Guide to Augusta
Explore the world-famous home of the Masters year-round with these tips for things to do, places to stay, great restaurants and events.
Established along the Savannah River in 1736, Augusta is the state's second-largest city. The city is home to Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters golf tournament as well as the birthplace of legends like James Brown. A thriving arts community, plentiful outdoor activities, and locally owned restaurants add to its appeal for travelers.
Things to Do
Augusta & Co.
Get an overview of the city, starting with Augusta & Co., where you can experience the authentic flavors of the city through a rotating art gallery, tasting bar, and curated local merchandise while gathering information on regional attractions.
Augusta Riverwalk
Don’t miss the Augusta Riverwalk, a multilevel walkway along the Savannah River, complete with museums, parks, gardens, playgrounds, fountains and an amphitheater. Pay your respects at the Heroes Overlook Memorial.
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area offers guided tours on replica canal boats from the discovery center, a state-of-the-art museum about the river’s history, set in a historic textile mill. In addition to guided tours of the 11-mile canal, they offer special events like live music.
Morris Museum of Art
The Morris Museum of Art boasts more than 5,000 works of art, including paintings, drawings and sculpture from the late 18th century to the present with special attention to works from Georgia and the South. In addition to the permanent collection, it hosts special exhibitions.
Savannah River Brewing Co.
Visit the highly rated Savannah River Brewing Co. and request a Fruited Berliner Weisse also known as the "Swamp Thing." Or, try any of their many variations from hoppy IPAs to robust stouts. Check the brewery's event calendar for chances to mingle with locals during events like beer yoga, trivia nights and run club.
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art
Art lovers also can't miss the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, an arts organization dating back to 1937. Housed in two historic buildings, including the home of a former Augusta mayor, it hosts nearly 30 exhibitions per year.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
Just minutes from downtown Augusta, the 1,150-acre Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers you the chance to see great blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, river otter, and the elusive alligator in their natural setting. Hear the chorus of a thousand tree frogs, delight in the iridescence of summer dragonflies, and view the splendor of natural wetlands. The park is free and open to the public 365 days a year from dawn until dusk.
Meadow Garden
Just one of Augusta's historic homes is Meadow Garden, the former residence of Declaration of Independence signer George Walton. The farmhouse, the city’s oldest, is furnished in period furniture and Walton family memorabilia.
Augusta Museum of History
Founded in 1937, the Augusta Museum of History covers the region’s history, starting 12,000 years ago in the area. Highlights of the collection include a restored 1914 locomotive, memorabilia related to Augusta native James Brown, and one of the original green jackets from the Masters.
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
The only African-American museum in the Savannah River area, the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is housed in the former home of Laney, who founded the first school for black children in Augusta in 1883.
Reserve and Ride Watersports
Take a Jet Ski tour with Reserve & Ride Watersports, and cruise along the Savannah River with your host, exploring some of the most historical areas in the city. You'll stop at sites along the way for pictures and to learn about the history of the city and the river.
Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson
While many consider this president for his ties to Virginia, Augusta is actually home to the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson. He lived here with his father, a Presbyterian pastor, and his family, where he saw the horrors of the Civil War, greatly impacting his future life in politics.
Authentic Augusta Experiences
Step into the water as an Eco-Explorer and be a scientist for the day; pick up your paintbrush and paint a mural; have tea and pie with President Woodrow Wilson’s mother; meet Black caddies and hear stories of days on the greens at The Masters; and don’t miss the chance to become a bartender for the day in a one-of-a-kind mixology experience. Those are just a few of the 10 new Authentic Augusta Experiences designed to immerse you, make you a part of the experience, and leave you with lifelong memories of your visit to Augusta.
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Where to Stay
Partridge Inn
Lay your head down at one of Augusta’s unique accommodations, including the historic Partridge Inn. The property has more than 100 individually decorated rooms and suites. The hilltop location has the best view of the city along with a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and an onsite restaurant.
Candlewood Suites Augusta
At the Candlewood Suites Augusta, visitors can easily access the highway and local attractions. All rooms have queen beds and kitchens as well as full-size refrigerators and pet-friendly rooms. There is also onsite laundry, a convenience store and a fitness center.
Residence Inn Augusta
Residence Inn Augusta feels like home with studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with separate living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and complimentary grocery delivery. Other amenities include free Internet and breakfast, an onsite fitness center and evening social hours.
Hampton Inn and Suites Washington Road
Minutes away from Augusta National Golf Course, the Hampton Inn and Suites Washington Road has rooms and suites with free WiFi, free hot breakfast, a 24-hour store, fitness center and meeting areas.
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
Conveniently located for conferences and events, the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center boasts Savannah River views and modern amenities like a fitness center, pool, restaurant and lounge, room service and high-speed Internet.
Sheraton Augusta Hotel
Sheraton Augusta Hotel has plenty to offer guests, including an indoor/outdoor pool, state-of-the-art-fitness center, full-service steakhouse, and lounge boasting the best martinis in town. The more than 150 guest rooms feature high-speed Internet and desk space.
Holiday Inn Express Downtown
Conveniently located near the historic district, the Holiday Inn Express Downtown has free gated secured parking, free daily breakfast, an outdoor pool and a complimentary shuttle to take you around Augusta.
Home2 Suites
The stylish all-suite Home2 Suites is 15 minutes from Augusta’s airport and convention center. Rooms are studios and one-bedroom suites with a sofa bed, kitchenette and free WiFi with business center, an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast available.
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Where to Eat
8595 Restaurant and Bar
In addition to being one of Augusta’s best hotels, the Partridge Inn is home to 8595 Restaurant and Bar, which focuses on contemporary Southern cuisine, ranging from small plates to decadent desserts. With bold flavors and complex textures, 8595 puts a modern twist on Southern cuisine, offering a taste experience like no other.
Pho-Ramen ‘L
For a uniquely untraditional dining experience, try Pho-Ramen ‘L. Their unique southern-Asian cuisine will have your taste buds dancing as you slurp down a bowl of house-made Ramen. Don’t miss menu favorites like Bahn mi, bao buns and specialty cocktails in cool glasses.
Frog Hollow Tavern
Local favorite Frog Hollow Tavern uses regional ingredients in their dishes, which can be paired with their plentiful wine menu. Try the Sapelo Island clams, fried Manchester Farms quail, and braised Angus short rib.
Trellis Coffee Bar
Part of Augusta’s coffee trail, Trellis Coffee Bar offers a variety of unique signature coffee drinks (Espresso tonic, 1902 - which has lavender garnished with rose petals) as well as yummy pastries and baked goods.
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Enjoy the Southern-inspired dishes and fresh oysters at Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar in the Surrey Center. Menu highlights include the Georgia White Shrimp and Grits, best enjoyed with a local craft beer or classic cocktail.
Finch and Fifth
Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch and happy hour, Finch and Fifth is a great place for drinks and shared bites with friends. Their menu includes craft cocktails, artisanal cheeses and other creative dishes.
Humanitree House
Augusta's first organic and vegan fresh-pressed juice joint features a menu of organic juices, house-made nut milk, raw and vegan salads, soups, acai bowls, smoothies, and cleanse packages. All products at Humanitree House are organic, vegan, raw, and gluten-free options are also available.
Farmhaus Burger
Chow down on a custom creation or signature style from Farmhaus Burger, which uses local beef in its burgers. The menu also includes boozy milkshakes, hot dogs, fries and onion rings at their two locations in town.
Laziza Mediterranean Grill
Offering authentic flavors from Lebanon with family recipes that have been developed from generation to generation, Laziza Mediterranean Grill – Augusta has fresh, high-quality, flavorful food. The menu includes entrees, pita wraps, salads, soups, and more.
Sole
At Sole, diners can have a little bit of everything off the eclectic menu featuring tapas, sushi and burgers. Enjoy specialty cocktails, wine and craft beer with your dinner. Don’t miss weekly specials like happy hour and discounted sushi rolls.
Cafe on 8th
This waffle bar offers a unique waffle-forward menu. Have a Low Country waffle, which has grits inside and shrimp gravy on top, or a Down Home, which is stuffed with bacon, chicken and collard greens.
Craft and Vine
Craft and Vine has one of the best selections in the city for wine and cocktails. Start your night here over charcuterie, wood-fired pizza and other small plates, but be sure to save room for their decadent desserts.
Vance's Bakery Bar
Vance’s Bakery Bar is a 21-and-over, mid-century modern boozy bakery and cocktail lounge in downtown Augusta. The proof is in the sweets with loads of delicious craft cocktails, sweet indulgences infused with alcohol. Treat yourself with loads of choices from their menus.
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Events
Plan your visit around one of Augusta's signature annual events.
Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival
The Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival held in September in downtown Augusta celebrates creativity and culture with handmade arts and crafts, international food, and performances.
Augusta Ironman
In September, athletes descend upon the city for the Ironman 70.3 Augusta, which allows some to qualify for the world championships. The course includes a Savannah River swim, flat streets for the running and biking portions, and a hospitable crowd to cheer them on.
The Masters
And, of course, there's no event bigger in Augusta than the Masters, which brings in the world's most well-known golfers in search of the iconic green jacket. The food and atmosphere is an equal part of the atmosphere and traditions surrounding the spring event.
