Things to Do in Augusta: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Augusta is Georgia's second-oldest city, set on the Savannah River, with a 19th-century canal, a leafy riverwalk and a lively Broad Street downtown. It's world famous for the Masters golf tournament each April, and it was home to the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.
This guide covers the best things to do in Augusta, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with the canal, Phinizy Swamp, Aiken and Savannah Rapids, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Augusta
Augusta Riverwalk
Brick promenade along the river.
Augusta Canal
Boat tours and towpath trails.
Morris Museum of Art
Art of the American South.
Broad Street
Restaurants and galleries.
James Brown statue
Tribute to the Godfather of Soul.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
Boardwalks and birds.
Savannah Rapids Park
Rapids and canal headgates.
Sacred Heart Cultural Center
Restored church.
Augusta in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Riverwalk and downtown
Start on the Augusta Riverwalk, walking from the Jessye Norman Amphitheater along the Savannah River. Have lunch on Broad Street. In the afternoon visit the Morris Museum of Art and pose with the James Brown statue on Broad Street. End with dinner and live music downtown.
2Day 2 · The canal
Visit the Augusta Canal Discovery Center in the old Enterprise Mill, then ride a Petersburg boat along the canal, the only intact industrial canal of its era in the South. Have lunch nearby. In the afternoon walk or bike the towpath, then relax at a brewery by the canal.
3Day 3 · Nature and history
Spend the morning on the boardwalks of Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, looking for herons and turtles. Have lunch in Summerville. In the afternoon tour the Augusta Museum of History and the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson, then dine in a historic district.
Augusta in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Savannah Rapids
Drive to Savannah Rapids Park in Martinez to see the river's rapids and the canal headgates, then kayak or bike the trail back toward town. Picnic by the water and finish with Southern food in the evening.
5Day 5 · Aiken
Cross into South Carolina for Aiken, known for its horses, Hopelands Gardens and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. Have lunch downtown and walk the dirt roads of the Hitchcock Woods in the afternoon.
Augusta in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Lakes and golf
Spend a day at Clarks Hill Lake for boating and swimming, or play one of the many public golf courses around the city. Have lunch by the lake and enjoy a last dinner on Broad Street.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast with biscuits, buy Georgia peaches, pecans and local art, and enjoy a farewell lunch. Augusta Regional Airport is about fifteen minutes from downtown, and Atlanta about two and a half hours.
What to do in Augusta on a weekend
For a weekend in Augusta, combine the Riverwalk, Broad Street, the canal boat tour and Phinizy Swamp.
Add Aiken with a third day.
What to do in Augusta in the evening
Evenings mean live music on Broad Street, summer concerts on the riverwalk, brewery patios and Southern dinners.
The First Friday arts night is lively.
Augusta for couples
Couples will enjoy a sunset canal cruise, gardens in Aiken and dinner on the river.
Augusta with kids
With kids, try the canal boat, the train and history exhibits at the Augusta Museum of History, Phinizy Swamp and the riverwalk playgrounds.
What to eat in Augusta
Shrimp and grits
Southern classic.
Fried chicken
With biscuits.
Peach cobbler
Georgia's summer dessert.
Barbecue
Pulled pork.
Sweet tea
Served everywhere.
Where to stay in Augusta: best areas
Downtown
Near the river.
Summerville
Historic homes.
Evans
Quiet suburbs.
Aiken
Charming inns.
What to do in Augusta when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Morris Museum, the Augusta Museum of History, the canal center or the Lucy Craft Laney museum.
How much does a trip to Augusta cost?
Expect $120–220 per night ($500+ during the Masters), $12–25 for lunch and about $15 for the canal boat.
Practical tips for Augusta
Best time to visit
March to May and October to November.
Getting around
By car; downtown is walkable.
Our practical tips
- Book far ahead for Masters week.
- Ride the canal boat.
- Bring bug spray for the swamp.
- Visit in spring blooms.
- Walk Broad Street at night.
- Try local barbecue.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving in Masters week without a room.
- Midday heat in July.
- Skipping the canal.
- Expecting to buy Masters tickets on the spot.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Augusta?
Walk the Riverwalk, tour the canal and explore Broad Street.
How many days do you need?
Two days, a week with Aiken.
When is the Masters?
Usually the second week of April.
Is Augusta walkable?
Yes, downtown and the Riverwalk are easy on foot.