Athens

There are many free activities to enjoy when visiting Athens. Admire masterpieces at the Georgia Museum of Art, Lyndon House Arts Center, and Athens Institute of Contemporary Art. Learn about local plants at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Trial Gardens at UGA, and Sandy Creek Nature Center. Founders Memorial Garden, Bear Hollow Zoo, and Ware-Lyndon Historic House Museum are also free to visit. Spend time outside along the Firefly, Birchmore, or North Oconee River Greenway trails.

Enjoy quality time together trying the elevated dining and craft beer scenes, including visiting stops along the Athens Beer Trail. Enjoy live music at eclectic venues like the Georgia Theatre, 40 Watt Club, Akins Ford Arena, and Morton Theatre. Watch classical, jazz, ballet, and Broadway performances at The Classic Center Theatre, and the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center. Check schedules to catch a University of Georgia game.

Athens Wine Weekend (February)

International Street Festival (April)

Twilight Criterium (April)

Athens Pride Parade (June)

AthFest Arts & Music Festival (June)

Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade and Spectacle (October)

AthHalf Marathon (October)

PorchFest (October)

Athens offers diverse accommodations, ranging from well‑known hotel chains and boutique inns to charming B&Bs and guesthouses. Whether you’re looking for comfort downtown or a quieter stay in nature, there are good options for every budget and style. Athens has a lively dining scene with a great mix of award-winning restaurants, cafés, and bars. You’ll find everything from Southern comfort food and barbecue to international cuisine, farm‑to‑table eateries, and popular spots for brunch and coffee – some prepared by Chopped or Top Chef contestants.

Athens has a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically sunny and humid, while winters are generally mild with occasional cold spells. Spring and fall are comfortable and popular times to visit, with warmer days and cooler evenings.

Athens is situated in northeast Georgia, about 70 miles east of Atlanta. It lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Although Athens-Ben Epps Airport does a brisk business in the fall for private jets, most visitors flying to Athens use Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and then make the 90-minute drive to Athens. Alternatives like Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) and Charlotte Douglas (CLT) are also within driving distance.