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$211 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$211
20 July - 21 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! (1,014 reviews)
Solid Place to Stay
"The Inn was extremely clean. Beds and linens were nice. Their breakfast is good...they even served shredded hash browns that were crispy. No complaints whatsoever. Glad we stayed here. Would stay again without hesitation."

Reviewed on 12 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$158 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$158
20 July - 21 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! (1,004 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$219 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$219
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! (711 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
The Najor’s Hocking Hills Trip
"This was our first visit. My gosh… it was so quaint and romantic. The tiny home was the best, clean, bed comfortable, quiet, cozy romantic. The place had all the essentials plus things available for lighting a small fire pit . Waking up to a beautiful view of the woods….perfect for a couple. Plus ..."

Reviewed on 6 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)
Family time
"All about the pool.Fishing pond pleasant surprise.Thanks"

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 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! (209 reviews)
Cozy cabin
"My daughter and I have been staying here a few years and love the cabin. Its far enough away from Hocking Hills not to have the traggic but close enough to visit."

Reviewed on 8 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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