17 Top Things to Do in Augusta, Georgia

Should you’re advised to consider a metropolis in Georgia that begins with “A,” chances are high you are not considering of Augusta – however possibly you need to be. This typically overshadowed Southern metropolis sits alongside the Savannah River on the border with South Carolina and affords the whole lot you’d need in a visit: arts and tradition, recreation, pure surroundings, historic significance, and naturally all of the sweets and savory bites you possibly can eat.

Historic figures reminiscent of a U.S. president and a famend civil rights activist have referred to as Augusta dwelling – as has golf’s prestigious Masters Match since 1934. This quaint Georgia metropolis, rooted in a legacy of artwork and innovation, boasts lots to do alongside the river and all through its colourful neighborhoods. Whenever you work up an urge for food wandering the city inexperienced areas or museums, Augusta serves up mouthwatering barbecue and Southern consolation delights alongside world-class candies from a Belgian expat. The highest issues to do in Augusta provide one thing for each type of traveler.

(Word: A few of the following actions, points of interest and areas could also be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New insurance policies could also be in place, together with capability restrictions, reservation necessities or masks mandates. Verify with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, the U.S. Division of State and native tourism boards earlier than touring.)

Augusta is probably finest often known as the host of the Masters golf match each spring, so why not say you have performed in the identical metropolis because the greats? The general public cannot play on the personal Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership – although you possibly can all the time attempt your hand at profitable a ticket to observe the Masters – however tee occasions can be found to guide at Forest Hills Golf Membership, an 18-hole course owned by Augusta University. Guests can even benefit from the resident experience and schedule a lesson, accessible to avid gamers or children as younger as 6. This famed course was based in 1926 and renovated in 2003 by the Arnold Palmer Firm. Current gamers have mentioned Forest Hills is effectively maintained and steeped in historical past, including that video games would possibly take a couple of hours so you will wish to put the time apart. Seize some memento apparel or tools on the Professional Store, then get pleasure from a membership sandwich and a chilly drink at The Grille.

Handle: 1500 Consolation Highway, Augusta, GA 30909

Discover the swamps of Augusta at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, free and open to the general public year-round. Options of the park embody a fishing pond, wood boardwalks and remark decks, and a bridge over Butler Creek the place you possibly can sometimes observe turtles and river otters. You possibly can get pleasure from quite a lot of quick nature trails with views of the wildlife inhabiting the floodplain together with a picnic pavilion. Current guests to the swamp admire the well-kept trails – and a few say you might even spot an alligator or two within the water. Lookup for the possibility to see nesting osprey on the Windshear Tower. Should you discover the park on a weekend, cease in on the Swamp Store, that includes rotating displays on pure historical past, an space to look at its lively bee colony and the Children’ Nook, the place youngsters can colour an image of the park’s mascots, Phin and Izzy.

Handle: 1858 Lock and Dam Highway, Augusta, GA 30906

A must-see attraction in Augusta is the town’s Riverwalk, with museums located at both finish and occasions on the schedule year-round. A multilevel brick path between sixth and tenth streets in downtown Augusta affords a soothing walkway alongside the Savannah River, full with a youngsters’s playground and fountain. The cubicles of the Augusta Market on the River, which is held from spring by means of fall, fill the Riverwalk on Saturday mornings with the aroma of espresso and the attractive colours of contemporary fruits and veggies. Alongside the walkway, the Jessye Norman Amphitheater can seat as much as 1,600 individuals seeking to watch a live performance or attend a pageant with riverfront views. Should you’re feeling peckish, the domestically famend Boll Weevil Café and Sweetery is housed in an 1870s cotton warehouse. As we speak, it serves up dozens of award-winning desserts alongside a Southern menu with favorites like shrimp and grits and fried inexperienced tomatoes.

Lucy Craft Laney – born in Macon, Georgia, in 1854 – was one of many first African Individuals to have her portrait hung within the Georgia State Capitol constructing in Atlanta and now has an Augusta museum named after her as effectively. The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black Historical past honors her work as an educator and civil rights activist: Laney based the Augusta chapter of the NAACP, amongst different accomplishments. The museum periodically affords guided excursions of its everlasting exhibitions, which spotlight the contributions of Black Augustans, in addition to particular exhibitions that may deal with subjects like golf or hometown musical hero James Brown (the Godfather of Soul). Name forward if you wish to guide a tour.

You can even take a strolling tour of the Golden Blocks to discover a museum-led undertaking that has enlisted the abilities of Black artists to create murals and different artistic endeavors round this space of the town, which was a historic hall of Black companies amid segregation. A digital guide helps guests navigate the Golden Blocks and see these installations alongside the best way.

Handle: 1116 Phillips St., Augusta, GA 30901

Beer lovers cannot miss Savannah River Brewing Co., a 16,000-square-foot facility in Augusta that produces about 1.8 million cans of beer yearly. The brews are eclectic, and the ambiance of the on-site taproom is pleasant. Attempt the Swamp Shake milkshake bitter or the Son of Kong pineapple IPA, amongst myriad different beer choices. The brewery’s common occasions schedule means you possibly can socialize with locals at trivia nights, beer yoga, karaoke and extra. There are additionally brewery excursions provided on sure days. Current guests name the Savannah River employees energetic and alluring – and say the brewery is even pet-friendly, besides.

Handle: 813 Fifth St., Augusta, GA 30901

Familiarize your self with 12,000 years of historical past in Augusta and the better Central Savannah River Area with the collections on the Augusta Museum of Historical past. Uncommon books and pictures from the archives complement displays that honor the town’s army historical past and pay homage to native legends like Hulk Hogan and James Brown – in addition to Aquilla James Dyess, the one American ever to obtain each the Carnegie Medal for civilian heroism and the Medal of Honor. Displays on the area’s reference to golf would possibly reel in guests who love the sport: In line with current patrons, the Augusta Museum of Historical past is the right place to carry a golf fanatic.

An extension of the museum is on the Ezekiel Harris Home, in-built 1797 and nonetheless standing at present; this home is open to the general public on Saturdays and by appointment solely on weekdays.

Handle: 560 Reynolds St., Augusta, GA 30901

No journey to the American South is full with out sampling the native barbecue, and in Augusta you will wish to cease at Sconyers Bar-B-Que. This famed eatery was based in 1956 by struggling farmers Claude and Adeline Sconyers, who determined to check out a brand new pastime by opening a small restaurant. Greater than 65 years later, Sconyers stays a Georgia establishment. Followers of its barbecue declare that the hash is second to none and the situation has a quaint and rustic allure. The home specialty is named the Plantation Platter and features a quarter of a rooster or sliced turkey, two ribs, chopped brisket and chipped pork.

Handle: 2250 Sconyers Means, Augusta, GA 30906

Housed in a Federal-style constructing referred to as Ware’s Folly you will discover the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Artwork. This mansion, constructed in 1818 by Georgia businessman and politician Nicholas Ware, was thought of garish for its time – and thus a “folly,” incomes it the moniker Ware’s Folly. The artwork institute itself was based in 1937 after Olivia Herbert rescued the property from demolition; its identify serves as a memorial to her daughter Gertrude. As we speak, friends can peruse the institute’s galleries and visiting exhibitions, which function up to date artists from across the nation and the world. The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Artwork sometimes holds particular occasions, and its schooling annex, Walker Mackenzie Studio, affords workshops and studio artwork courses in an ADA-compliant classroom area, so verify the institute’s calendar earlier than your go to to see what would possibly pique your curiosity.

Handle: 506 Telfair St., Augusta, GA 30901

Georgia’s very first Nationwide Heritage Space was the city inexperienced area often known as the Augusta Canal. You possibly can stroll or bike alongside the canal, however the easiest way to expertise the waterway is to get in it and begin paddling. Boat excursions and kayak excursions and leases are provided on the canal’s head gates at Savannah Rapids Park. On the opposite finish of the canal, the Augusta Canal Discovery Middle at Enterprise Mill gives slightly context on the nation’s solely industrial energy canal nonetheless in use for its authentic objective – greater than 170 years later. Current guests to this small museum admire the inclusion of a number of the authentic equipment used to function the locks. Think about visiting in autumn, when the leaves alongside the canal are displaying vibrant fall colors.

Should you’re searching for the very best delicacies in Augusta, your search will not be full and not using a cease on the French Market Grille, which has been serving up Cajun and Creole meals to the town for greater than 35 years. Come for lunch or dinner to expertise New Orleans-inspired dishes like gumbo and crawfish etouffee alongside home originals like peanut butter pie. Patrons contemplate a meal right here a basic Augusta expertise, encouraging diners to not miss the seafood crepes – and to save lots of room for dessert.

Handle: 425 Highland Ave., Augusta, GA 30909

The Imperial Theatre was affected by quarantine – however not the one you are considering of. In February 1918, The Wells opened its doorways, primarily for vaudeville performances (together with an look by Charlie Chaplin), however by October the Spanish flu pandemic had closed all public venues in Augusta. When the shutdown ended about two months later, The Wells had acquired new homeowners and change into the Imperial Theatre. Guests to Augusta at present – greater than a century later – can expertise its legacy by attending a stage present or movie whereas on the town. Current attendees have commented that the theater is superbly restored, dripping with character and ambiance. And one other landmark lays inside: the Mighty Wurlitzer, a custom-made theater organ put in in 1925 to accompany silent movies.

Handle: 745 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901

You do not have to journey to Europe to style luxurious Belgian chocolate truffles. Skilled at Belgium’s Chocolate Academy however now residing in Georgia, Bébette Smith has introduced her experience as a chocolatier from her native Belgium all the best way to her Augusta store, La Bonbonnière. Utilizing top-shelf cocoa, Smith crafts advanced however easy bites in flavors like bourbon, orange peel or Irish cream, with seasonal varieties reminiscent of pumpkin spice within the combine as effectively. Patrons of La Bonbonnière point out that whereas the candies do not come low cost, the refined high quality and distinctive truffle flavors make them definitely worth the splurge.

Handle: 231 Fury’s Ferry Highway, Suite 206B, Augusta, GA 30907

Thomas Woodrow Wilson, the twenty eighth president of the US, grew up in Georgia through the Civil Conflict and Reconstruction. His childhood dwelling in Augusta is a Nationwide Historic Landmark and the oldest presidential residence within the state. Woodrow Wilson’s life and legacy have been marked by warfare, as he led the nation by means of World Conflict I. Guided excursions of the house are held periodically by appointment solely. Guests to the positioning name it an important step again in time for a half-hour or so, including that the educated tour guides impart loads of details about Wilson and his household.

Handle: 419 seventh St., Augusta, GA 30901

Way more charming than its identify suggests, Pinched Intestine (also called Olde City) is a neighborhood of Augusta the place passersby can admire architectural kinds spanning centuries of historical past. From Federal- to Craftsman-style properties, some residences right here have survived for the reason that early 1800s, even after a hearth in 1916 led many to rebuild. Whether or not its moniker derives from the aftermath of a Nineteenth-century flood that left residents with out meals or from the corsets girls wore again then, Pinched Intestine’s historic homes and in style eating places make for an important strolling or driving tour. If soaking in all of the historical past makes you hungry, Whiskey Bar Kitchen on Broad Avenue is only a quick stroll away.

The Morris Museum of Artwork, one of many two museums alongside Augusta’s Riverwalk, payments itself because the nation’s oldest museum devoted to the artwork and artists of the American South. As such, this Augusta attraction encompasses a everlasting assortment unfold throughout 10 galleries with 5,000 artistic endeavors courting from the 18th century to current day, along with numerous rotating exhibitions that spotlight Southern creators, tradition and historical past. Should you plan your go to for a weekend, the museum sometimes affords a free guided tour of the principle assortment – in addition to free admission – on Sundays. Guests to the Morris say it is the very best free factor you are able to do on a Sunday; they admire its intimate and native aesthetic.

Handle: 1 tenth St., Augusta, GA 30901

Pendleton King Park is a 64-acre fowl sanctuary located within the coronary heart of Augusta. Elevation within the park adjustments greater than 100 toes, giving strategy to all kinds of bushes amid the paths and wetlands. Along with loads of alternatives for bird-spotting, guests may additionally encounter wildlife reminiscent of beavers, turtles, lizards and extra. Among the many nature trails and the waterfall of Lake Elizabeth, households can get pleasure from on-site playgrounds, a canine park, gardens and an 18-hole disc golf course. Pendleton is a leisure oasis in Augusta that can appease everybody from birding lovers to children looking for snails.

Handle: 1600 Troupe St., Augusta, GA 30904

George Walton, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence, lived in Augusta. His former residence, Meadow Backyard, has been open to the general public as a home museum since 1901, and you’ll nonetheless take a guided tour of this Nationwide Historic Landmark at present. Orphaned on the age of seven, Walton ultimately moved from Virginia to Georgia the place he apprenticed as a lawyer and was elected to the Second Continental Congress at 26 years previous. He went on to change into a colonel, governor, senator and chief justice in Georgia. Excursions of Meadow Backyard final about 45 minutes and are delivered by a docent in interval gown. Current tour-takers laud the stainless situation of the home museum – one of many state’s oldest – together with the accommodating tour guides.

Handle: 1320 Independence Drive, Augusta, GA 30901