The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, on the south end of the UGA campus, covers more than 300 acres of forests, gardens, and river bottomland along the Middle Oconee River. Admission is free, and it's one of the best things to do in Athens if you want an hour away from the downtown bustle.
The garden includes themed areas — a dahlia garden, a physic garden of medicinal plants, a heritage garden of heritage rose varieties, and miles of walking trails through second-growth forest. The conservatory houses tropical plants and is open year-round. Spring is the showiest season, when the wildflower areas bloom, but the garden is worth visiting in any season.