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The best way to beat the relentless heat of an Atlanta summer, is to visit the beach. One of the best parts about living in Atlanta is you don’t need to drive 5 hours or more to the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. There are many great lake beaches near Atlanta. Many of them within less then an hour drive from Atlanta.
There are many lakes near Atlanta. However, they are not all created equal. Some are good for fishing and some for boating. Below, we are looking for the best lake beaches for relaxing, swimming and maybe even paddling.
Lets explore the best lake beaches near Atlanta!
Beaches at Margaritaville in Lake Lanier Islands Resort
Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands is more than just a beach. There is a wave pool, waterslides and plenty of activities for the kids and adults.
There are two lake beaches at Margaritaville.
- Paradise beach is a great beach for the kids and families. It is shallow enough for little kids to play. For the parents, it is a central spot within the water park to keep an eye on your kids.
- Landshark Beach is a more adult orientated beach. You may find live music, beach volleyball, water sports and of course, island cocktails.
Allatoona Lake Beaches
There are many beaches on lake Allatoona. I’ll share our favorite lazy summer day activity with the family.
We get up and drive out to Red Top Mountain State Park. From there, we hike one of the many beautiful trails. Afterwards, we enjoy a picnic and hang out at the swimming beach at Red Top Mountain.
The lake has gorgeous views and the park has a playground, BBQ grills and picnic tables.
By the end of the day, the kids are spent.
Don Carter State Park Beach on Lake Lanier
On the northern tip of Lake Lanier you will find Don Carter State Park. While this beach isn’t as busy as Margaritaville, you will love the price. Just $5 to park at Don Carter State Park.
This beach isn’t terribly large, but it has nice sand and it does have a bathroom facilities near the beach.
This is a great option for families with small kids. It is a very easy entry into the water.
When we visited the park, it wasn’t beach weather. However, the sand looked rather nice.
Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens
If you are looking for more of a resort, Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens is a great option. Callaway Gardens is only 85 miles southwest of Atlanta, making this perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
It is best to pre-book admission to this beach. There is overnight accommodations available here too.
There is a lot to do at this resort like golf, spa, nature trails and of course the beach!
Young Deer Creek Lake Beach on Lake Lanier
Young Deer Creek Park is definitely a lesser known lake beach near Atlanta. While the beach is sandy, the entry to the water has some stones in certain areas. Water shoes, especially for the kids is recommended here.
This park is a great option for families. There is a 14 acre park to explore. Plenty of area for fishing. There is a playground and even a boat ramp (there is a small fee for boat ramp.)
The main attraction is the great beach and roped off swimming area. It is very large and great for playing or going for a swim.
Didn’t see your favorite lake beaches near Atlanta? Let us know in the comments which lake beach is the best in the area!