21 Fun & Best Things to Do in Augusta, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia is a small city located in the eastern part of the state. The town is rife with southern charm – moss-covered trees line the street and southern accents fill the air. Sweet tea is the drink of choice, and there are plenty of reasons to spend a day exploring.

If you are not into golf you may have never heard of Augusta . The prestigious golf event, the Masters Tournament, has been hosted here since 1934. The greatest golfers of all time, like Tiger Woods and Sam Snead, have played at the exclusive Augusta National Golf Club during the Masters. The tournament is one of the more popular Augusta attractions drawing in about 40,000 attendees each day.

There are plenty of other Augusta tourist attractions if golf isn’t your thing. Augusta, Georgia has many historic places listed on the National Register. Several churches welcome visitors to come to see their history – some dating back to the 19th century.

Check out Springfield Baptist Church, which is home to one of the oldest African-American congregations in the United States. Marvel at the architecture of historic government buildings like the original courthouse. The building is now called the Old Government House in the present day and serves as an event venue now. 

You can still see remnants and inspirations of pre-Civil War architecture. The Georgian Greek Revival style with white Grecian columns in the front of the house was popular in the 1800s. Think of the Tara plantation home from Gone with the Wind.

The city also prides itself on educating visitors and youngsters about the outdoors. Check out the McDuffie Environmental Education Center, or Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Come visit Augusta, Georgia to experience the classic south and dive into its rich history and culture.

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – President Woodrow Wilson’s Boyhood Home
• Best venue – James Brown Arena
• Best historic location – Magnolia Cemetery
• Best free activity – Exploring the Savannah River
• Best activity for kids – Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
• Best museum – The Augusta Museum of History
• Best food – Frog Hollow Tavern
• Best activity for adults – Exploring Broad Street
• Best all-around accommodation – The Partridge Inn Augusta

Fun & Best Things to Do in Augusta, Georgia

1. Augusta National Golf Club

Address: 2604 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30904

The Masters Golf Tournament is a world-famous golf competition held at the Augusta National Golf Club each April. Each hole is named for a tree or plants like Flowering Peach (Hole No. 3) and White Dogwood (Hole No. 11) as a nod to its plant nursery days. 

As one of the top things to do in Augusta, getting a ticket to the Masters Tournament can be difficult and follows a lottery system. If you are one of the lucky ones to snag a ticket, then be sure to know the dos and don’ts of attending one of the most prestigious golf tournaments. 

Don’t bring your cell phone on the premises, and cameras are only allowed during practice days. Do remain silent during tournament golf shots. Don’t try to bother a golfer on the course.

Do seek a player’s autograph only near the Washington Road side of the clubhouse. Don’t forget sunscreen, binoculars, and comfortable shoes. Do buy their famous pimento cheese sandwich!

Unfortunately, the Augusta National Golf Club is a private club only for members, so getting a tour of the course is not an option. If you know someone who is a member you may be able to attend as a guest.

The Club includes some famous members like Bill Gates, Pete Coors, and Peyton Manning to name a few. Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore became the first female members admitted in 2012.

If you’re in town for the Masters Tournament, I recommend staying at The Partridge Inn Augusta nearby for fantastic views of the city. Many Augusta residents rent out their homes during the tournament as well.

This cozy, single family house can sleep a large group. If you have time, stop at nearby TakoSushi to fill up on their long list of makimono rolls!

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2. Forest Hills Golf Club

Address: 1500 Comfort Rd, Augusta, GA 30909

Golf course architect Donald Ross designed the Forest Hills golf course back in the 1920s. He also designed Pinehurst in North Carolina (among many others) and transformed putting greens by changing them from sand to Bermuda grass.

The golf course has since been renovated but continues to be a prominent place to play golf in the area. Augusta University’s Men and Women’s golf teams also play here.

Unlike the Augusta National Golf Course, the Forest Hills Golf Club is open to the public. Playing golf is one of the quintessential Augusta things to do while visiting.

Tee times are reserved seven days in advance for non-members. If you are less than four players, then you may be added to a group or a player may be added to your tee time.

The club also includes an eating spot called The Grille and a pro shop. If you are new to the sport, the Forest Hills Golf Club offers lessons for $50 a session.

3. Augusta Municipal Golf Course

Address: 2023 Highland Ave, Augusta, GA 30904

Right next to Forest Hills is another golf course to check out called the Augusta Municipal Golf Course. The course started with 9 holes and was previously named the Bon Air Golf Club.

Scotsman golfer David Ogilvie settled in the Augusta area and re-designed it into an 18-hole course in 1928. The course was eventually renamed the Augusta Municipal Golf Course.

While there have been some updates, the course remains relatively the same as Ogilvie designed it. The Augusta Municipal Golf Course is open to the public and welcomes visitors to reserve a tee time and come play.

The rates are relatively affordable compared to other clubs. Facilities include a practice area, a clubhouse, and a pro shop.

Stop at the nearby Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen after a long day on the course. The restaurant has over 150 craft beers from around the globe.

Plus, you get to build your own grilled cheese. I know it’s one of the stops I’m making when in town!

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4. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Address: 1858 Lock and Dam Rd, Augusta, GA 30906

There are many opportunities to explore the outdoor Augusta attractions thanks to the surrounding trails, waterways, and parks. Since it does have some swampy areas, bring bug spray during the summer!

The Phinizy Swamp is named after Italian Ferdinand Victor Francois Phinizy who settled in the area in the late 1700s. The Phinizy Center for Water Sciences took over the land, cleaned it up, and now its 1,100 acres are available for all to enjoy! The nature park hosts a lot of fun events for kids and adults such as guided hikes, volunteer days, and summer camps.

Puddle Ducks is an educational program for toddlers that meets the first Tuesday of every month. Each month, a different nature theme is explored that encourages kids to bond with nature from an early age.

The Phinizy Swamp Nature Park has several trails that are waiting to be explored. The Beaver Dam Trail is an easy, family-friendly trail since it is only half a mile.

Visitors often see interesting wildlife while walking the trail. The Rain Garden Deck is also a popular spot for wildlife where the kids will love overlooking the pond to see the turtles and local birds.

The Phinizy Swamp Nature Park park is free and open daily. You can find free onsite parking at the main entrance.

5. Augusta Canal Discovery Center

Address: Blome Ln, Augusta, GA 30901 (Floor 1 – Enterprise Mill)

The Augusta Canal Discovery Center teaches visitors about the Industrial Revolution’s impact on the American South. The canal powered textile and manufacturing plants along the river in the 1800s and still operates as a power source today. It is the only industrial canal still fully functioning as a hydropower source in America and is registered as both a National Historic Landmark and a National Heritage Area.

The Augusta Canal Discovery Center includes exhibits, videos, and a gift shop for you to explore. There are different types of boat tours and prices, so check their site for the latest information. Step back in time to take a tour on a Petersburg-style boat to learn about the history and nature of the area.

The Augusta Canal Discovery Center also does weekend music cruises. Spring and fall are the busiest times, so I recommend booking a reservation. 

The wetlands of the Augusta Canal and Savannah River offer an opportunity to see all kinds of wildlife. Several species of fish, reptiles (including alligators, eek!), birds, and mammals call this area home.

Locals often kayak, canoe, and fish in the canal. There are hiking/running trails nearby as well. Traversing down the river is one of the more summer fun things to do in Augusta, Georgia!

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6. Pendleton King Park

Address: 1600 Troupe St, Augusta, GA 30904

Pendleton King Park is a bird sanctuary and park that includes a variety of things to do and see. The park is expansive, covering 64 acres and even includes an 18-hole disc golf course.

Pendleton King Park includes walking and cycling trails, gardens, playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, and more. Take a walk through the Sunken Blue Gardens to see the historic Red Gazebo, which has been around since the original Pendleton King house. If you are visiting in June or July, then stop at the hydrangea garden which blooms over 70 varieties of the popular flower.

There are a few kid-friendly tourist attractions around the park. Take the kids to see the Children’s Sculpture Garden, Children’s Playground, and the Children’s Musical Garden for some interactive playtime. Students from a local school designed and installed their sculptures and musical instruments in the park for all to enjoy. 

7. Enterprise Mill

Address: 1450 Greene St Suite 600, Augusta, GA 30901

Augusta saw the potential of the Industrial Revolution and built many factories around the Augusta Canal. Enterprise Mill was one of those factories, and it started as a flour mill in the mid-1800s.

The Graniteville Company bought the Enterprise Mill buildings in 1923 from the Coleman family to use for manufacturing purposes. The company’s red sign still remains today as a landmark.

With a revitalization of the downtown area, the building was saved from demolition. Enterprise Mill reopened in 1998 as a mixed-use space to include apartments, offices, and an events space.

Stop in for a visit to see some of the factory artifacts displayed throughout the property. Free onsite parking and public restrooms are available. Tickets are not needed to explore the grounds.

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8. Savannah Rapids Visitor Center

Address: 3300 Evans to Locks Rd, Martinez, GA 30907

Tucked away in a southern-style historic cottage, the Savannah Rapids Visitor Center (also known as the Columbia County Visitors Center) is the perfect place to stop to learn about the local hiking trails, wildlife, and more! The center is located in the old Lockkeeper’s Cottage and was built around 1890.

As the only visitors center in Columbia County, they do provide brochures on state-wide attractions. The center is conveniently located at an access point for the Savannah River where you can canoe and kayak, with rentals available near the cottage. There are public restrooms onsite as well.

Savannah Rapids Park is next to the visitor center. The park includes the Augusta Canal Historic Trail where you can see Reed Creek Falls and travel parallel to the waterway. There is a lot of Augusta history to explore, as you’ll see structures from the 1800s still standing along the canal.

9. Magnolia Cemetery

Addresses: 702 3rd St, Augusta, GA 30901

If you’re anything like me, then you enjoy exploring the history of a place, including visiting the cemeteries to learn about the past locals. Magnolia Cemetery is a good place to start to see interesting tombstones spanning several generations. 

Magnolia Cemetery’s first official burial was recorded in 1818. However, the oldest gravestone marker onsite is from 1800.

Look for American Revolution soldier John Martin who passed away on Valentine’s Day in 1843 at the age of 105. He survived a tomahawk to the head, fighting in two wars, and still made it to 105!

Magnolia Cemetery expanded and includes different points of interest for visitors to pay their respects. The cemetery includes five Jewish cemeteries, a Greek cemetery, a Confederate soldier area, a Masonic Lodge, and several churches on its 60 acres of land.

Many soldiers are buried here due to the various American wars in the area. If you want to explore further, the Cedar Grove Cemetery is right next to Magnolia and is where many slaves were laid to rest. As always, please be respectful in the cemeteries to honor those that have passed and their family that may still live in the area.

10. Savannah River

The Savannah River acts almost as a border between South Carolina and Georgia. As the main river in Augusta, the Savannah River is the main drinking source for the city and Georgia’s coastal city, Savannah.

The Savannah River is popular for hosting the rowing event in the 1996 Summer Olympics. Ivy League schools like Yale and Harvard also practice rowing here during the winter season.

While the river is still used for transportation and trade, there are plenty of recreational activities as well. Visitors can rent a kayak or canoe, go fishing, or walk the Augusta Riverwalk or North Augusta Greenway.

There are several local restaurants within walking distance of the Augusta Riverwalk. During the warmer months, you can catch the Augusta Market, which is held from mid-March through mid-November.

Stop by the Jessye Norman Amphitheater for an event located right on the river. Musical artists like Jason Mraz and Nappy Roots have played here in the past!

To be close to the Savannah River, book a stay at the Augusta Marriott or Crowne Plaza. For a true riverfront property, gather some friends and stay at this secluded waterfront home.

Eat at Brinkley’s Chop House on the north side of the river. You can even play golf next to the river! Book a round at the River Golf Club to get great views while hitting a birdie during that next hole. 

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11. Downtown Historic District – Broad Street

Broad Street is the main road running through the heart of downtown Augusta. The street has a concentration of restaurants and shops and is only a couple of blocks from the Augusta Riverwalk. Broad Street is broken up into the dining district to the west and the arts and culture district to the east.

The bronze James Brown Monument is at the center of it all as a nod to Augusta’s roots in soul and funk music. James Brown called Augusta his home for about ten years during his childhood.

For a bed and breakfast feel in downtown Augusta, stay at the Queen Anne Inn or Olde Town Inn. Stop for a bite to eat at Manny’s Sports Off Broad to get your fill of Georgia sports. Check out Frog Hollow Tavern for an extensive wine list if you’re looking for something more upscale.

Stop in the Augusta and Co. store to pick up unique souvenirs for loved ones back home. Products are always rotating, and pop-ups are a common occurrence at the shop. You can find items like local art, t-shirts, snacks, and Augusta and Co. even offers tasting samples!

12. Augusta Museum of History

Address: 560 Reynolds St, Augusta, GA 30901

The Augusta Museum of History was started in 1937 to preserve and educate visitors on the history of the area. The expansive building includes exhibits where you can learn about local legends like wrestler Hulk Hogan and the history of transportation. You can also see various collections of historic clothing, photographs, postcards, and more.

A popular exhibit at the museum is the Transportation Corridor. The kids will love the life-size replicas of a 1920s trolley car, a 1930s gas station, a 1914 train, and historic cars! Attend fun events like the seasonal Gingerbread Village. The Great Building Showdown is a STEM event showcasing miniature replicas of historic buildings around Augusta.

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13. Morris Museum of Art

Address: 1 10th St 2nd Floor, Augusta, GA 30901

The Morris Museum of Art is dedicated to collections focused on Southern art and culture. William S. Morris started collecting in 1985 and eventually created the museum for the public in 1992. Some exhibits you can expect to see at the Morris Museum of Art are paintings by Savannah women, work by local Augustan artists, and oil paintings of 1800s Southern life.

The Morris Museum of Art also includes a library called the Center for the Study of Southern Art. Access to the library is by appointment only. Over 19,000 volumes and 25,000 vertical files are included in the library focusing on art, culture, media, and more. The museum is right next to the Augusta Riverwalk, and there is some free parking around the area.

14. Augusta Mall

Address: 3450 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta, GA 30909

You might be wondering what makes this mall special. The Augusta Mall is one of the largest in the state of Georgia and is worth a visit when touring the city.

Inside you can find over 140 stores and restaurants with the main shops being Barnes & Noble, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. You can also find higher-end stores like Michael Kors.

The larger restaurants include P.F. Chang’s and The Chop House. A convenient service the Augusta Mall offers is curbside pickup from a store or restaurant if they participate in the program. During the holidays, you can get pictures with Santa and they even allow pet portraits with the big guy.

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15. Lucy Craft Laney Museum

Address: 1116 Phillips St, Augusta, GA 30901

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum teaches visitors about the impact of African Americans throughout Augusta’s history. The museum is named after Lucy Craft Laney who was born in the 1850s to two freed slaves. She settled in the Augusta area as an educator.

A couple of her accomplishments include opening the first black children’s school and nursing program in the region. Today, Laney’s portrait hangs in the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum hosts exhibits and events throughout the year and plays a big part in the Augusta community. Some past events included a ballet workshop with ballerina Karen Brown, an exhibit on The Great War from an African-American perspective, and their annual golf tournament (fitting for Augusta, GA).

The museum dedicated a monument to honor the first African-American woman, Carrie Mays, on the Augusta City Council. You can visit the memorial on Lucy Craft Laney Boulevard.

Guided tours are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at select times. There is parking available onsite on the corner of Laney Walker Boulevard and Phillips Street.

16. Imperial Theatre

Address: 749 Broad St, Augusta, GA 30901

The Imperial Theatre first opened in 1918 and was originally called the Wells Theatre. The theatre was successful with vaudeville acts and photoplay, charging as little as 10 to 35 cents per ticket when it first opened! Supposedly, Charlie Chaplin even visited during its first year.

Unfortunately, the theatre opened during the year of the Spanish Flu, and the theatre had to be sold. Eventually, the name was changed to the Imperial Theatre.

Located in downtown Augusta, the Imperial Theatre today has had a facelift and continues to book shows for locals and visitors to enjoy. Come see plays like the Nutcracker or music acts like local Georgians, Drive by Truckers. Stay at the nearby Hyatt House or Holiday Inn Express if you’re staying in Augusta for the night.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia

17. The Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Address: 720 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901

The church organization itself was founded in 1810 when Catholic communities started to expand in Georgia. The current Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church building was constructed in the mid-1800s around the Civil War era. It is considered one of the oldest Catholic Churches in Georgia still in operation.

The outside has a white facade with a more simplified look reminiscent of the Neo-Romanesque style. The inside is styled as a basilica and features a painted scene above the altar of Jesus’ execution. On the sides is 20th century-added stained-glass windows with scenes from Jesus’ life stories in the Bible.

As you head back toward the front entrance of the church, you see the majestic pipe organ. The pipe organ contains 1,520 pipes and was installed in 1868 after the Civil War.

18. Sacred Heart Cultural Center

Address: 1301 Greene St, Augusta, GA 30901

In Augusta’s downtown historic district sits a beautiful former Catholic church. The building held its first Mass in 1900 and the last service in 1971. After being abandoned and nearly destroyed, the Peter S. Knox family revived it to be the epicenter of culture, history, and art in Augusta.

Reopening in 1987, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center has served as a venue for the community to host art exhibitions, garden teas, and more. The Center is known for its Garden City Festival, which they host in the spring. The festival includes a vendor market and access to explore a handful of private gardens around the Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

The Symphony Orchestra Augusta is also a key attraction at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, though sometimes shows are held at the Miller Theater as well. Take a peek inside the sanctuary where weddings are often held. It’s hard not to appreciate the design with rounded arches, Grecian columns, and stained glass decorating the space.

19. Meadow Garden

Address: 1320 Independence Dr, Augusta, GA 30901

While Meadow Garden sounds like a delightful name where you can frolic in meadows, it is instead named for the home of George Walton. George Walton was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence at 26 and played a key part in the independence from Great Britain. He continued down a political path becoming Georgia’s governor, a senator, and a chief justice.

The Daughters of the American Revolution purchased the Meadow Garden home in 1900 to renovate and help maintain Augusta’s history. Meadow Garden is part of the National Register of Historic Places.

In the present day, you can step back in time to see what the house would have looked like in the late 1700s. Tours are held on Saturdays by appointment only, but they do holiday tours as well for a fee.

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20. The Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home

Address: 419 7th St, Augusta, GA 30901

Being a true Georgia native, I am embarrassed to say that I did not realize President Woodrow Wilson spent his childhood in Augusta, Georgia. His political life did start in the Northeast after all. It was here where he first heard President Abraham Lincoln had been elected and saw the effects of the Civil War on his doorstep.

In the downtown area of Augusta, you can tour the Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home as it was during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. The Wilson family moved to the area for Joseph Ruggles Wilson to become the pastor at the First Presbyterian Church.

Inside you can see a window pane where President Woodrow Wilson signed his name as “Tom,” for his first name, Thomas. He lived there with his parents and three siblings from 1860-1870 before moving to South Carolina.

Guided tours of the Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home are offered Wednesday through Saturday at select times and reservations are encouraged.

21. James Brown Tour

Address: 560 Reynolds St, Augusta, GA 30901

The legendary musician James Brown has made his mark in Augusta, Georgia. There are many places to visit in Augusta that pay homage to the funk and soul singer, which you can do as either a guided tour or on your own.

Like many Southern artists, he started in gospel music with his band the Gospel Starlighters. Eventually, the band grew into an R&B sound before exploring the funk and soul side of things. He went on to win many accolades and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

The Augusta Museum of History includes an exhibit where you can learn about his legacy and see personal artifacts, costumes, and more. Brown grew up in the area during the Great Depression and World War II. He learned to escape those realities of hardship by teaching himself music.

Stop at the TBonz Steakhouse for a meal, which supposedly was one of Brown’s favorite local spots. Soul City Pizza is in the location where Brown used to perform and the Imperial Theatre was a rehearsal space for the singer as well. Get Instagram-worthy photos in front of the Spirit of Funk mural in downtown Augusta, which was painted by Georgian muralist Cole Phail.

James Brown sadly passed away in 2006. The James Brown Arena, formerly known as the Civic Center, is where his funeral was held, and thousands of mourners came to pay their respects.

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