Morning:
Walking across Broad Street and past the landmark Arch into the University of Georgia’s historic North Campus is like stepping back a few centuries in time. A series of quads is lined by some of Athens’ oldest buildings alongside stately trees. You’ll also find Founders’ Memorial Garden, the site of the nation’s first garden club. While on North Campus, be sure to take in the interactive exhibits at the Special Collections building, which are a must-see for any cultural heritage visitor to Athens. View clips from broadcast media’s highest award, the Peabody Award Collection. Walk through a replica of Senator Richard B. Russell’s U.S. Capitol office. Pick out famous Georgians who impacted history in Art Rosenbaum’s massive mural. Listen to oral history projects. And more!
After your stroll through North Campus, head over to the Ware-Lyndon House & Arts Center on the northern edge of downtown Athens. This beautiful late Greek Revival home with Italianate influences was built circa 1850 and is the last remaining residence from Lickskillet, an affluent 19th-century intown neighborhood in Athens. The Ware-Lyndon House has been fully restored as a house museum. It is also part of the Athens African American Heritage Pathway, with a permanent interpretative exhibit, film and podcast detailing the stories of Ware-Lyndon House enslaved individuals and their descendants. The house museum is the centerpiece of the Lyndon House Arts Center, so take time to walk through the impressive galleries displaying a wide range of local and regional art.
It’s now time to take a closer look at the heart of downtown Athens. A great way to do this is to explore the Athens Music Walk of Fame, where plaques commemorate the iconic musicians and bands that have emerged from Athens, including R.E.M., the B-52s, and Widespread Panic. This self-guided walking tour allows you to experience Athens’ rich musical legacy, which has played a pivotal role in shaping its identity as a cultural hub. The plaques go past several famed Athens clubs including the Georgia Theatre and the 40 Watt, where there’s live music playing most night of the week.
Lunch
Athens has a thriving food scene, so there are many great options to suit any taste. At The Place, you can enjoy Southern-inspired cuisine with beautiful views of UGA’s North Campus from the upstairs dining area. For an elegant dining experience with Great Gatsby vibes, visit South Kitchen, located in The Georgian building, which was Athens’ first hotel. With its stately setting, marble interior, and upscale charm, this venue brings back the opulence of early 20th-century Southern hospitality.
Afternoon:
After lunch, embark on the Historic Athens Afternoon Driving Tour, which departs from the Athens Welcome Center daily at 1 PM. This 90-minute tour takes you through Athens’ historic neighborhoods, showcasing grand homes, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. Make your tour reservation ahead of time to assure your spot. Prefer to explore at your own pace? The Athens Welcome Center offers self-guided tour maps, so you can chart your own path through the city’s historic landmarks.
The Georgia Museum of Art anchors the modern portion of the University of Georgia campus and houses a permanent collection of more than 18,000 works of art as well as 20 to 25 temporary exhibitions a year. Strengths include American painting, works on paper, southern decorative arts and self-taught art, as well as works by African American artists and a Samuel H. Kress Study Collection of Renaissance and Baroque art. The official state museum of art, the museum offers free inspiration for everyone.
Late afternoon is a wonderful time to unwind at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a 313-acre oasis of natural beauty and a designated Audubon Important Bird Area. Explore themed gardens such as the Heritage Garden, which traces Georgia’s agricultural history through heirloom plants, antique roses, and native species. You’ll also find over 5 miles of nature trails. The tropical conservatory and the Porcelain & Decorative Arts Museum are must-sees, and families will love the immersive three-acre Children’s Garden. Don’t forget to browse the garden gift shop for locally-made goods and botanically themed items.
Dinner:
For dinner, head to Five & Ten, an award-winning restaurant located in a 1920s Colonial Revival home along historic South Milledge Avenue in Athens’ Five Points neighborhood. The seasonal menu is a creative take on Southern cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Accommodations: Historic Stays in Athens
End your day in one of Athens’ historic inns or bed and breakfasts, each offering unique character and charm.
ATH|BNB
ATH|BNB in the Five Points neighborhood is an upscale Craftsman-style home that has been lovingly restored, offering both refined comfort and a sense of history. This bed & breakfast is the only accommodation on South Milledge Avenue, along “Sorority Row,” and is the perfect base for a walking tour of architecture as well as Five Points shops and dining.
The Athenian
Stay in the heart of downtown at The Athenian, a boutique hotel housed in a historic Greek Revival home. The central location makes it easy to explore the city on foot, while the rooms offer a touch of old-world elegance.
The Colonels Bed and Breakfast
Located in eastern Clarke County very convenient to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and GA Hwy 441 S and other Legacy & Lore communities, The Colonels Bed and Breakfast is a stunning Greek Revival mansion set on 30 wooded acres, providing a peaceful retreat with gracious Southern hospitality.
Rivet House Hotel
For a modern stay with historic roots, the Rivet House Hotel offers luxury accommodations, onsite spa, and Osteria Olio restaurant in a restored denim plant. This boutique hotel opened in 2024 and blends industrial charm with contemporary comfort. You’ll love the chic, modern design in a building with rich history, plus its close proximity to downtown.
Athens, Georgia, is a city where history, culture, and modern vibrancy come together seamlessly. Whether you’re exploring grand 19th-century homes, strolling through UGA’s historic North Campus, or immersing yourself in the local art scene, you’ll find endless opportunities to connect with the city’s rich heritage. This itinerary ensures a perfect day of cultural discovery, memorable dining, and restful accommodations in one of Georgia’s most charming cities.