The Best Game-Day Airbnbs in Athens, Georgia
Known as the Classic City, Athens, Georgia, sits just an hour northeast of Atlanta. While it's best recognized as the home of the University of Georgia and birthplace of bands like R.E.M., the B-52s, and Widespread Panic, you don’t have to be a Bulldog (or music fanatic) to appreciate this southern town. Historic architecture lines its walkable downtown streets, and the buzzy neighborhood of Five Points blends 1920s charm with delicious restaurants.
I’ve called Atlanta home for 12 years and make an annual pilgrimage to Athens for its standout dining—from newcomer Osteria Olio to staple Mama’s Boy—and for a dose of nature at places like the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. While Athens has its fair share of exceptional boutique hotels (including Rivet House and the Bell), sometimes the comfort of a rental is what you’re after. Options range from quirky guest cottages to thoughtfully designed homes and spacious apartments. Whether you’re planning a solo retreat or hosting a game day crew, here are nine excellent Airbnb options in Athens, Georgia, for your next football weekend.
When is the best time to go to Athens, Georgia?
Fall is the perfect time to visit Athens. The University of Georgia is in session, the Bulldogs are playing, the leaves are changing, and the temps start to dip. Football season does bring higher prices and busier restaurants, but weekends spent in Athens are a one-of-a-kind experience. Alternatively, late spring and early summer are also beautiful, and with school out of session, you feel like you have the town to yourself.
What’s the best area to stay in Athens?
For dining, shopping, and nightlife, walkable neighborhoods like Downtown and Five Points are ideal. You can park your car and leave it there. If you're headed to a game and want to skip the Uber, stay downtown. Families might consider Normaltown, a more residential area that still offers easy access to great food and drinks.
What are the best things to do in Athens?
Start with a stroll through UGA’s beautiful campus—its manicured lawns and Greek Revival buildings are worth seeing in any season. Stop by the iconic UGA Arch, a symbolic gateway between the school and the city, and visit the free Georgia Museum of Art. About five miles from downtown, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is also free and full of trails and blooms.
And then—eat. Grab a burger at Clocked or pastries and stacked sandwiches at Big City Bread Cafe. For something more refined, consider The National, which showcases seasonal ingredients, or Seabear Oyster Bar, situated in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant and renowned for its carefully sourced bivalves.
Our top picks:
- For families: Spacious farmhouse with a backyard playground
- For nature-lovers: Creek-side, treehouse-esque tiny home
- For artsy types: Maximalist rental near a brewery
We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Unique modern design, tranquil surrounds, full kitchenIdeal for a romantic or solo getaway, this rental unit was designed with guests' comfort in mind. A sprawling garden sets a serene tone while inside, blue walls, eclectic, colorful decor, and interesting architectural details create a unique space. The unit is within walking distance of Creature Comforts Brewing and the Oconee River Greenway, but with a full kitchen, you'd never want to leave.
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
Top amenities: Outdoor kitchen and entertainment area, outdoor play area for kids, vintage clawfoot tubThis house bursts with so many great details, it’s hard to know where to begin. Let’s start with the size: it’s a three-bedroom home that sleeps eight people and sits on one acre of land, with lots of room to run around. It was designed for both adults and kids—the furnishings are beautiful (don’t miss the vintage clawfoot tub), and there’s a playground for the kids in the backyard. No one would blame you if you spent most of your time outside with the help of an outdoor kitchen, screened-in patio with a dining area, and a firepit.
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Prime downtown location, original knotty pine floors, ample windowsSome rentals on this list may be within walking distance of downtown, but this loft puts you right in the thick of it. Located in one of Athens’s oldest buildings, this second-floor loft boasts historic charm with original knotty pine floors and lots of natural light from its many windows that overlook Clayton Street. It sits above Margo’s Metaphysical store, which is convenient if you happen to want a crystal or two while you’re in town.
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Secluded forest views and close proximity to creek, outdoor deck with seating, firepit areaIf you have a guitar, you’ll want to bring it to this treehouse in the woods. Designed by architects to bring the outside in, this home features live-edge wooden shelves, a kitchen with a picture window looking out to beautiful views, and sliding doors that open to a deck with plentiful seating. Outside, past the firepit, you’ll find steps that lead down to the creek. The best part: while it feels remote, the home is only a 10-minute drive to downtown Athens.
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Instagrammable pink exterior, ample space, outdoor entertaining areaLocated within walking distance of Normaltown, a neighborhood with cocktail bars like the Old Pal, Hi-Lo Lounge, and Normal Bar, this pink cottage practically begs for you to book a girls’ getaway here. It sleeps six guests with plenty of room to spread out among the comfy sectional in the living room and an upgraded kitchen stocked with all the tools you could need. When the weather is just right (fall or spring), you can take the party outside where there’s a fenced-in backyard and a patio area with a grill.
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Designated parking, fenced-in front yard with grill, pet-friendlyCute as a button with its red door and white exterior, this 1940s cottage was renovated in 2018 and sits in the Five Points neighborhood of Athens. This puts you close to restaurants like Five and Ten and Independent Baking, as well as coffee shops like Jittery Joe’s. The fenced-in front yard is a treat (especially if you’re traveling with your dog), with its outdoor seating and gas grill.
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Top amenities: Large front porch, dedicated office, beautifully designed interiorsThis one’s for the friend group or family that likes to stay in style. The house was renovated in 2023, but it still maintains its historic charm, featuring wood floors, decorative fireplaces, and an inviting front porch. It’s ideal for entertaining at home, with stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, a coffee bar, and a Bluetooth speaker and record player. For those who have to work while in town, there’s a dedicated office space with a desk and comfy seating.
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Private entrance, driveway parking, kitchenetteFor the couple or trio of friends who plan on spending most of their time out and about, this guest suite makes an ideal home base. It sleeps three people, with a sofa bed in the same space as the king bed (so make sure you’re comfortable with each other). The suite has a private entrance, and the host family resides in the home above, but if you plan on being out late into the evening at one of the downtown bars or a football game, the noises above likely won’t be an issue.
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Gated community, summer pool access, laundromatIf your main goal of an Athens trip is to cheer on the Dawgs at Sanford Stadium, this condo is the place to be. It’s located within walking distance to the stadium as well as Mama’s Boy (which will come in handy after late-night wins). The two-bedroom condo sleeps three people, and its upgraded kitchen makes an inviting spot to brew a cup of coffee or cook dinner for an evening in.
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