Title: Visit Athens: Best of Athens Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Athens](https://expedia.ca/Athens-Hotels.d6059572.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Athens](https://expedia.ca/Athens-Vacation-Rentals.d6059572.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Athens](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Athens.d6059572.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Athens Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Athens.d6059572.Car-Rental-Guide)[Athens Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Athens.d6059572.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Athens ## Travel Guide ![Athens featuring farmland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6059572/e4c45507-c738-41dd-8609-05a1cade2066.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Athens showing night scenes, a festival and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6059572/7693036f-4a03-4ca0-acfb-a0993bb06db8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Athens showing markets, interior views and shopping](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6059572/f0d21bea-736b-48d0-96be-04fade485953.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Athens showing a festival, nightlife and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6059572/eeeda1b7-2e86-4c00-8965-65f8c718378a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Kidwell Covered Bridge in Athens County, Ohio](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6059572/10e3a52e-3a5d-400d-a748-9480aa7ca584.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Athens Things to do #### 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 Centre 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 Centre 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. - Athens Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Athens ![Ohio University Inn & Conference Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/40000/40000/39931/4a096f7d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ohio University Inn & Conference Center 331 Richland Ave Athens OH CA $139 CA $157 total Apr 1 - Apr 2 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews) Excellent Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F04%2F2026&endDate=02%2F04%2F2026&selected=39931&PinnedHotelID=39931&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6059572) ![Quality Inn Athens](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/130000/124400/124351/711e109d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Quality Inn Athens 20 Home St Athens OH CA $116 CA $131 total Mar 29 - Mar 30 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! (1,000 reviews) Nice room at a good rate Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=29%2F03%2F2026&endDate=30%2F03%2F2026&selected=124351&PinnedHotelID=124351&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6059572) ![Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Athens by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1730000/1721900/1721834/8aabdbfd_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Athens by IHG 555 East State Street Athens OH CA $189 CA $214 total Mar 29 - Mar 30 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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 9/10 Wonderful! (932 reviews) Perfect stay for a family, lots of pool time! Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=29%2F03%2F2026&endDate=30%2F03%2F2026&selected=1721834&PinnedHotelID=1721834&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6059572) [See all 435 properties in Athens](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=26%2F03%2F2026&endDate=27%2F03%2F2026®ionId=6059572) 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, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110280000/110277900/110277888/c22a854b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy 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 ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews) Everything excellent Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Nelsonville-Hotels-Postcard-Cabins-Hocking-Hills.h110277888.Hotel-Information) ![2-Person Romantic Treehouse Getaway in Hocking Hills, Ohio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33500000/33494300/33494210/47b9d625_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 2-Person Romantic Treehouse Getaway in Hocking Hills, Ohio South Bloomingville OH Stay at this cabin in South Bloomingville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attraction Tar Hollow State Park is located nearby. 10/10 Exceptional! (304 reviews) Great property with beautiful views. The best night sky I have ever seen. Great place to consider especially if you want to bring your dog. Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/South-Bloomingville-Hotels-2-Person-Romantic-Treehouse-Getaway-In-Hocking-Hills.h33494210.Hotel-Information) ![New & Romantic Couples Cabin with hot tub & fire pit near Athens & Hocking Hills](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74630000/74622200/74622115/f4fb7fe1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### New & Romantic Couples Cabin with hot tub & fire pit near Athens & Hocking Hills New Marshfield OH Stay at this cabin in New Marshfield. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ... 10/10 Exceptional! (223 reviews) The hosts and the view were absolutely amazing!! Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/New-Marshfield-Hotels-New-Romantic-Couples-Cabin-With-Hot-Tub-Fire-Pit-Near-Athens-Hocking-Hills.h74622115.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Athens](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6059572&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Athens hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059572&startDate=2026-03-25&endDate=2026-03-26)[Mar 25 - Mar 26](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059572&startDate=2026-03-25&endDate=2026-03-26) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059572&startDate=2026-03-26&endDate=2026-03-27)[Mar 26 - Mar 27](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059572&startDate=2026-03-26&endDate=2026-03-27) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059572&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 27 - Mar 29](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059572&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059572&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 3 - Apr 5](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6059572&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Called "The Ridges" currently, this large, looming building that overlooks Ohio University's campus was formerly a mental health hospital called the Athens Asylum for the Insane. There's a small museum inside now, and the rest of the grounds are owned by the university, but there is still certainly a chilling aspect to the building that calls to its past. Take a walk around the grounds or visit the museum, it's something worth seeing. Behind the building is a community park with areas that would be worth visiting in warmer days. Take the road that loops up a hill](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6059572/f415c0fe-5d25-4648-973f-683756c8581f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ohio University Explore the campus of Ohio University, during your travels in Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Ohio-University-Athens.d6087377.Vacation-Attraction) ![A quaint town in Southeast Ohio. Definitely worth a stop through. Lots of charming shops and an awesome old theater. #weekendgetaway](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6059572/9a0bdb98-b7e0-4d08-ac6f-4b6f4664614c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Court Street During your trip to Athens, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Court Street. Discover the area's festivals, or seek out its hiking trails. [](https://expedia.ca/Court-Street-Athens.d553248625938142327.Vacation-Attraction) ![The sun setting and reflecting over Dow Lake at Strouds Run State Park. Strouds Run State Park contains 2,606 acres of uninterrupted hardwood, the 161-acre Dow Lake, a 900-foot sand beach, 6 #hiking trails, 15 mountain biking/hiking trails and 10 bridle/hiking trails.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6059572/e1c022fd-663d-411a-ba24-1bbec36e2ca0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Strouds Run State Park You can take time to visit Strouds Run State Park during your travels to Athens. Discover the bars and its festivals while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Strouds-Run-State-Park-Athens.d635028571574366208.Vacation-Attraction) #### Convocation Center Catch an event at Convocation Center during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Convocation-Center-Athens.d553248625938135805.Vacation-Attraction) #### Peden Stadium Catch an event at Peden Stadium during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Peden-Stadium-Athens.d553248625938099847.Vacation-Attraction) #### John Calhoun Baker University Center Explore the campus of John Calhoun Baker University Center, during your trip to Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/John-Calhoun-Baker-University-Center-Athens.d553248625938161319.Vacation-Attraction) ## Cities near Athens ![Aerial of Lake Vesuvius on Snowy Winter Day - Wayne National Forest - Ohio](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8905/04bce598-74ca-47ad-8447-97be3a5fd51e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Nelsonville ### Other places like Athens - Cities near Athens - Places of interest [Nelsonville](https://expedia.ca/Nelsonville.dx8905) - [Hocking Hills State Park ](https://expedia.ca/Hocking-Hills-State-Park-Ohio.d6140554.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lake Logan State Park ](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Logan-State-Park-Logan.d6296839.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ohio River Valley ](https://expedia.ca/Ohio-River-Valley-United-States-of-America.d6233674.Vacation-Attraction) - [Hocking Hills Craft Mall ](https://expedia.ca/Hocking-Hills-Craft-Mall-Logan.d6296782.Vacation-Attraction) - [Cedar Falls ](https://expedia.ca/Cedar-Falls-South-Bloomingville.d6296764.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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