Mall of Georgia: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Biggest Shopping Destination

If you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting and craving a full-day shopping trip, Mall of Georgia in Buford is one of the most popular places to go. It’s not technically inside the City of Atlanta, but it’s close enough that many Atlanta residents treat it as their “big mall” for fashion, electronics, and family outings.

This guide focuses on what Atlanta-area shoppers need to know: how to get there, what to expect, where to eat, and how to plan your visit so it’s actually enjoyable instead of exhausting.

Where the Mall of Georgia Fits in the Atlanta Shopping Scene

Atlanta has plenty of shopping hubs—Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Perimeter Mall, Atlantic Station, and neighborhood districts like West Midtown and Virginia‑Highland. So why do people still make the drive up to Buford?

Common reasons Atlanta locals choose Mall of Georgia:

• Size and variety – It’s one of the largest malls in the Southeast, with a wide spread of national retailers, department stores, and big-box options.
• Family‑friendly layout – Play areas, a multiplex theater, and plenty of kid‑oriented stores make it easy to turn into a family outing.
• Combination of indoor and outdoor areas – The indoor mall plus an outdoor “village”–style section with restaurants and entertainment gives it more of a town-center feel.
• Convenient for northeast suburbs – If you live in Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, Suwanee, or Lawrenceville, Mall of Georgia is often closer and easier to reach than Buckhead.

If you’re based in downtown or midtown Atlanta and prefer heavy luxury brands, you may lean toward Phipps Plaza. If you want maximum store selection in one place and don’t mind the drive, Mall of Georgia is often worth the trip.

Location, Directions, and Practical Details

Mall of Georgia
3333 Buford Dr
Buford, GA 30519
(About 35–45 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, depending on your route)

Because traffic in the Atlanta area can be unpredictable, it helps to plan your route and timing.

Getting There from Key Atlanta Areas

From Downtown Atlanta (I‑85 North)

• Take I‑85 North toward Greenville.
• Continue to I‑985 North.
• Take Exit 4 (Buford Drive/GA‑20).
• Turn right onto Buford Drive (GA‑20) and follow signs to the mall.

From Midtown/Old Fourth Ward

• Usually fastest: I‑85 North via the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), then follow the same path to I‑985 and Exit 4.
• Alternative: Peachtree Industrial Blvd then GA‑20, but this can be slower at rush hour.

From Buckhead/Brookhaven

• Option 1: Head to I‑85 North and follow the same I‑985/Exit 4 route.
• Option 2: Take Peachtree Industrial Boulevard north through Chamblee and Norcross, then cut over to GA‑20/Buford Drive. This can be more predictable than the interstate at peak times.

From Decatur/East Atlanta

• Take I‑285 to I‑85 North, then follow the standard I‑985/Exit 4 route.

Traffic and Timing Tips

• Weekday rush hour:
  • Northbound: 7–9 a.m. and 3:30–7 p.m. can be slow between downtown and Gwinnett County.
  • If possible, leave Atlanta before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m. for a smoother drive.
• Weekends:
  • Saturdays midday are typically the busiest both on the road and in the mall.
  • Sunday mornings tend to be calmer; Sunday afternoons get crowded, especially around holidays.
• Holidays and back-to-school:
  • Expect heavy traffic on GA‑20/Buford Drive near the mall and surrounding big-box stores.

Parking, Entrances, and Accessibility

Parking is free and abundant, but choosing the right area saves time.

Best Parking Areas by Goal

🅿️ Tip: If you’re visiting for the first time from Atlanta, note which entrance you use and what anchor store it’s near. This makes it easier to find your car after several hours of shopping.

Accessibility

The mall generally includes:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms
• Elevators and escalators between levels
• Reserved accessible parking spaces near main doors

If you need specific assistance (such as wheelchair availability, lost-and-found, or guidance), you can call the main mall line in advance and ask for Guest Services or visit the information desk once you arrive.

What You’ll Find Inside: Stores and Experiences

The exact tenant mix can change, but you can usually expect a combination of:

Department Stores and Big Anchors

These stores often attract Atlanta shoppers who want to try on items in person instead of ordering online. Expect several large department stores, plus popular big-box and fashion anchors.

Common uses for locals:

• Trying on suits, dresses, and formalwear before events in Atlanta (weddings, galas, corporate events)
• Back‑to‑school shopping for students in Atlanta Public Schools or nearby districts
• Holiday gift shopping when you prefer one big trip instead of multiple smaller ones

National Fashion and Specialty Retailers

You’ll see a wide range of mid‑range fashion chains, from casual to business attire, as well as shoe, athletic, and streetwear brands. This is one reason many Atlantans drive to Buford: it’s easier to compare multiple brands in one location rather than hopping between different shopping districts.

You can generally expect:

• Women’s and men’s fashion retailers
• Children’s clothing and school-uniform options
• Athleisure and sportswear brands
• Jewelry and accessories stores

Electronics, Entertainment, and Home Goods

Many visitors from Atlanta combine the mall with surrounding big-box stores in the same commercial corridor. You’ll often find:

• Electronics and tech retailers
• Home decor and furniture options nearby
• Games and pop culture shops for collectibles, board games, and gifts

If you’re furnishing an Atlanta apartment, condo, or house, you can use Mall of Georgia as a base and then drive a short distance to neighboring retailers along Buford Drive.

Dining Options: What to Expect

You’ll find both quick-service options inside the food court and sit‑down restaurants in and around the mall.

Inside/Attached to the Mall

• Food court with typical mall staples (fast-casual Asian, sandwiches, burgers, snacks, etc.)
• Dessert and snack shops: ice cream, pretzels, coffee, and specialty treats

These are convenient for:

• Short shopping breaks
• Families with different tastes (everyone can choose from a different counter)
• Quick bites before or after a movie

Outdoor Village & Surrounding Area

The outdoor section and nearby blocks have:

• Casual sit‑down restaurants suitable for families or groups
• Bar-and-grill style restaurants that many Atlantans use as a meet-up spot
• Additional fast‑casual chains along GA‑20/Buford Drive

If you’re driving up from Atlanta, this area works well if you want a full dinner-and-a-movie night or a social outing after shopping.

Entertainment and Family-Friendly Features

Mall of Georgia is more than just stores, which is one reason families from across metro Atlanta make the trip.

Movie Theater

There is a multiplex cinema located at or near the mall, frequently used by:

• Families from Gwinnett, Hall, and north DeKalb counties
• Atlanta residents who pair shopping, dinner, and a movie in one place
• Visitors looking for something to do on rainy or very hot days

Showtimes, reserved seating, and ticketing are typically available online through the theater chain’s channels, but you can also buy at the box office.

Kid-Friendly Spaces

You can usually expect:

• Indoor areas where children can move around a bit (often near the food court or central court)
• Occasional seasonal attractions or events (for example, holiday setups)

Parents from Atlanta often plan:

• Short shopping bursts broken up by a food break and a kid-oriented stop
• Visits earlier in the day to avoid late-night crowds and reduce overstimulation for younger kids

When to Go: Best Times for Atlanta Visitors

Choosing the right day and time can make or break your trip, especially if you’re coming from inside the perimeter (ITP).

If You Want Lighter Crowds

• Weekday mornings or early afternoons (Monday–Thursday) are often the calmest.
• Sunday morning can be quieter before the lunch rush.
• Avoid major sale days if you don’t like crowds (Black Friday weekend, just before Christmas, tax-free weekends if applicable).

If You Want Full Atmosphere

If you enjoy a buzzing, busy mall energy:

• Saturday afternoons are typically the most active.
• Early evening on Fridays or Saturdays often combines shopping, movies, and dinner crowds, especially in cooler months when people want indoor activities.

How Mall of Georgia Compares to Other Atlanta Malls

If you’re deciding whether to go to Mall of Georgia or stay closer to central Atlanta, this quick comparison can help:

• Versus Lenox Square (Buckhead):

  • Lenox has a more urban, Buckhead vibe and is easier to reach by MARTA from downtown/midtown.
  • Mall of Georgia has more total square footage and parking, plus nearby big-box retail, but requires a car and longer drive.

• Versus Phipps Plaza (Buckhead):

  • Phipps is more focused on luxury and high-end shopping.
  • Mall of Georgia is broader and more family-oriented, with more mid‑range and everyday retail.

• Versus Perimeter Mall (Dunwoody):

  • Perimeter is more centrally located for much of metro Atlanta and near Perimeter Center office parks.
  • Mall of Georgia tends to serve northeast metro and offers more of a regional-destination feel.

If you live ITP and want upscale only, staying in Buckhead might be more convenient. If you’re in Gwinnett or don’t mind driving for maximum selection and easier parking, Mall of Georgia often wins.

Tips for a Smooth Trip from Atlanta

To make the most of your day:

• 🕒 Plan around traffic:
  Aim to leave Atlanta late morning on weekdays or mid-morning on weekends to dodge the worst congestion.
• 📍 Pick a “home base” inside:
  Choose a meeting point (like a main fountain, food court, or specific store) in case your group splits up.
• 📱 Take a quick photo of your parking area:
  Snap the row or section sign; the lots are large and can be confusing at night.
• 🧃 Stay hydrated and pace yourself:
  The mall is big; plan occasional rest stops, especially if you have kids or older adults with you.
• 🎟️ Combine errands:
  If you’re already driving from Atlanta, consider combining clothing, tech, home goods, and grocery or big-box runs in one trip using the surrounding commercial area.

Nearby Services and Essentials

If you’re planning a longer outing or visiting from out of town:

• Hotels:
  There are multiple hotels within a short drive of the mall, mostly in the Buford area along I‑85 and I‑985. These are convenient for visitors attending events in metro Atlanta but wanting to stay in the northeast suburbs.
• Fuel and convenience stores:
  Several gas stations and convenience stores are located along Buford Drive (GA‑20) near the mall.
• Medical/urgent care:
  There are urgent care centers and medical offices in the broader Buford/Lawrenceville area if an issue arises during your visit. For serious emergencies, call 911.

Is Mall of Georgia Worth the Drive from Atlanta?

For many Atlanta residents, the answer depends on your priorities:

• Yes, if:

  • You want a large selection of national retailers in one trip.
  • You’re planning a family day with shopping, a movie, and meals.
  • You live in or frequently travel through northeast metro Atlanta.

• Maybe not, if:

  • You rely on public transit only (MARTA doesn’t directly serve the mall).
  • You prefer a compact, urban environment or strictly luxury brands.
  • You dislike long drives on I‑85.

For most Atlanta-area shoppers with access to a car, Mall of Georgia is a practical, well-known option for big trips—especially for back‑to‑school, holiday shopping, or multi‑errand days where you want almost everything in one place.