Things to do in Buford

Explore things to do in Buford, from historic downtown and waterfront recreation to family activities, indoor fun, shopping, and dining.

Buford combines a historic downtown atmosphere with modern shopping, dining, recreation, and access to the water. Visitors can stroll streets lined with older buildings, browse retail districts, pause at parks and green spaces, or spend time along the Lake Lanier shoreline. The town’s mix of small-scale character and larger entertainment areas makes it suitable for both relaxed afternoons and activity-filled outings.

Things to do in Buford range from waterfront recreation and family attractions to indoor entertainment, shopping, and varied restaurants. A weekend can include a morning walk downtown, an afternoon near the lake, and an evening meal or movie. Families have options for active play and all-weather fun, while budget-conscious visitors can focus on scenic walks, public spaces, and window-shopping. Because attractions are spread across the downtown, Buford Drive, and Lanier Islands Parkway areas, checking routes and current operating information before setting out can help make the day run smoothly.

Frequently asked questions about Buford

What are the best things to do in Buford?

Explore Buford’s historic downtown, browse local shopping areas, enjoy the waterfront, or plan an indoor round at Putt Nation Mini Golf. A mix of relaxed outdoor time and entertainment makes it easy to shape a half-day or full-day itinerary.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Buford?

Families can spend time by the water and enjoy seasonal recreation at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Buford also has parks, casual dining, shopping, and simple indoor activities suitable for different ages.

What can you do in Buford for free or on a budget?

Walk around historic downtown, enjoy public green spaces, or take in waterfront views for a low-cost outing. Window-shopping at Marketplace at Millcreek is another flexible option, though individual purchases will add to the budget.

What are the best indoor things to do in Buford?

For a rainy day, browse Mall of Georgia, catch a film at Regal Mall Of Georgia, or spend time reading and shopping at Barnes & Noble. These indoor options can be combined without leaving Buford.

Where should you eat during a weekend in Buford?

Buford has casual chains, locally oriented dining, steakhouses, seafood, Mexican food, and Italian options. For a weekend meal, consider Bare Bones Steakhouse downtown or Coastal Breeze Seafood Grill along Lanier Islands Parkway, then leave time to explore the surrounding area on foot or by car.

Things to do in Buford

SupermarketPhoto of Publix Super Market at Holland Point — Supermarketvia Google Maps

Publix Super Market at Holland Point

Supermarket chain with a wide selection of groceries, plus deli & bakery departments.

Buford, GA|5
Korean Barbecue RestaurantPhoto of Iron Age Korean Steakhouse - Mall of Georgia — Korean Barbecue Restaurantvia Google Maps

Iron Age Korean Steakhouse - Mall of Georgia

Buford, GA|5
Seafood RestaurantPhoto of The Twisted Crab - Buford — Seafood Restaurantvia Google Maps

The Twisted Crab - Buford

Buford, GA|4
Mexican RestaurantPhoto of El Molcajete Mexican Restaurant — Mexican Restaurantvia Google Maps

El Molcajete Mexican Restaurant

Casual Mexican eatery serving a lengthy menu of traditional dishes, plus beer & margaritas.

Buford, GA|4
Korean Barbecue RestaurantPhoto of Thrill Korean Steak And Bar — Korean Barbecue Restaurantvia Google Maps

Thrill Korean Steak And Bar

Buford, GA|5
Event VenuePhoto of Axe Master Throwing Buford — Event Venue

Axe Master Throwing Buford

Buford, GA|5
BakeryPhoto of The Baking Grounds Bakery Cafe — Bakeryvia Google Maps

The Baking Grounds Bakery Cafe

Homey, family-owned standby with baked goods, coffee & custom cakes, plus breakfast & lunch staples.

Buford, GA|5
Amusement ParkPhoto of Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park — Amusement Park

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.

Buford, GA|4
SupermarketPhoto of Publix Super Market at Golden Park Village — Supermarketvia Google Maps

Publix Super Market at Golden Park Village

Supermarket chain with a wide selection of groceries, plus deli & bakery departments.

Buford, GA|5
Shopping MallPhoto of Buford Mall — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Buford Mall

Buford, GA|4
Italian RestaurantPhoto of Italy's Pizza & Pasta Company — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Italy's Pizza & Pasta Company

Specialty pizzas, slices, pasta dishes & subs are offered at this simple fixture.

Buford, GA|5
Italian RestaurantPhoto of Pizza by Vinny's - Buford — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Pizza by Vinny's - Buford

Enduring, family-owned pizzeria in a strip mall serving homestyle Italian fare in relaxed surrounds.

Buford, GA|5
Sushi RestaurantPhoto of Wicked Sushi & Grill — Sushi Restaurantvia Google Maps

Wicked Sushi & Grill

Japanese restaurant serving sushi, noodles & more in a stylish, contemporary space.

Buford, GA|5
American RestaurantPhoto of FRIENDS BUFORD GRILL — American Restaurantvia Google Maps

FRIENDS BUFORD GRILL

Buford, GA|4
GymPhoto of LA Fitness — GymOur original photo

LA Fitness

Buford, GA|4
RestaurantPhoto of The Flying Biscuit Cafe — Restaurantvia Google Maps

The Flying Biscuit Cafe

Branch of a laid-back chain known for Southern food & all-day breakfast selections.

Buford, GA|4
Photo of Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Centervia Google Maps

Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center

Buford, GA|5
Department StorePhoto of Belk — Department Storevia Google Maps

Belk

Longtime department store chain with brand-name clothing, accessories & cosmetics, plus housewares.

Buford, GA|4
Clothing StorePhoto of Ross Dress for Less — Clothing Storevia Google Maps

Ross Dress for Less

Retail chain selling brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories & housewares at discount prices.

Buford, GA|4
Breakfast RestaurantPhoto of Snooze, an A.M. Eatery — Breakfast Restaurantvia Google Maps

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.

Buford, GA|5