Are your kids disappointed because y'all didn't make it to the beach this summer? To me, no summer is complete without at least one trip to the beach. I love it! It's just so relaxing to bask in the sun and cool off in the warm water. However, as much as I love the ocean, it's not without drawbacks.
First, and foremost, the closest beach from Atlanta is five hours away. With a car full of kids, that sometimes seems like fifty! And remember, it's just that long driving back except those same kids are usually worn out, sunburned and cranky!
The second biggest drawback is the expense. With such a long drive it does not make sense to go for less than two nights and most families try to stay for a week. In fact, most beach houses only offer weekly rentals. So, just to sleep somewhere will cost at least $300 and probably much, much more.
But what if I told you there's a terrific beach only thirty minutes away? WHAT!! Yep, that's right... no hotel bill, no miserable hours in the car, and actually more fun! Where is this nirvana, you ask? It's at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands inside their Fins Up Water Park!
Here are my top 16 reasons why I think Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and Fins Up Water Park! is more fun and a better choice for a beach vacation:
1. The short ride up is a given. But the ride home is the real perk. See #16 for my reasons!
2. One usually has to carry everything needed for the day, but not at this beach! With huge FREE stationary umbrellas and plenty of lounge chairs, all you need to bring is sunscreen and towels! If you do find you forgot something, there's a Gift Shop that's stocked with all the necessities plus lots of extras!
- Note: They also offer cabanas and palapas for rentals. Cabanas are located near the Wave Pool and Parakeet Springs, while palapas are available on Paradise Beach adjacent to the Tiki Bar.
3. No lugging heavy ice chests to this beach! From hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and nachos to full course dinners the Water Park and LandShark Bar & Grill offers all of the food, snacks, ice cream and ice cold drinks you could possibly desire!
4. You don't even need to bring your own music. Your favorite music and videos are broadcast all day on the Spectacular Screen, a massive five-story, high definition, outdoor screen overlooking the beach.
5. For sun worshippers, LandShark Landing Beach and Paradise Beach consist of half mile of beautiful, white sand on which to walk, build sand castles, or work on a tan.
6. But, you think, there are no waves ... not so!! Just a few steps away is the largest wave pool in the state of Georgia. Kids and parents alike can wade into the zero entry pool with or without a tube and ride super-sized waves for all the fun of the ocean... but no sharks!!
7. If you'd rather enjoy the beach in the shade, there's a huge covered pavilion filled with plenty of FREE lounge chairs. This is the perfect place for the little ones to take a quick nap.
8. Unlike most other beaches, there are restrooms, bathhouses and locker rentals conveniently located close to everything.
9. Safety, safety, safety... Another perk for families with children is that complimentary life jackets are easily accessible throughout the park. The park is staffed with very enthusiastic and knowledgeable attendants who are eager to help.
- Note: Safety is their top priority! Families can enjoy complimentary life jackets throughout the park, and tubes are provided at no additional cost for waterslides where they are required. There are certified lifeguards stationed throughout the water park (including the waterslides, Wild Wave Wave Pool and Pararkeet Springs) to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. There are no lifeguards stationed at the beaches. The beaches are open for lounging and relaxing on the sand, with no swimming access.
10. And just in case there is an accident, there is a First Aid Station. When Katie fell on the sidewalk and scraped her knee they fixed her up right up with a water-proof bandage so she wouldn't miss any of the fun.
11. Hanging out on the beach is usually all traditional beaches have to offer. But at Fins Up Water Park, that is just the beginning! There are 12 thrilling waterslides ranging from sliding in total darkness at Blackout (Thrill Level 2) through the adrenaline rush of the Intimidator & Triple Threat Slides (Thrill Level 5)!
12. Although it's an easy walk to everything, because Margaritaville is so spread out, it never seems crowded.
13. There are so many fun ways to beat the summer heat. Katie's favorite spot was under the Fin Dunker Bucket. This is a large bucket that dumps nearly 2,000 gallons of icy water over your head for a quick cool down!
- Note: The Fin Dunker waterslide is not operating this 2026 summer season.
14. Younger kids have their own area at the Parakeet Springs. Gentle slides, water spouts, and Wiggle Waves, a mini wave pool, are designed especially for pre-schoolers. Ringed by huge umbrellas and lounge chairs, this is the perfect spot to relax for families with young children.
15. On holidays and special events there are breathtaking fireworks at night. Check the website to see the dates.
16. After a full day of fun in the sun and dinner, the kids can shower in the bathhouses and change into their PJs before heading to the car. My kids almost always fall asleep during the short ride home and then just need to be carried to their own (FREE) beds. Yeah, this definitely beats a five-hour ride home any day of the week!
There is no question in my mind that the close location, minimal expense, and huge variety of activities from which to choose make Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and Fins Up Water Park the perfect beach destination!
HOURS:
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and Fins Up Water Park! is open every day in July from 11 AM to 6 PM (until 7 PM on Friday and Saturday) and also August 1-6. Beginning on August 7, the park is open on weekends only through September 13. ( Friday 4-7PM, Saturday 11AM- 7PM, Sunday 11AM - 6PM.)
DAILY TICKETS:
Children 3 and under are FREE! For the remainder of the 2026 summer season, Everyone Pays Kids' Price!
Your ticket to summer fun is just $44.99—for a limited time!
LOCATION:
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and Fins Up Water Park! is located at 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford (30518). They can be contacted at 470-323-3440. They are located on Facebook or Instagram.
