Athens

Travel 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 P6,517 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P6,517
P7,381 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,001 reviews)
"I’ve stayed at this property two times now. I would highly recommend it’s a great place. And the restaurant and bar is very very good. Much better than most."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
Quality Inn
Quality Inn
2.5 out of 5
20 Home St, Athens, OH
The price is P4,740 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P4,740
P5,368 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Good value, have stayed before and will stay again."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Quality Inn
Super 8 by Wyndham Athens
Super 8 by Wyndham Athens
2 out of 5
2091 E State St, Athens, OH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,586 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
P3,586
P4,061 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (870 reviews)
"Convenient and priced well."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham 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! (24 reviews)
"Place was very nice, exactly as pictured. Bed and pillows were comfy, fantastic water pressure, very clean."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills
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.

Popular places to visit