Athens Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo by throwingsofas

Thousands of Ohio University students call this city home during the academic year, but its cultural offerings and scenic settings entertain visitors year-round. 

Located on the scenic Hocking River in southeast Ohio, Athens is a lively college town. Since it was established in 1804, Ohio University has called Athens home. Experience a bustling city full of cultural attractions and events.

With just over 20,000 enrolled, Ohio University’s student body is almost as large as the population of Athens. Stroll among the brick buildings and manicured lawns on campus. The main entrance, which opens to the college green, is located at Court and Union streets. Explore the collections at the Kennedy Museum of Art, located on Ohio University’s campus. The museum hosts a variety of fascinating exhibits from all over the world.

Court Street and its many cross streets make up the heart of downtown. Enjoy a coffee at a local café or eat dinner at one of many restaurants. Boutiques, antique shops and convenience stores line the streets. The area gets even busier after the sun goes down, when students fill restaurants and bars.

The National Arbor Day Foundation recognizes Athens as a designated Tree City USA, which means the city is devoted to planting and caring for its plant life. Appreciate the greenery as you walk along Athen’s shady, tree-lined streets.

Visit Athens County Historical Museum. Photo essays, artifacts and various exhibits focus on Athens County through the 19th and 20th centuries.

Go hiking, biking or running on the Athens Trail Network. Begin at Sells’ City Park and take one of the 12 trails that make up the network. Walk through the woods and end at Strouds Run State Park. Go boating on Dow Lake or try fishing at Sells Pond.

Visit Dairy Barn Arts Center just south of downtown. This converted dairy barn hosts exhibits, events, programs and more that promote the area’s artists. Check a calendar on the official Dairy Barn Arts Center website to find out what’s on.

Athens is just over a 1-hour drive from Columbus, Ohio and just over a 3-hour drive to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Get around the city easily on foot. If you don’t want to walk, take a bus or rent a car.

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
331 Richland Ave, Athens, OH
The price is NZ$213 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$213
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Quality experience from beginning to end"

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
Quality Inn

Quality Inn

2.5 out of 5
20 Home St, Athens, OH
The price is NZ$160 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$160
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
Very kind
"They were very kind"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Quality Inn
Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens

Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens

2.5 out of 5
924 East State Street, Athens, OH
The price is NZ$208 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$208
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, a health club, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (713 reviews)
Passing through town
"Stay here at least once a year otw to MI. Only issue was couldn't read the numbers on the thermostat, it needs to be replaced. Everything else was great as usual."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills

2 out of 5
38490 Todd Rd, Nelsonville, OH
Stay at this cabin in Nelsonville. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and patios. Popular attractions Nelsonville Brick Park and Robbins Crossing Historical ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Absolutely all that we needed and more! My girl friends and I had an amazing trip and relaxing after a long day of hiking this cabin was perfect! We ended the night with a wonderful bon fire followed by some uno and a restful sleep! Love, love, loved this place!!!"

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills
Daisy Glen Retreat: Private indoor pool in Hocking Hills

Daisy Glen Retreat: Private indoor pool in Hocking Hills

South Bloomingville
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in South Bloomingville. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Hocking Hills State ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
Our week at Daisy Glen
"Beautiful home and property. My wife and I plus our 3 sons and their wives along with several of our grandchildren were there to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary. We thoroughly enjoyed the pool and made good use of the home as a base for daily hikes around Hocking Hills. Would definitely recommend ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Daisy Glen Retreat: Private indoor pool in Hocking Hills
 Hocking Hills,Cozy Secluded Cabin,Minutes to Caves/WiFi/Pet Friendly!

Hocking Hills,Cozy Secluded Cabin,Minutes to Caves/WiFi/Pet Friendly!

McArthur
Stay at this cabin in McArthur. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Ash Cave Recreation Area and Ash Cave ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (211 reviews)
"We had a wonderful time. The cabin was beautiful and cozy. We loved the beds. I don't usually sleep well on other beds but I slept great on this one. The location was quite and peaceful. Thank you Anna and Donna"

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Hocking Hills,Cozy Secluded Cabin,Minutes to Caves/WiFi/Pet Friendly!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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