4 Must-Have Outdoor Adventures in Augusta
Mix outdoor adventure with Southern hospitality, sprinkle with a vibrant art scene and warm it up with sunshine. That’s the recipe for Augusta! Georgia’s second-oldest city aged gracefully, treasuring historic landmarks and a hometown feel, while embracing the youthful energy of nature and the arts.
Add these must-have outdoor adventures to your Georgia bucket list.
Bike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is a fun way to experience Augusta’s natural beauty. The park offers 14 miles of trails weaving through 1,000 acres of beautiful wetlands. The trail network includes tree-shaded creekside paths, winding boardwalks with overlooks, and loops featuring wide-open vistas.
We met a group of cyclists for a guided bike tour. The leisurely bike ride is a unique addition to exploring the park. Our guide led us along scenic trails and over bridges, stopping to point out wildlife at observation decks along the way.
Explore the Riverwalk and downtown
Augusta is such a unique blend of historic Southern charm and eclectic modern artistry that exploring downtown is a must. Classic storefronts, outdoor dining, and a gorgeous riverwalk lend a friendly, hometown feel to the city. The Augusta Riverwalk follows along the Savannah River, linking gardens and playgrounds for six blocks.
Art is everywhere in this city. In fact, artists have transformed over 20 of Augusta’s boring traffic signal boxes into colorful masterpieces. View the, “Art The Box,” map to add them all to your urban hike.
Kayak the Augusta Canal
Perfect for paddlers of all ages and skill, Augusta Canal flows at a gentle pace past historic landmarks and wildlife refuge. Float along lazily for nearly seven miles, sighting turtles, otters, and blue heron among wetlands and veils of Spanish moss. Drop in at Savannah Rapids Park with an affordable kayak rental for the paddle to Lake Olmstead. A shuttle conveniently carries paddlers back to the park after their journey down Augusta Canal.
Play a round at the International Disc Golf Center
In addition to being well-known for its historic ties to the Masters Golf Tournament, Augusta is home to the International Disc Golf Center. Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, except disc golf players play by throwing frisbee-like discs into baskets. It’s a fun game for the whole family that adds a cool twist to a walk in the woods. The International Disc Golf Center is located in Wildwood Park, where players camp out and enjoy playing rounds on several unique courses. There’s also a museum showcasing the history of frisbees and disc golf, as well as a store full of high-quality discs to collect.
Where to Stay & Eat
The Partridge Inn
Since 1910, five generations of travelers have been greeted with the best of Southern hospitality at The Partridge Inn. The iconic hotel offers a rich history, great service, and the best view overlooking beautiful Augusta. In true southern style, the hotel features large balconies, outdoor gatherings, and comfortable rooms.
Luigi’s
Luigi’s is the oldest family-owned restaurant in Augusta, serving up authentic Italian and Greek meals since 1949. This local favorite is a can’t-miss dining experience with delicious food and relaxed, small town atmosphere.
The Pizza Joint
Make sure to grab a custom slice at The Pizza Joint for an inexpensive lunch. The laid-back Pizza Joint features a large outdoor eating area that makes a perfect addition to an urban hike of downtown Augusta.
