10 Best Things to Do in Athens, GA

Athens is one of the best cities to explore in Georgia! I've visited with my kids, with my husband for a romantic getaway, gone on solo adventures, and spent a girls' weekend here. Every time I visit, I discover something new and fall in love with the city (and its people) a little more.

Whether you're visiting for the day or planning a longer stay, here are my top 10 things to do in Athens, including the places, restaurants, and local favorites I find myself recommending again and again!

Experience Athens' Food Scene

Where do I even start? For a city its size, Athens has an impressive restaurant scene.

I suppose it makes sense to begin with breakfast. I've never seen another town in Georgia take breakfast so seriously. You'll find lines wrapping around the corner at Mama's Boy (197 Oak St), Big City Bread Cafe (393 N Finley St), and Independent Baking Co. (to-go only/ 1625 S Lumpkin St). They're local favorites for a reason, and you really can't go wrong with any of them.

Independent Baking Co.

For lunch, I love the sandwiches and atmosphere at Cali N Titos (1427 S Lumpkin St), the healthy, customizable options and outdoor seating at Maepole (1021 N Chase St), and eating burgers in an old service station at Baddies Burgers (1307 Prince Ave).

Pictured: Cali N Tito's, Maepole, and Baddies

The dinner options are just as plentiful, with longtime favorites like The National (232 W Hancock Ave), Last Resort Grill (174-184 W Clayton St), and Five and Ten (1073 S Milledge Ave). But one of my favorite recent discoveries was Osteria Olio (355 Oneta St). It was recommended by a dear friend whose daughter attends UGA—a woman who flies into Athens regularly, knows her food, and has eaten at just about every restaurant in town. She told me Osteria Olio (tucked inside Rivet House) flies a little under the radar, and her recommendation was a highlight of my recent trip. The meal was stunning from start to finish (don't miss the focaccia and meatballs).

Osteria Olio at Rivet House

Catch a Rock Lobsters Game + See the Georgia Music Collections

I had such a blast at my first Rock Lobsters hockey game at Akins Ford Arena (155 Hickory St). It honestly made me wonder if I've secretly always been a hockey fan -- or if it's this particular team and venue that are just that much fun. From the crowd doing the "claws up" dance to a B-52s song to the intermission raffle, where we threw pucks onto the ice, the whole experience was a blast!

If you're heading to a game or another event here, make sure to arrive early enough to explore the  Georgia Music Collections. You'll find all kinds of exhibits with music memorabilia, from stage outfits to instruments, along with interactive experiences. You can even design your own concert venue or hop along to songs like OutKast's "Ms. Jackson" on a giant floor piano.

Rock Lobster and Georgia Music Collection at Akins Ford Arena

Wander the State Botanical Garden & Winter WonderLights

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia ( 2450 S Milledge Ave) isn't just one of my favorite places in Athens, it's one of my favorite places in all of Georgia. And, the best part? It's completely FREE to visit.

One of my favorite ways to spend a morning is to grab a coffee and then take my time strolling through the gardens. In the warmer months, it's also the perfect picnic spot.

If you're visiting Athens during the holiday season, don't miss Winter WonderLights, the garden's half-mile walk through light show. Along the trail, you'll find fire pits, s'mores, and drink stations (try the hot chocolate from Condor Chocolates). This is one of the most magical and affordable light shows in Georgia.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Shop Independent Stores

You'll find so many great, independent shops right in the heart of downtown Athens, but it would be a mistake not to venture beyond the city center a bit, too.

Treehouse Kid & Craft (585 Barber St), located in the Atlas complex, made me wish my kids were still little. This adorable shop has a free trinket exchange box, a supply swap closet, and the cutest little ice cream/candy counter. They also host classes and free story times, making it a fun stop for families.

In the Five Points neighborhood, you'll find Ghost Apothecary (1662 S Lumpkin St), an eclectic, boutique, and self-care gift shop located next to Condor Chocolates and across from Independent Baking Co. -- another one of my Athens favorites.

Another spot that's absolutely worth the drive is Foxglove Plantbar (1063 Baxter St). It was love at first sight the moment I walked through the door. You know when a place has a vibe that instantly makes you feel welcome? This is that place. Along with tons of plants, you'll find a DIY terrarium bar plus a wine, beer, and coffee bar.

For downtown shops, your best bet is to stroll and open all the doors. Some of my favorites are Community (260 N Jackson St), Dynamite Vintage Clothing (143 N Jackson St), and Rec Room Books (297 1/2 E Broad St under Jittery Joe's).

Treehouse Kid & Craft, Foxglove Plantbar, and Ghost

Enjoy Wine Weekend

The Athens Wine Weekend at The Classic Center (300 N Thomas St) is an annual weekend-long event that typically takes place each February and features multiple wine and culinary experiences benefiting The Classic Center Cultural Foundation. The 2026 event was held February 6–8.

I attended the opening night Amuse Bouche event, where guests sampled dishes from some of Athens’ favorite chefs alongside thoughtfully selected wines. The evening also featured a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting scholarships and arts programming through The Classic Center Cultural Foundation.

The entire weekend includes additional events like the Grand Tasting, educational wine seminars, gourmet dinners, and a brunch, making it a fun excuse for a getaway. If you’re planning a visit, definitely keep an eye out for next year’s dates because tickets can sell out.

Athens Wine Weekend

Stroll the Music Walk of Fame

You can't walk around Athens without noticing these guitar pick plaques embedded in the sidewalks. The Athens Music Walk of Fame honors some of Athens's most legendary music acts, including R.E.M., Widespread Panic, and The B-52s, while also recognizing iconic local music venues like 40 Watt Club and Georgia Theatre.

The walk spans roughly two blocks in the heart of downtown Athens, clustered around N. Lumpkin St and W. Washington St., and it's a fun way to experience the city's music roots while exploring downtown.

You can download a free map here.

Athens Music Walk of Fame

Visit the Historic UGA Campus

Walk through the historic arch off Broad Street to start your tour of the beautiful UGA Campus. If you're lucky, you'll visit on a game day and get swept up in the Bulldog energy that takes over Athens -- there's really nothing quite like it.

But honestly, the campus is just as lovely on a quiet morning or afternoon. Grab a coffee from nearby Sunroof Coffee (198 College Ave) and get lost. Make sure not to miss Founders Memorial Garden -- a little-known respite in the heart of Athens.

UGA North Campus

Stay at a Boutique Hotel

If you're looking for a full-service stay with every detail accounted for, Rivet House (355 Oneta St) is the place. Housed inside a beautifully restored textile mill, this is the kind of hotel that can be a destination all on its own. You'll find an incredible onsite restaurant, Osteria Olio, along with The Spa at Rivet House, which recently relaunched with a new spa menu.

The Bell Hotel (183 W Clayton St) is a contactless boutique hotel located in a former telephone building right in the heart of downtown Athens. The color-drenched rooms are stunning, and the lobby features a complimentary bar with snacks, water, coffee, and soda. Guests also have access to a gorgeous private rooftop terrace with fantastic views of downtown.

The Athenian (347 W Hancock Ave) made me want to redecorate my entire house. The paint colors, custom fabrics, and thoughtfully curated design are absolutely beautiful. I've stayed here once with friends and again for a romantic getaway, and both experiences were excellent. My favorite feature was the cozy communal living room stocked with complimentary snacks, wine, beer, and sodas.

Rivet House, The Bell Hotel, and The Athenian

Discover Athens' Art Scene

Athens is a creative town! Most people know it for its music scene, but the visual arts are just as impressive. One of my favorite pastimes is mural hunting, and my very first trip to Athens many years ago was for a mural quest with my family. The city's public art scene has only grown since then!

In addition to the incredible outdoor art scattered throughout downtown, you'll find a collection of galleries and museums. Two of my favorites are the Georgia Museum of Art (90 Carlton St) and the Lyndon House Arts Center (211 Hoyt St). Best of all, both are completely free to visit!

Located on the UGA campus, the Georgia Museum of Art even offers adorable kids' activity backpacks at the front desk, making it a great stop for little ones.

The Georgia Museum of Art, downtown murals, and Lyndon House Arts Center

Browse the Farmer's Market

I love the energy of a Farmers Market, and the Athens Farmers Market in Bishop Park is a great one!

In a town that celebrates local makers, artists, and independent businesses, it's no surprise that the market is a beloved staple in the Athens community.

I've only visited during the winter market, and would love to experience it in the spring and summer when it's in full swing. Because it's a producer-only market, everything is grown, raised, or made by the vendors themselves. You'll find a rotating selection of produce, meat, flowers, baked goods, and more, with offerings changing through the year based on the season and harvest.

One of my favorite finds was a vendor selling custom Atlanta and Athens-themed puzzles. I'm in my puzzle era, so I couldn't resist bringing home a Waffle House puzzle for myself.

I hope this list gives you some ideas to help you start planning your next (or first) visit to Athens, Ga.! If you want more Athens' ideas, check out my Perfect Weekend Itinerary.

xoKerry

This mural is painted on the exterior wall of Classic City Cycling (230 W. Broad St), located in an alley between Washington and Clayton St.