Ranging from picnicking, campgrounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas, group picnic shelters and hiking trails, fun is never ending when visiting Lake Sidney Lanier. The  US Army Corps of Engineers has also leased additional areas for recreational development, operated as commercial, city and county parks and marinas.

Lake Lanier is over 690 miles of shoreline and having over 100 small islands, it is not that hard to find amusement sources in the whole region. For every activity, such as swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating or camping, there are numerous attractions offering diversity and variety of other recreation activities.

Among the most popular attractions, Lake Lanier Island's Beach and Waterpark, providing a family-friendly setting and incredible water fun, featuring slides, rides, and more. Some of the attractions comprised with this park include the "Hang Ten Surf Wave" and the "FunDunker", as well as the "SplashDown", "Wild Waves" and "Twister".

Moreover, Lake Lanier Island's Beach and Waterpark is owner of Georgia's largest wave pool for pleasant family entertaining finding 100 ways to get wet, or the Wiggle Waves and Kiddie Lagoon, developed with children in mind. The park is located less than 45 minutes from downtown Atlanta, in the heart of Lake Sidney Lanier, 7000 Holiday Rd, Buford, Georgia

Lake Lanier provides a full array of boats ready to cast-off for a day or night of cruising pleasure. Everything from a ski boat to a VIP excursion yacht is available for you and your crew. Or if a relaxing fishing trip is more your speed, venture out into the deep waters of Lake Lanier and enjoy some of the best bass fishing in Georgia, phone (770) 932-7200

Emerald Pointe Resort is one of the most luxurious accommodations on Lake Lanier, providing 216 elegant rooms, numerous recreation activities, spas, golf course, equestrian center, and endless entertainment. There are also a number of lakeside, New England-style houses, cottages and Villas providing diverse deluxe amenities and exclusive activities.

Houseboating is a popular attraction either to watch or partake. Sporty and trendy condos-like floating on the peaceful water of Lake Sidney Lanier is a relaxing activity and a way to pamper yourself during your visit. Lake Lanier also provides the ideal setting for a family weekend, a romantic getaway, or honeymoon.

Golf is a world-class attraction that at Lake Lanier find its best at the Emerald Pointe Golf Club, a championship 18-hole golf course with 13 holes alongside Lake Lanier shores, with bent grass greens and Bermuda grass fairways, where carts are mandatory, and senior discounts apply Monday through Thursday. The Club is located at 7000 Holiday Rd, phone (770) 945-8789

Designed by Joe Lee and built in 1988, and recognized as Atlanta's most challenging resort golf experience by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the Emerald Pointe Golf Club was also described as the "Pebble Beach of the Southeast" by Golf Digest Magazine, also featuring the Golf Club Grille, a casual restaurant and bar with outdoor dining patio.

The Château Élan Winery & Resort is another luxurious hotel and spa in Lake Sidney Lanier, featuring an Irish Pub with fine wines, French and international cuisine, and another championship golf course, attracting 500,000 guests annually with its southern hospitality, as well as its Equestrian Show Center, Rock Climbing Tower, and tennis court. For further information call at 1-800-233-WINE (9463)

The US Army Corps of Engineers also offers camping, boat ramps, marinas, picnic facilities, playgrounds, swimming areas and trails within Lake Sidney Lanier, at the Aqualand Marina, Auraria, Bald Ridge Creek, Bald Ridge Marina, Balus Creek, Belton Bridge, Bethel, Big Creek, Bolding Mill, and Buford Dam Park.

At the Buford Dam Park, there is a wide, level trail enabling visitors to explore the Lower Pool Park situated beneath the dam, the original location of the Lake Sidney Lanier. There are also paths with views over the powerhouse and the Saddleback Dam, which is the actual source of the Lake, displaying as well the original bed of the Chattahoochee River.

Even closer than Atlanta, Gainesville contributes to Lake Sidney Lanier with large number of attractions. These are just a few:

Bete Todd Wages Collection Vintage Clothing and Antique Furniture Collection, phone (770)534-6244

Chief Whitepath’s Cabin, featuring an exhibit of Cherokee and Early American artifacts. Phone (770) 536-0889

Crocker Pottery, establishment of Michael Crocker, a nationally famous North Georgia Potter. Phone (770) 869-3160

Elachee Nature Center, 1200-acre nature preserve, museum and nature center. Phone (770) 535-1976

Solar System Tour, A scale 1.8-mile Model Walking Tour from the Sun to Pluto. Email: mike.vanderhoff@adelphia.net