A statue of a Declaration of Independence signer stands on top of a shopping mall. Yes, you’ve read that right.
The building under him is the biggest mall in Georgia. It holds more than 200 stores across two main levels, plus partial third floors in some anchors.
The whole property sits on a 500-acre site.
I like how this place refuses to act like a regular mall. There’s an outdoor town square with a 500-seat amphitheater.
There’s a food court modeled after a historic Atlanta train depot. There’s even a rare IMAX screen that film fans talk about.
I can’t imagine seeing all of it in one quick trip. Comfortable shoes feel less like a suggestion and more like a survival plan.
Try and see how far you can make it without a snack.
You Will Need A Game Plan Before Tackling All 200-Plus Stores
Size is the headline at the Mall of Georgia, and it earns that spot. It’s the largest shopping mall in the state, with about 1.8 million square feet of leasable space.
That space holds more than 200 stores, with some counts reaching around 225. Two main levels stretch out in front of you, and some anchor stores add partial third floors.
So yes, a full lap takes real time. Browse every window, try on a few things, and stop for lunch, and your afternoon can quietly turn into evening.
A little planning goes a long way here. Pick your must-visit stores first, then note which anchor they sit near.
That keeps you from crisscrossing the building three times for one pair of shoes.
Parking matters too, since the lot is free and spread around the property. Park near the store you’ll visit last, and your heavy bags won’t travel the whole mall with you.
Hours generally run from mid-morning into the evening, with shorter Sunday hours. Restaurants, the cinema, and some stores can keep their own schedules.
Check ahead before you build a whole day around one shop.
Big-Name Department Stores Anchor Every Corner Of The Map
Eight major anchors hold this place together like giant bookends. Von Maur, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Belk, and JCPenney cover the department store side.
Then the lineup gets more specific. Havertys Furniture brings home goods, Barnes & Noble handles readers, and Dick’s Sporting Goods covers everything from cleats to camping gear.
That mix means one trip can cover a birthday gift, a new couch idea, and soccer socks. Not many errands get wrapped up that neatly.
The anchor list has changed over the years. Rich’s became Macy’s in 2005, and Belk replaced Lord & Taylor that same year.
Von Maur took over the former Nordstrom space in 2015. Dillard’s and JCPenney, though, have been around since the mall opened.
Here’s a smart way to use the anchors. Treat them like landmarks on a map, because each one sits at a different point of the building.
Tell your group to meet outside Barnes & Noble or by Von Maur. That works far better than saying you’ll meet by the place with the shoes.
In a mall this big, almost everywhere has shoes.
The Food Court Was Designed After A Famous Train Depot
Lunch comes with a history lesson in the Dining Pavilion. Its design takes inspiration from Atlanta’s historic Union Station train depot.
That gives the space a grander feel than the usual tray-and-napkin zone. A 2018 renovation updated the seating, furniture styles, and color schemes too.
You’ll find communal tables and bar-height seating alongside quick-service counters. That’s handy when your group can’t agree on anything, which is basically every group.
The choices cover a lot of cravings. Chick-fil-A, Sbarro, Charley’s Philly Cheesesteaks, Popeyes, and Samba Steakhouse all appear on the roster.
Oh K-Dog brings Korean-style corn dogs, and Ding Tea handles the bubble tea crowd. Starbucks is around for anyone needing a caffeine refuel halfway through the day.
My tip is simple. Use the food court as your midpoint break, not just your lunch stop.
Sit down, rest your feet, and plan the second half of your route. A full lap of this mall deserves a pit stop, and few pit stops look this good.
Step Outside And The Mall Turns Into A Town Square
Not every mall has a front porch, but this one comes close. The outdoor Village area was designed to resemble an old-fashioned Georgia town square.
It mixes lifestyle shops with restaurants, so the walk feels more like strolling downtown than wandering a parking lot. Fresh air is a nice change after hours under a roof.
The star of the Village is a 500-seat amphitheater. It hosts events and concerts, which turns a shopping trip into something closer to a night out.
Families get a perk here too. A play area called The Park gives kids room to burn off energy outdoors.
That’s a win for everyone. The kids get to run, and the grown-ups get a few minutes on a bench.
Timing helps you enjoy it most. Georgia summers get hot, so mornings or evenings feel better for outdoor lingering.
Check the mall’s event calendar before you go. Catching a show at the amphitheater could be the bonus that makes your visit memorable.
Movie Night Here Comes With A Screen Few Theaters Can Match
Film nerds, this one’s for you. The Regal theater at the Mall of Georgia has 20 screens, including an IMAX auditorium.
That IMAX screen stands out in a big way. It’s the only one in Georgia showing films in IMAX 70mm, a format many directors love for big, detailed visuals.
When a major release lands in that format, this theater becomes a real destination. Some movies are worth the extra drive, and this screen makes that case easily.
The cinema sits up on the third level. That makes it easy to pair a movie with dinner or a shopping stop.
Twenty screens also mean plenty of options. You can catch a blockbuster while someone else in your group picks an animated movie down the hall.
Here’s a smart move. Book tickets early for IMAX showings of big releases, because those seats tend to go first.
Then plan your day backward from showtime. Shop first, eat second, and settle into those seats before the previews start.
Kids Get Their Own Zones, And Parents Get A Breather
Spring-loaded mushrooms and a glowing crawl path sound like a video game level. They’re actually part of the indoor Children’s Play Area.
You’ll find it on the Lower Level in Von Maur Court. The space splits into three zones for toddlers, kids ages 2 to 5, and kids ages 5 to 10.
That setup matters more than you’d think. Little ones get room to explore without dodging older kids racing past at full speed.
The play area mixes interactive technology with educational touches. It’s a multi-sensory space, so kids can touch, climb, and discover as they go.
A carousel adds an old-school favorite to the mix. There’s also an Aventura Trackless Train that rolls through the mall.
Practical stuff counts too. Baby changing stations and family restrooms make long visits with little ones much easier to handle.
Plan play breaks between store stops. A happy kid who just conquered the mushroom zone will tolerate one more shop much better.
Sit-Down Dinners Make The Long Walk Totally Worth It
After miles of walking, a real chair and a real menu feel like a reward. Thankfully, the full-service lineup here delivers.
The Cheesecake Factory brings its famously long menu. P.F.
Chang’s covers Asian-inspired dishes, while Seasons 52 offers a seasonal approach to dining.
Need something more casual? Red Robin handles burgers, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina serves Tex-Mex, and Marlow’s Tavern rounds out the group.
The area around the mall adds even more choices. Fogo de Chão and Sushi Kingdom sit nearby for anyone craving something different.
A Portillo’s is also on the way. Chicago-style hot dog fans in Georgia have reason to watch that spot closely.
Weekend evenings can be busy, so plan ahead. Joining a waitlist early lets you keep shopping while your table gets ready.
Dinner also works as a great finale. End your mall marathon at a table, swap stories about your best finds, and let your feet finally recover.
A Founding Father Keeps Watch From The Rooftop
Look up, and you might spot Button Gwinnett. A statue of the Declaration of Independence signer stands atop the mall.
It’s a fitting choice. Gwinnett County carries his name, and the mall sits in unincorporated Gwinnett near the city of Buford.
The building opened on August 13, 1999. Simon Property Group has owned and managed it from the very start.
For years, the interior celebrated Georgia history and heritage. Murals, special lighting, and town names above stores gave each section a local theme.
That look has been changing. Starting in late 2024, the mall began removing the themed section names, murals, and unique light fixtures.
Some longtime shoppers may feel a bit nostalgic about that. Still, the food court’s train depot design and the rooftop statue keep a little history in view.
Bring the kids outside and point out the statue. It’s a fun way to sneak a quick history lesson into a shopping day.
Getting There Is Easy, Leaving Is The Hard Part
Road-trippers will love how simple the drive is. The mall sits right off I-85 at Exit 115, which connects to GA 20.
You’ll find it at 3333 Buford Dr, Buford, GA 30519. That’s roughly 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, making it an easy day trip from the city.
Parking is free, which always feels like a small victory. Valet parking is available too, for days when you’d rather skip the hunt.
Inside, a few extras smooth things out. Concierge services, ATMs, and public restrooms help you stay comfortable for the long haul.
Want a break from storefronts? A portion of the Ivy Creek Greenway runs along the mall area, so a stroll outdoors is close by.
That greenway makes a nice reset between shopping sessions. It’s a chance to stretch your legs somewhere with trees instead of mannequins.
Leaving is where things get tough. With this much to explore, Georgia’s biggest mall almost guarantees you’ll be planning a second trip before reaching your car.
