Nestled at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Lanier lies the truly distinctive Lanier Islands. As the resort’s crown jewel, Lake Lanier is one of the United States’ most popular man-made lakes, averaging more than 7.5 million visitors each year and encompassing 38,000 surface acres and 690 miles of shoreline in Northeast Georgia.
Popular excursions like the beach and boardwalk themed LanierWorld, Lake Lanier Canopy Tours, horseback riding at the Stables, and boat rentals from Harbor Landing make the Islands a terrific choice for families vacationing or “staycationing” in the South. Best of all, the lakeside resort is fiercely patriotic and it shows far beyond the confines of the Islands’ renowned Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekend celebrations — as evidenced by the way the resort welcomes military personnel and veterans. Lanier Islands extends free admission to LanierWorld to both active and retired military personnel* throughout the summer season, as well as discounts on accommodations and a specially designated overnight package to be enjoyed by military families.
“We first launched this endeavor in mid 2015 by extending free admission to our beach, boardwalk and waterpark at LanierWorld to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, law enforcement and fire services,” said Mike Williams, CEO for Lanier Islands. “We couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you to a group of people who give so much and make so many sacrifices for us all — whether right here in the Metro Atlanta community or half a world away.
“Based on the response the last two summers and so far this season, our message has been extremely well received. We are truly thrilled to extend further savings to include our accommodations, so military families can enjoy a true taste of the lake life with a well-deserved vacation or staycation on our shores.”
At the Heart and Soul of the Islands: LanierWorld
Boasting a one-half mile stretch of white sand beach, an awesome collection of eateries and watering holes, a miniature golf course, movies and more on the five story high HD Spectacular Screen, and over a dozen waterslides and attractions, LanierWorld truly is the heart and soul of the Islands. Adventurous families can opt to test their mettle on daring slides like the FunDunker Drop or Blackout, send their spirits soaring on the Thunderbolt triple zipline, rock and roll on the Wildwaves Wave Pool, or race loved ones to the finish line on the Wibit aquatic obstacle course. For those who prefer relaxation over summertime stimulation, the beach beckons, as do the Lakeside Links miniature golf course, a lounge chair perfectly positioned for movie time in front of the Spectacular Screen and a bar stool at the Tiki Hut and Dockside Bar for a nice cold adult beverage. When it’s time to dine, LanierWorld does NOT disappoint thanks to beachfront bistros like Sunset Cove Café, Gianni’s Italian Bistro & Pizzeria, and the newest addition to this savory scene, The Break – just to name a few.
Admission to LanierWorld is $41.99 for Adults and Children over 42”, $30.99 for Children under 42” and Seniors (62+), and FREE for Children 2 & under. Admission is also FREE to active and retired military personnel*, as well as first responders.
A Well-Deserved Rest:
Accommodations at Lanier Islands
Quickly growing in size, scope, and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats, the Islands is proud to have been designated a member of the highly esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection. Legacy Lodge serves as the Islands’ flagship hotel, showcasing recently remodeled guestrooms with balconies overlooking the forest or lake, two terrific restaurants, a gym and saltwater heated leisure pool. Nearby, the luxury lakeside Legacy Villas provide more room for families to spread out with 6 individual-access rooms and 4500 sprawling square feet. The popular LakeHouses offer that “home away from home” feel with stone fireplace, two bedrooms, kitchen***, and back deck with grill and hot tub.
Offering its own signature brand of Southern Hospitality, this lakeside resort is dedicated to the comfort and enjoyment of its guests. That is particularly true for members of the military. Lanier Islands extends 15% off its best available room rate to active and retired military personnel, as well as first responders. The Military Family Fun Package offers a special flat rate of $199 to active or retired military personnel and includes a deluxe room at Legacy Lodge, 4 passes to LanierWorld and breakfast for 4 at Sidney’s Restaurant inside the Lodge.
Rounding Out Your Visit:
Activities at Lanier Islands
The fun doesn’t begin and end with LanierWorld and an overnight stay at Georgia’s Lanier Islands. The resort holds a great deal of fun for the whole family beyond the beach and boardwalk – without ever leaving the Islands. Guests can opt to go on a trail ride from The Stables, tiptoe through the treetops on one of several zipline canopy tours throughout the 1500-acre resort, play a round at the 18-hole lakeside Legacy Golf Course, find inner peace at Tranquility – The Spa, explore the resort via Island Cart or bicycle, enjoy a Kids Night Out with Legacy Kids Club (Parents, you’ll just have to enjoy dinner on your own!), rent a boat from Harbor Landing and go fishing or tubing on the lake, and so much more!