Skip to main content

Refine Results

Reset

12 Best Instagrammable Places in Athens Near the University of Georgia

By Sydney

Attending the University of Georgia and being a student in Athens has many perks. One of those is having amazing spots around town that are perfect for your next Instagram post!

Read Next: The Best of Athens, GA

As a second year at the University of Georgia, I was so excited to explore Athens when I was a freshman. After living here for two years and having the opportunity to check out dozens of picture-perfect locations, I can confidently say that Athens has some of the best spots for photos.

Whether you’re a student new to UGA or you’re just looking for a new spot to spice up your Instagram, I have put together some of the most Instagrammable places in Athens where you can secure the perfect photos.

12 Instagrammable Places in Athens Near UGA

1. Greetings from Athens

girl posing for a photo-op in front of the Athens mural

Address: 230 W Broad St, Athens, GA 30601

Greetings from Athens is a mural located downtown. It showcases some of the landmarks in the community and also features some of the famous musicians that originated in Athens. This colorful mural encompasses many historic symbols of Athens, making it a great place to take photos when you are visiting or just moved to town.

2. “I love you” Wall at El Barrio

I love you wall at El Barrio in Athens

Address: 1331 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 3060

This wall is outside a very popular Mexican restaurant located in the Five Points area. This bright yellow wall has various flowers painted with a bird in the lower right corner. It has a large “I love you… and tacos. always” phrase painted in the middle of the wall. It’s a popular place for students to take pictures after eating at El Barrio or other restaurants located in the Five Points area.

Read Next: 8 Best Happy Hours near The University of Georgia

3. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Address: 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a large conservatory with walking paths and lots of flora and fauna. All of the greenery creates a great environment to take pictures, and there are many different picturesque spots at this one location. It’s perfect for spending a relaxing day in nature while also providing a great variety of florals and greenery to spice up your Instagram.

4. The Arch

girls smiling for a pic at The Arch in Athens

Address: UGA Arch, E. Broad St, Athens, GA 30602

The Arch is located on the edge of north campus and is a popular spot for seniors to take their graduation pictures. There is a legend at UGA that if you walk under the Arch as an undergrad, you won’t graduate, so if you decide to take pictures in front of the Arch, don’t walk under it!

5. The Chapel Bell

a girl swinging on the Chapel Bell

Address: 109 Herty Dr, Athens, GA 30602

The Chapel Bell is a popular place for students to take pictures with friends while swinging on the rope of the bell. Most of these pictures happen at the end of the semester when students want to celebrate the end of exams or graduation. It’s a tradition to take pictures at the Bell to celebrate something. Whether it’s a birthday or an academic accomplishment, the Bell is where to go for your celebratory picture!

6. UGA Founders Garden

girl in The Founders Garden in Athens

Address: S. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30602

The Founders Memorial Garden has a picturesque surrounding that makes for a perfect photo spot featuring gorgeous flowers and greenery. There are brick buildings scattered around the garden that can add a rustic feel to any photo. Depending on the time of year, there are different flowers in bloom, so there is sure to be variety in the background of your pictures throughout the seasons. The Founders Garden radiates color starting in late March, so spring is my favorite time to take pictures in the garden!

7. Herty Field Fountain

photo of two friends in front of Herty Fountain

Address: Herty Dr, Athens, GA 30602

Herty Fountain is located in the middle of north campus on Herty Field. The fountain makes for the perfect background to take pictures for formal events. In addition to the fountain, the UGA campus is covered in greenery and well-kept landscaping, making for an even more polished photo.

8. Chandelier Mural

Chandelier Mural in Athens

Photo Courtesy of visitathensga

Address: 223 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601

Chandelier Mural is a mural found on the side of Little Kings Shuffle Club. It has a unique geometric design featuring pops of blue which creates a neutral background, perfect for Instagram photos where you want to be the focus of the shot.

9. Georgia Theatre

friends walking in front of Georgia Theatre

Address: 215 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601

The Georgia Theatre adds a city feel to any photo. It is a cool location whether you’re looking to take more formal photos or just candid pictures with your friends. The illuminated Georgia Theatre sign and the announcements under it provide an awesome background to any picture. There is also a rooftop bar at the Georgia Theatre that serves food and drinks with a nice view of Athens that can serve as an additional photo-op.

Read Next: 15 Best Things to Do in Athens, GA

10. Sanford Stadium

friends outside Sanford Stadium

Address: 100 Sanford Dr, Athens, GA 30602

The home of the Georgia Bulldogs, Sanford Stadium, is the UGA football stadium. Naturally, it has become of the most instagrammable places in Athens. When you go into Sanford Stadium, you get a rush of pride in being a Bulldog. This aura provides the best type of environment in which to take fun pictures with your friends. This is a popular spot for back-to-school pictures, senior photoshoots, and gameday pictures.

Read Next: Top 10 Places to Tailgate for the University of Georgia Football Games

11. Iron Horse

Iron Horse in Athens

Photo Courtesy of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Address: Iron Horse, Watkinsville, GA 30677

Iron Horse is located around a 25-minute drive outside of Athens, but surprisingly enough, it is still a well-known place for pictures among UGA students. The large iron horse is at the center of a big field, and students like to take pictures with the horse and at miscellaneous spots throughout the field. The endless possibilities for different types of pictures is a creative playground for photographers.

12. HYBAR

friends at HYBAR in Athens

Address: 412 N. Thomas Street Rooftop, Athens, GA 30601

HYBAR is located downtown on the rooftop of the Hyatt Place. The rooftop creates a stunning view of Athens, and pictures taken around sunset are phenomenal. HYBAR is a popular place to take pictures for birthdays and other celebrations with your friends. It has a food and drink menu so you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshment while you’re here!

Read Next: 10 Most Popular Bars for UGA Students

We hope this article gave you some insight on where to find the most instagrammable places in Athens! Most of these spots are just a short drive away from UGA campus, and even better, some you can even walk to. Next time you are in search of your next photo-op, be sure to check out these awesome, conveniently located spots!

If you’d like to learn more about student living near the University of Georgia, contact the Rambler leasing staff, who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.


Sydney headshot

Sydney

Sydney is a Digital Marketing Intern for Rambler. She is a senior at The University of Georgia majoring in Marketing and minoring in Sport Management.


March 13, 2023


Get email updates

We invite you to sign up for our monthly newsletter featuring exclusive events, promos and more.