Things To Do
in Augusta
Augusta, Georgia is a mid-sized Southern city on the Savannah River best known worldwide as the home of the Masters golf tournament. The city blends a compact historic downtown, a scenic Riverwalk and canal system, and leafy residential neighborhoods like Summerville. Cultural assets include museums, a lively arts scene, and a strong military and university presence that shape local life.
Augusta is an affordable, approachable base for exploring nearby lakes, nature areas and the broader Central Savannah River region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in downtown Augusta, savoring fresh biscuits and gravy. After breakfast, take a stroll through the historic district, where you can admire the beautiful antebellum architecture and learn about the city's rich history. Visit the Augusta Museum of History to dive deep into the stories of the city's past, including its role in the Civil War.
After lunch at a nearby farm-to-table restaurant, head to the Riverwalk, a scenic area along the Savannah River. Spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful views, art installations, and perhaps a little shopping at the local boutiques. Don't forget to stop by the Augusta Cotton Exchange to learn about the cotton industry that once thrived here.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a riverside restaurant to enjoy dinner with a view of the water. Try some local Southern cuisine, such as fried catfish or shrimp and grits, while listening to live music. Wrap up your evening with a stroll along the riverbank, where the city lights twinkle against the backdrop of the water.
Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, where you can explore the lush trails and observe local wildlife. Bring along a picnic breakfast to enjoy in the serene surroundings, listening to the sounds of nature. As you walk through the park, look out for various bird species and the unique flora that flourishes in this wetland habitat.
After a morning in nature, head to the Augusta Botanical Gardens to admire the stunning collection of plants and flowers. Spend some time wandering through themed gardens, including the rose garden and the butterfly garden, which are perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Enjoy a light lunch at the café on-site, surrounded by the vibrant colors of the gardens.
As evening approaches, make your way to the Morris Museum of Art, which showcases Southern art and culture. Attend a special evening event or simply explore the galleries at your own pace. Afterward, dine at a nearby restaurant specializing in Southern comfort food, perhaps trying a classic dish like fried green tomatoes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
| 🚕Local taxi / short rideshare | $6-15 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable and approachable destination with Southern charm
- Riverfront, canal, and parks offer varied outdoor experiences
- Strong cultural calendar and the globally-known Masters tournament
- Good medical facilities and university presence
- Hot, humid summers that can be uncomfortable for some visitors
- Limited direct international flight options—often requires connections
- Public transportation is limited; a car is convenient for many outings
- Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates—awareness necessary
Places to Visit in Augusta
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic views of the Savannah River, bridges, public art and sunset shots; great for long exposures and evening cityscapes.
Historic canal, towpath and industrial-era structures provide reflections, leading lines and nature/urban contrast shots.
Tree-lined streets, grand historic homes and gardens—excellent for architectural and portrait photography.
Birds, wetlands, boardwalks and misty mornings ideal for wildlife and landscape photography.
Colorful murals, historic storefronts and nightlife scenes; good for street photography and candid shots during events.
Modern downtown ballpark with dynamic angles, illuminated at night—great for sports and architectural shots.
Food in Augusta
Augusta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Southern classic found at many brunch spots and seafood restaurants; look for versions with creole or bacon-onion gravy downtown and near the river.
Must-Try!
Local BBQ joints serve pulled pork with tangy or mustard-leaning sauces; try hole-in-the-wall places and family-run smokehouses for authentic flavor.
A classic Southern appetizer or side, crispy and tangy; commonly paired with remoulade or pimento cheese in local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local farmers market (check seasonal schedule) with fresh produce, baked goods and occasional food trucks—great for sampling local honey, peaches in season and prepared Southern snacks.
Street food and food truck events appear around festivals, Riverwalk weekends and near brewery taprooms—look for BBQ plates, tacos and fusion offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people courteously—please, thank you and friendly small talk are appreciated. Use 'ma'am' or 'sir' respectfully with older locals when appropriate.
If attending golf or cultural events, follow posted rules: be quiet during play, avoid flash photography where prohibited and respect reserved/private areas.
Fort Gordon's presence means many military families live locally; show courtesy and respect when discussing service members and related topics.
Safety
Tipping in Augusta
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S. applies: restaurants 15–20% of the pre-tax bill, bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for a tab, taxis/rideshares 10–15%, hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night and bell staff $1–2 per bag; tip generously for exceptional service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payment (Apple/Google Pay) is common. Carry some cash for small vendors, farmers markets or tips. ATMs are common across the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak tourist season around the Masters (early April) with mild temps, blooming azaleas and many events—book lodging early and expect crowds during tournament weeks.
Hot and humid with daily highs often in the upper 80s–90s°F (30–35°C); frequent afternoon thunderstorms—best for river activities early morning or late afternoon.
Mild, pleasant weather and lower humidity with beautiful foliage in October–November; a great time for outdoor activities and festivals.
Generally mild winters with occasional cold snaps; frost and light freezes are possible but heavy snow is rare—comfortable for off-season travel and lower prices.
Augusta at Night
Hiking in Augusta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Boardwalks and low-impact trails through wetlands with excellent birdwatching and short loop hikes—ideal for gentle hikes and photography.
Large urban forest just across the river in Aiken with miles of sandy equestrian and walking trails, oak-canopied paths and quiet scenery.
Lakeside trails and multi-use paths for hiking, biking and lakeside views; boating and fishing opportunities nearby.
A flat, historic route suitable for long walks, running and cycling with interpretive sites and access points along the canal.
Smaller regional greenways and park trails in the surrounding counties providing varied terrain for short hikes and nature outings.
Airports
How to reach Augusta by plane.
The closest airport with regional commercial flights and convenient access to downtown (about 10–15 minutes by car). Limited nonstop destinations; major carriers offer connections.
Major international hub about 2–2.5 hours by car, or a shuttle/bus plus drive—offers the widest range of domestic and international flights.
About 1–1.5 hours away by car, convenient for some regional flights and often used as an alternative to Atlanta for certain connections.
Around 2.5–3 hours away by car; useful for coastal access and some domestic flights when planning broader travel in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant and historic presence shaping culture, business and politics in Augusta; many neighborhoods and cultural institutions reflect this heritage.
Longstanding communities across residential neighborhoods and suburbs; representation in local business and governance.
Fort Gordon contributes a visible military and veteran population with transient family dynamics and strong local support services.
Augusta University and other institutions inject a student population that supports arts, dining and nightlife scenes.
Increasing cultural and business diversity with restaurants, shops and community organizations contributing to the local fabric.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Golf is central to Augusta's identity thanks to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National; the city draws golf fans year-round and has many local courses.
Minor-league baseball (Augusta GreenJackets at SRP Park) is a popular local pastime with family-friendly games and events.
College athletics (Augusta University) and passionate high school football have strong local followings, especially on fall weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Augusta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at mid-range and upscale restaurants—look for salads, vegetable-forward entrees, and Southern-style sides like collard greens, fried okra (ask how it’s cooked) and grits; let servers know dietary needs and many places will accommodate.
Vegan and gluten-free options exist but are less ubiquitous than in larger cities—specialty cafes and some farm-to-table restaurants can prepare vegan plates; always call ahead for strict gluten-free needs.
Restaurants are generally accustomed to common allergy requests; communicate clearly and confirm ingredients, especially in Southern dishes that may use butter, pork, or shared fryers.