17 Things to Do in Augusta, GA

Nestled along the serene Savannah River and straddling the Georgia-South Carolina border, Augusta truly is a vibrant gem worth exploring. This fascinating southern enclave welcomes visitors with a rich blend of arts, culture, and outdoor adventures, alongside a heaped portion of Southern culinary excellence.

As you amble through Augusta’s charming neighborhoods, the city reveals its proud connection to the arts, innovation, and sportsmanship. The greatest golf tournament in the world, the prestigious Augusta Masters, has graced its lush courses since 1934, attesting to the city’s deep global prestige. But it’s not just about tee times; Augusta’s array of top-tier attractions extends to those with a penchant for art, the culinary arts, and Nature too.

Augusta Riverwalk

On your stroll between 6th and 10th streets in downtown Augusta, the Augusta Riverwalk is an idyllic grand promenade. Here, beside the gentle Savannah River, you can indulge in peaceful scenery, enjoy the whimsy of a children’s playground, and take in beautiful fountains.

Saturday mornings bring life to the area with the Augusta Market at the river. As spring emerges into summer, your senses will be greeted by freshly brewed coffee and the vibrant hues of local produce. This is a great stretch for fantastic coffee and cake!

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

At Augusta’s Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, your adventure through the wetlands offers free year-round access. Traverse the network of wooden boardwalks and observation decks to witness an incredible array of wildlife. Spanning Butler Creek, a bridge provides a vantage point to glimpse turtles and playful river otters.

Venture further and you encounter nature trails where the park’s resident alligators may catch your eye in the winding waters. The Windshear Tower presents a fantastic opportunity to observe osprey within their natural nesting environment. On weekends, the Swamp Shop is a must-visit, showcasing natural history exhibits, a live bee colony, and a dedicated Kids’ Corner, complete with coloring activities to acquaint them with the park’s mascots, Phin and Izzy.

Morris Museum of Art

Located on Augusta’s scenic Riverwalk, the Morris Museum of Art holds the fine distinction of being the first museum to exclusively present art and artists from the Southern United States. You can explore an incredible 5,000 pieces of art across ten galleries, showcasing work from the 18th century to the modern era. This brilliant museum frequently updates its collections with special exhibitions that celebrate the diverse culture and history of the South.

On Sundays, take advantage of a unique opportunity to enjoy the main collection free. Free guided tours are also available, providing you with deeper insight into the artwork and stories of Southern creators. This museum, nestled at 1 10th St. is widely admired for its engaging and regional charm, making it a genuinely enriching experience for visitors.

Savannah River Brewing Co.

In Augusta’s enormous 16,000-square-foot craft beer haven, you’ll discover a bustling scene where approximately 1.8 million cans of beer come to life each year. Explore an assortment of imaginative brews, with standouts like the creamy Swamp Shake milkshake sour, or the vibrant Son of Kong pineapple IPA, served up in a characterful and convivial taproom environment.

You can create memorable moments with the staff and patrons through an array of engaging activities including trivia nights, beer-centric yoga sessions, and a spin at karaoke. Tours allow you to take a peek behind the scenes and dogs are warmly welcomed too! At 813 Fifth St., this is a brilliantly friendly place and is somewhere you’ll come to more than once.

Augusta Museum of History

Your exploration of Augusta’s richly storied past will find a diverse treasure trove at the Augusta Museum of History. Delve into a splendid collection of rare books, photographs, and exhibits that reflect the city’s significant military past and recognize figures like Hulk Hogan, music icon James Brown, and the Augustan hero Aquilla James Dyess, noted for his exceptional civilian and military bravery.

A visit to the Ezekiel Harris House, an architectural relic from 1797 connected with the museum, offers a glimpse into the life soon after the foundation of the nation. It welcomes guests on Saturdays and by appointment throughout the week. For anyone who loves their history or who is a proud southerner, this is a must-see!

Forest Hills Golf Club

At the heart of Augusta city, the phenomenally beautiful Forest Hills Golf Club offers you a chance to play where the legends have shaped history. The 18-hole course, managed by Augusta University, extends an invitation to book a tee time where the pros of the Masters Tournament have left their mark. Open for instruction, you’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your skills with lessons tailored for players of all ages. If golf is your passion, this is somewhere not to be missed.

Constructed in 1926 and revamped in 2003 by the Arnold Palmer Company, this renowned golf course has earned acclaim for its exceptional appearance and historical significance. Immerse yourself in the sport’s legacy and then visit the Pro Shop for a memorable keepsake. Cap an amazing day with a refreshing meal at The Grille, featuring the Club’s ‘classic club’ sandwich!

Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art

In 1818, Nicholas Ware, a prominent figure in Georgia’s history, constructed this beautiful mansion, now renowned for its unique Federal-style architecture. Over time, it gained the nickname “Ware’s Folly”, because its lavish design was so extravagant. Jump forward to 1937, and thanks to the efforts of Olivia Herbert, this fascinating piece of architecture was saved from destruction. To honor her late daughter Gertrude, she established an art institute inside, and today it’s thriving.

Galleries feature fascinating contemporary works, visiting exhibitions, and the work of American and international artists. In addition, The Walker Mackenzie Studio, an extension of the institute, provides art enthusiasts with an array of educational opportunities through workshops and classes in a space designed to be accessible to all. It’s a place to be prized.

Sconyers Bar-B-Que

In the heart of Augusta, Sconyers Bar-B-Que offers a true taste of Southern culinary tradition. Open since the mid-1950s, this family-operated barbecue pit boasts a legacy of turning simple meals into celebrated feasts. Their barbecued dishes are renowned, particularly the hash, which is often praised for its unique and irresistible flavors.

The Plantation Platter is the signature dish: a savory assortment with your choice of a chicken quarter or sliced turkey, accompanied by two mouthwatering ribs, succulent chopped brisket, and tender chipped pork. It’s a true southern feast. Come here and you’ll find the warm, nostalgic atmosphere that only a seasoned Georgia barbecue joint can provide.

Imperial Theatre

Your exploration of Augusta’s historical entertainment will lead you to the Imperial Theatre at 745 Broad St., originally known as The Wells. Debuting with vaudeville in February 1918, its early days saw legendary performances, including one by global icon Charlie Chaplin.

Today, you can immerse yourself in its rich history through a great selection of productions and film screenings. As you step inside, the elegance and energy of the restored space envelop you. The theater boasts a unique treasure, the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which has been serenading audiences since 1925, and which was famed in the silent film era. Today you can still hear this century old marvel!

Augusta Canal

Georgia’s premier National Heritage Area, the Augusta Canal, offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re seeking an active way to enjoy this historical waterway, consider paddling through. At Savannah Rapids Park, embark on boat or kayak tours, or take advantage of kayak rentals. The interaction with water here is not just recreational but also a passage through time, tracing the flow that has powered local industry since the 19th century.

Along the canal you’ll find the Augusta Canal Discovery Center situated within the Enterprise Mill. This venue sheds light on how this incredible waterway serves as the nation’s only power canal still fulfilling its initial industrial role after more than 170 proud years. When you visit, you’ll encounter fascinating antique machinery that once animated the operation of locks. Come during the fall and you’ll witness a stunning display of seasonal foliage along the canal’s banks.

Pendleton King Park

In the bustling city of Augusta, a 64-acre haven awaits you at Pendleton King Park. This sanctuary is a delight for bird enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, featuring a glorious array of feathered friends, thanks to the astonishing range of trees and wetland habitats. As you meander through the nature trails, the elevation varies so that you are offered a fantastic variety of perspectives and bird-watching spots.

Nature’s melody guides you along trails that lead to the serene Lake Elizabeth waterfall. While birds are the stars here, stay alert for other wildlife sightings, from industrious beavers to sun-basking turtles, adding to the park’s natural charm. Balanced with recreational amenities like playgrounds for the young ones, a dog park for your furry companions, and an 18-hole disc golf course, your visit will not disappoint.

French Market Grille

For over three decades, Augusta’s culinary landscape has been enriched by French Market Grille’s renowned dedication to Cajun and Creole cooking. When you visit 425 Highland Ave., you’re in for an authentic taste of New Orleans, with standout dishes that include robust gumbos and the savory crawfish etouffee.

Your dining excursion wouldn’t be complete without trying the signature seafood crepes or following local advice by indulging in the sumptuously creamy peanut butter pie. A meal at French Market Grille is embraced as quintessential Augusta cuisine, offering flavors that promise to linger long in your memory.

Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson, the United States’ 28th President, spent his early years in Georgia amidst the turbulence of the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The house in Augusta where he lived is rightly recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is Georgia’s oldest house formerly inhabited by a president. As president, Wilson’s tenure was incredibly influential globally, with his leadership being pivotal during World War I. Here you can pay homage to an iconic President.

Located at 419 7th Street, this historic residence offers you a glimpse into Wilson’s formative years, offering fabulous guided tours discussing Wilson’s youth, his family and the influences that shaped his Presidency.

La Bonbonnière

At La Bonbonnière, your palate can savor the revered richness of Belgian chocolate creations without ever leaving the American South. Bébette Smith, with formal training from the esteemed Chocolate Academy in Belgium, presents an array of sumptuous truffles that blend top-tier cocoa with a variety of glorious gourmet flavors.

Her signature chocolates, including bourbon, orange peel, and Irish cream, are all crafted to deliver a complex yet velvety experience. Definitely worth visiting by all who love chocolate!

Meadow Garden

You can embark on a fascinating journey back to the 18th century at Meadow Garden. This historic house museum was once the home of George Walton, a significant figure in American history, as the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. Walton’s remarkable life saw him overcome the loss of his parents at a tender age, rise to influence after moving from Virginia to Georgia, and hold multiple high offices, including governor and senator.

During your visit, anticipate a fine guided tour conducted by an expert docent donned in authentic period attire. The extensive upkeep of Meadow Garden, one of Georgia’s most venerable dwellings, receives consistent praise for its pristine state. Moreover, the knowledgeable guides are recognized for their exceptional hospitality, ensuring a truly immersive and informative experience.

Pinched Gut

With a variety of historical architectural designs displayed through its buildings, the area known as Pinched Gut offers a window into a rich past dating back to the early 19th century. Despite a fire that ravaged the area in 1916, prompting reconstruction, several homes showcase design elements from different eras, such as Federal and Craftsman styles.

Your exploration of this historic neighborhood can extend beyond admiring the architectural feats, as the area boasts some exceptional dining options. Should your journey through time arouse an appetite, the Whiskey Bar Kitchen is a highly hospitable retreat and is conveniently located on Broad Street.

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History

Famed as an educator and advocate for civil rights, Lucy Craft Laney’s legacy is justly immortalized at the museum in Augusta that bears her name. Your understanding of African American history in Georgia is enriched through the museum’s permanent exhibits, which shine a light on the pivotal roles of Black citizens of Augusta. Special exhibits may vary, ranging from influential local figures like James Brown, to cultural themes like golf.

Should you wish to explore beyond the museum walls, the Golden Blocks walking tour is a noteworthy extension offered by the museum. This tour leads you through a historic district once bustling with Black-owned businesses during segregation. Utilizing a digital guide, you’ll encounter murals and artworks by talented Black artists, enriching your stroll through this significant part of the city.