Trip to Tee

Lake Lanier Golf Weekend: Alpharetta to Buford Public Golf

Four public courses between Alpharetta and Lake Lanier, about 24 miles in total, from Echelon's Rees Jones test to the Legacy at Lanier Islands.

Northeast metro Atlanta packs a serious mix of public golf into a short drive. Echelon and RiverPines sit minutes apart in Alpharetta and Johns Creek, Bear's Best in Suwanee collects Jack Nicklaus's favorite holes, and the Legacy at Lanier Islands finishes the weekend on the lake.

This weekend stays on the northeast side of metro Atlanta, where four public courses sit within about 22 miles of one another. The drives are short, so the trip is mostly golf, with Avalon and downtown Suwanee for dinner and Lake Lanier for the finish.

Echelon in Alpharetta is the toughest test (par 72, 7,558 yards from the tips, slope 149). RiverPines in Johns Creek is a friendlier, walkable round, Bear's Best in Suwanee is a Jack Nicklaus design with a slope of 143, and the Legacy at Lanier Islands closes the trip at the lake. If you also want the Cherokee County courses, pair this with our North Georgia buddy weekend.

Region
Southeast
Courses
4
Total driving
39 miles
Duration
3 days
Estimated green fees
~$417
Difficulty
Championship

Courses in this guide

  1. Echelon Golf Club — Alpharetta, Georgia
  2. RiverPines Golf — Johns Creek, Georgia
  3. Bear's Best Atlanta — Suwanee, Georgia
  4. Legacy Golf Course at Lanier Islands Resort — Buford, Georgia

Suggested itineraries

  1. Day 1: Echelon and RiverPines

    Play Echelon in the morning, then drive about 18 miles to RiverPines in Johns Creek for an easier afternoon round. Dinner at Avalon in Alpharetta, where Superica, Antico and Oak Steakhouse are all within a short walk.

  2. Day 2: Bear's Best in Suwanee

    Drive about 11 miles northeast to Suwanee for a morning round at Bear's Best, then spend the afternoon downtown. Ippolito's and Stillfire Brewing are good dinner options near Town Center.

  3. Day 3: Legacy at Lanier Islands, then home

    Drive about 10 miles to the Legacy at Lanier Islands for a morning round, then have lunch at the resort before heading home. Groups who want a lighter last day can swap the Legacy for a second round at RiverPines.

Where to stay

  • The Hotel at Avalon: Alpharetta base steps from Avalon dining, close to Echelon and RiverPines.
  • Courtyard Suwanee by Marriott: Convenient for Bear's Best and downtown Suwanee.
  • Legacy Lodge at Lanier Islands: Stay at the resort and walk to the first tee on Day 3.
  • Margaritaville at Lanier Islands: Lakefront resort next to the Legacy course.

Where to eat

  • Superica: Tex-Mex at Avalon, easy dinner after Day 1.
  • Oak Steakhouse: Steakhouse dinner at Avalon.
  • Antico: Pizza and Italian at Avalon.
  • Ippolito's: Italian near Suwanee Town Center.
  • Stillfire Brewing: Suwanee taproom, an easy post-round stop.

Getting around

A rental car or your own is essential. Echelon and RiverPines are about 18 miles apart, RiverPines to Bear's Best is about 11 miles, and Bear's Best to the Legacy at Lanier Islands is about 10 miles, so total driving is around 39 miles. Avoid GA-400 and I-85 at weekday rush hour.

Best time to visit

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the best conditions. Summers are hot and humid, and winter can be good on warm days. Weekdays are noticeably quieter and cheaper.

Budget tips

  • RiverPines is the best value of the four at about $65 on weekdays.
  • Book weekday rounds; weekend rates are higher at every course on this trail.
  • The Legacy at Lanier Islands is the priciest round at about $148 on weekdays; if you want to trim costs, swap it for a second round at RiverPines.
  • Chain hotels in Suwanee and Alpharetta cost far less than resort lodging at the lake.

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