Things to Do in Athens, GA

Home to the University of Georgia, a storied music scene, critically acclaimed restaurants and a full range of can’t-miss attractions, Athens, GA is a hip college town immersed in Southern charm. Whether you’re stopping by for a weekend or planning an extended stay, there’s plenty to do in this North Georgia town. Browse by neighborhood to find Athens activities and attractions near you.

Athens Attractions
Situated just below the foothills of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Athens is known for its eclectic mix of Southern heritage, modern attractions and a vibrant arts scene. Visit one of its historic house museums, or enjoy a night out at a live music club. As you’re out and about in Athens, make sure to view the dozens of bulldog statues located throughout the town. For art aficionados, the Georgia Museum of Art is a must-see, and there are numerous Downtown galleries and boutiques that put local artists’ works on display.

Sports and Recreation
UGA sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts will find something to love with Athens sports and recreation. Schedule a sports outing that gives you the full Bulldogs experience, or enjoy a breath of fresh air at Athens, GA parks, which offer fishing, kayaking, walking, biking, skating, hiking and picnicking opportunities.

Shopping, Spas and Salons
Athens shopping offers a blend of specialty shops, artist studios and national retailers. Plan a trip to the restored, Victorian-era Downtown Athens, Five Points or Prince Avenue/Normaltown for unique, eclectic shops selling the finest fashions, antiques, jewelry and more. Beachwood and Georgia Square Mall are home to both major department stores and local retailers, as well as theaters and specialty shops. For a refreshing, relaxing experience, check out Athens spas and salons.

Visit Athens, GA
Whether you’re planning a family-friendly adventure, looking for free things to do or searching for pet-friendly accommodations and activities, Athens has you covered. Check out our tours and itineraries for expert advice, or get an insider look into Athens, GA with the Athens Visitors Guide. For further inquiries, please contact Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau online or by phone at 706-357-4430.

EXPLORE!

Explore by 'hood

Great local flavor in all parts of Athens
Stay out late

Check out Athens' world-renowned clubs for a variety of live music.

Events!

3/28

The Temptations & The Four Tops The Temptations & The Four Tops The Temptations & The Four Tops

The Temptations & The Four Tops are coming to The Classic Center Theatre on March 28. Tickets are on sale now!

3/30

FLUKE Mini-Comics Festival FLUKE Mini-Comics Festival FLUKE Mini-Comics Festival

FLUKE is a mini-comic festival that has been organized by Athens-area comic artists, underground publishers and their enthusiasts since 2002. Conceived as a…

FLUKE is a mini-comic festival that has been organized by Athens-area comic artists, underground publishers and their…

FLUKE is a mini-comic festival that has been organized by Athens-area comic artists, underground publishers and their enthusiasts since 2002. Conceived as a…

3/31

Athens Symphony Spring Concert Athens Symphony Spring Concert Athens Symphony Spring Concert

A wonderful Spring concert held in the Classic Center. Tickets are free, but are required for admission. Limit four tickets per person. They will be available…

A wonderful Spring concert held in the Classic Center. Tickets are free, but are required for admission. Limit four…

A wonderful Spring concert held in the Classic Center. Tickets are free, but are required for admission. Limit four tickets per person. They will be available…

3/31

Peach State Cats vs. Carolina Cowboys Peach State Cats vs. Carolina Cowboys Peach State Cats vs. Carolina Cowboys

2019 season tickets for the Peach State Cats arena football at Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center are on sale now. Season tickets, which include five home…

2019 season tickets for the Peach State Cats arena football at Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center are on sale now.…

2019 season tickets for the Peach State Cats arena football at Akins Ford Arena at The Classic Center are on sale now. Season tickets, which include five home…

4/1 - 4/7

Athens Beer Week Athens Beer Week Athens Beer Week

An exciting week of spring beer events in the beautiful college town of Athens, Georgia, USA. Come out and support local craft beer! See below for the full…

An exciting week of spring beer events in the beautiful college town of Athens, Georgia, USA. Come out and support local…

An exciting week of spring beer events in the beautiful college town of Athens, Georgia, USA. Come out and support local craft beer! See below for the full…

1/5 - 4/6

Gym Dawgs Home Meets Gym Dawgs Home Meets Gym Dawgs Home Meets

The UGA Gym Dawgs are a perennial powerhouse squad with many national and SEC titles to their name. One of the hottest sports tickets in town! Check out the…

The UGA Gym Dawgs are a perennial powerhouse squad with many national and SEC titles to their name. One of the hottest…

The UGA Gym Dawgs are a perennial powerhouse squad with many national and SEC titles to their name. One of the hottest sports tickets in town! Check out the…

4/4 - 4/6

NCAA Gymnastics Regionals NCAA Gymnastics Regionals NCAA Gymnastics Regionals

The UGA Gym Dogs are very excited to be one of the six NCAA regional hosts this season. Come to Stegeman Coliseum and show your bulldog spirit as the Gym Dogs…

The UGA Gym Dogs are very excited to be one of the six NCAA regional hosts this season. Come to Stegeman Coliseum and…

The UGA Gym Dogs are very excited to be one of the six NCAA regional hosts this season. Come to Stegeman Coliseum and show your bulldog spirit as the Gym Dogs…

9/21 - 4/4

UGA Presents the CLASSICS music series UGA Presents the CLASSICS music series UGA Presents the CLASSICS music series

The Performing Arts Center is a true gem in the Athens community. The 2018-19 season's program contains some of the finest musicians, theatre-makers, dance, and…

The Performing Arts Center is a true gem in the Athens community. The 2018-19 season's program contains some of the…

The Performing Arts Center is a true gem in the Athens community. The 2018-19 season's program contains some of the finest musicians, theatre-makers, dance, and…

4/6

Bunny Brunch Bunny Brunch Bunny Brunch

Hop into Spring with the Easter Bunny and a delicious brunch buffet! Children will enjoy a photo with the Easter bunny, Easter egg hunt (with wonderful prizes),…

Hop into Spring with the Easter Bunny and a delicious brunch buffet! Children will enjoy a photo with the Easter bunny,…

Hop into Spring with the Easter Bunny and a delicious brunch buffet! Children will enjoy a photo with the Easter bunny, Easter egg hunt (with wonderful prizes),…

4/6

Dancing with the Athens Stars Dancing with the Athens Stars Dancing with the Athens Stars

Dancing with the Athens Stars has entertained thousands of people and generated more than $325,000 since it began in 2008. Money raised supports services for…

Dancing with the Athens Stars has entertained thousands of people and generated more than $325,000 since it began in…

Dancing with the Athens Stars has entertained thousands of people and generated more than $325,000 since it began in 2008. Money raised supports services for…

All Events

Attractions!

Georgia Museum of Art Georgia Museum of Art Georgia Museum of Art

Founded in 1945, the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia houses a permanent collection of more than 10,000 works of art as well as 20 to 25…

Founded in 1945, the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia houses a permanent collection of more than…

Founded in 1945, the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia houses a permanent collection of more than 10,000 works of art as well as 20 to 25…

State Botanical Garden of Georgia State Botanical Garden of Georgia State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural,…

Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 313-acre botanical garden on the…

Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural,…

Classic City Tours Classic City Tours Classic City Tours

Classic City Tours, located at the Athens Welcome Center, provides a full range of tour and transportation services for individuals and groups. Set out on your…

Classic City Tours, located at the Athens Welcome Center, provides a full range of tour and transportation services for…

Classic City Tours, located at the Athens Welcome Center, provides a full range of tour and transportation services for individuals and groups. Set out on your…

Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo

Bear Hollow Zoo is a popular place for families to come and see Georgia’s native wildlife. This small wildlife trail is home to black bears, bobcats,…

Bear Hollow Zoo is a popular place for families to come and see Georgia’s native wildlife. This small wildlife trail is…

Bear Hollow Zoo is a popular place for families to come and see Georgia’s native wildlife. This small wildlife trail is home to black bears, bobcats,…

Sandy Creek Park Sandy Creek Park Sandy Creek Park

This park surrounds Lake Chapman and features a variety of activies and facilities. Picnic sites, wooded trails, swimming, playgrounds, fishing, dog runs, disc…

This park surrounds Lake Chapman and features a variety of activies and facilities. Picnic sites, wooded trails,…

This park surrounds Lake Chapman and features a variety of activies and facilities. Picnic sites, wooded trails, swimming, playgrounds, fishing, dog runs, disc…

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Athens Blog

Girlfriends' Getaway to Athens, GA

Ladies, it’s time to leave the busyness behind you; you deserve a trip for yourself. Life can…
Celebrate St.Patrick's Day in…

Break out your green clothes and beer mugs because Athens, GA has some special events and treats to offer…

Things to Do in Athens, GA

Explore by 'hood

Stay out late

Girlfriends' Getaway to Athens, GA

Celebrate St.Patrick's Day in…