Road, Buford 

Bullfrogs Bar and Grille is open for lunch and dinner everyday. Patrons can sit inside or outside and travel by car or even by boat! Enjoy salads, sandwiches and more at this little gem of a restaurant at the Lake Lanier Islands Resort. 

  • Hours of Operation: 11:30am - 10:00pm seven days a week
  • Phone: 770-945-8787
  • Location: 7000 Holiday Road, Buford

Dockside Grille is where folks can find the famous Docker Burger. This restaurant offers a casual outdoor atmosphere and fine food to fill a hungry stomach. Stop in to enjoy the view and the menu!

  • Hours of Operation: Open through November during seasonal hours
  • Phone: 770-889-2185
  • Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Road, Flowery Branch

Dockside Sandwich Company is the perfect place to grab a bite after a long day of fishing. Sandwiches, lahvosh and salads keep patrons coming back for more.

  • Hours of Operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri
  • Phone: 770-887-5309
  • Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Cumming

Fish Tales Lakeside Grille is where folks can dance to live music and get the best views and food in the area. Grouper fingers are a specialty, and it is certainly a pleasure to visit day or night!

  • Hours of Operation: Lunch and Dinner
  • Phone: 770-967-5500
  • Location: 6334 Mitchell Street, Flowery Branch

Lenny’s Sub Shop at Bald Ridge Marina is more than just a simple sub joint. It is an ideal location for lake outings and giant sandwiches that will feed a crew of fisherman. Try it before everyone knows about this best kept secret!

  • Hours of Operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri
  • Phone: 770-887-5309
  • Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Cumming

Mallory’s Castaway is perfect for those who want food and drinks. The full-service bar keeps the party going and the signature meals are what really reels patrons in! Try the chicken, fish or burger baskets, and take a bite of the action!

  • Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Phone: 770-945-7201
  • Location: 6990 Holiday Road, Buford

Skogies is where to satisfy cravings for seafood and bbq. Their American fare breakfast, lunch and dinner includes a variety of made-from-scratch dishes. Enough reading about it! It’s time to try it out. 

  • Hours of Operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week
  • Phone: 770-536-2171
  • Location: 2145 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville

Windows Restaurant is where buffet lovers will find it all. It’s located in the Legacy Lodge and Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, and it is a treat for both guests staying for the weekend or for a meal.

  • Hours of Operation: Daily in season
  • Phone: 770-945-8787
  • Location: Legacy Lodge and Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort

The fishing and food are great near Lake Lanier, but the real estate takes the cake. Baby Boomers interested in Lake Lanier lakefront homes for sale will find these nearby lake communities perfect for anyone looking to retire in Georgia this year.

LAKE LANIER MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITIES:

Cresswind on Lake Lanier is located in Gainesville, Georgia and its 490 acres is filled with magnificent surprises. Two large swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness center and even a 40,000 sq. ft. clubhouse to die for. Play pickle ball and bocce ball everyday or watch a movie in the outdoor movie theatre. The 55+ community offers low maintenance cottage homes from the mid $200k's.

Chestatee on Lake Lanier includes an 18-hole championship golf course, junior size outdoor athletic swimming pool, five tennis courts and more. Nature lovers will get a kick out of the various outdoor wooded trails, and the stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains will sweep everyone off their feet when they see the view themselves. Chestatee on Lake Lanier has its own private marina.

Marina Bay is known for its southern hospitality, rolling hills and picture-perfect landscaping. This gated community has its own outdoor amphitheatre, tennis village and more. Add a private 280-slip marina and Marina Bay is a community fit for the most finicky buyers. 

St. Michael’s Bay on Lake Lanier includes a two-story community clubhouse, two lighted tennis courts and a resort-style outdoor swimming pool. This gated community is a sweet and simple location along the Lake Lanier shoreline and is ideal for those who want a quiet and peaceful getaway during retirement.

Harbour Pointe Yacht Club has everything for the boat enthusiast and nature lover. Those who like luxury and entertainment can find it here. Enjoy the 8,000 square foot award winning clubhouse, four light tennis courts, two swimming pools and more. Live in Lake Lanier’s lap of luxury at Harbour Pointe Yacht Club near the heart of downtown Gainesville.

Driving around Lake Lanier looking for property can be time consuming and frustrating. If you'd like some assistance with your search, let us know. It's our pleasure to help!