Buford is weird. Not "keep Austin weird" weird, but more like a "how did all of this end up in one zip code" kind of way. Most people fly down I-85, see the massive Mall of Georgia sign, and think, cool, a big mall, and then keep driving toward Atlanta or the mountains. Honestly? They’re missing the point.
The city is a strange, beautiful collision of massive commercial hubs, eerie historic corridors, and a lake that basically dictates the entire culture of North Georgia. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Buford GA, you have to stop thinking about it as just a suburb. It’s more of a home base for people who want to hike a dam in the morning and eat five-star lobster risotto by sunset.
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The Lake Lanier Reality Check
Let’s talk about the water. You can’t mention Buford without Lake Lanier, but most tourists do it wrong. They go to the crowded "beaches" and wonder why they’re staring at a thousand other people.
If you want the real experience, head to Buford Dam Park. It’s quiet. It has these sweeping, almost cinematic views of the powerhouse and the lake. There’s a 4-mile trail called the Laurel Ridge Trail that winds past the dam and the Chestatee River. It’s not a grueling mountain climb, but it’s enough to make you feel like you aren't thirty minutes from a metropolis.
For the high-energy crowd, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is the obvious heavy hitter. In the summer, it's a chaotic wonderland of wave pools and "LandShark" lager. But here is the insider tip: go in the winter. They turn the place into Snow Island. There is something surreal about snowtubing on a massive hill overlooking a Southern lake while the air smells like woodsmoke and funnel cakes.
Why the Historic District Is Actually the Heart
Downtown Buford—specifically Main Street—feels like a movie set that stayed open after the crew left. It’s anchored by the Tannery Row Artist Colony. This building used to be an actual tannery (the Bona Allen Tannery, which was world-famous for saddles). Now, it’s a massive brick labyrinth filled with painters, sculptors, and woodworkers. You can literally walk into their studios while they're working. It’s not a "gift shop" vibe; it’s a "clay on the fingernails" vibe.
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- Rico’s World Kitchen: If you don't eat here, you didn't go to Buford. It’s a tiny spot in an old gas station or storefront-style building. The Lumpia is incredible. The Po' Boys are messy. It’s the kind of place where you see city council members sitting next to bikers.
- Aqua Terra Bistro: This is the "grown-up" spot. It’s upscale but doesn't feel stuffy. Their pan-seared scallops are the stuff of local legend.
- Tani Thai: Tucked into the historic district, it's consistently ranked as some of the best Thai food in the county.
The "Everything" Hub: Mall of Georgia and Beyond
Yeah, it’s a mall. But the Mall of Georgia is actually the largest in the state. If you hate shopping, you’ll still probably end up here because of The Village. It’s an outdoor amphitheater area that hosts "Movies Under the Stars" and a concert series during the warmer months.
If you have kids (or you're just a kid at heart), Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is right there. It’s loud, it’s expensive, and the go-karts go way faster than you expect. Just a heads up: the wait for food can be brutal on weekends, so eat somewhere else first.
Hidden Gems You’ll Actually Like
- Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center: It sounds like a school field trip destination, and it is, but the trails are some of the best-kept secrets in the area. There's a 1-mile loop that feels completely isolated. Plus, the building has one of the largest "green roofs" in the country.
- Putt Nation: It’s an indoor, tech-infused mini-golf spot. It’s a bit flashy, but if it’s raining—and in Georgia, it’s always about to rain—it’s a solid backup plan.
- The Bona Allen Mansion: You can't usually just wander inside since it's an event venue, but driving by to see the Italianate architecture is worth the two-minute detour. It’s a reminder of the massive wealth the leather industry once brought to this town.
Shopping Without the Crowds
If the Mall of Georgia gives you a headache, go to Queen of Hearts Antiques. It’s a massive warehouse of vintage junk and high-end collectibles. You can find anything from 1950s Coca-Cola signs to mid-century modern furniture that someone’s grandmother kept in a pristine "no-kids" room for forty years.
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How to Plan Your Trip
If you're visiting in 2026, keep an eye on the Buford Community Center calendar. They’ve been booking surprisingly good tribute acts and soul artists lately. For example, the Divas of Soul and The Brothers Doobie are slated for early 2026. These shows happen in a state-of-the-art auditorium that feels way more intimate than the big venues in Atlanta.
Pro-Tip: If you’re heading to the lake on a summer Saturday, get there before 10:00 AM. Seriously. The parking lots at the popular parks like Mary Alice Beach or Buford Dam Park fill up fast, and the rangers don't play around with illegal parking.
Actionable Next Steps
- Morning: Start with a hike at the Laurel Ridge Trail near the dam to catch the morning mist off the water.
- Afternoon: Head to Tannery Row to see the artists, then grab a late lunch at Rico’s World Kitchen.
- Evening: Catch a sunset dinner at LandShark Bar & Grill (part of Margaritaville) or stay inland for a show at the Buford Community Center.
- Logistics: Download the ParkMobile app before you go; several lake-access areas have switched to digital payment for parking, and cell service can be spotty right by the water.