1. Downtown Athens

The ancient North Campus of the University of Georgia is only a short distance away from Downtown Athens. This area is full of history and new ideas.

Come into a world where renovated Victorian-era buildings give off a strong energy all day and night.

There are lots of unique shops, tempting restaurants, and live music places in this area that keep the city’s pulse alive.

You can walk down West Broad Street, which connects downtown Athens to the university, and feel both old-world beauty and new energy at the same time.

Downtown Athens is known as a great place to eat because it is a popular place for conventions and tourists.

Treat your taste buds to a tasty meal that you can enjoy on the street or on a rooftop.

Address: Athens, GA, United States

2. Athens Farmers Market

What better way is there to see Athens than by going to one of its busy farmers’ markets?

These busy places not only have a wide range of fresh food that changes with the seasons, but they also give you a unique chance to meet local growers.

As you look around the market, you can learn about the secrets of local foods and recipes. This will help you learn about Athens’s rich culinary history.

Also, these markets are creative treasure troves because they sell locally made goods like soaps made by hand and cute home goods.

Take the time to talk to the nice people behind each booth and make friends with other shoppers as you walk through the colorful stands.

Address: 705 Sunset Dr, Athens, GA 30606, United States

3. Last Resort Grill

The Last Resort Grill has an interesting past that goes back to 1966, when it opened as a lively music club.

As of now, its unique Southwestern food and unique approach to cooking continue to fascinate both locals and tourists.

There are seven days a week that The Last Resort Grill is open for business, and their delicious food is available to all.

The Last Resort Grill stands out because it is dedicated to preserving cooking customs like grilling, pickling, and preserving over an open fire.

The restaurant is proud to serve the best food and have the best service, but its real connections with customers and suppliers make the whole dining experience better.

The Last Resort Grill should be at the top of your list of things to do in Athens if you want to enjoy delicious food and special times.

Address: 174-184 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601, United States

4. Rush Athens Trampoline Park

Get ready for an amazing indoor adventure at Rush Athens Trampoline Park, where the fun never ends.

Everyone of all ages can enjoy this ideal trampoline park, which has a wide range of exciting activities.

You can bounce around as much as you want on the main court, play dodgeball in epic battles on dedicated courts, or take on the thrilling task of Georgia’s only ninja court.

Jump into foam pits, work on your slam dunks, and have fun all the time.

While the kids play, adults can unwind and chill out in the cozy lounge area.

You can just walk in, but it’s better to buy tickets online ahead of time, especially on busy days like Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays.

Address: 10 Huntington Road, Athens, GA 30606, United States

5. Hendershot’s Athens

Athens by Hendershot is like a coffee shop, bar, and music place all in one.

The friendly atmosphere continues to the full bar, where customers can enjoy a wide range of drinks, from coffee and tea to beer, wine, and specially made cocktails.

Additionally, Hendershot’s has a full kitchen, so customers can enjoy tasty lunch and dinner choices all week long.

As the sun goes down, the stage comes to life with the sounds of live music from a wide range of local and national artists, playing Americana, Jazz, Comedy, and other styles.

With a wide range of food options, such as vegetarian, vegan, and kid-friendly options, Hendershot’s can please a wide range of tastes.

You can enjoy your meal at the venue or take it home. This friendly place offers a memorable experience where community, imagination, and delicious food all work together.

Address: 237 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30601, United States

6. Tree That Owns Itself

The Tree That Owns Itself is a truly amazing sight that sits proudly at the corner of South Finley and Dearing streets, captivating both locals and tourists.

Local legend says that Colonel William H. Jackson’s will from August 12, 1890, gave this beautiful tree ownership of itself and the eight feet of land around it.

It’s still not clear what the law says about this, but the tree’s property rights have never been questioned.

Sadly, the first tall oak tree died in 1942 during a strong windstorm.

The Junior Ladies Garden Club of Athens, on the other hand, carefully grew a new white oak to take its place.

The ongoing work to protect the Tree That Owns Itself’s spirit is a good example of the fun and unique things you can do in Athens, Georgia.

That’s why you should visit this beautiful site if you’re not sure what to do or looking for things to do in Athens, GA.

Address: 277 S Finley St, Athens, GA 30605, United States

7. Bear Hollow Zoo

It’s best to start your search for cheap things to do in Athens, Georgia, with Bear Hollow Zoo.

Visitors to this popular spot can enjoy a fun time with their families while seeing the beautiful wildlife that lives in Georgia.

The well-kept, tree-lined path is home to a wide range of animals, such as powerful black bears, elusive bobcats, graceful white-tailed deer, and fascinating owls.

Bear Hollow Zoo is different because it tries to make a setting that is like the animals’ natural habitats so that visitors feel like they are a part of their world.

Start your own tour and learn about the amazing stories behind each resident.

For example, Winnie the Hoo is a great horned owl who found comfort at the zoo after escaping a car accident. Athena is an American black bear who came here in 2010 after being left alone in the wild and found a loving home.

The page for the self-guided tour has a lot of information about each show, including interesting facts about the different species.

You don’t have to worry if you have any questions; the staff is always happy to help.

The Bear Hollow Zoo is one of the best free things to do in Athens, GA because it’s open to everyone.

When you’re not sure what to do or where to have fun in Athens, make sure to include Bear Hollow Zoo on your list of places to visit. You’ll have a great time learning about Georgia’s amazing animals.

Address: 293 Gran Ellen Dr, Athens, GA 30606, United States

8. Sandy Creek Park

Sandy Creek Park in Athens, Georgia, is one of the best places to go on holiday and for nature lovers who want to spend a fun day in the great outdoors.

This beautiful park covers 782 acres and circles the calm 260-acre Lake Chapman, making a beautiful background for many activities.

At Sandy Creek Park, there are lots of fun things to do. You can swim and lay out in the sun on the wide sandy beach, or you can explore the calm water on an electric or non-motorized boat.

For people who like to try new things, the park has a difficult 29-hole disc golf course that is great for a game of competition with family or friends.

Nature lovers can go on an unforgettable trip along the park’s 16-mile network of trails, which are open to both walkers and horseback riders.

Additionally, Sandy Creek Park has a public dog park as well as five private dog parks that people can rent for a day of fun with their pet friends.

So, if you’re near Athens, GA, and you’re looking for the best things to do outside today, Sandy Creek Park should be on your list.

Address: 400 Bob Holman Rd, Athens, GA 30607, United States

9. State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gift Shop

Be ready to be charmed by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gift Shop. It’s full of wonderful things.

This shop is inside the Visitor Center and Conservatory. It has a beautiful collection of one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists.

You can discover a world of imagination as you look at the jewelry, candles, soaps, and jewelry that were all made by hand.

The area for kids is great; it’s full of fun games, art supplies, educational toys, and lots of interesting books to keep kids’ minds active.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gift Shop has everything from jewelry made from nature to art that is inspired by the garden.

Support the garden’s research and horticulture departments while getting into the giving mood.

This shop is one of the most fun and interesting things to do in Athens, GA. It has a cozy atmosphere and lots of one-of-a-kind items.

Address: 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605, United States

10. 40 Watt Club

That being said, the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia, is one of the best places to go to see music and have an amazing experience.

People from all over the world know this famous place for the lively live shows that happen almost every night of the week.

While there are many fun places to go in Athens, the 40 Watt Club is one of the most important ones for anyone who wants to check out the city’s booming alt-rock scene.

Over the course of its long history, the club has been the main stage for many great local bands, such as Pylon, Love Tractor, and Guadalcanal Diary.

The 40 Watt Club continues to bring in top-notch performers. It’s where nationally renowned local bands like Montreal, Drive-By Truckers, and The Whigs play.

No matter what kind of music you like—rock, punk, or indie—the 40 Watt Club will give you a fun night you’ll never forget.

When you plan your trip, keep in mind that the club only lets people in who are 18 years or older and has a state-issued ID.

Get ready for an amazing musical trip at the famous 40 Watt Club, where you can see the best of what Athens has to offer.

Address: 285 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601, United States

11. Lyndon House Arts Center

The Lyndon House Arts Center is a hidden gem just outside of Athens’ busy city area.

Like the city, this beautiful place mixes the old and the new in a way that doesn’t seem out of place.

The famous Greek Revival Ware-Lyndon House, which was built in 1856 and is in the middle of the center, is a beautiful piece of architecture.

The Athens-Clarke County government has added many fun new features to the complex, such as an art workshop, a gallery hall, and a wing for kids.

As a non-profit run by the county’s leisure services department, the Lyndon House Arts Center is proud to give free admission, inviting people to explore a world of artistic wonders.

The galleries are carefully set up over two floors and have a wide range of exhibits that are sure to captivate.

Didi Dunphy, the center’s program supervisor and an artist from Athens, carefully chose each show to make people feel something and make them curious.

In contrast to places that are busy, the center is quiet, so visitors can look around at their own pace.

Make sure you check out the gallery shop. It’s a treasure trove of the best work from over 100 local artists, including beautiful blown glass, intricate jewelry, paintings that will keep you looking, and more.

The center has workshops and classes taught by real artists for people who want to get creative work done.

One of the best places to go in Athens, GA to find fun and interesting things to do is without a question the Lyndon House Arts Center, where art has no limits.

Address: 211 Hoyt St, Athens, GA 30601, United States

12. World of Wonder Playground

The World of Wonder Playground in Athens, Georgia, has gotten a lot of press and is a popular place to visit.

Its cute form makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale, so you have to see it when you’re in Athens, GA.

This playground is proud to hold the record for being Georgia’s biggest volunteer-built playground. It was built with the hard work and commitment of 1,500 volunteers.

It has a lot of fun things to offer, like castle-style fixtures, classic favorites like rock walls and monkey bars, and interactive games like tic-tac-toe.

This is a place where kids and adults who still feel like kids can get away from their worries and fully enjoy their inner child.

The World of Wonder Playground cares about both kids’ safety and their ability to use their imaginations.

Large canopies provide a lot of shade over different play areas, and benches placed carefully around the park let parents rest.

It’s also close to bathrooms, which is helpful for parents whose kids are still learning how to use the potty.

The fenced-in part of the park even has a walking path so that parents can take a walk while their kids play.

People looking for magical places to visit or thinking about what to see and do in Athens, GA will have an amazing time at the World of Wonder Playground.

Address: 325 Whit Davis Rd, Athens, GA 30605, United States

13. Morton Theatre

Visit the famous Morton Theatre to be a part of Athens’s mind-blowing arts and culture scene.

Because of its classic beauty and interesting history, this old venue has become a popular choice for many shows and other events.

The Morton Theatre has a lot of fun things to see, like joke shows, dance competitions, plays, concerts, and film events.

When you walk into this beloved building, you can learn about the history of the area and feel the lively artistic spirit that makes Athens unique.

The Morton Theatre is an important part of the city’s culture because it is one of the oldest vaudeville houses still in use in the United States.

Monroe Bowers Morton, an important African-American businessman, opened it in 1910. It quickly became a place where many different acts and famous artists from near and far would gather.

The theater changed over the years. Before it was closed by fire, it was even used as a movie theater.

However, the community’s hard work and a successful repair project brought Morton Theatre back to life in 1987.

Today, it’s run by the non-profit Morton Theatre Corporation and is a popular place to see shows with room for 500 people.

As you look around Athens, don’t miss the chance to see the Morton Theatre’s captivating shows and timeless beauty.

Address: 195 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601, United States

14. Double Barrel Cannon

During the Civil War, the Confederate South was very creative and ambitious. The Double-Barreled Cannon is a proud reminder of this. It stands on the grounds of Athens City Hall in Georgia.

This amazing weapon was made in 1863 because people were afraid of an attack from the North. It is still the only one of its kind in the state and the whole country.

The idea behind this unusual gun was to charge it with two iron cannonballs linked by a long chain.

Once the gun was fired, the balls would fly out in a destructive path, killing any enemy troops that happened to be in its path.

The cannon’s efficiency, on the other hand, turned out to be more fiction than reality, as its test firing killed a field of helpless cows.

The Double-Barreled Cannon failed as a military innovation, but it has found a new use as a beloved symbol of Athens’ past.

People can look at this amazing artifact for free today as a memory of a different time.

Address: 301 College Ave, Athens, GA 30601, United States

15. Taylor-Grady House

At 634 Prince Avenue in Athens, Georgia, the Taylor Grady House is a famous piece of history.

This revered building has a rich history. It was the childhood home of the famous American writer and speaker Henry Woodfin Grady.

The mansion was built in 1843 by General Robert Taylor, a famous planter and cotton trader. It is an example of Greek revival architecture.

With its triple-sash windows and beautiful plaster accents, it captures people’s attention right away.

But the most impressive part is the front of the house, which has 13 huge, curved Greek Doric columns that wrap around the house and front rooms in a beautiful way.

The Taylor Grady House is now a beloved historic landmark and a treasured neighborhood treasure. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

It’s a museum that anyone can visit during the week, and it’s also a beautiful place for weddings, parties, dinners, and other special events that people will never forget.

The Taylor Grady House is, in fact, one of the most interesting things to see in Athens because it shows the city’s history and beauty.

Address: 634 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30601, United States

16. The Classic Center

In the busy downtown area of Athens, Georgia, The Classic Center stands out as the best of the best. It is the best place for conventions and performances in northeast Georgia.

This place has become the best choice for conferences, meetings, and other important events because of its amazing event spaces, excellent service, and wide range of entertainment options.

It brings in over 365,000 people every year, who are excited to take part in more than 650 events at the convention center and theater.

Besides its huge size, The Classic Center has a special appeal for both locals and tourists because it has so many fun things to see.

The Classic Center offers an unforgettable experience in Athens, whether you go to see an exciting show, cheer on the University of Georgia Ice Dawgs hockey team, or fully immerse yourself in the much-anticipated Athens Wine Weekend.

Get ready to be amazed as you enter the world of The Classic Center, where amazing things are waiting around every turn.

Address: 300 N Thomas St, Athens, GA 30601, United States

17. Georgia Museum of Art

Explore the famous Georgia Museum of Art to get a feel for the lively arts scene in Athens, Georgia.

This famous museum has been around since 1945 and is both an academic museum and Georgia’s government art museum.

You can get in for free six days a week, making it an easy way to enjoy a wealth of artistic treasures and one of the best free things to do in Georgia while on vacation.

The museum has a huge collection of over 18,000 works of art from all over the world. It includes American paintings, southern decorative arts, and the important Samuel H. Kress Study Collection of Renaissance and Baroque art.

As you look around the museum, don’t miss the chance to see the Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden, which has changing shows by talented women artists.

The staff and volunteers are always happy to talk about the art, whether you choose to go on a self-guided tour with the helpful maps that are given or go with a docent-led tour.

On top of that, the gift shop on site is a secret gem, full of artistic goodies and one-of-a-kind items.

This store is a haven for creative people, with art materials, fun decorations, and great gifts for aspiring artists.

The Georgia Museum of Art is one of the best places to visit in Athens. Its amazing collections and goal of encouraging a deep respect for the arts make the experience more worthwhile.

The best part is that it’s free and a must-see for anyone in Athens who wants to see some amazing art.

Address: 90 Carlton St, Athens, GA 30602, United States

18. Sanford Stadium

The University of Georgia Bulldogs are happy to call Sanford Stadium their home.

It is one of the most exciting places to watch college football, and fans come from all over the world.

With an impressive 92,746 seats, it is one of the biggest on-campus stadiums in the country and makes for an unforgettable game day experience.

The stadium is filled with energy and emotion that you can feel as soon as you walk in.

The stadium has a long past that goes back to its opening in 1929. It is named after Dr. Steadman Vincent Sanford, an important person who was instrumental in making it happen.

The stadium is a proud example of how committed the university is to making college sports the best it can be.

Going to a game here is like going to no other stadium because it has services for all fans, such as wheelchair-accessible seating and first-aid rooms that are easy to get to.

Even though you can’t smoke or drink there, don’t worry—there are lots of delicious restaurants close to satisfy your hunger before or after the game.

Sanford Stadium should be at the top of your list of things to do in Athens, whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just looking for something fun to do.

So, get your friends together and enjoy the exciting scene at Sanford Stadium this weekend.

Address: 100 Sanford Dr, Athens, GA 30602, United States

19. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

In the heart of Athens, Georgia, lies a captivating treasure for nature lovers and adventure seekers—the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, one of the most beautiful places in the US.

Since it was created by the University of Georgia in 1968, this huge 313-acre refuge has been a wonderful place to enjoy nature and learn.

The garden is one of the most popular tourist spots in Athens, and it has many interesting things to see and do.

Nature lovers can walk along peaceful nature trails and learn about the different plant communities and habitats that make up the Georgia Piedmont area.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is beautiful in and of itself, but it also hosts many special events, such as the Sunflower Music Series, nature walks, and workshops, so tourists can have a full and varied experience.

Kids who like to explore will have a great time in the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden, which has fun, educational, and interesting things to do.

There is also a café and gift shop on site where you can enjoy local treats and find unique items to remember your trip.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is without a question one of the best things to do in Athens, GA, right now. It offers beautiful scenery, chances to learn, and unforgettable experiences.

Address: 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605, United States

20. Sandy Creek Nature Center

The Sandy Creek Nature Center is surrounded by 225 acres of forests and marshes and is a great place to start exploring the outdoors.

Along its extensive trail network, the interesting place invites visitors to go on a trip of discovery.

There are over 4 miles of trails to explore, including an interpretive walk that can be reached by wheelchair and a direct link to the North Oconee River Greenway. Nature lovers can choose from a wide range of fun activities.

There is a lot of useful information in the Education and Visitor Center. It has interesting displays about the different ecosystems in the area, like aquariums with live reptiles and frogs.

The Frog Pond Shop is open for business and welcomes people of all ages who want to buy gifts with nature themes.

There are many helpful features, like free parking, picnic areas, and public restrooms, that make coming easy.

There are many interesting places to visit nearby, including the Sandy Creek Nature Center, which makes it a great place to spend the weekend.

Whether you live in Athens and are looking for things to do or you’re just coming for the weekend, this nature center promises an exciting adventure in the heart of Georgia’s natural beauty.

Address: 205 Old Commerce Rd, Athens, GA 30607, United States

21. Georgia Theatre

The Georgia Theatre is a famous place for music in Athens, Georgia, and it has helped the city become known as a lively music hub.

Over the years, this famous downtown building has changed into a YMCA, a Methodist Church, a music store, and even a Masonic Temple. It is now better known as a popular music venue.

In 2009, a terrible fire put the building at risk, but the strong community came together and raised money to rebuild and fix up this beloved place.

People who go to concerts today can enjoy a unique and personal experience at the Georgia Theatre, which combines modern, cutting-edge technology with its classic architectural beauty.

With just over 1,000 seats, this venue makes it easy for the performers and the crowd to feel close to each other, which makes every show a memorable experience.

People are more likely to let loose, dance, and fully enjoy the electrifying energy of the shows when the floor is open.

When you’re looking for things to do in Athens, GA, make sure the Georgia Theatre is on your list.

Address: 215 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601, United States