Clarke County · The Historic Heartland
Things to Do in Athens
The anchors of a local week: squares, markets, racing, and the lake. These are the calls locals actually make.
Back to the Athens guideThe Arch at the University of Georgia
Downtown, at the campus edge
The cast-iron arch at the foot of North Campus, the city's defining landmark and the traditional edge of downtown.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
On the UGA campus, south of downtown
313 acres of display gardens, a conservatory, and about five miles of nature trails along the Middle Oconee.
Sanford Stadium on a football Saturday
On the UGA campus
Between the Hedges on game days; the whole downtown becomes a tailgate. Check the official schedule before you plan.
Georgia Theatre
Downtown, on North Lumpkin Street
The historic downtown music room, rebuilt after the 2009 fire, hosting national and local acts.
40 Watt Club
Downtown, on West Washington Street
The club that launched R.E.M. and the B-52's, still the heart of the Athens music scene.
North Oconee River Greenway
From Dudley Park, east of downtown
The paved riverside trail from Dudley Park, the easy walk or ride from downtown.
Historic Athens Welcome Center
Downtown, at 280 East Dougherty Street
The 1820 Church-Waddel-Brumby House, the place to start a historic walking tour.
Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail
On Gran Ellen Drive
The park with the small wildlife trail of native Georgia animals, a family favorite.
Georgia Museum of Art
On the UGA campus, at 90 Carlton Street
The state's art museum, free admission, a quiet afternoon on campus.
The Tree That Owns Itself
On South Finley Street
The white oak that legally owns itself and its land, a downtown curiosity worth the detour.
Also in the Athens guide