If you've ever wondered what a lake weekend looks like when a five-star resort is running the show, let me introduce you to Lake Oconee. It sits about 85 miles east of Atlanta (roughly a 1.5 hour drive) and covers around 19,000 acres, and it's home to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, a lakefront resort that has been on my list to visit for a long time.
We finally made it happen over Labor Day weekend, and I picked that weekend on purpose. The resort leans hard into families and holiday programming, and I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype with two boys in tow. It did, and the beach alone was worth the trip.
Getting There: An Easy Flight and a Whale Shark Detour
Flying into Atlanta is about as easy as it gets. ATL has nonstop flights from just about everywhere, and once you have your rental car, Lake Oconee is a straight shot east on I-20 with no mountain roads or ferries to deal with.
We built in one stop on the way, and I'd recommend it to any family: the Georgia Aquarium downtown. It's one of the only aquariums outside of Asia where you can see whale sharks, and the boys were glued to the glass watching them glide by. The beluga whales were the other big hit. A couple of hours there, then an easy 1.5 hour drive, and we were pulling into the resort.
Lake Oconee and Reynolds: The Lay of the Land
Lake Oconee is a Georgia Power reservoir created when Wallace Dam was completed on the Oconee River in 1979. It stretches across Greene, Putnam and Morgan counties with about 374 miles of shoreline. The water is calmer than on a lot of big Southern lakes, with quiet coves, and the whole area feels tucked away in the pines.
The big name on the lake is Reynolds Lake Oconee. It started in the 1980s on land the Reynolds family had used as a retreat for generations, and today it's a sprawling private community with seven golf courses (an eighth is in the works), five full-service marinas, and mile after mile of gorgeous homes on the water. The Ritz-Carlton sits right in the middle of it, which is how you get a slice of all that without owning a house here. The area definitely has some money, and the golf courses we drove past all looked pristine.
It's a lake for golfers, and for families who want a resort to handle the logistics. If you like a cushioned chair and a drink cart with your lake day, you'll be happy here.
Where We Stayed: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds opened in 2002 with 251 rooms and suites on a big chunk of lakefront, and it collects the awards you'd expect (AAA Five Diamond, a Michelin Key). We booked a lake-view with a balcony overlooking the back of the resort, and the views were beautiful. We were suprised with an adorable tent set-up in the room and treats with a welcome note, which we absolutely loved.
The property is laid out like a giant backyard (there's even a lawn area called The Backyard where a lot of the family programming happens). Everything is walkable, and the grounds are shaded and quiet.
What Makes It Special
A real sand beach on the lake with clear water, cushioned chairs, umbrellas, and towel service. Complimentary kayaks and paddleboards for guests, plus jet skis, ski boats and tritoons for rent right off the beach.
- Two pools: an adults-only infinity pool (12 and up) and a family pool full of inflatables next to the kids club.
- Ritz Kids programming for ages 5 to 12 with half-day and full-day sessions.
- A 27,000-square-foot spa with a sauna, steam room and cold plunge.
- Nightly complimentary s'mores by the fire pit, weather permitting.
- A complimentary family photo session through the resort's photography concierge.
- Several restaurants and bars on property, including a hidden speakeasy.
Notes to Keep in Mind:
Fair warning: the hotel is beautiful, but you can tell it has some wear and dating over the years, and it feels due for a refresh. Newer spaces like the spa and the Italian restaurant feel current, so it's a little uneven. It never took away from our weekend, but if you're expecting brand-new everything, adjust accordingly. Reservations matter here. The speakeasy requires them, and the main restaurants recommend them, so book before you arrive on a holiday weekend.
The Beach Was the MVP
The beach was 10/10 our favorite spot of the weekend. The boys loved swimming there more than anywhere else on property (no chlorine in the eyes like the pool), and we ended up down there every single day.
Two large inflatable trampolines float just off the shore, and the kids spent hours jumping on them and launching off the sides. The water was clear, and the sand was castle worthy. We never once had a problem getting chairs. Every chair had a cushion, most had umbrellas for shade, and someone came around regularly to lay down fresh towels (seriously, they're on it!).
Food and drinks were easy. A drink cart worked the beach, and around midday they fired up kabobs and rolled out ice cream carts. You can also order from the on-property restaurants and have it delivered to your chair. For the water, guests get free use of kayaks and paddleboards, and Young Harris Water Sports runs the rentals right off the beach: jet skis (they were $200 an hour when we visited), ski boats and tritoons. This is why we lake.
Pools: One for the Grown-Ups, One for the Kids
My favorite pool was the adult infinity pool. It has a water's edge where you can hang your arms over the side and look down at all the kids playing on the beach and around the property, which is a very good way to relax while still keeping an eye on things. There's a hot tub, and you can rent cabanas for the day. From late May through Labor Day it's reserved for ages 12 and up, so it stays calm.
The boys liked the kids pool too. It's next to the kids club and stocked with a ton of inflatable swim toys, and they happily bounced between it and the beach.
Ritz Kids and the Spa: A Morning That Worked for Everyone
The boys did a morning session at Ritz Kids and came back saying it was fun, but they were basically the only kids there. I was honestly shocked more families didn't take advantage of it on a holiday weekend, because it's a great setup.
We used that window for my husband to hit the spa. He got a massage he said was very nice, and he raved about the sauna and the cold plunge. The spa is a big one (27,000 square feet) with a steam room and an indoor pool too, so if you can carve out a couple of hours, do it.
Coordinated Activities: Fishing Tournaments, Water Balloons and Build a Bear
The resort ran activities all weekend, and this is where it earns its family reputation. My kids loved every one of them: a fishing tournament, a water gun fight, tie dye shirts, and Build a Bear. The water balloon toss was the highlight, because Emmett and his partner won!
Because it was Labor Day, there was also a holiday pop-up with face painting and live music, which gave the whole property a festive feel. We booked the complimentary family photo session on property too. The session itself is free, then you view the photos and only pay for the ones you like, so it was an easy yes. Sunset Cruise: Big Houses and the Reynolds Story
We booked the one-hour sunset cruise on a pontoon, and it was a great way to get out on the water and see the lake from a different angle. The captain shared the Reynolds family history and the rules that come with living here. He told us every lakefront property is required to have three structures, and that you have to be a member to even use the marinas. All the houses were exquisite. It's fun to gawk, and the boys loved being on the boat as the sun went down.
Evenings: S'mores, Tree Swings and a Speakeasy
Evenings at this resort are kind of magical. We did s'mores by the fire pit every night, and the boys were obsessed with the huge swings hanging from the really tall trees all over the grounds. What struck me most was how quiet it was. The property is so well maintained, but it wasn't loud with mowers and blowers all the time like a lot of places, so mostly what you hear is the lake.
Once the kids were settled, my husband and I took turns at Oconee Cove, the on-property speakeasy tucked behind the lobby. It requires reservations, and the moody, cool bar vibe is worth the effort. The drinks were amazing, and honestly the bartenders all over the resort knew what they were doing. We tried some fun local drinks I had never heard of.
Where to Eat
- Amore del Lago, the Italian restaurant, was our favorite, and the boys wanted pasta twice, so we went twice. Homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a lake view out the windows.
- The lakeside bar, a very relaxed spot where we loved sitting with cool breezes coming off the water. Great drinks and a great view.
- The Lobby Lounge, my pick for afternoon drinks and snacks. They serve Asian-inspired appetizers, and yes, that means edamame and sushi at a lake resort in Georgia. I thought it was different, and it worked.
- The beach carts. Don't overlook the midday kabobs and ice cream carts if you'd rather not leave your chair for lunch.
- Linger Longer Steakhouse and Gaby's by the Lake (the casual walk-in spot near the infinity pool) are on my list for next time.
Fireworks Finale
On our last night, a small storm rolled through, but the show went on. We snagged seats on the beach right along the water, and the resort put on an incredible fireworks display directly over the lake. Being right underneath it was the most amazing experience for us and the boys, and the perfect send-off for the weekend.
Tips for Planning Your Family Trip to Lake Oconee
- Book a holiday weekend early. Labor Day and Fourth of July are the big ones at this resort, and rooms and activities fill up fast.
- Reserve the speakeasy and the sunset cruise before you arrive. Both are limited, and both are worth it.
- Get a 2-bedroom if you can. Two boys, two rooms, everyone sleeps.
- Plan your pool time. The infinity pool is 12 and up in summer, so younger kids will be at the family pool or the beach.
- Use Ritz Kids. Even a half-day session buys you a spa appointment or a quiet pool hour.
- Pack for the beach, not just the pool. Sand toys and water shoes will get used.
- Stop at the Georgia Aquarium on your way from ATL. It breaks up the drive and the whale sharks are a showstopper.
Make Lake Oconee Your Next Lake Escape
Lake Oconee is a beautiful, quiet lake with a resort that has thought of everything for families. Our crew left happy and tired, and we're already talking about going back. If you want a lake weekend where the hardest decision is beach or pool, this is a must-stay.
If you're planning a lake trip and want help organizing where to stay, what to book, and how to maximize your time, I'd love to help! As a lake travel expert, I specialize in matching families with the perfect getaway that blends comfort, adventure, and ease. Reach out for help with planning!
