Augusta travel guide

Augusta Tourism | Augusta Guide

You're Going to Love Augusta

Step out of the hustle of big city life and experience Georgia's hospitality in Augusta. Pretty and picturesque, Augusta sits on the Savannah River. It's a small city with a laid-back vibe and friendly, small-town charm.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Augusta

1. A Historic Previous State Capital

From the impressive dome of the state capital building to the Old Medical College of Georgia and many other buildings along Telfair and Greene Streets, there are many fine examples of classic colonial architecture dating as far back as the early 1700s.

2. Golf!

With its mild climate and lush countryside, the Augusta area is home to some of the country's finest golf courses, including the Augusta National Golf Club.

3. Explore Local Arts and Events

While it's a small city, Augusta is home to a thriving local arts scene and hosts many festivals and other events throughout the year. Be sure to check a local calendar before you go.

4. Fishing and Boating

The Savannah River is just the beginning of your options when it comes to fishing and boating. The area surrounding Augusta is full of ponds, lakes and rivers to explore.

5. Augusta Canal

Take a boat tour along the Augusta Canal - a designated National Heritage Area - or for a more active option, you can kayak or fish.

1. A Historic Previous State Capital

From the impressive dome of the state capital building to the Old Medical College of Georgia and many other buildings along Telfair and Greene Streets, there are many fine examples of classic colonial architecture dating as far back as the early 1700s.

2. Golf!

With its mild climate and lush countryside, the Augusta area is home to some of the country's finest golf courses, including the Augusta National Golf Club.

3. Explore Local Arts and Events

While it's a small city, Augusta is home to a thriving local arts scene and hosts many festivals and other events throughout the year. Be sure to check a local calendar before you go.

4. Fishing and Boating

The Savannah River is just the beginning of your options when it comes to fishing and boating. The area surrounding Augusta is full of ponds, lakes and rivers to explore.

5. Augusta Canal

Take a boat tour along the Augusta Canal - a designated National Heritage Area - or for a more active option, you can kayak or fish.

What to do in Augusta

1. Augusta Museum of History: A Feast for History Lovers

Founded in 1937, this absorbing museum documents Augusta's past in a riveting fashion. Trace the area's past from Native American roots to prosperity in the New South; learn about the railroads, how the emergency services have evolved and - perhaps inevitably - check out the excellent golf exhibit, which reflects Augusta's links with the US Masters tournament. But the collection here goes well beyond golf, with an homage to local legend James Brown, a recreation of a 1950s radio station and much more to enjoy.

2. Augusta Canal National Heritage Area: 'Waterway' to Spend the Afternoon

Built in 1845, the Augusta Canal helped to power the city's mills and factories, turning Augusta into a Georgian powerhouse. These days, while the canal is still in use, it's more of a tourist attraction. Winding its way through the metropolitan area, the towpath is a great place to hike and cycle, while guided boat tours will open your eyes to the importance of waterways in industrial development. And don't miss the Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill, which provides all the historical background you'll need.

3. Augusta Riverwalk Marina: A Cultural and Water Sports Center

This stretch of the Savannah River between 11th Street and the Gordon Bridge is both a great place to relax and full of interesting sites. Visitors can rent boats to enjoy the water, join guided tours, or stick to dry land at attractions like the Morris Museum of Art, Saint Paul's Church (established in 1750) or Fort Discovery - a wonderful playground crossed with a science museum.

4. Sacred Heart Cultural Center: A Vibrant Community Meeting Place

Situated on Greene Street in Downtown Augusta, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center is one of the most recognizable landmarks in town. Once a Catholic church, it's now been renovated and reopened as an all-round events center, hosting everything from wine festivals and choral concerts to April's popular Garden Festival, silent movie screenings, and plenty of art exhibitions. Be sure to check out their schedule if you're in town, and pop into the gift shop - one of the best souvenir stores in Augusta.

5. Imperial Theater: Augusta's Premier Performance Space

Billing itself as "Georgia's premier entertainment venue", the 853-seat Imperial Theater has been hosting world-class music acts since 1918. Within months of its opening, iconic celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and ballet dancer Anna Pavlova had trod the boards in the theater, cementing its role as the artistic hub of the city. A recent renovation has restored the Imperial's grandeur, while it has also embraced its fame, allowing guests to take guided tours behind the scenes to the dressing rooms. With great shows taking place all the time, if you love music, the Imperial Theater is an unmissable Augusta attraction.

1. Augusta Museum of History: A Feast for History Lovers

Founded in 1937, this absorbing museum documents Augusta's past in a riveting fashion. Trace the area's past from Native American roots to prosperity in the New South; learn about the railroads, how the emergency services have evolved and - perhaps inevitably - check out the excellent golf exhibit, which reflects Augusta's links with the US Masters tournament. But the collection here goes well beyond golf, with an homage to local legend James Brown, a recreation of a 1950s radio station and much more to enjoy.

2. Augusta Canal National Heritage Area: 'Waterway' to Spend the Afternoon

Built in 1845, the Augusta Canal helped to power the city's mills and factories, turning Augusta into a Georgian powerhouse. These days, while the canal is still in use, it's more of a tourist attraction. Winding its way through the metropolitan area, the towpath is a great place to hike and cycle, while guided boat tours will open your eyes to the importance of waterways in industrial development. And don't miss the Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill, which provides all the historical background you'll need.

3. Augusta Riverwalk Marina: A Cultural and Water Sports Center

This stretch of the Savannah River between 11th Street and the Gordon Bridge is both a great place to relax and full of interesting sites. Visitors can rent boats to enjoy the water, join guided tours, or stick to dry land at attractions like the Morris Museum of Art, Saint Paul's Church (established in 1750) or Fort Discovery - a wonderful playground crossed with a science museum.

4. Sacred Heart Cultural Center: A Vibrant Community Meeting Place

Situated on Greene Street in Downtown Augusta, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center is one of the most recognizable landmarks in town. Once a Catholic church, it's now been renovated and reopened as an all-round events center, hosting everything from wine festivals and choral concerts to April's popular Garden Festival, silent movie screenings, and plenty of art exhibitions. Be sure to check out their schedule if you're in town, and pop into the gift shop - one of the best souvenir stores in Augusta.

5. Imperial Theater: Augusta's Premier Performance Space

Billing itself as "Georgia's premier entertainment venue", the 853-seat Imperial Theater has been hosting world-class music acts since 1918. Within months of its opening, iconic celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and ballet dancer Anna Pavlova had trod the boards in the theater, cementing its role as the artistic hub of the city. A recent renovation has restored the Imperial's grandeur, while it has also embraced its fame, allowing guests to take guided tours behind the scenes to the dressing rooms. With great shows taking place all the time, if you love music, the Imperial Theater is an unmissable Augusta attraction.

1. Augusta Museum of History: A Feast for History Lovers

Founded in 1937, this absorbing museum documents Augusta's past in a riveting fashion. Trace the area's past from Native American roots to prosperity in the New South; learn about the railroads, how the emergency services have evolved and - perhaps inevitably - check out the excellent golf exhibit, which reflects Augusta's links with the US Masters tournament. But the collection here goes well beyond golf, with an homage to local legend James Brown, a recreation of a 1950s radio station and much more to enjoy.

2. Augusta Canal National Heritage Area: 'Waterway' to Spend the Afternoon

Built in 1845, the Augusta Canal helped to power the city's mills and factories, turning Augusta into a Georgian powerhouse. These days, while the canal is still in use, it's more of a tourist attraction. Winding its way through the metropolitan area, the towpath is a great place to hike and cycle, while guided boat tours will open your eyes to the importance of waterways in industrial development. And don't miss the Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill, which provides all the historical background you'll need.

3. Augusta Riverwalk Marina: A Cultural and Water Sports Center

This stretch of the Savannah River between 11th Street and the Gordon Bridge is both a great place to relax and full of interesting sites. Visitors can rent boats to enjoy the water, join guided tours, or stick to dry land at attractions like the Morris Museum of Art, Saint Paul's Church (established in 1750) or Fort Discovery - a wonderful playground crossed with a science museum.

4. Sacred Heart Cultural Center: A Vibrant Community Meeting Place

Situated on Greene Street in Downtown Augusta, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center is one of the most recognizable landmarks in town. Once a Catholic church, it's now been renovated and reopened as an all-round events center, hosting everything from wine festivals and choral concerts to April's popular Garden Festival, silent movie screenings, and plenty of art exhibitions. Be sure to check out their schedule if you're in town, and pop into the gift shop - one of the best souvenir stores in Augusta.

5. Imperial Theater: Augusta's Premier Performance Space

Billing itself as "Georgia's premier entertainment venue", the 853-seat Imperial Theater has been hosting world-class music acts since 1918. Within months of its opening, iconic celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and ballet dancer Anna Pavlova had trod the boards in the theater, cementing its role as the artistic hub of the city. A recent renovation has restored the Imperial's grandeur, while it has also embraced its fame, allowing guests to take guided tours behind the scenes to the dressing rooms. With great shows taking place all the time, if you love music, the Imperial Theater is an unmissable Augusta attraction.

Where to Eat in Augusta

You'll love the classic American cuisine done right at the Frog Hollow Tavern, where main dishes start at about $20. Calverts blends American and French cuisine for high-end fare that starts at $30.

When to visit Augusta

Augusta in December
Estimated hotel price
$162
1 night at 3-star hotel
Augusta in December
Estimated hotel price
$162
1 night at 3-star hotel

With mild winters and hot, humid summers, Augusta is a year-round destination. Many visitors prefer the more temperate spring and early summer, along with fall for fishing.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Augusta

Plane

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta is the nearest international airport at 151 miles away. Regional flights from some carriers arrive at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS). A car rental is the best option to get into thecity of Augusta.

Train

There is no direct train service to Augusta.

Car

Located just across the river from South Carolina on I-20, Augusta is easy to get to by car, with connections to major centers throughout the state and beyond.

Bus

Greyhound Bus company provides intercity service connecting Augusta to major centers in Georgia and South Carolina.

Plane

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta is the nearest international airport at 151 miles away. Regional flights from some carriers arrive at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS). A car rental is the best option to get into thecity of Augusta.

Train

There is no direct train service to Augusta.

Car

Located just across the river from South Carolina on I-20, Augusta is easy to get to by car, with connections to major centers throughout the state and beyond.

Bus

Greyhound Bus company provides intercity service connecting Augusta to major centers in Georgia and South Carolina.

Airlines serving Augusta

Lufthansa
Good (4,490 reviews)
KLM
Good (824 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,284 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,612 reviews)
Air France
Good (972 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,846 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,112 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,456 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (219 reviews)
Finnair
Good (895 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (5,272 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (437 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (754 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,305 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (843 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (776 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (507 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (5,669 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Augusta

National Hills - this riverfront area is where you'll find a busy commercial area, including many shopping and dining options along Washington Road.

Popular Neighborhoods in Augusta

Lake Aumond - this upscale neighborhood is where you'll find a shopping and dining scene along Wrightsboro Road.

Downtown Historic District - this is where you'll find the charming architecture and the picturesque Riverwalk.

Lake Aumond - this upscale neighborhood is where you'll find a shopping and dining scene along Wrightsboro Road.
Downtown Historic District - this is where you'll find the charming architecture and the picturesque Riverwalk.

Where to stay in popular areas of Augusta

Most booked hotels in Augusta

Holiday Inn Augusta West I-20
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$193+
Comfort Suites Augusta Riverwatch
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$186+
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Augusta Riverwatch
2 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
$110+
Baymont by Wyndham Augusta West
2 stars
Good (6.8, Good reviews)
$111+
Days Inn by Wyndham Augusta/Washington Rd
2 stars
Okay (5.3, Okay reviews)
$92+

How to Get Around Augusta

Public Transportation

There is a bus system that services most parts of Augusta. Fares start at $1.25, with a weekly pass available for $15.

Taxi

Taxis can be somewhat expensive since attractions are often spread out over the area. Cross-town fares can cost up to $30.

Car

A car rental is a good option for getting around the city and exploring the countryside. A compact rental starts at about $55 per day.

Public Transportation

There is a bus system that services most parts of Augusta. Fares start at $1.25, with a weekly pass available for $15.

Taxi

Taxis can be somewhat expensive since attractions are often spread out over the area. Cross-town fares can cost up to $30.

Car

A car rental is a good option for getting around the city and exploring the countryside. A compact rental starts at about $55 per day.

The Cost of Living in Augusta

Shopping Streets

Washington Road is where you'll find many shopping options, including grocery stores and boutiques. For souvenirs and other local goods, check out the downtown historic area for specialty boutiques and stores.

Groceries and Other

Publix has multiple locations in Augusta, along with a large Harvey's Supermarket, where you'll find reasonable prices and well-stocked shelves. A quart of milk costs about $0.90 and a dozen eggs $1.75.

Cheap meal
$19.71
A pair of jeans
$49.27
Single public transport ticket
$3.29
Cappuccino
$6.29