Things to Do in Athens, GA

Looking for things to do in Athens, GA beyond the game? The Classic City has historic campus sights, free museums and gardens, legendary music venues, easy trails and great day trips. Hours and admission can change, so check before you go.

Campus Sights

• The Arch: the traditional entrance to campus, facing downtown on Broad St. Tradition says students do not walk under it until they graduate.
• North Campus: UGA’s historic heart, with old buildings and shady quads. A great walk before or after a downtown meal.
• Sanford Stadium: opened in 1929 and famous for its hedges. The current hedges were planted in 1996.
• Georgia Museum of Art (90 Carlton St): free admission. Closed Mondays and open late on Thursdays.

Outdoors

• State Botanical Garden of Georgia (2450 S Milledge Ave): free admission and parking, with gardens and trails.
• North Oconee River Greenway: a free, paved trail for walking, running and biking.
• Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo: a free city park with a small zoo of native animals.
• Athens Farmers Market: Saturday mornings at Bishop Park (705 Sunset Dr), in season.

Live Music and Nightlife

• Georgia Theatre (215 N Lumpkin St): a downtown venue with a rooftop bar.
• 40 Watt Club: the legendary Athens music club, open on show nights.
• Hendershot’s (237 Prince Ave): coffee by day, music and drinks by night in Normaltown.
• Paloma Park: a beer garden with a big outdoor screen and live music.
• Creature Comforts and Akademia Brewing: two local breweries.

Want to catch a game at a bar? See Best Athens Bars to Watch the Dawgs and Watch Parties in Athens.

Neighborhoods to Explore

• Downtown: College Ave, Clayton St, Washington St and Broad St are packed with shops, restaurants and bars.
• Five Points: a quieter neighborhood along Milledge Ave, home to Five & Ten.
• Normaltown: a walkable stretch of Prince Ave with coffee shops, murals and local shops.

Day Trips

• Watkinsville, just south of Athens
• Watson Mill Bridge State Park
• The Antebellum Trail
• Farther north: Anna Ruby Falls, Tallulah Gorge and Helen

Events and Local Tips

For concerts, festivals and holiday events, see Athens Events. The Athens Welcome Center (280 E Dougherty St) has maps and local tips. Need a room? See Where to Stay in Athens. Hungry? See Where to Eat in Downtown Athens.

More for your trip: Athens, GA City Guide • Dawgs Sports schedule • Next home game: Georgia vs Missouri • All Game Weekend Guides • Athens Events

Independent fan site, not affiliated with the University of Georgia. Details change, so check before you go.