Augusta, Georgia is known for hosting the famous golf tournament each year, the Masters. But that is not the only thing Augusta is known for. What some people don’t realize, there are hidden jewels in Augusta that are just tucked away a little and you have to venture out and find them. Well, I have done that research for you.
Located about halfway up the Savannah River on its fall line, Augusta has a number of small waterfalls in addition to its beautiful flora and fauna. It’s about 150 miles east of Atlanta and 70 miles west of Columbia, up against the Georgia/South Carolina border.
The area is known for its mild winters and hot, humid summers. But don’t let the heat and humidity deter you from visiting the area. It’s a traveler’s paradise, rich in both natural and architectural beauty along with some excellent historical sites, and outstanding dining options. I was provided complimentary admission and meals to help facilitate this review, but all opinions are my own and never influenced.
Great Places to See in Augusta, GA
We recently took a trip to Augusta Georgia, and it was so much fun! Augusta is one of those places that has something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs. While we were there, we took in a ton of sights, but there were 10 places and dining areas that really topped our trip.
Augusta Museum of History Tour
History buffs and those with an interest in Southern culture will enjoy a trip to the Augusta Museum of History Tour. It collects and preserves historical artifacts of the region as well as interpreting the history as it relates to the past of the Augusta and Central Savannah River Region.
Some of the bigger exhibits included Augusta’s Story, featuring 12,000 years of local history including a 12-pounder bronze Napoleon Cannon tube, a reconstructed 56-foot Petersburg Boat, and an 1869 steam fire engine. You can also see an entire exhibit dedicated to the Godfather of Soul, James Brown and the rich history of golfing in Georgia.
Augusta Canal Discovery Center/Enterprise Mill
Both history lovers and the outdoorsy will enjoy the Discovery Center and Enterprise Mill. You can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, or a guided boat tour of the canal and its surrounding area. While you’re there, stop in and check out the Discovery Center to learn about the local flora and fauna and how it all works together in the ecosystem.
Augusta Food Tours
If you’re a foodie, be sure to check out the Augusta Food Tours and the area’s exceptional cuisine. It’s the best way to enjoy the local restaurants and get a little bit of culture in the process.
Augusta Food Tours May Include:
- National Hills Tour – Featuring Oliviana Ristorante, Tin Lizzy’s World of Beer, Finch & Fifth, and New York Butcher Shoppe
- Downtown Tour – Featuring Southbound Smokehouse, The Boll Weevil, Buona Caffe, Beamie’s at the River, Soy Noodle House, and Beck’s
- Private VIP Trolley Tour – Enjoy a private trolley tour for your group of family or friends which includes a guided tour on the SouthStar Trolley. You’ll learn about the city’s history while you enjoy some of the tastiest food in the area.
Augusta Riverwalk
Enjoy the beauty of the area at Augusta’s spectacular Riverwalk. Spanning 5 blocks along the Savannah River, the Riverwalk features:
- The 8th Street Plaza and Bulkhead – Home to events like the Saturday Market on the River and the Candlelight Jazz Series.
- The 9th Street and 10th Street Plazas – Home to two of the largest water features in downtown respectively. 9th Street Plaza lead to the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, and the 10th Street Plaza leads through the levee and opens into the Heroes Overlook.
- The Japanese Gardens – A tranquil, serene nook on the lower level of the Riverwalk featuring a gorgeous waterfall.
- Hero’s Overlook – A memorial located at 10th street and Riverwalk dedicated to the men and women of the community who’ve received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, or the Navy Cross.
Lake Olmsted Stadium
Sports fans who happen to be in Augusta during baseball season should check out the Augusta Green Jackets game at the stadium.
The Augusta Market
If you love people and food, The Augusta Market is for you. This enormous open-air market boasts everything from food to music to jewelry and more. The market is a wonderful place to see the wide variety of food and products available locally. Stock up on fresh produce, shop handcrafted jewelry and home décor, or just grab lunch from any one of the food vendors and listen to live performances. Animal lovers will enjoy that the market is pet-friendly. The Augusta Market occurs every Saturdays from 8am – 2pm on 8th street in downtown.
The Masters
For the golfing enthusiast, no trip to Augusta would be complete without seeing The Masters tournament. Schedule your trip to the area to coincide with the tournament to see the most iconic golf tournament.
Morris Museum of Art
Art lovers will want to make sure they head over to the Morris Museum of Art while they’re in Augusta. Featuring a wide variety of southern artwork, the museum is one of the best places to see classic and contemporary art with a southern sensibility.
Their permanent collection includes:
- Antebellum Portraiture
- Civil War Art
- Still-Life
- Impressionism in the South
- Landscape Painting
- Early to Mid-20th Century Art
- Late 20th Century and Contemporary Art
- Self-Taught Artists
Ghost Tour with SouthStar Trolley
You’ll already be in Georgia’s second oldest city, so why not take a Ghost Tour with SouthStar Trolley. Lean about Augusta’s eerie past as you ride the SouthStar Ghost Trolley. You’ll be treated to stories of grave robbing, the Haunted Pillar, haunted hotels, and much more spooky fun.
The Best Eats in Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is a foodie’s paradise. If you’d rather explore their rich culinary scene on your own instead of taking a tour, there are several places that you must go.
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Enjoy delicious cuisine prepared from locally sourced meats, seafood, and produce at Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
Bee’s Knees
Enjoy craft cocktails and beers along with food featuring local ingredients. Bee’s Knees is even environmentally friendly, recycling their wasted and supporting their local farmers.
The Hive
Enjoy delicious cuisine and one of the widest varieties of spirits to be found in this great city. At The Hive you will find a 78 tap room featuring 7 wines, 5 house craft cocktails, 1 sake, 2 sodas, 1 kombucha, 1 nitro cold press coffee, and 51 brews.
Southbound Smokehouse
Sample the Famous Chicken Wings at the Southbound Smokehouse. These wings are slow smoked with famous Signature House Rub. You will also enjoy some great live entertainment every week.
Soy Noodle House
Have a hankering for some sushi? The Soy Noodle House offers the best blend of Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisine. Enjoy a variety of delicious sushi and wash it down with some of their popular peach sake.
Beamie’s At the River
Beamie’s At The River offers a Cajun flare in downtown. They are famous for their bowl of gumbo which is packed with flavor and plenty of Cajun yumminess!
The Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery
Have a sweet tooth? Then try some sweet homemade dessert at The Boll Weevil Café and Sweetery. This cozy café is full of interesting history and offers more than 30 desserts homemade in the café and displayed on the menu daily.
Hotel Accommodations in Augusta
The Partridge Inn is centrally located, with a convenient travel time to just about everything you’d ever want to see or do in the Augusta area. With so much history, it is no wonder it is one of the best places to stay in Augusta.
Augusta is an Adventure for All
Whether you love the great outdoors, the arts, fine dining, or all of the above, Augusta is the place for you. With a rich history, vibrant arts scene, amazing natural beauty, and some of the best cuisine in Georgia, Augusta is an adventure for everyone.