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!

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Great local flavor in all parts of Athens
Stay out late

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

Events!

7/20

Celebration of the Arts Celebration of the Arts Celebration of the Arts

Each year the Foundation hosts a Celebration of the Arts. It is an enchanting time of fine dining and entertainment as we celebrate the accomplishments of the…

Each year the Foundation hosts a Celebration of the Arts. It is an enchanting time of fine dining and entertainment as…

Each year the Foundation hosts a Celebration of the Arts. It is an enchanting time of fine dining and entertainment as we celebrate the accomplishments of the…

7/21

UGA Trial Gardens Open House UGA Trial Gardens Open House UGA Trial Gardens Open House

The annual Public Open House at the UGA Trial Gardens is an event for people of all ages and everyone is invited. With over a 1000 varieties of plants in the…

The annual Public Open House at the UGA Trial Gardens is an event for people of all ages and everyone is invited. With…

The annual Public Open House at the UGA Trial Gardens is an event for people of all ages and everyone is invited. With over a 1000 varieties of plants in the…

6/28 - 8/26

Full Moon Hike Full Moon Hike Full Moon Hike

Come see the garden come alive at night this spring! Each hike will focus on a different topic such as the moon, constellations, or nocturnal creatures. Be…

Come see the garden come alive at night this spring! Each hike will focus on a different topic such as the moon,…

Come see the garden come alive at night this spring! Each hike will focus on a different topic such as the moon, constellations, or nocturnal creatures. Be…

8/8 - 8/11

Athens Popfest 2018 Athens Popfest 2018 Athens Popfest 2018

Athens Popfest isn’t just one more multi-day event full of bands and crowds. It is an annual gathering of curious music fans, artists, travelers, and locals.…

Athens Popfest isn’t just one more multi-day event full of bands and crowds. It is an annual gathering of curious music…

Athens Popfest isn’t just one more multi-day event full of bands and crowds. It is an annual gathering of curious music fans, artists, travelers, and locals.…

8/18

Friends of the Garden Gigantic Flea Market Friends of the Garden Gigantic Flea Market Friends of the Garden Gigantic Flea Market

Items offered include: gardening items, books, household items, tools, toys, jewelry, decorations, purses, accessories, baby items and more! They will be…

Items offered include: gardening items, books, household items, tools, toys, jewelry, decorations, purses, accessories,…

Items offered include: gardening items, books, household items, tools, toys, jewelry, decorations, purses, accessories, baby items and more! They will be…

8/24

Corey Smith Live at 440 Foundry Pavilion Corey Smith Live at 440 Foundry Pavilion Corey Smith Live at 440 Foundry Pavilion

Corey Smith, the fan-made man, has sold over 1 million concert tickets, 1.5 million digital singles and over 220,000 albums. Smith has amassed an unfailingly…

Corey Smith, the fan-made man, has sold over 1 million concert tickets, 1.5 million digital singles and over 220,000…

Corey Smith, the fan-made man, has sold over 1 million concert tickets, 1.5 million digital singles and over 220,000 albums. Smith has amassed an unfailingly…

8/24

Corey Smith Returning to Athens! Corey Smith Returning to Athens! Corey Smith Returning to Athens!

Corey Smith returning to Athens on August 24 to perform live at The Classic Center’s 440 Foundry Pavilion! ATHENS, Ga. – Country singer, songwriter and…

Corey Smith returning to Athens on August 24 to perform live at The Classic Center’s 440 Foundry Pavilion! ATHENS, Ga.…

Corey Smith returning to Athens on August 24 to perform live at The Classic Center’s 440 Foundry Pavilion! ATHENS, Ga. – Country singer, songwriter and…

9/1 - 11/24

Georgia Bulldogs Football Passes Georgia Bulldogs Football Passes Georgia Bulldogs Football Passes

Georgia Football Tickets Georgia Football Parking Passes Tickets are available in all sections for all games. Go Dawgs!…

9/3 - 9/9

Athens PRIDE Week 2018 Athens PRIDE Week 2018 Athens PRIDE Week 2018

Welcome to Athens, GA: The Classic City of the South! You may know our town as home to the University of Georgia and the Georgia Bulldogs . In fact, our famous…

Welcome to Athens, GA: The Classic City of the South! You may know our town as home to the University of Georgia and the…

Welcome to Athens, GA: The Classic City of the South! You may know our town as home to the University of Georgia and the Georgia Bulldogs . In fact, our famous…

9/12 - 5/16

Franklin College Chamber Music Series Franklin College Chamber Music Series Franklin College Chamber Music Series

The nation’s premier repertory company for chamber music opens the 2018-19 Franklin College Chamber Music Series with the free Payne Memorial Concert as the…

The nation’s premier repertory company for chamber music opens the 2018-19 Franklin College Chamber Music Series with…

The nation’s premier repertory company for chamber music opens the 2018-19 Franklin College Chamber Music Series with the free Payne Memorial Concert as the…

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

This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural, educational and recreational facility and is one of Athens' most-visited…

This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural, educational and recreational facility…

This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural, educational and recreational facility and is one of Athens' most-visited…

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

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This is the first blog post in a six post series highlighting the restaurants with international owners and…
The Best BBQ Spots in Athens

Summer is in full swing here in Athens, Georgia and that means it's the season for one of our backyard…

Things to Do in Athens, GA

Explore by 'hood

Stay out late

Traveling Around the World in…

The Best BBQ Spots in Athens