Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Athens, GA

Situated approximately 75 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens is positioned at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Infused with southern charm, it boasts a verdant suburban ambiance, even within its Victorian-era downtown.

Established as a town since at least 1806 (although its police force was not established until 80 years later), Athens prospered primarily from its cotton mills. Renowned as the birthplace of both REM and the B-52’s, it has consistently maintained a vibrant music culture.

Although the cotton industry has declined, the town continues to flourish, largely owing to its student population. With around 35,000 students, the area is ever-evolving with fresh activities and experiences.

As a lifelong resident of Georgia, I have often visited Athens. Below is my curated list of the 15 most notable attractions in Athens, Georgia.

1. Georgia Museum of Art

Managed by the University of Georgia, the oldest university in the United States, this gallery has served as the official state art museum since 1982. An investment of at least 2 hours is recommended for visitors.

As the premier arts institution in Georgia, the museum houses a collection of 12,000 pieces that span from Italian Renaissance artwork to drawings from Southeast Asia.

The primary focus of the collection is American paintings from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, featuring a noteworthy assortment of works by African American artists.

Originating from a donation of 100 paintings in 1945, the museum showcases significant recent artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe, celebrated for her depictions of New Mexico landscapes.

2. State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Another gem of the University of Georgia, the State Botanical Garden encompasses more than 125 hectares along one side of the Middle Oconee River.

Divided into 11 distinct regions, it features approximately 5 miles of nature trails. Pathways meander through the fountains in the formal garden and between the cotton and tobacco plants of the Heritage Garden, among others.

A tranquil and vibrant destination year-round, greenhouses provide shelter for the more fragile tropical plants, while a Hummingbird Trail marks 21 locations favored by these enchanting creatures.

3. Downtown Athens

Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, Downtown Athens constitutes the oldest section of the town, while also serving as the contemporary center of Athens.

The district features elegant buildings that blend British Victorian architecture with local elements characteristic of the southern United States.

A standout example is the City Hall building constructed in 1904, notable for its grandiose design. Its domed clock tower symbolizes the essence of the town.

The shops in the downtown area reflect the overall character of the city, providing a mix of vintage treasures and upscale designer goods.

This vibrant area is also home to a wide array of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

4. The Tree That Owns Itself

The Tree That Owns Itself is a white oak that, according to local lore, maintains legal guardianship over itself and the soil within 2.5 meters of its trunk.

The origin of this tale appears to trace back to a man named William Jackson, giving rise to the tree’s alternate moniker, the Jackson Oak.

The son of a former Georgia governor, William purportedly bestowed ownership of the tree upon itself as a form of protection, though legal experts argue that no such statute exists.

Visitors can locate the tree, along with a historical plaque, on Dearing Street.

5. Terrapin Brewery

As one of several small craft breweries in Athens, Terrapin is housed within a modern facility adorned with gleaming stainless steel fixtures.

The brewery stands out due to its operational status, offering complimentary tours that provide insight into the brewing processes of unique beers.

Guests can taste (and purchase) their brews on-site, along with various souvenirs from their visit, such as specially designed pint glasses.

For those who appreciate distinctive beers, noteworthy options include the RecreationALE local IPA (India Pale Ale) and the passionfruit, orange, and guava-infused Luau Krunkles. However, it’s important to note the latter carries a 6.5% alcohol by volume content.

6. The Athens Double-Barrelled Cannon

Georgia was one of the Confederate states that seceded from the Union, leading into the American Civil War.

This tumultuous period in U.S. history spurred a race to develop innovative weaponry, including the double-barrelled cannon.

As one of the few remaining examples, the Athens cannon is positioned at the entrance to City Hall. Though it was never employed in battle, as it was considered highly perilous even by contemporary standards, it remains one of Athens’ more peculiar attractions.

The cannon is oriented northward, symbolizing a historical stance of defiance from the southern states against the Union.

7. Sandy Creek Nature Center

The Sandy Creek Nature Center offers access to an unspoiled section of Athens, providing insight into the local flora and fauna.

Covering approximately 90 hectares of pristine terrain, it features 5 miles of walking paths.

The educational center contains a variety of interactive exhibits suitable for all ages, along with aquariums showcasing indigenous wildlife, and even a planetarium.

To fully appreciate the scenic surroundings, I recommend the 3-mile multi-use trail originating from the University of Georgia, known as the North Oconee River Greenway.

8. American Football

Athens is a prominent American Football town, and attending a game is perhaps the most immersive way to understand the atmosphere of the city.

The local team, the Athens Bulldogs, prominently displays its black and red colors, along with various bulldog statues throughout the town.

Having first played in 1892, this college team hosts its home games in Sanford Stadium, an arena that would likely evoke envy from many European sports teams.

In addition to the excitement on the field, games offer an opportunity to experience the tailgating culture, where fans gather outside the stadium to enjoy impromptu barbecues and beverages before kickoff.

9. Amicalola Falls State Park

The area surrounding Athens is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, with Georgia’s Springer Mountains marking the southern terminus of the 2,100-mile-long Appalachian Trail, popularized by Bill Bryson’s book A Walk in the Woods.

However, it is not necessary to commit to a lengthy trek to appreciate these natural wonders. Amicalola Falls State Park, which is part of the larger Chattahoochee National Forest, features woodland paths that guide visitors to these stunning waterfalls, cascading more than 200 meters down the mountainside.

The park is located approximately 2 hours northwest of Athens.

10. Live Music

Athens is abundant in live music venues, ensuring that visitors can find performances any day of the week or month throughout the year.

Local enthusiasts will often direct you to the 40 Watt Club, which has been a nurturing ground for musical talent for nearly five decades.

The acclaimed Georgia Theatre concert hall offers a range of performances, hosting renowned artists in its main area while also featuring up-and-coming bands at its rooftop bar. Additionally, The Foundry serves as another option, combining craft beer, soul food, and excellent music.

11. Helen

Located approximately 62 miles north of Athens, Helen presents an ambiance reminiscent of Bavaria, Germany.

Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen has been intentionally designed to resemble a German village, complete with steeply-pitched roofs, wooden balconies, and intricate bear carvings.

While Helen’s aesthetic may seem somewhat kitsch to some, it serves as a perfect launching point for delving into the treasures of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Visitors can enjoy tubing down the Chattahoochee River, and biking enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to explore specially-designed trails.

12. Music History Walking Tours

Have you ever wondered where REM hosted their inaugural performance? Or where the B-52’s faced adversity on stage? Engaging in one of Athens’ Music History Walking Tours would provide answers.

Alternatively, visitors can embark on a self-guided journey to notable sites, including the Morton Theatre, recognized as one of America’s first black-owned and operated entertainment venues.

Rivaling Nashville in terms of musical heritage, these street tours are filled with captivating stories.

Though the narratives often highlight the escapades of REM members, who still frequently inhabit Athens, there is a wealth of content here to captivate all music enthusiasts.

13. Dahlonega Gold Museum

The Dahlonega Gold Museum is essentially two attractions in one, as its exhibit space is located within Georgia’s oldest surviving county courthouse.

This modest red brick structure in Dahlonega’s main square dates back to the 1830s and features replicas of the original judges’ deliberation chamber, courthouse (which now screens films), and jury room.

Nonetheless, the principal draw of the museum lies in its exhibitions, which house relics from America’s first gold rush. Among the displayed items, visitors can discover panning tools, gold coins, and even gold in its raw form as nuggets.

The museum is situated approximately 1.5 hours from Athens.

14. Wolf Mountain Vineyards

Located along the southern periphery of the Chattahoochee National Forest and a comparable distance from Athens as Dahlonega, Wolf Mountain Vineyards is renowned for its award-winning handcrafted wines.

Founded in 1999, it is one of the newer vineyards in the United States.

With an annual production of only a few thousand cases of wine, tasting sessions occur in a bright and spacious bar area. Visitors may also explore the cask room and wine cellar.

Dedicated to traditional French winemaking techniques, the vineyard merges various European grape varieties to produce wines unique to Wolf Mountain.

15. Oconee Hill Cemetery

Although visiting cemeteries may not ordinarily rank high on your list of attractions in a new city, an exception exists for Athens.

The Oconee Hill Cemetery is historic, featuring gravestones and tombs adorned with intricate Victorian carvings and ironwork.

A haven for photographers, it offers a respectful environment for a contemplative walk, dating back to the mid-nineteenth century.

Conveniently located across the street from the University of Georgia campus, the cemetery is open for exploration.