On the water

Lake Lanier is one of the most visited lakes in the world, with some 12 million enjoying this jewel north of Atlanta each year. The shores are dotted with parks, many with beaches and swim areas. There are also outfitters that will help get you on the water whether on a kayak, Jet Ski or boat. A Boat Rental Education Certificate is required by law and many outfitters offer the course on their websites so it can be completed prior to arrival.

Aqua Sports Adventures

This outfitter is located at Holiday Marina on the south end of Lake Lanier and offers pontoon and ski boat rentals along with water toy accessories.

t 6900 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, aquasportsadventures.com, 770-932-3366

Burton Outdoor Adventures

Guests can rent a kayak or paddleboard and take a shuttle ride to Old Federal Beach and Boat Ramp on Lake Lanier. After a tutorial and safety briefing, paddlers can explore a large mapped-out area of the lake.

t 5962 G.C. Crow Road, Flowery Branch, burtonoutdooradventures. com, 770-447-0869

Don Carter State Park

At the north end of Lake Lanier, Don Carter State Park offers an abundance of water recreation like swimming, boating, paddleboarding, fishing and kayaking.

Those itching to hike have the choice among five trails including the 1-mile Woodland Loop, 1-mile Terrapin Cove Trail and half-mile Lakeview Loop.

Visitors are also welcome to spend the night at the park in one of its RV campsites, two-bedroom cabins or primitive tent campsites.

t 5000 N. Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, gastateparks.org/doncarter, 678-450-7726

Gainesville Marina

This marina offers pontoon and tritoon boats for rent just west of the city of Gainesville. Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months.

t 2145 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, gainesvillemarina.com, 770-536-2171 t 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, lakelanierolympicvenue. org, 770-287-7888

This park, once the site of rowing and paddling events in the 1996 Summer Olympics, is set on the north end of Lake Lanier and features a public boat launch and courtesy docks along with beach and picnic areas. Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented on the weekends from the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club. The venue is also the host site for food truck events, concerts and the renowned Gainesville Chicken Festival.

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

This expansive waterpark and resort includes tiki bars and lakeside restaurants, impressive water slides and a wave pool along with a beach area. Boats can be rented from Harbor Landing Marina, and a variety of accommodations are available. During the colder months, Margaritaville transforms into a winter wonderland with its Lakeside Lights Spectacular and activities like snow tubing and ice skating.

t 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, margaritavilleresorts.com/ margaritaville-at-lanier-islands

Paradise Rental Boats

Paradise has a location on Lake Lanier inside Port Royale Marina. Don’t let the Gainesville address fool you, it is on the Forsyth County side of the lake near Browns Bridge. Paradise offers a range of watercraft from the personal, such as a WaveRunner, to larger yachts and cruisers.

t 8800 Port Royale Drive, Gainesville, portroyalerental.com, 770-8875715

At the beach

If you just want to lounge on the shoreline and splash in the water, there are several options at lakeside parks, most of which are managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Daytime access to most of the parks is $5 per car or $2 per bicyclist or pedestrian. Exercise caution when swimming. Runoff from heavy rain and the presence of Canada geese could mean increased bacteria in the water. The underwater terrain can be unpredictable, too; stay in designated swimming areas to stay safe.

Burton Mill Park

The beach here has a view of the University Yacht Club’s boat slips, so expect some boat traffic. The park also has its own boat docks and ramps visitors can use until 10 p.m. nightly. Along a shady trail you’ll find some picnic tables. But if you prefer the sun, there are plenty of tables without shade, too. t 6555 Yacht Club Road, Flowery Branch

Holly Park

A small beach is open to the public at Holly Park. The space also provides a small boat ramp and two large pavilions with covered picnic tables and grills. The beach and open water is ideal for spending the day fishing.

t 2603 Old Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville

Little Hall Park t 3501 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville

This beach is tucked beside forested paths dotted with picnic tables and grills. A tiny playground is nearby. There’s also a facility for fishing tournaments across the parking lot from the beach.

Old Federal Park

To get to this park, you’ll have to travel down a winding road in the woods, but it’s a nice view. There are two beach areas, both equipped with life jacket stations for kids. The park also has a boat ramp, a sand volleyball court and benches under the many trees.

t 6219 Old Federal Road, Flowery Branch

River Forks Park

The beach area here is right beside a playground and covered picnic pavilion. If that area gets too crowded, you can stroll down to the park’s other pavilion to have your lunch or use one of the many tables spread throughout the woods. There’s also a boat dock and ramp available for use. And watch out for wildlife — you just might see a deer.

t 3500 Keith Bridge Road, Gainesville

Van Pugh North Park t 6838 Gaines Ferry Road, Flowery Branch

This park has two beach areas and a pavilion. There’s also a playground and swing set for kids to enjoy and a boat ramp.

War Hill Park

Adjacent to Lake Lanier, War Hill Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy time in the sun and out on the water. The park features a small beach, 14 primitive campsites and a bath house with restrooms and showers, day-use areas and four boat ramps. Fishing is also allowed, and the part of the lake where anyone can cast their lines and fish for a day is located on the other side of the park.

t 4081 War Hill Park Road, Dawsonville