A stroll through Lake Lanier's new Margaritaville in 55 photos

The first phase of Lake Lanier Islands‘ massive overhaul is complete, and its delightfully gimmicky, Jimmy Buffett-inspired rebrand has boosted the resort and water park compound from a kiddie playground into an alcohol-fueled summertime wonderland for parents and young adults.

Youngins are still liable to have a ball at the park—most of the former park’s rides are still running—but the new Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, a 1,500-acre makeover of the theme park-centered complex, has welcomed a fresh roster of adult-friendly attractions to Buford’s aging hotspot.

The updated park opened on Mothers Day 2018, and there’s much more planned for the coming phases, including a new hotel and golf course. Plus, let’s not forget about the tram that’s slated to cart patrons—drunk or otherwise—to and from the local lodging options.

A partnership between Margaritaville Holdings and Safe Harbor Development is leading the venture, which could pan out into the creation of the largest-ever Margaritaville destination.

On Wednesday, Curbed Atlanta took a guided tour of the renovated complex, led by Safe Harbor Chief Operations Office John Lush. He showed us around the new restaurant concepts, water slides, party yachts, and relics of the Lanier Islands that metro Atlanta millennials haunted in years past.

Grid View

• “Margaritaville”-emblazoned signs greet patrons. Photos: Sean Keenan, Curbed Atlanta
• Could that be one of the fabled Margaritaville booze cruises?
• Welcome to LandShark Landing, y’all. It’s obviously named after Buffett’s song-inspired lager.
• The Margaritaville party boat, in all its glory. It’s larger sibling boat, the LandShark, is rumored to be in the shop.
• The beach greets visitors with branding galore. Wait, is that a stage on the water?
• Live music occasionally graces LandShark Landing.
• Coming up from the beach, you’ll notice a tiny, sand-wrapped bar. It’s one of many watering holes on the property.
• Fire pits are peppered around the party cove.
• Remember Lanier Islands’ “Fun Dunker?” Well, now it’s called the “Fin Dunker.” The slide inside is still operational, although the old overflowing bucket has been removed from the top.
• Some remnants of the Fun Dunker live on today.
• Yeah, that’s a bottle-opener under the armrest.
• This is the view from the upper level of the Fin Dunker. See the tiny bar we passed earlier?
• The LandShark Bar & Grill anchors the “adult side” of the park.
• Let’s stop in for a quick peek.
• Restaurant employees seem to be having a good time. They must be abiding by Buffett’s laid-back mantra.
• A Buffett lyric tops the molding of the restaurant’s bar.
• The restaurant’s patio obviously faces Lake Lanier.
• That’s a whole lotta blue.
• The side of the LandShark Bar & Grill faces a path leading to the rest of the park.
• Buckle your seatbelts; we’re now leaving LandShark Landing.
• On our way to the heart of the park, we’ll pass one of a few gift shops.
• Well, we’re not in Kansas anymore.
• It looks like we’re crossing into theme park territory. Beware the rides.
• After crossing under the bridge (or slide), we hear a peculiar noise. Giants, maybe?
• Ah, it’s just the stilt-legged park employees, here to encourage young water slide enthusiasts and, on occasion, confront troublemakers.
• Now, let’s get back to that ride, Cat 4.
• A large sign welcomes would-be water-sliders.
• Atop the slide, a lifeguard dictates who slides and who’s too short to ride the ride. Behind her, a cool mist blows over the curious slide, which carries riders down wet plastic bristles.
• No frowns on this end. These cats seem to have enjoyed the ride down.
• Launching off the bristly slide, riders land in the lake water.
• It looks like it’s time to give it another go.
• The view from the bottom of the slide ain’t half bad.
• A bit further down, the Triple Threat (left) and the Intimidator send kids into fits of terror, as they did when the park was called Lanier Islands.
• This floating attraction, dubbed “Aquatic Adventure,” is currently the park’s most popular attraction, bringing kids through an inflatable obstacle course. Behind it, a massive TV plays popular music videos.
• A slew of eateries cuts between the adult-oriented LandShark Landing and the kid-centric part of the park.
• Another Buffett-inspired food source, the License 2 Chill Grill, offers cheapish eats to patrons.
• Another munching location on this block of kiosks is called Feeding Frenzy, which is not morbid at all...
• The open-air Paradise Beach offers fast-casual dining to Lake Lanier visitors.
• Of course, there’s plenty of space to chow down with a lakeside view.
• Despite its garage door openings, the restaurant boasts a quazi-indoor dining experience as well.
• Next door to Paradise Beach is a pizza parlour. Between the two is more outdoor seating.
• This Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria is one of just three in the world, and it lives in what used to be a Lanier Islands restroom.
• Safe Harbor COO John Lush says the TV behind him could one day be used to show sporting events. He also says it took well over 1,000 tons of sand to keep this beach looking fresh.
• There’s plenty of space to lay out on this side of the waterfront.
• Who wouldn’t want to watch an Atlanta Braves game from the comfort and shade of a cabana? But now, it’s time to hit the lake.
• We’re back at LandShark Landing’s pier and about to hit the high seas (Lake Lanier).
• Inside the Margaritaville party yacht, there’s a full bar, perfect for people who need more booze to quell their sea sickness.
• Bartenders will offer you a “Loaded LandShark,” which means a spash a tequila will hit the cup before your beer does.
• The Margaritaville deck ain’t too shabby, either.
• It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, eh?
• This party’s just getting started.
• After a few beers and a swell row around the lake, it’s time to head inland.
• It’s good to be back on land again. Now, let’s kiss the sand and get out of here.
• It’s been quite an adventure at the land of the Parrot Heads. Atlanta must be missing us by now.

• Waste Away in Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands This Summer [Eater]
• Lake Lanier‘s massive Margaritaville welcomes two new party yachts [Curbed]