Augusta GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Augusta, Georgia.
1. Augusta Riverwalk
HISTORIC WATERFRONT PATH
Augusta Riverwalk is a scenic pathway along the Savannah River offering beautiful views and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, or simply relaxing while taking in the sights of the river and surrounding landscape. The Riverwalk frequently hosts events and provides access to various attractions in downtown Augusta.
2. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
WETLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of wetlands and observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The park features boardwalks and trails that wind through swamps, woodlands, and meadows, making it accessible for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Educational programs and guided tours are available to learn about the ecosystem and conservation efforts.
3. Augusta Museum of History
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Augusta Museum of History showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Augusta region through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections highlighting the city's development, famous residents, and significant events that shaped the area. The museum brings history alive with interactive displays and comprehensive narratives about Augusta's past.
4. Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL WATERWAY
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area preserves America's only industrial power canal still in use for its original purpose. Visitors can take guided boat tours, hike or bike along the towpath, or visit the Discovery Center to learn about the canal's history and significance. The canal, built in 1845, played a crucial role in Augusta's industrial development and now serves as both a historical site and recreational area.
5. Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIC SITE
Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home preserves the childhood residence of America's 28th president who lived here during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. The meticulously restored house offers visitors insight into Wilson's formative years and the historical context that shaped his worldview. Tours of this National Historic Landmark provide a glimpse into 19th-century life and the early influences on Wilson's political philosophy.
6. Morris Museum of Art
SOUTHERN ART COLLECTION
Morris Museum of Art stands as the first museum dedicated to the art and artists of the American South. The museum houses an impressive collection spanning multiple genres and time periods, showcasing the diverse artistic traditions of the region. Visitors can appreciate paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artworks that reflect Southern culture, history, and landscapes.
7. Savannah Rapids Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Savannah Rapids Park offers beautiful views of the canal and rapids along with numerous recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features the historic headgates of the Augusta Canal, pavilions for picnics, and access to the canal towpath for walking, jogging, and cycling. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing in this scenic natural setting where the Savannah River drops 14 feet in elevation.
8. Imperial Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
Imperial Theatre has been entertaining Augusta residents and visitors since 1918 with its rich history and architectural charm. Originally built as a vaudeville venue, the theater now hosts a variety of performances including concerts, plays, ballets, and films. The beautifully restored interior preserves the elegance of early 20th-century design while providing modern amenities for today's audiences.
9. Meadow Garden
REVOLUTIONARY ERA HOME
Meadow Garden is the historic home of George Walton, one of Georgia's three signers of the Declaration of Independence. The house, built in the late 18th century, has been preserved to showcase period furnishings and artifacts that illuminate daily life during America's early years. Tours of this National Historic Landmark provide insights into Revolutionary War era history and the legacy of one of America's founding fathers.
10. Augusta Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Augusta Mall serves as the region's largest shopping center with over 130 stores ranging from major department stores to specialty boutiques. The two-level mall offers a diverse selection of retailers, a food court, and sit-down restaurants to satisfy shoppers' needs. Entertainment options including a carousel and play area make it a family-friendly destination for both locals and visitors.
11. Sacred Heart Cultural Center
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Sacred Heart Cultural Center is a stunning former Catholic church now serving as a cultural arts venue and event space. The building features remarkable Gothic architecture with 94 stained glass windows, intricate brickwork, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Today, it hosts art exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and private events while preserving an important piece of Augusta's architectural heritage.
12. Magnolia Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Magnolia Cemetery, established in 1817, is Augusta's oldest city cemetery and the final resting place for many notable historical figures. Visitors can explore the peaceful grounds with their unique funerary art, elaborate monuments, and ancient trees that create a serene atmosphere. The cemetery provides insight into the city's history through the stories of those buried there, including seven Confederate generals and numerous prominent citizens.
13. Pexcho's American Dime Museum
QUIRKY ODDITIES COLLECTION
Pexcho's American Dime Museum offers visitors an eccentric journey through a collection of unusual artifacts, oddities, and curiosities reminiscent of Victorian-era entertainment. The museum recreates the atmosphere of historical dime museums that once showcased strange and marvelous exhibits to fascinate the public. Visitors can expect an unconventional experience featuring everything from vintage sideshow memorabilia to bizarre natural specimens and optical illusions.
14. Savannah River Brewing Co.
LOCAL CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Savannah River Brewing Co. provides a taste of Augusta's craft beer scene with its locally brewed selections in a welcoming taproom environment. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities to learn about the beer-making process or simply relax and sample a variety of handcrafted beers. The brewery frequently hosts events including live music, food trucks, and special tappings that showcase the vibrant local culture.
15. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art
HISTORIC ART EDUCATION CENTER
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art occupies the historic Ware's Folly, a Federal-style mansion built in 1818 that now serves as a center for visual arts education and exhibitions. The institute offers art classes for all ages and skill levels while hosting rotating exhibitions featuring works by local, regional, and national artists. Visitors can appreciate both the architectural significance of the building and the contemporary art displayed within its elegant spaces.