Things To Do in Buford, GA
From Historic Downtown Buford and Tannery Row to Mall of Georgia, Lake Lanier, parks, family fun, shopping, dining, and weekend adventures, Buford gives you plenty to explore.
Local guide. Easy to scan. Built to help people find Buford faster.
What are the best things to do in Buford, GA?
Best things to do in Buford, GA include exploring Historic Main Street, visiting Tannery Row Artist Colony, catching events at Buford Community Center, shopping and dining around Mall of Georgia, spending time near Lake Lanier, visiting Buford Dam Park, enjoying Bogan Park, and checking out nearby family attractions, restaurants, and seasonal events.
Always confirm hours, ticketing, and seasonal availability before you go.
Top Things To Do in Buford
Historic Downtown Buford / Main Street
Why go: A walkable local district with restaurants, shops, galleries, and historic character.
Best for: Casual exploring, local food, date night, visitors, photos, and small-town feel.
Tannery Row Artist Colony
Why go: A creative local landmark connected to Buford’s arts scene and historic identity.
Best for: Art lovers, local culture, creative browsing, and unique local stops.
Buford Community Center, Town Park & Theatre
Why go: A major local hub for concerts, performances, community events, outdoor movies, and cultural activities.
Best for: Families, date nights, live entertainment, and local events.
Note: Event schedules change. Check the venue calendar.
Buford History Museum
Why go: A place to learn more about Buford’s local story, development, and community roots.
Best for: History lovers, residents, visitors, school projects, and local context.
Bona Allen Mansion
Why go: A historic Buford landmark near Main Street with strong local identity.
Best for: Architecture, history, photos, and private event interest.
Note: Access may be limited depending on private events or ownership. Do not imply public access unless verified.
Mall of Georgia
Why go: One of the biggest retail and entertainment destinations in the Southeast, with shopping, restaurants, movies, events, and family-friendly activities.
Best for: Shopping days, rainy days, food, movies, and group outings.
Lake Lanier Nearby Access
Why go: Buford is close to Lake Lanier recreation, including boating, lake views, marinas, parks, and seasonal activities.
Best for: Outdoor days, lake weekends, boating, picnics, and visitors.
Note: Lake access, parking, fees, and safety rules can vary by park or marina.
Buford Dam Park
Why go: Scenic outdoor spot near Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River area.
Best for: Walks, views, picnics, outdoor time, and visitors.
Note: Confirm current access, hours, and parking rules.
Bogan Park Community Rec Center
Why go: Community recreation destination with aquatic and family-friendly amenities.
Best for: Kids, swim days, recreation, indoor/outdoor activity depending on programming.
Note: Confirm current schedules, fees, and registration requirements.
Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center
Why go: A nearby educational and outdoor attraction with nature, exhibits, and trails.
Best for: Families, learning days, light hiking, school-age kids, and rainy-day/outdoor hybrid plans.
Treetop Quest Gwinnett
Why go: Nearby ropes and adventure-style attraction for active families and groups.
Best for: Older kids, team outings, adventurous visitors.
Note: Age, height, ticketing, and weather restrictions may apply.
Buford Corn Maze
Why go: A popular seasonal fall attraction in the Buford area.
Best for: Fall weekends, families, photos, seasonal traditions.
Note: Seasonal only. Confirm dates, hours, and ticketing.
Urban Air / Indoor Adventure Options
Why go: Good option when weather is bad or families need active indoor entertainment.
Best for: Kids, birthdays, rainy days, high-energy outings.
Note: Confirm location, tickets, age rules, and waivers.
Escape Room / Puzzle Activities
Why go: A good option for date nights, groups, friends, and rainy days.
Best for: Adults, teens, group outings, team building.
Queen of Hearts / Antique Shopping
Why go: Adds a local shopping angle beyond big-box retail.
Best for: Browsing, gifts, home decor, vintage finds, slow weekend exploring.
Buford Activities By Type
Family-Friendly Things To Do
- Mall of Georgia
- Bogan Park
- Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center
- Seasonal Buford Corn Maze
- Indoor adventure options
- Lake/outdoor picnic ideas
Date Night Ideas
- Dinner in Historic Downtown Buford
- Show or concert at Buford Community Center
- Walk Main Street
- Mall of Georgia dinner/movie
- Lake Lanier sunset or nearby lake dining idea
- Coffee/dessert stop
Rainy Day Things To Do
- Mall of Georgia
- Theatre/performance
- Indoor adventure park
- Escape room
- Museum/history stop
- Antique browsing
Outdoor Things To Do
- Lake Lanier area
- Buford Dam Park
- Bogan Park
- Nearby trails and green spaces
- Picnic ideas
- Seasonal outdoor events
History, Arts & Local Culture
- Tannery Row
- Buford History Museum
- Bona Allen Mansion
- Historic Main Street
- Local galleries/creative spaces
- Community events
Sample Buford Itineraries
"First Time in Buford"
Morning: Main Street coffee or breakfast
Midday: Tannery Row / Historic Downtown
Afternoon: Mall of Georgia or Buford History Museum
Evening: Dinner and event/performance if available
"Family Saturday"
Morning: Bogan Park or Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center
Lunch: Casual local restaurant
Afternoon: Mall of Georgia or indoor activity
Evening: Movie, dessert, or seasonal event
"Lake & Outdoor Day"
Morning: Buford Dam Park or Lake Lanier area
Midday: Picnic or lunch nearby
Afternoon: Lake views, marina, or outdoor recreation
Evening: Dinner near Buford or lake area
"Rainy Day Backup Plan"
Mall of Georgia + indoor adventure + restaurant + movie or escape room
"Date Night"
Historic Downtown Buford + dinner + show at Buford Community Center or relaxed dessert/coffee stop
Local Tips Before You Go
- Check hours before visiting because small businesses, venues, parks, and seasonal attractions may change schedules.
- For lake or park visits, confirm parking, fees, safety rules, and weather conditions.
- For events, buy tickets or register early when needed.
- Weekends can be busy around Mall of Georgia and Lake Lanier.
- If visiting multiple stops, group activities by area to save drive time.
- For family outings, check age, height, and waiver requirements for adventure attractions.
Browse Buford Things To Do
Use our local directory to find attractions, parks, and activities. Filter by category, indoor/outdoor, and family-friendly options.
Directory Coming Soon
We're building a comprehensive, filterable directory of all local activities.
Suggest an UpdateThinking About Living Near Buford?
Buford is popular with people who want access to shopping, dining, Lake Lanier, major roads, parks, and established communities across Gwinnett and Hall County. If you are comparing areas around Buford, Hamilton Mill, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Flowery Branch, or Lake Lanier, local guidance can help you understand lifestyle fit, commute patterns, housing options, and nearby amenities.
Real estate information is general and should not be interpreted as steering. Buyers should choose areas based on their own needs, preferences, budget, commute, and independent research.
Buford Things To Do FAQ
Know a Great Buford Spot?
Help improve the Buford Guide. If you know a local attraction, hidden gem, park, restaurant, shop, event, or family-friendly activity that should be included, send it to CityGuideGA.
