The best things to do in Athens

31 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 31 places · showing the latest additions first

If you’re lucky enough to be a member or score a guest invite, Cherokee Town and Country Club is the kind of low-key luxury that makes a…

665 Hightower Trail (Atlanta)

If you’re lucky enough to be a member or score a guest invite, Cherokee Town and Country Club is the kind of low-key luxury that makes a busy week feel civilized. Think dialed-in golf, polished socials, and the sort of hospitality that quietly spoils you.

From the Roswell newsletter, August 28, 2026

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The Classic Center

Entertainment

The Classic Center is Athens’ go to for big shows and hometown moments, from Broadway tours and symphony nights to comedy, country, and…

300 N Thomas St

The Classic Center is Athens’ go to for big shows and hometown moments, from Broadway tours and symphony nights to comedy, country, and Beer Fest at Akins Ford Arena. Spend a few minutes this week browsing the calendar, then scoop tickets before that friend group chat explodes.

From the Athens newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just want an excuse to walk some gorgeous rolling fairways, University Golf Course delivers with…

2600 Riverbend Rd

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just want an excuse to walk some gorgeous rolling fairways, University Golf Course delivers with an award-winning par-71 Robert Trent Jones layout, open-to-all tee times, fun leagues, and PGA pro instruction that actually helps. Call a friend, swing easy, thank us later.

From the Athens newsletter, September 15, 2026

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PXG Atlanta

Entertainment

If your irons feel like they’re ghosting you, book a data-driven fitting at PXG Atlanta, where private bays with TrackMan tech and expert…

3393 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 3029F (Atlanta)

If your irons feel like they’re ghosting you, book a data-driven fitting at PXG Atlanta, where private bays with TrackMan tech and expert fitters match heads and shafts to your swing. Cap it off with sharp PXG apparel that actually performs off the course too.

From the North ATL newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Underground Atlanta

Entertainment

Underground Atlanta blends living history with art, late-night venues like MJQ Concourse and The Masquerade, and eats from Dolo's Pizza to…

50 Upper Alabama St (Atlanta)

Underground Atlanta blends living history with art, late-night venues like MJQ Concourse and The Masquerade, and eats from Dolo's Pizza to Utopia and Underground Diner, making it an easy downtown play when you want real ATL flavor.

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A breezy loop without the whole-day commitment, Candler Park Golf Course is a historic 9-hole track from 1927 with a fun, fast layout and…

585 Candler Park Dr NE (Atlanta)

A breezy loop without the whole-day commitment, Candler Park Golf Course is a historic 9-hole track from 1927 with a fun, fast layout and three tee sets that keep it friendly for beginners yet fun to dial in your wedges. Bonus: they also offer FootGolf when you want a twist.

From the Atlanta newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Vibrant trampolining & soft-play center offering foam pits & dodgeball courts.

10 Huntington Road

Vibrant trampolining & soft-play center offering foam pits & dodgeball courts.

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JOEKINGATL mural

Entertainment

Atlanta-based artist Joe Dreher, aka JOEKINGATL, turns walls into love letters to community, family, and unity, from intertwining faces to…

801 Rankin St NE (Atlanta)

Atlanta-based artist Joe Dreher, aka JOEKINGATL, turns walls into love letters to community, family, and unity, from intertwining faces to elegant single-line profiles and even a Möbius strip.

From the Stonecrest newsletter, August 18, 2026

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Athens' original escape room is still the go-to for friend groups and families. Escape The Space builds private, modular games that scale…

540 Hawthorne Ave

Athens' original escape room is still the go-to for friend groups and families. Escape The Space builds private, modular games that scale from 2 to 14 players, with fresh stories dropping quarterly, so everyone gets a role and a new reason to try again this week.

From the Athens newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Park Tavern

Entertainment

Park Tavern is the Piedmont Park go-to for burgers, brews, and game-day energy, with a dog-friendly patio right on the Beltline. It also…

500 10th St NE (Atlanta)

Park Tavern is the Piedmont Park go-to for burgers, brews, and game-day energy, with a dog-friendly patio right on the Beltline. It also moonlights as a serious event venue, hosting weddings, concerts, and watch parties in the Piedmont Room and Garden Tent when your South Fulton crew needs extra room.

From the South Fulton newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Golf course with 9 holes and a revolutionary design, plus a par-3 course and an academy.

2205 Northside Dr NW (Atlanta)

Golf course with 9 holes and a revolutionary design, plus a par-3 course and an academy.

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Buckhead Club

Entertainment

Perched 26 stories up with sweeping Atlanta skyline views, Buckhead Club nails the fancy-without-fussy vibe for weddings and milestone…

3344 Peachtree Rd NE #2600 (Atlanta)

Perched 26 stories up with sweeping Atlanta skyline views, Buckhead Club nails the fancy-without-fussy vibe for weddings and milestone parties. Think French-influenced menus from Executive Chef Daniel Andre, a serious wine program, and polished hospitality... and you don't need to be a member to host.

From the Rome newsletter, August 31, 2026

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Skyline Park

Entertainment

Swap the group chat for putts, skee-ball and a three-story slide at Skyline Park, the rooftop playground with retro midway games, craft…

Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (Atlanta)

Swap the group chat for putts, skee-ball and a three-story slide at Skyline Park, the rooftop playground with retro midway games, craft drinks and ridiculous Atlanta views. Grab your crew, chase bragging rights on mini golf and horse derby, then toast the skyline and call it a week well played.

From the Stonecrest newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Plaza Theatre

Entertainment

If you miss big-screen weirdness, Plaza Theatre keeps the reels spinning with cult classics and Friday midnight showings, the kind you…

1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (Atlanta)

If you miss big-screen weirdness, Plaza Theatre keeps the reels spinning with cult classics and Friday midnight showings, the kind you quote on the drive home. It’s the kind of indie spot locals claim as “their” theater, perfect for date nights or spontaneous group hangs.

From the Gainesville newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Visit Athens GA

Entertainment

Whether you're plotting a low-key Saturday or hosting friends, Visit Athens GA corrals the good stuff in one place: concert and UGA sports…

300 N Thomas St

Whether you're plotting a low-key Saturday or hosting friends, Visit Athens GA corrals the good stuff in one place: concert and UGA sports calendars, foodie events, neighborhood spotlights from Normaltown to Five Points, coupons and deals, plus inspiration from the State Botanical Garden to the Athens Music Walk of…

From the Athens newsletter, September 2, 2026

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IPIC Theaters

Entertainment

Upscale cinema chain with plush seating, gourmet light bites & cocktails, plus in-theater service.

1197 Peachtree St NE Apt 350 (Atlanta)

Upscale cinema chain with plush seating, gourmet light bites & cocktails, plus in-theater service.

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Relaxed, contemporary multiscreen theater featuring showings of mainstream films.

1570 Lexington Rd

Relaxed, contemporary multiscreen theater featuring showings of mainstream films.

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Charlie Yates Golf Course is a beautifully conditioned Rees Jones 9-holer with a driving range plus chipping and putting areas, perfect for…

10 Lakeside Village Dr SE (Atlanta)

Charlie Yates Golf Course is a beautifully conditioned Rees Jones 9-holer with a driving range plus chipping and putting areas, perfect for sneaking in a quick round or tuning up your game this week. The fully stocked shop and handy Virtual Tee Time Assistant keep things easy... and your swing honest.

From the Athens newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Live Wire Athens

Entertainment

Live Wire Athens is a family-owned, high-energy downtown spot built for weddings, corporate shindigs, game day blowouts, and actual live…

227 W Dougherty St

Live Wire Athens is a family-owned, high-energy downtown spot built for weddings, corporate shindigs, game day blowouts, and actual live music, with pro AV, a legit bar program, and a team that sweats the details.

From the Athens newsletter, September 3, 2026

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When the group text needs a plan, Lucky Strike Atlantic Station brings slick lanes, a lively arcade, big-game screens, and craft food and…

261 19th St NW Ste 1150 (Atlanta)

When the group text needs a plan, Lucky Strike Atlantic Station brings slick lanes, a lively arcade, big-game screens, and craft food and cocktails. Reserve a lane online, then bowl, snack, and talk just enough trash to keep it interesting on a quick Atlanta run from Athens.

From the Athens newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Georgia Aquarium

Entertainment

One of world's largest aquariums, with permanent exhibits, interactive galleries & animals galore.

225 Baker St NW (Atlanta)

One of world's largest aquariums, with permanent exhibits, interactive galleries & animals galore.

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Fernbank Forest

Entertainment

Skip the BeltLine crowd and reset in Fernbank Forest and WildWoods, where old-growth hardwoods, a canopy walk, and artful outdoor exhibits…

767 Clifton Rd NE (Atlanta)

Skip the BeltLine crowd and reset in Fernbank Forest and WildWoods, where old-growth hardwoods, a canopy walk, and artful outdoor exhibits turn a simple stroll into a mini escape. Trails wind through native wildlife habitats and deep shade, perfect for a midweek breather or a Saturday deep exhale.

From the Atlanta newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Whether you’re a member or tagging along as a guest, Druid Hills Golf Club is that in-town sanctuary locals brag about, with 1912 roots and…

740 Clifton Rd NE (Atlanta)

Whether you’re a member or tagging along as a guest, Druid Hills Golf Club is that in-town sanctuary locals brag about, with 1912 roots and a classic layout tucked into the historic neighborhood. Sneak in a midweek round, exhale, maybe soak up some Dogwood Invitational lore while you’re at it.

From the Atlanta newsletter, August 14, 2026

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The Mural Walk

Entertainment

The Mural Walk is a Black history walking art tour led by Dr. Drea, giving you an up-close look at Atlanta murals that tell powerful…

245 N Highland Ave NE Ste 230-181 (Atlanta)

The Mural Walk is a Black history walking art tour led by Dr. Drea, giving you an up-close look at Atlanta murals that tell powerful African American stories. It’s part art crawl, part neighborhood history lesson, perfect when you want culture with your steps.

From the Stonecrest newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Landmark's Midtown Art Cinema keeps the city’s cinephile cred strong with 8 screens of independent, foreign and documentary films, crisp…

931 Monroe Dr NE (Atlanta)

Landmark's Midtown Art Cinema keeps the city’s cinephile cred strong with 8 screens of independent, foreign and documentary films, crisp DLP projection and a concession stand with beer, wine, gourmet candies and baked goods. Grab a friend, catch something new this week, then argue about it on the ride home.

From the Atlanta newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Athens Country Club

Entertainment

Athens Country Club is an easy upgrade this week, mixing tee-time joy on the Ross Course and the newly designed Dudley Course with racquet…

2700 Jefferson Rd

Athens Country Club is an easy upgrade this week, mixing tee-time joy on the Ross Course and the newly designed Dudley Course with racquet sports and dining that lives up to its Savor Every Flavor vibe, all wrapped in personalized service and a family-focused scene that feels like home.

From the Athens newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Whether you're craving fresh, rotating exhibitions or itching to get hands-on, Lyndon House Arts Center keeps things lively with free…

211 Hoyt St

Whether you're craving fresh, rotating exhibitions or itching to get hands-on, Lyndon House Arts Center keeps things lively with free admission, classes for all ages, workshops, and open studio memberships. Swing by this week for a quiet art break or to actually start that project you keep talking about.

From the Athens newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

3200 Northlake Pkwy NE (Atlanta)

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

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Legacy Fountain

Entertainment

Legacy Fountain keeps summer sanity intact with a big, kid-friendly splash pad in the heart of Piedmont Park. When you're ready to actually…

E Park Ln NE (Atlanta)

Legacy Fountain keeps summer sanity intact with a big, kid-friendly splash pad in the heart of Piedmont Park. When you're ready to actually swim, the park's Aquatic Center offers lap lanes, a beach-style entry and shaded seating, so the whole crew can cool down without overthinking it.

From the Newnan newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Chasing a midweek reset? Chastain Park Golf Course threads 18 rolling holes through Buckhead with skyline views that sneak up on your…

216 Chastain Park Ave NW (Atlanta)

Chasing a midweek reset? Chastain Park Golf Course threads 18 rolling holes through Buckhead with skyline views that sneak up on your backswing, plus a solid pro shop to keep your bag honest. Book a tee time with a friend and remember why muni golf hits different.

From the Atlanta newsletter, August 18, 2026

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SkyView Atlanta

Entertainment

Give your week a reset on SkyView Atlanta, the observation wheel rising over 200 feet above Centennial Olympic Park with private,…

168 Luckie St NW (Atlanta)

Give your week a reset on SkyView Atlanta, the observation wheel rising over 200 feet above Centennial Olympic Park with private, climate-controlled gondolas and a VIP glass-floor option.

From the East Point newsletter, September 4, 2026

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