Looking for something to do in Athens? As a UGA student myself, I understand that busy academic and social schedules can make you feel like you’re stuck in the same routine.
Read Next: The Best of Athens, GA
Athens is home to shops, restaurants and activities that are waiting to be explored. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide how to spend your limited free time. To help you get started, we’ve compiled this list of things to do as a student in Athens.
Top 10 Things to Do in Athens, GA
Social
1. Creature Comforts Brewery
Photo Courtesy of Creature Comforts Brewing Company.
Address: 271 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601
Creature Comforts, is brewer of Thor’s beer of choice in Avengers: End Game, and it is the perfect place to explore craft beers and enjoy live music. The brewery offers tours free of charge to visitors upon request. With community in mind, Creature Comforts hosts the Athens Farmers Market on their patio every Wednesday afternoon, so make sure to stop by for local produce and food trucks!
2. Georgia Theatre
Address: 215 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601
Aside from lively concerts, the historic Georgia Theatre offers UGA football viewing parties on game days for fans looking to beat the Georgia heat. Home to one of Athens’ only rooftops, this is also the perfect spot for happy hour during a show or dinner with friends from one of their pop-ups.
Read Next: 12 Best Instagrammable Places in Athens Near the University of Georgia
3. Starland Lanes
Photo Courtesy of Starland Lanes and Lounge.
Address: 145 E Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601
Starland Lanes is a hidden gem of downtown Athens. Recently renovated to include bowling lanes, this lounge has quickly become a student favorite. Enjoy specialty cocktails on the patio or at one of two indoor bars in this two-story space.
4. Ciné
Photo Courtesy of Ciné.
Address: 234 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601
Located in downtown Athens, Ciné is a restored historic venue equipped with two cinemas, a bar, and event space. This non-profit arthouse has showtimes everyday, as well as monthly art exhibits benefitting the Athens Films Art Institute. Cine is perfect for a cloudy Sunday or a night of romance.
5. 40 Watt Club
Photo Courtesy of 40 Watt Club.
Address: 285 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601
Spend a weekend night at one of the 40 Watt Club’s casual concerts.This standing-room venue features a full-service bar, an open layout, and eye-catching decor. Dance the night away while bands and solo acts perform your favorites under the colored lights.
Restaurants
6. ADD Drug Lunch Counter
Photo Courtesy of ADD Drug.
Address: 1695 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606
Feel right at home at Athens’ favorite lunch counter, ADD Drug. Located in Five Points, the ADD Drug lunch counter has been in business for over 60 years! Grab a homemade milkshake on a sunny day or stop in for lunch with friends after a walk down Milledge.
Read Next: 8 Best Brunch Spots in Athens, GA Near The University of Georgia
7. Paloma Park
Photo Courtesy of Paloma Park.
Address: 235 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601
Paloma Park’s bar-top seating, tapas-style menu, and specialty cocktails make for a great social atmosphere any day of the week. The real fun happens outside in the beer garden. Watch the Dawgs on the massive game-day screen or stop by for one of many live performances hosted at this social hub.
Read Next: 10 Best UGA Tailgates in Athens, GA
8. El Barrio
Address: 1331 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
El Barrio, located in Five Points, is a casual lunch or dinner favorite. This taco spot offers both frozen and on-the-rocks specialty margaritas to be enjoyed inside, on the covered patio, or on the lawn while playing yard games.
Read Next: The 7 Best Spots for Happy Hour near The University of Georgia
9. The Last Resort
Photo Courtesy of Visit Athens.
Address: 174-184 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601
Originally a music club, The Last Resort is now an Athens staple for southern cuisine. Featuring locally-sourced ingredients, The Last Resort is a representation of Georgia’s traditional comfort foods. The option to sit outside always stands, as their beer and wine garden offers heat lamps and private greenhouses during the winter months!
Read Next: The 13 Best Restaurants in Athens, GA
Shopping
10. Downtown Athens Shops
Athens is populated with many shops, especially near East Clayton Street and College Avenue! For women’s shopping, there are dozens of options in this area. Fabrik, Heery’s, Impeccable Pig, and Dukes Clothier are local favorites! Additionally, Onward Reserve, High Country Outfitters and Kempt make for great options if you are searching for menswear. Agora Vintage and Dynamite hold thrifters’ hearts, while Avid Bookshop occupies the readers. Exploring this are is time well spent and these are just a handful of the options!
We hope this list gives some insight into some of the many activities in Athens for students. If you have any questions, or would like to learn about off-campus living in Athens, please contact the Rambler leasing team!
