Lake Lanier Islands
A serene lakefront resort offering cozy rooms, villas, and lake houses with dining, golf, and water sports for a tranquil escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & beach fun
Lake Lanier Islands
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & beach fun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lakefront resort offering cozy rooms, villas, and lake houses with dining, golf, and water sports for a tranquil escape.
"The staff always make the experience worth the visit, creating unforgettable moments."
🚗 Carpooling is Key
If you don't have a car, try to bribe someone to join you for a ride to save on expensive ride-shares.
🥂 Cash Bar Caution
Be aware of automatic tip percentages at the cash bar, which some find a bit high.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lakefront Balcony Views
Legacy Lodge Rooms
Enjoy serene lake views from your private balcony, a rare amenity that enhances the tranquil island experience.
Tiki Bar & Bang Bang Shrimp
Beach Area
Sip cocktails at the cool tiki bar and savor the popular bang bang shrimp while relaxing on the beach.
Nature Trails & Wildlife
Island Paths
Stroll along beautiful, quiet paths, spotting deer and listening to birdsong for a peaceful nature immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Embrace the Island Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Carpooling is Key
If you don't have a car, try to bribe someone to join you for a ride to save on expensive ride-shares.
🥂 Cash Bar Caution
Be aware of automatic tip percentages at the cash bar, which some find a bit high.
💖 Special Occasion Magic
Mention special occasions like engagements; the staff may offer delightful surprises like champagne and cake.
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Take advantage of the beautiful and quiet walking paths around the island for a peaceful nature escape.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Carpooling is Key
If you don't have a car, try to bribe someone to join you for a ride to save on expensive ride-shares.
🥂 Cash Bar Caution
Be aware of automatic tip percentages at the cash bar, which some find a bit high.
💖 Special Occasion Magic
Mention special occasions like engagements; the staff may offer delightful surprises like champagne and cake.
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Take advantage of the beautiful and quiet walking paths around the island for a peaceful nature escape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Lake Lanier Islands for its beautiful, tranquil lakefront setting and the exceptional kindness of its staff, who frequently go above and beyond to make stays special, especially for celebrations. However, some find the interior decor dated and the cash bar's automatic tipping policy off-putting.
"I had a very nice stay for a conference. Loved the hardwood floors and balcony - seldom get those anywhere else! Front desk staff was kind and helpful. Cafe pastry and latte were nice. Walked one of the paths around the island and was beautiful and quiet (save for bird calls and some deer). Conference side of things was ... fine. Just a conference :)."
Eston Melton
"Went to hubs h.s. class reunion. It was great! Room was capacious, food in buffet was excellent! Very lovely night all around! And friendly amd tolerant after hours bartender let us hang out & socialize and watch the football game on TV.
(The only thing my hubs thought was a bit ridiculous was the cash bar- not the selection, not the bartender-they were both fine; but it was the payment system of 'automatic tip of minimum of 25-40% ?!? That was very off-putting)🤔🤷"
Amy C. Bullard
"This place is amazing!!! It is quiet and it is definitely beautiful!! My wife and I visit frequently. The tiki bar is cool! We always order the bang bang shrimp while on the beach. The staff is so nice it’s unreal. They even gave us a customized package plan. After I got engaged to my wife (4 years ago) we went for a visit. I told them that we were coming because we got engaged. They gave us a beach cottage and when we got to the cottage, there was a bottle of champagne on ice, a dozen roses for my wife, and a cake that said congratulations!!!!! Best time ever!!! You definitely need to visit here because the staff always make the experience worth the visit. See you guys soon!!!"
Lloyd Polion
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Lake Lanier Islands without a car can be challenging. MARTA only goes to Doraville, and Xpress buses are weekday-only. Your best bet is to arrange a ride with a friend or factor in the cost of a ride-share service from Doraville, which can be around $65 round trip.
Public transportation options are very limited. MARTA service ends at Doraville, and weekday-only Xpress buses are the only other public transit. Weekend access without a car is difficult.
The cheapest option is often carpooling with someone who is already driving. Ride-sharing from MARTA's Doraville station is an option but can be costly.
Yes, you can use Uber or Lyft, but be prepared for potentially high fares, especially if coming from further away like the Doraville MARTA station.
Currently, there are no regular shuttle services specifically for Lake Lanier Islands. Weekend shuttle options are particularly scarce.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Lake Lanier Islands typically involves resort fees or specific event tickets, depending on your activities. It's best to check their official website for current pricing and access requirements.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and by specific venue within the islands (e.g., Legacy Lodge, tiki bar). Always check the official Lake Lanier Islands website for the most up-to-date information.
Costs can vary widely depending on whether you are staying at the resort, attending an event, or just visiting for the day. Resort stays and event tickets will have different pricing structures.
Yes, accommodations at Lake Lanier Islands, including rooms at the Legacy Lodge and villas, can typically be booked online through their official website or third-party booking platforms.
Discounts may be available for specific packages, group bookings, or during off-peak seasons. It's advisable to check their promotions page or contact their reservations department directly.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Lake Lanier Islands offers a range of activities including dining, golf, water sports, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying nature trails. The tiki bar is a popular spot for drinks and appetizers.
Yes, families can enjoy the lake activities, nature walks, and the resort's amenities. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a pleasant getaway for all ages.
Dining options include the Legacy Lodge restaurant, a buffet, and the tiki bar which serves popular items like bang bang shrimp. Some reviews mention the cafe pastry and latte being nice. +1
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Lake Lanier Islands, especially during warmer months. The beach area provides a great spot for enjoying the water.
Absolutely! Lake Lanier Islands features beautiful and quiet walking paths around the island, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful stroll.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakefront views from balconies, the tiki bar area, and the nature trails offer picturesque settings for photos. Sunrise and sunset over the water can be particularly stunning.
Yes, the natural beauty of the lake and the resort's amenities provide ample opportunities for great shots. Golden hour light can enhance the scenic beauty.
Lake Lanier Islands is ideal for landscape, nature, and relaxed lifestyle photography. It's also a popular spot for engagement and wedding photos due to its scenic backdrop.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial photography or drone usage, it's always best to check with resort management for any specific policies or permits required.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While specific kid-focused activities might be limited, the overall tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it a pleasant destination for a family getaway. Consider packing essentials like sunscreen, hats, and snacks, as amenities might be spread out across the resort. The staff's friendly demeanor also contributes to a welcoming family experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the resort offers dining, exploring nearby Buford for more affordable food options could be a good strategy. Focus on enjoying the natural beauty, like the walking paths, which are free to access and offer a great way to experience the island's charm without additional cost.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
For truly special occasions, the resort's willingness to go the extra mile, as seen with personalized engagement celebrations, makes it an ideal spot for anniversaries or romantic weekends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Lake Lanier Islands Without a Car
If you do opt for ride-sharing from a MARTA station like Doraville, be prepared for fares that can reach around $65 round trip. This highlights the importance of planning ahead and exploring all possible carpooling arrangements to make your visit more budget-friendly and convenient.
For those who can drive, the convenience is undeniable, allowing for easier exploration of the islands and surrounding areas. However, for the car-less traveler, a bit of strategic planning and social networking can go a long way in ensuring a smooth journey to this lakeside retreat.
The Legacy Lodge Experience
Accommodations, while described by some as 'interstate roadside motel caliber' in the past, have seen improvements. Guests often praise the kindness and helpfulness of the front desk staff. The rooms themselves can be quite capacious, with some featuring desirable amenities like hardwood floors and balconies that offer beautiful lake views.
Dining at the lodge includes a buffet and cafe options, with pastries and lattes noted as pleasant. While the conference facilities are generally considered adequate, the overall atmosphere inside the lodge can feel a bit dark. However, the stunning lake setting and the polite, cheerful staff contribute significantly to the overall guest experience, especially when the weather is favorable.
Celebrating Special Moments
One heartwarming example shared by a visitor involved their engagement. Upon mentioning their engagement, the resort provided a beach cottage upgrade, complete with champagne on ice, roses for the fiancée, and a congratulatory cake. This level of thoughtful service significantly enhances the celebratory aspect of a visit.
Beyond engagements, the resort has also been praised for its ability to accommodate large groups during significant events like weddings. When a local hotel cancelled reservations close to a wedding date, Lake Lanier Islands Resort stepped in, providing beautiful rooms and a wonderful experience for out-of-town guests, ensuring everyone was satisfied and thrilled with the beautiful location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit