The Ultimate Gwinnett County (GA) Travel Guide
1. Introduction to Gwinnett County
Gwinnett County lies northeast of Atlanta, encompassing cities like Buford, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Duluth, and Braselton. It’s known for its cultural diversity, excellent schools, and suburban charm—while still offering quick access to Atlanta’s urban amenities.
- Avoiding Traffic: Peak congestion is typically 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall bring mild weather and plenty of festivals. Georgia summers can be hot and humid, so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
2. Spotlight on Buford
Buford stands out for its Mall of Georgia, family-friendly entertainment, and proximity to Lake Lanier.
Must-See Attractions
- Mall of Georgia
- Website: mallofgeorgia.com
- Google Maps Search:
Mall of Georgia
- Topgolf Buford
- Website: topgolf.com/us/buford/
- Google Maps Search:
Topgolf Buford
- Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
- Website: andrettikarting.com/buford
- Google Maps Search:
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Buford
Where to Eat
- Taco Guy (Buford)
(No official site; check social media or ask locals.) - Naan N Curry
- Website: naanncurry.com
- (Closest location in Suwanee)
- Google Maps Search:
Naan N Curry Suwanee
- LongHorn Steakhouse
- Website: longhornsteakhouse.com
- Google Maps Search:
LongHorn Steakhouse Buford
- Ted’s Montana Grill
- Website: tedsmontanagrill.com
- Google Maps Search:
Ted’s Montana Grill Buford
Health & Wellness
- Sprouts Farmers Market (Buford)
- Website: sprouts.com
- Google Maps Search:
Sprouts Farmers Market Buford
- Crunch Fitness (Buford)
- Website: crunch.com/locations/buford
- Google Maps Search:
Crunch Fitness Buford
Mobile Car Detailing
- Sumptuous Mobile Detailing
- Website: sumptuousdetailing.com
- Buford-Specific Page: sumptuousdetailing.com/car-detailing-buford-ga
- Google My Business: Sumptuous Mobile Detailing on GMB
- Google Maps Search:
Sumptuous Mobile Detailing
3. Exploring Suwanee
Suwanee shines with its Town Center, fantastic parks, and active community events.
Things to Do
- Suwanee Town Center
- Website: suwanee.com/discover-suwanee/town-center
- Google Maps Search:
Suwanee Town Center Park
- WON 11 (Pool Hall & Bar)
- (No official site.)
- Google Maps Search:
WON 11 Billiards Suwanee
- Cafe Bean
- (No official website.)
- Google Maps Search:
Cafe Bean Suwanee
Dining Highlights
- Asian Cuisine – Numerous Korean, Thai, and Chinese eateries along Peachtree Industrial and Satellite Blvd.
- Cafe Blue (Suwanee/Buford)
- (No official site.)
- Google Maps Search:
Cafe Blue Buford
Fitness & Health
- LA Fitness (Suwanee)
- Website: lafitness.com
- Google Maps Search:
LA Fitness Suwanee
4. Lawrenceville: Heart of Gwinnett
Lawrenceville, the county seat, boasts a historic downtown and a thriving arts scene.
Local Favorites
- Downtown Lawrenceville
- Website: lawrencevillega.org
- Google Maps Search:
Downtown Lawrenceville GA
- Rhodes Jordan Park
- Gwinnett County Page:
link - Google Maps Search:
Rhodes Jordan Park
- Gwinnett County Page:
Dining & Nightlife
- Ovations Caribbean Bar & Grill
- Website: ovationscaribbean.com
- Google Maps Search:
Ovations Caribbean Lawrenceville
Healthcare
- Piedmont Eastside Medical Center (Snellville)
- Website: piedmont.org
- Google Maps Search:
Piedmont Eastside Medical Snellville
- Northside Hospital (Braselton)
- Website: northside.com/locations/braselton
- Google Maps Search:
Northside Hospital Braselton
5. Duluth: A Cultural Melting Pot
Downtown Duluth is home to frequent festivals, and the area is famous for its diverse Asian cuisine.
Things to Do
- Epic PC Gaming Café
- Website: epicgamingcafe.com
- Google Maps Search:
Epic PC Gaming Cafe Duluth
- Duluth Town Green
- Website: duluthga.net
- Google Maps Search:
Duluth Town Green
- Hansel & Gretel Bakery Cafe
- Facebook: link
- Google Maps Search:
Hansel & Gretel Bakery Cafe Duluth
Food & Drinks
- Asian Eateries – From Korean BBQ to hot pot, check:
Asian Restaurants in Duluth GA - Whole Foods Duluth
- Website: wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/duluth
- Google Maps Search:
Whole Foods Market Duluth
Golfing in Duluth
- TPC Sugarloaf
- Website: tpc.com/sugarloaf
- Google Maps Search:
TPC Sugarloaf Duluth
6. Braselton & Surrounding Areas
Just north of Gwinnett, Braselton features rolling hills, vineyards, and plush resorts.
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
- Website: chateauelan.com
- Google Maps Search:
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
7. Festival & Seasonal Highlights
- Duluth Fall Festival
- Website: duluthfallfestival.org
- Lake Lanier Islands
- Website: lanierislands.com
- Google Maps Search:
Lake Lanier Islands
- Gwinnett County Fair (Lawrenceville)
- Website: gwinnettcountyfair.com
- Google Maps Search:
Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
- Holiday Events
- Macy’s Great Tree Lighting – visitmacysusa.com/events
- Atlanta’s Peach Drop (NYE) – atlanta.net/events
- Underground Atlanta – undergroundatl.com
- 4th of July celebrations in Suwanee, Duluth, Lawrenceville, etc.
8. Atlanta Adventures & Nightlife
A short drive from Gwinnett, Atlanta offers upscale shopping and vibrant nightlife.
Popular Areas
- Buckhead
- Google Maps Search:
Buckhead Atlanta GA - Luxury malls:
- Google Maps Search:
- Sandy Springs
- Underground Atlanta
Bars & Clubs
- Gwinnett has smaller pubs and sports bars. For large clubs, head to Midtown or Downtown Atlanta. Rideshare if you’re planning a night out.
9. Safety Tips & Areas to Avoid
- Traffic: Expect congestion on I-85 and I-285—try to avoid peak hours.
- City Safety: Keep valuables hidden in your car and stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
- Summer Heat: Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
10. Shopping on a Budget
- Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger
- e.g., Walmart Supercenter Buford
- Great for cost-conscious grocery runs and essentials.
- Local Farmers Markets
- Many Gwinnett cities (Suwanee, Duluth) hold weekend farmers markets with fresh produce.
11. Recreation & Outdoors
- Lake Lanier
- lanierislands.com
- Google Maps Search:
Lake Lanier GA
- Local Parks
- Golf Courses
12. Dining Recap: Gwinnett’s Global Flavors
- Naan N Curry – naanncurry.com
- Ovations (Jamaican) – ovationscaribbean.com
- Taco Guy – local pop-up/truck
- Asian Eateries (Suwanee/Duluth) – e.g. Asian Restaurants in Duluth GA
- LongHorn Steakhouse – longhornsteakhouse.com
- Ted’s Montana Grill – tedsmontanagrill.com
- Panera Bread – panerabread.com
- Cafe Blue – (No official site; check Cafe Blue Buford)
- Cafe Bean – (No official site)
- Hansel & Gretel Bakery Cafe – Facebook link
13. Gym & Fitness Scene
- Crunch Fitness (Buford)
- LA Fitness – Duluth, Suwanee, Lawrenceville
14. Healthcare & Emergencies
- Piedmont Eastside Medical Center (Snellville)
- Northside Hospital (Braselton)
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
15. High-End Luxuries
- Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
- TPC Sugarloaf (Duluth)
16. Upscale Dining, Nightlife, & Entertainment Near Atlanta
A. High-End Dining & Lounges
- Umi (Buckhead)
- Chops Lobster Bar (Buckhead)
- Aria (Buckhead)
- Atlas (St. Regis Hotel, Buckhead)
B. Exclusive Bars & Nightclubs
- Tongue & Groove (Buckhead)
- Compound (Midtown)
C. Upscale Experiences & Entertainment
- Lenox Square: Lenox Square
- Phipps Plaza: Phipps Plaza
- Swan House & Atlanta History Center
- High Museum of Art (Midtown)
- Fox Theatre (Midtown)
D. Getting Around in Style
- Premium rideshares (Uber Black, Lyft Lux)
- Chauffeur/Limo services
- Helicopter tours, such as atlantahelicopters.com
E. Tips & Etiquette
- Dress codes often apply.
- Reserve tables or VIP sections in advance.
- Valet parking is common in high-end areas.
17. Final Words & Travel Reminders
Gwinnett County boasts both family-friendly spots and luxurious escapes, all within driving distance of Atlanta’s premier shopping, dining, and nightlife. Here’s a quick recap:
- Traffic: Plan extra time around major highways (I-85, I-285).
- Stay Hydrated: Georgia summers can be sweltering.
- Enjoy Local Festivals: From Duluth’s Fall Festival to 4th of July events in Suwanee.
- Support Local: Check out local shops and Sumptuous Mobile Detailing for a pristine ride.
- Stay Safe: Use a rideshare or designated driver if exploring nightlife.
We hope this guide helps you experience the best of Gwinnett County—from the Mall of Georgia to Lake Lanier and beyond. Enjoy your stay!
18. Additional Spots & Experiences in Gwinnett & Beyond
A. Local Craft Breweries & Distilleries
- Slow Pour Brewing (Lawrenceville)
- Website: slowpourbrewing.com
- Google Maps:
Slow Pour Brewing Lawrenceville
- Monkey Wrench Brewing (Suwanee)
- Website: monkeywrenchbrewing.com
- Google Maps:
Monkey Wrench Brewing Suwanee
B. Concerts & Sports Venues
- Gas South District (Duluth)
- (Formerly Infinite Energy Center)
- Website: gassouthdistrict.com
- Google Maps:
Gas South District Duluth
- Coolray Field (Lawrenceville)
- Website: milb.com/gwinnett/ballpark
- Google Maps:
Coolray Field Lawrenceville
C. Museums & Performing Arts
- Southeastern Railway Museum (Duluth)
- Website: train-museum.org
- Google Maps:
Southeastern Railway Museum Duluth
- Aurora Theatre (Lawrenceville)
- Website: auroratheatre.com
- Google Maps:
Aurora Theatre Lawrenceville
D. Local Farmers Markets & Food Truck Nights
- Suwanee Farmers Market
- Website: suwanee.com/city-services/farmers-market
- Google Maps:
Suwanee Farmers Market
- Duluth Farmers & Community Market
- Website: duluthga.net/community/farmers_market.php
- Google Maps:
Duluth Farmers Market
- Lawrenceville Food Truck Friday (seasonal)
- Website: downtownlawrencevillega.com/foodtruckfridays
- Google Maps:
Lawrenceville Lawn
E. Scenic Nature Trails & Outdoor Activities
- Suwanee Creek Greenway
- City Info: suwanee.com/discover-suwanee/parks-trails
- Google Maps:
Suwanee Creek Greenway Trailheads
- Ivy Creek Greenway (Near Mall of Georgia)
- County Info: gwinnettcounty.com/…/IvyCreekGreenway
- Google Maps:
Ivy Creek Greenway
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding
- Popular on the Chattahoochee River near Suwanee or at Lake Lanier.
- Look for rentals at River Tubing Duluth or Lake Lanier marinas.
- Blood Mountain & Yonah Mountain (for hiking/climbing)
- Blood Mountain
- Google Maps: Blood Mountain GA
- Part of the Appalachian Trail with scenic vistas.
- Yonah Mountain
- Google Maps: Yonah Mountain GA
- Known for challenging hikes and gorgeous summit views.
- Blood Mountain
F. Historic Sites
- Gwinnett Historic Courthouse (Lawrenceville)
- Website: gwinnettcounty.com/…/HistoricCourthouse
- Google Maps:
Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Lawrenceville
- Fort Daniel Historic Site (Buford)
- Website: fortdaniel.org
- Google Maps:
Fort Daniel Buford
G. Spotlight on Performing Arts & Additional Festivals
- Duluth Town Green Concerts – see duluthga.net for schedules
- Suwanee Town Center Events – check suwanee.com/events
- Braselton Festivals – occasionally held near Chateau Elan or in downtown Braselton
H. Atlanta’s Pro Sports Stadiums
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons, United)
- Website: mercedesbenzstadium.com
- Google Maps:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta
- State Farm Arena (Hawks)
- Website: statefarmarena.com
- Google Maps:
State Farm Arena Atlanta
- Truist Park (Braves)
- Website: mlb.com/braves/ballpark
- Google Maps:
Truist Park Atlanta
I. Expanded Gym & Fitness Options (Multiple Locations)
Crunch Fitness
- Buford (already listed)
- Lawrenceville (if available) – Crunch Fitness Lawrenceville
- Duluth (if available) – Crunch Fitness Duluth
LA Fitness
- Suwanee (listed)
- Lawrenceville – LA Fitness Lawrenceville
- Duluth – LA Fitness Duluth
J. Expanded Store Locations
- Walmart
- Buford: Walmart Supercenter Buford
- Duluth: Walmart Supercenter Duluth
- Lawrenceville: Walmart Lawrenceville
- Sam’s Club
- Buford: Sam’s Club Buford
- Duluth: Sam’s Club Duluth
- Kroger
- Buford: Kroger Buford
- Suwanee: Kroger Suwanee
- Lawrenceville: Kroger Lawrenceville
- Panera Bread
- Buford: Panera Bread Buford
- Duluth: Panera Bread Duluth
- Lawrenceville: Panera Bread Lawrenceville
K. Extra Buford Connections
- Ligeros Cigar Shop (Buford)
- Description: A lounge for cigar enthusiasts offering high-quality cigars and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Google Maps:
Ligeros Cigar Shop Buford
- Gwinnett Business Network (Buford)
- Description: Connect with local business owners for free as a guest; a great place to network, share referrals, and learn.
- (No single official site; search “Gwinnett Business Network Buford” or check Facebook Groups for details.)
Enjoy an Even Bigger Slice of Gwinnett!
With these extra ideas—breweries, sports venues, performing arts, expanded store/gym locations, cigar lounges and business networks, plus mountain hikes—you can see how Gwinnett County spans the spectrum: from local community vibes to big-stage concerts and pro sports. Whether you’re chasing the perfect craft beer, savoring a fine cigar, building your business contacts, or climbing Blood Mountain, there’s always a new corner of Gwinnett (and beyond) to explore.
Tip: Check each city’s official events calendar or social media for the latest updates, new store openings, festival dates, and any seasonal pop-ups (like food truck nights or holiday markets).