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!

8/24

COSMIC CHARLIE - HIGH ENERGY GRATEFUL DEAD… COSMIC CHARLIE - HIGH ENERGY GRATEFUL DEAD… COSMIC CHARLIE - HIGH ENERGY GRATEFUL DEAD…

In 1999, a group of aspiring jamsters in Athens GA converged to share "one more Saturday night", an evening of live Grateful Dead music with the local…

In 1999, a group of aspiring jamsters in Athens GA converged to share "one more Saturday night", an evening of live…

In 1999, a group of aspiring jamsters in Athens GA converged to share "one more Saturday night", an evening of live Grateful Dead music with the local…

8/24

Tour of Athens with HopOn Shuttles Tour of Athens with HopOn Shuttles Tour of Athens with HopOn Shuttles

HopOn Athens Shuttle now offers one-hour guided tours of the University of Georgia campus and historic downtown Athens. The driver will share historical facts…

HopOn Athens Shuttle now offers one-hour guided tours of the University of Georgia campus and historic downtown Athens.…

HopOn Athens Shuttle now offers one-hour guided tours of the University of Georgia campus and historic downtown Athens. The driver will share historical facts…

7/2 - 10/29

Downtown Culinary Showcase Downtown Culinary Showcase Downtown Culinary Showcase

Spend your Tuesdays with The Culinary Kitchen of Athens at our Downtown Culinary Showcase! Shop from award-winning vendors and find everything from nutritious…

Spend your Tuesdays with The Culinary Kitchen of Athens at our Downtown Culinary Showcase! Shop from award-winning…

Spend your Tuesdays with The Culinary Kitchen of Athens at our Downtown Culinary Showcase! Shop from award-winning vendors and find everything from nutritious…

8/29

Three Dog Night Three Dog Night Three Dog Night

CHMF Entertainment and Classic Entertainment present Three Dog Night. Appearing for one night only at The Classic Center Theatre on August 29, 2019, at 7:30…

CHMF Entertainment and Classic Entertainment present Three Dog Night. Appearing for one night only at The Classic Center…

CHMF Entertainment and Classic Entertainment present Three Dog Night. Appearing for one night only at The Classic Center Theatre on August 29, 2019, at 7:30…

8/31

UGA vs. Vanderbilt watch party at Terrapin… UGA vs. Vanderbilt watch party at Terrapin… UGA vs. Vanderbilt watch party at Terrapin…

Live at Terrapin Brewery! Come watch the Dawgs in their first game of the 2019 season and stick around for the music!

9/7

UGA Football vs. Murray State UGA Football vs. Murray State UGA Football vs. Murray State

The Georgia Bulldogs take on Murray State in the 2019 season home opener. The entire town takes on a celebratory feel during football gamedays in Athens.…

The Georgia Bulldogs take on Murray State in the 2019 season home opener. The entire town takes on a celebratory feel…

The Georgia Bulldogs take on Murray State in the 2019 season home opener. The entire town takes on a celebratory feel during football gamedays in Athens.…

9/14

UGA Football vs. Arkansas State UGA Football vs. Arkansas State UGA Football vs. Arkansas State

The Georgia Bulldogs take on Arkansas State in the 2019 season. The entire town takes on a celebratory feel during football gamedays in Athens. Approximately…

The Georgia Bulldogs take on Arkansas State in the 2019 season. The entire town takes on a celebratory feel during…

The Georgia Bulldogs take on Arkansas State in the 2019 season. The entire town takes on a celebratory feel during football gamedays in Athens. Approximately…

6/11 - 9/17

Sunflower Music Series at the State… Sunflower Music Series at the State… Sunflower Music Series at the State…

Summer was made for outdoor concerts – and so were the amphitheater and terraced lawns in the Flower Garden of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at…

Summer was made for outdoor concerts – and so were the amphitheater and terraced lawns in the Flower Garden of the…

Summer was made for outdoor concerts – and so were the amphitheater and terraced lawns in the Flower Garden of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at…

6/15 - 11/16

Alice H. Richards Children's Garden… Alice H. Richards Children's Garden… Alice H. Richards Children's Garden…

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites you to celebrate the opening year of the Alice H. Richard's Children's Garden with family friendly outdoor…

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites you to celebrate the opening year of the Alice H. Richard's Children's…

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites you to celebrate the opening year of the Alice H. Richard's Children's Garden with family friendly outdoor…

2/16 - 12/21

Condor Chocolates Factory Tour: POSTPONED… Condor Chocolates Factory Tour: POSTPONED… Condor Chocolates Factory Tour: POSTPONED…

Most of you have been to the café in Five Points, but did you know there is a production factory in the Chase Street Warehouses? Condor Chocolates has been hard…

Most of you have been to the café in Five Points, but did you know there is a production factory in the Chase Street…

Most of you have been to the café in Five Points, but did you know there is a production factory in the Chase Street Warehouses? Condor Chocolates has been hard…

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

Exploring Athens, GA by Bike

Whether you're a resident or visiting cycling enthusiast, Athens has something for everyone when it comes…
The Best Places to Watch Fireworks…

Athens is the perfect place to get a head start on the 4 th of July festivities, and not just because of the…

Things to Do in Athens, GA

Explore by 'hood

Stay out late

Exploring Athens, GA by Bike

The Best Places to Watch Fireworks…