For a stay in Athens, you can choose nature trails, campus visits and art activities according to your interests. The options also differ in practical ways: some trails are described as paved multi-use paths, while others pass through woodland and wetlands; campus tours have clearly stated durations. This can help you decide which themes you want to shape your stay.
Experience nature and compare trails
Sandy Creek Nature Center covers 225 acres of peaceful woodland and wetlands. The area has twelve trails; one leads from there toward the confluence of Sandy Creek and the North Oconee River. If you prefer to compare trails by surface and use, the Oconee Rivers Greenway System has two clearly described options: 3.1 miles of natural-surface hiking trails and 8 miles of paved multi-use paths for non-motorized use.
The Firefly Trail also offers its own setting for walking or cycling: more than three miles of the trail run through Athens-Clarke County. An additional 1.5-mile extension is planned. The trail allows pedestrians and cyclists to travel away from nearby motorized traffic. When planning, distinguish the existing route from the planned extension.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is another option for garden visits. Several themed gardens are spread across 323 acres. The outdoor gardens are open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on UGA holidays. Bear Hollow Zoo is home to native wildlife that cannot be released into the wild and serves as ambassadors for their species. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the hours before your visit.
Campus, art and history
At the UGA campus, you can choose between guided and self-guided explorations. The UGA Campus Visit Experience includes a 90-minute campus tour; registration and availability may change, so check in advance. For an independent visit, UGA also provides a self-guided tour map. A one-hour walking tour passes through historic North Campus—a compact way to get to know this part of campus.
Art lovers can explore a range of interests. The Georgia Museum of Art has a collection of nearly 20,000 works of art. Exhibitions of contemporary art rotate at the Lyndon House Arts Center, which also offers art classes for all ages. The Ware-Lyndon House Museum displays decorative art from a collection associated with Dr. Edward Ware, Dr. Edward Lyndon and their families. The Ware-Lyndon House is open for self-guided visits Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the opening hours when planning your visit.
Craft beer and farmers market finds
The Athens Beer Trail gives you the opportunity to visit local breweries and discover their individual approaches to craft beer. As participating venues and arrangements may change, it is worth checking the latest details in advance. The Saturday Athens Farmers Market offers a different focus: locally grown fruit and vegetables, eggs, meat, baked goods, and prepared and preserved foods. There are also handmade crafts, fresh flowers and hot coffee. Alongside nature and culture, regional products and handmade goods are therefore also options to consider for your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Clarke County.
