Best Things to do in Athens | Must-see attractions 2025

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

8:00 AM–7:00 PM

Garden

2450 S Milledge Ave

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The State Botanical Garden of Georgia spans 313 acres in Athens, serving as a horticulture lab for the University of Georgia, open to the public with diverse plant collections and nature trails.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Georgia Museum of Art

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

90 Carlton St (btwn E. Campus Rd. & River Rd.)

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The Georgia Museum of Art, the official state museum of art, is located on the University of Georgia campus in Athens. Admission is free.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Seney-Stovall Chapel

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

201 N Milledge Ave (W Broad St.)

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Seney-Stovall Chapel in Athens, Georgia, is a historic amateur theater known for its unique architecture and cultural significance, hosting various performances and events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free entry for general access. Some events may require tickets.

World of Wonder Playground

8:00 AM–10:00 PM

Amusement Park

325 Whit Davis Rd

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World of Wonder Playground in Athens, GA, offers diverse play structures and features for children, making it a favorite for families and community events.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Special events may feature paid activities.

Taylor-Grady House

1:00 PM–5:00 PM

Event hall

634 Prince Ave

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Taylor-Grady House is a historic home in Athens, Georgia, showcasing 19th-century architecture and a rich cultural heritage associated with local history.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free to enter. Special events may have associated fees.

Ware-Lyndon House

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

293 Hoyt St

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Ware-Lyndon House, a historic house in Athens, Georgia, showcases architectural significance and rich history, offering insight into local culture and heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Sandy Creek Park

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

400 Bob Holman Rd

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Sandy Creek Park in Athens, GA, offers 782 acres of outdoor activities, including nature trails, disc golf, and boating at Lake Chapman.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Donations are accepted for park maintenance.

Georgia Museum of Natural History

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

E Campus RD Natural History Building

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Georgia Museum of Natural History in Athens features geological, archaeological, biological, and paleontological exhibits, showcasing the natural heritage of the region.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some exhibitions may have separate admission fees.

Sandy Creek Nature Center

8:30 AM–5:30 PM

Park

205 Old Commerce Road

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Sandy Creek Nature Center in Athens, Georgia, spans 225 acres and features diverse habitats, nature trails, and educational facilities with live animal exhibits.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Trail Creek Park

10:00 AM–5:30 PM

Park

200 Trail Creek Street

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Trail Creek Park in Athens, US, spans 113 acres and features a mountain bike trail, playgrounds, fitness zone, and a splash pad. Opened in 2006, it's ideal for outdoor recreation.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

$1 for splash pad access; free admission to the park.

Lyndon House Arts Center

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

211 Hoyt Street

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Lyndon House Arts Center in Athens, GA offers diverse art galleries, classes, and a dedicated children's wing, alongside a gift shop.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Additional charges may apply for special events and exhibitions.

Stan Mullins Art Garden

Appointment Only

Museum

650 Pulaski St

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Stan Mullins Art Garden in Athens, USA, showcases large-scale sculptures and paintings by artist Stan Mullins in an 1890 Cotton Seed Oil Refinery. Visit by appointment only.

Duration: About 1–2 hours.

Entry by appointment only; check for any special events that may require a fee.

Live Wire Athens

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Theater

227 W Dougherty St

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Live Wire Athens is a rustic industrial event venue with versatile spaces for public and private events, accommodating 20-500 guests in downtown Athens, USA.

Duration: 2-3 hours, depending on the event.

Prices vary by event; general entry is typically free for public events, with potential charges for private bookings.

University of Georgia

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

405 College Station Rd

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University of Georgia, founded in 1785 in Athens, GA, is a major public research university known for its academic rigor and vibrant campus life.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may have a ticket fee.

The Trial Gardens At UGA

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Garden

220 W Green St

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The Trial Gardens at UGA in Athens, Georgia, features diverse plant trials and research by the University of Georgia, showcasing thousands of plants each year.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have separate charges.

The Georgia Theatre

6:00 PM–2:00 AM

Theater

215 N Lumpkin St (at Clayton St.)

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The Georgia Theatre in Athens, USA, hosts diverse musical acts and events in a historic venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich musical heritage.

Duration: 3-5 hours, depending on the event.

Prices vary by event; generally between $10 and $30. Some special events may have different pricing.

Sanford Stadium

Varies by Game

Stadium

100 Sanford Dr

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Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, is the 10th largest NCAA stadium with a capacity of 92,746. Known for its natural grass surface and historic hedges, it's the home for UGA football.

Duration: 3-4 hours, including pre-game activities.

Game tickets vary by matchup; check UGA's official site for details.

Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

300 N Thomas St

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Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau provides essential information for visitors, highlighting attractions, dining, and events in Athens, Georgia.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free. No admission fees for the visitor center.

Dudley Park

Dawn–Dusk

Park

100 Dudley Park Rd

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Dudley Park in Athens, GA spans 24 acres of serene woods and fields, featuring picnic tables and BBQ grills for outdoor enjoyment.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. BBQ grills available for public use.

Georgia Square Mall

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

3700 Atlanta Hwy

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Georgia Square Mall in Athens, GA offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options in a spacious environment, attracting locals and visitors alike.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a ticket purchase.

Morton Theatre

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theater

195 Washington St (at Hull St)

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Morton Theatre in Athens, Georgia, is one of the first vaudeville theatres in the U.S., uniquely built, owned, and operated by an African American.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

General Admission: $10. Discounts for seniors and students available.

Bishop Park

7:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

705 Sunset Drive

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Bishop Park in Athens, Georgia, spans 33 acres featuring ball fields, paved trails, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, and playgrounds, ideal for recreation.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some events may require registration.

Founders Memorial Garden

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

Lumpkin St. (UGA)

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Founders Memorial Garden in Athens, United States, offers a serene environment with vibrant flora, commemorating local history and notable figures.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require prior registration.

Latin American Ethnobotanical Garden

8:00 AM–7:00 PM

Garden

408 Baldwin St

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The Latin American Ethnobotanical Garden in Athens, Georgia, showcases a diverse collection of Latin American plants, highlighting cultural and ecological significance.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Educational programs may have associated costs.

Beech Haven Baptist Church

Office Closed

Church

2390 W Broad St

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Beech Haven Baptist Church in Athens, GA, serves the community with spiritual guidance, various programs, and activities for all ages. It features traditional architecture and a welcoming atmosphere.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are accepted for specific programs and events.

Chestnut Grove Baptist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

610 Epps Bridge Pkwy

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Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Athens, GA, established in 1865, features classic southern architecture and a welcoming community atmosphere for worship and events.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special events.

Tuckston Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

4175 Lexington Rd

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Tuckston Church in Athens, GA, offers a welcoming environment for worship, community gatherings, and family events, featuring modern architecture and pastoral grounds.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome for special events and community support.

Milledge Avenue Baptist Church

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

1690 S Milledge Ave

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Milledge Avenue Baptist Church in Athens, GA, features distinctive architecture and a rich history dating back to 1884, known for its community involvement.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Oconee Street Methodist Church

10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Church

717 Oconee St

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Oconee Street Methodist Church, established in 1872, presents a rich history and unique architecture amidst the vibrant community of Athens, GA.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Athens Christian Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

1200 Forest Heights Dr

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Athens Christian Church, founded in 1871, is a historic church in Athens, United States, known for its architecture and community involvement.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed to support community programs.

Princeton United Methodist Church Graveyard

Open all day

Church

2390 S Lumpkin St

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Princeton United Methodist Church Graveyard is a historic burial site in Athens, offering a glimpse into local history with well-preserved markers and serene landscapes.

Duration: Around 1 hour.

Free.

Oconee Heights Baptist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

4180 Old Jefferson Rd.

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Oconee Heights Baptist Church in Athens, GA, is a vibrant community hub offering worship services, events, and a welcoming environment for all ages.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated but not required for most events.

Athens Korean Presbyterian Church

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

2925 Barnett Shoals Rd

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Athens Korean Presbyterian Church in Athens, GA, offers a spiritual hub with strong community ties and rich cultural activities for Korean-Americans.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are accepted to support community programs.

Herman C. Michael Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

1051 Elder Rd

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Herman C. Michael Park in Athens, Georgia, spans 37 acres with sports fields, picnic facilities, and playground areas, ideal for recreational activities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free.

St. John's Fire Baptized Holiness Church

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

Athens

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St. John's Fire Baptized Holiness Church in Athens, United States, stands as a beacon of faith, showcasing unique architecture and a rich history since 1920.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and outreach programs.

UGA Performing Arts Center

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

230 River Rd

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UGA Performing Arts Center in Athens offers diverse cultural events, from concerts to theatrical performances, fostering community engagement through the arts.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies by event. Some performances may offer discounted tickets for students and seniors.

the Greenhouse

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Event hall

137.5 Burnett St.

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The Greenhouse in Athens, United States, offers an immersive experience with diverse plant species, educational programs, and a picturesque environment for visitors.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket.

Presidents Club Garden

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

Athens

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Presidents Club Garden in Athens, United States, offers a peaceful retreat filled with diverse flora, historical insights, and community significance.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special fundraising events may require a donation.

Chapelwood Methodist Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Athens

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Chapelwood Methodist Church in Athens, United States, is a community hub with a rich history and distinctive architecture, fostering spiritual growth and service.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations for special events may be accepted.

Archer Grove Holiness Church

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

Georgia

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Archer Grove Holiness Church in Athens, United States, is a historic church known for its unique architecture and significant role in the local community since its founding.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations accepted for maintenance.

The Sheradin Lodge

9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Church

Athens

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The Sheradin Lodge, located in Athens, U.S., features rustic architecture and proximity to nature trails, making it an inviting retreat for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Adults: $10, Children (under 12): $5. Discounts available for groups.

Oconee Presbyterian Church

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

2601 Hog Mountain Rd

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Oconee Presbyterian Church in Athens, United States, is a historic site established in 1786, offering a glimpse into early American church architecture and community life.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations for maintenance are appreciated.

Rays United Methodist Church

Office Closed

Church

Rays Church Road

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Rays United Methodist Church in Athens, GA, offers worship services, community outreach, and a welcoming environment for all ages.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Some specific events may have a nominal fee.

Morton Chapel Baptist Church

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

2005 Morton Rd

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Morton Chapel Baptist Church, established in Athens, Georgia, serves the community with worship, outreach, and educational programs since 1905.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for community programs.