8 Best Lakeside Towns in Georgia

On the shores of Georgia's many lakes sit towns that cater to boaters and outdoor lovers year-round. Small communities like Hiawassee and Tallulah Falls lean into their rural landscapes and promise scenic retreats, while larger towns like Gainesville and LaGrange pair lake life with art museums and urban amenities. Whether you seek a rustic resort on Lake Chatuge, a quick escape to Lake Lanier, or something in between, these towns have plenty to offer and no shortage of shoreline to explore!

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is also known as the "Trout Capital of Georgia," but there's more to this lake town than fishing. The Lake Blue Ridge Marina rents pontoon boats and other watercraft for those looking for an aquatic adventure, and the Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest, featuring the Lake Blue Ridge Loop. The mile-long trail is perfect for enjoying the views of the lake and the surrounding forests, and a great spot for biking. Serenity in the Mountains is a wonderful place to unwind after an adventure out on or in the water. The luxurious spa provides body treatment services, light therapy, massages, and a salt cave. There are also luxury suites and cabins with a diverse range of amenities to make a night or a weekend out of it.

Hiawassee

Near the North Carolina state line is the mountain town of Hiawassee, a stunning community full of beauty and outdoor recreation, thanks in no small part to Lake Chatuge. Just outside downtown is the Lake Chatuge Lodge, a comfortable lakeside hotel offering views of the lake and natural surroundings. The guest rooms have balconies or patios, oversized jetted tubs, a fitness center, and offer complimentary breakfast to fuel your day's adventures. The Lodge is conveniently located near Lake Chatuge Beach, a relaxing sandy spot open year-round with a playground, picnic area, and plenty of places for swimming and fishing on the lake.

The Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens are also nearby, with a botanical garden on 33 acres of land. The gardens have an endless number of rhododendron bushes, dogwoods, wild flowers, tulip magnolias, numerous trails, and a waterfall. Within walking distance of the lake in town is Bronco's, a mom-and-pop restaurant serving homemade comfort food, like tasty smash burgers, barbecue sandwiches, tacos, and burrito bowls, all perfect after an incredible day on the lake.

Gainesville

About an hour north of Atlanta is Gainesville, a city on the banks of Lake Lanier. On the northern end of town is Holly Park, where people can enjoy a picnic before or after fishing on the lake. The park even has a boat launch for those keen to explore further offshore. On the southern end of town is the River Forks Timberline Glamping, which combines luxury with the great outdoors for guests to enjoy. The campgrounds offer stunning views of Lake Lanier and provide guests with firepits, hammocks, picnic tables, and fancy tents with comfortable beds. Skogies Lakefront Restaurant is a wonderful place to enjoy a satisfying meal while taking in the scenic views of the lake in style. Skogies has an incredibly diverse menu ranging from burgers to seafood and exciting drinks.

Hartwell

Hartwell is another premier outdoor destination, thanks to Lake Hartwell and its historic downtown. Hartwell Lakeside Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a peaceful sunny day, with opportunities for walks in the forest, kayaking in the lake, and camping for the night. Nearby, the Sun Life Lake Hartwell Marina provides the community with secure spots to store their boats, as well as boat rentals for out-of-towners keen to explore the open waters of Lake Hartwell.

Just outside of town is the Beacon Farmhouse, a quaint bed and breakfast offering its guests a warm, welcome home feeling during their stay, steps from the water on a farm that includes chickens, donkeys, and goats. For home cooking, Tommy Ray's BBQ serves patrons flavorful bites fresh out of the smoker. Tommy Ray's BBQ also sells apparel, homemade sauces, and other one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

LaGrange

Not far from the Alabama state line is the city of LaGrange, where West Point Lake is a main attraction. The Highland Marina gives visitors and residents access to the lake with boat rentals, outdoor dry storage for boat owners, RV sites, cabins, and fresh seafood at its onsite restaurant, Captain's. Just across from the marina is the McGee Bridge Recreation Area, which is one of three parks that offer a fishing pier, along with a boat launch facility and picnic sites, not to mention views of the lake. Downtown, you'll find the LaGrange Art Museum, a beautiful space with a diverse collection of 20th-century Southern art, as well as work by local artists.

Buford

North of Atlanta and south of Gainesville, Buford sits on the southern end of Lake Lanier. Lanier Islands Resort promises a scenic and serene escape from the city. The resort has lodges, lakehouses, villas, and places for RVs to set up shop for the weekend, as well as amenities like a pool, pickleball courts, golfing on the Legacy Golf Course, and easy access to the lake. The Twisted Oar is a local restaurant and bar surrounded by docks courtesy of the Holiday Marina, where people can park their boats after a long day on the water and enjoy grilled chicken nachos, quesadillas, and Cajun fried shrimp, whether indoors or outdoors on the patio. Another option for lakeside recreation is Buford Dam Park, with a sandy swimming beach and picnic facilities, as well as the 3.5-mile Laurel Ridge hiking trail, showcasing the gorgeous trees and landscape around the lake.

Lakemont

Another Blue Ridge Mountain community to see is Lakemont, which touches Rabun Lake and is a spectacular place for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. The Rabun Boat House has been the gathering place for the community since the 1930s, providing boat rentals, boat service, the sale of wooden boats, and Hall's Store, which sells groceries, home products, and souvenirs. A short walk from the Boat House is the Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant, where guests can spend the weekend in solitude and bliss, with views of Rabun Lake right around the corner. The hotel provides guests with lodge-like rooms and suites, offering comfortable beds and modern amenities, while the restaurant serves incredible entrees in a cozy setting. Further in town is the Lakemont Gallery, showcasing landscape paintings, woodcraft, furniture, pottery, and ceramics created by local artists.

Tallulah Falls

Just about 5 miles south of Lakemont and next to the South Carolina state line is Tallulah Falls, a Victorian-era resort town and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby Tallulah Gorge State Park offers its visitors glorious hiking trails, the public Tallulah Falls Beach for swimming and soaking up the sun, a couple of suspension bridges overlooking the lake, river, and landscape, as well as iconic waterfalls like the L'Eau d'Or Falls and the Tempesta Falls. The Edge Cafe boasts high-quality meals and incredible drinks in a warm, welcoming setting, with outdoor seating to really take in the natural surroundings. A simple and gorgeous trail to explore in town is the Bill and Dustie MacKay Trail (also called the Shortline Trail), a scenic and easy route along a paved pathway with stunning views of the lake at the beginning of the trail, and the surrounding forests and riverways near the top of the trail.

Explore Georgia's Incredible Lakeside Towns

The state of Georgia features incredibly memorable lakeside towns, from Buford on Lanier Lake to LaGrange, a larger area with access to Lake Oliver and West Point Lake. Other towns like Blue Ridge and Lakemont give visitors access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the various lakes in the region, along with the local amenities found in these communities. Lakeside towns in Georgia offer a unique experience, each welcoming visitors with Southern hospitality and open waters to enjoy.