The Best Things To Do in Augusta GA: A Weekend Itinerary (2024)

Our family recently spent a weekend exploring the myriad things to do in Augusta Ga and we had a BALL!

If you enjoy many of the same things we do – great food, outdoor adventure, and a hint of history and arts – then this is a city you need to add to your bucket list.

When you think of Augusta you may think of golf, but there’s more beyond the golf course. Read on for the best things to do in Augusta, Georgia.

WHERE TO STAY IN AUGUSTA

• Our Top Pick. The Partridge Inn! See our extensive write-up below about our time there and why we love it so much.

• Downtown. Hyatt House Augusta Downtown is a half mile away from city-center and close to many of our recommended activities.

• Best Budget Option. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Augusta/Riverwatch is just 15 minutes from historic downtown Augusta. It’s no frills but highly rated.

FRIDAY IN AUGUSTA GA

CHECK INTO THE PARTRIDGE INN

After work on Friday, head to thePartridge Inn.This beautiful Summerville landmark dates from the early 1800s but was recently renovated. If you need room to spread out, opt for the corner suite like we did. Check here for discounted rates.

Partridge Inn is a Historic Hotel of America, yet the contemporary renovations and sleek styling make it an elegant and modern hotel selection. The suite in which we stayed was ideal for our family, with kid-friendly touches throughout the room and hotel.

I highly recommend a stay here whether or not you are visiting with kids. Our entire crew gives it two thumbs up, without hesitation.

THE SUITE

Our spacious two-room suite was situated in the corner of the building, with a great view of the courtyard. Huge windows allowed natural light to flood the space in both the living area and the bedroom.

The door opened up to a large living area. To the left we found a spacious walk-in closet with extra linens and drawer space. In the main living area was a lounge chair and fold-out sofa. The large desk included a cabinet with a mini fridge, coffee maker and a mounted TV.

The bedroom included two comfortable queen-sized beds – each with a foot bench, a large mounted flat-panel TV and night table. Because of the corner space, windows dressed two walls in the room, which I adored. No worries – the blackout shades work like a charm.

The bedroom was open to a large closet and dressing area, and a full bath. The bath included a gorgeous, modern sink and tub/shower combo.

AMENITIES AND FACILITIES

A pool! Yes! There was a pool. We risked going for a dip before Memorial Day so it was a little chilly, but a ton of fun, regardless. There were even a few beach balls and such for the kids to enjoy. Cooper thought it was most awesome that the pool went to 8 feet deep!

Complimentary Wi-Fi was available in the hotel, including our room. Huge plus!

P.I. Bar and Grill is located on the main floor. We visited here for drinks (a la Styrofoam cups) during our pool visit. I even had Champagne! We also enjoyed a wonderful breakfast buffet. We loved sitting on the wrap-around porch for breakfast. It felt like a classic southern meal!

SERVICE AND LOCATION

The entire staff was wonderful, from the valet to the front desk.

Partridge Inn is in the neighborhood of Summerville, a very posh and upstanding neighborhood. We were only about 5-10 minutes from the main street of downtown Augusta. This is where you’ll find great eats, museums, the river walk, and more!

Partridge Inn is everything I love in a hotel. It is historic and modern. It has spacious rooms with family-friendly amenities, a pool for play, great access to all the attractions, and a sweet southern staff.

DINNER AT NOBLE JONES

Now that you’re settled, make your way to Broad Street – the “main street” in downtown Augusta and only about a 10-minute ride. Grab dinner atNoble Jones.

One of the newer Augusta posts, and incredibly noteworthy, Noble Jones bringsthe culinary vision of chef J.D. Wier to the awesome, outdoor-friendly location of the old Cotton Patch, a former downtown staple.

SATURDAY IN AUGUSTA GA

BREAKFAST AT THE RIVER

There’s a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel, and the patio is a lovely place to enjoy it…but save that for Sunday. It’s Saturday, so hit theSaturday Market at the River.You’ll find coffee, cinnamon buns, shrimp and grits, empanadas, and so much more.

Whether in Georgia, neighboring states, or across the world, our favorite way to explore a new place is at their outdoor markets. We jumped on the chance to visit the Augusta Market while there. It’s held on the River Walk every Saturday from mid-March through the end of November. I recommend heading there in the early morning to start your day; they open at 8am.

Parking is easy and free. Pull in, then walk to the strip of vendors. We spent time meandering through the vendors. We saw artists, food vendors, veggie vendors…even someone who made their own sausages! Wish we had a cooler that day to bring home all the goodies.

As we walked closer to the river, the boys picked out a lemonade…not fresh squeezed, but fresh PRESSED. It was squished with a hydraulic press…imPRESSive! We also found a vendor selling neat portable Disc Golf cages, and picked up a putter.

After that, we walked down the river for a while, enjoying the live music on the river stage. We made our way a couple of blocks down to the amphitheater, the boys climbed up and down and up and down the giant stairs.

THE AUGUSTA CANAL

Once you’re filled with Augusta’s local yummies, drive to theAugusta Canal National Heritage Areafor a tour of the interpretive center and a boat cruise down the Augusta Canal. There are sometimes large groups from camps or schools, so making a reservation is a great idea.

The Augusta Canal, built in 1845 as a source of power, water and transportation, is the only intact industrial canal in the American South in continuous use. There are two amazing things you need to know about the Augusta Canal: It was dug by hand. TWICE! How?? Why?? Well, don’t look at me; I’m not giving it away! Plus, the story is too incredible, and I wouldn’t do it justice.

AUGUSTA CANAL DISCOVERY CENTER

Head into the Canal Discovery Center to purchase your tickets for the Boat Tour first. You can also call ahead to reserve tickets for the tour, which I recommend. More on the boat tours further down. Once you purchase your ticket, access to the Discovery Center is FREE.

While we waited for our boat tour, we explored the museum within the Discovery Center. There are hands-on exhibits, videos and models. The boys cranked a wheel to generate electricity much like the canal…Augusta Canal is the oldest continuously operating hydropower canal in the United States. We explored exhibits about the textile manufacturing that the canal brought to Augusta.

BOAT TOURS

We took the Heritage Boat Tour along the canal. Most interesting to me was the vessel, a Petersburg Boat. It’s a flat bottom boat that is so safe, that the Coast Guard has declared that not even children have to wear life vests. (Though if this weirds you out, there are vests on board for everyone and you can put one on the kiddos!)

We rode down the canal, seeing heron and turtles, and keeping an eye out for otters and alligator.Our guide pointed outthe 19th century textile mills, the Confederate Powder Works and two of Georgia’s only remaining 18th century houses. Don’t forget to get your National Park Passport stamped while here. Don’t have one? No worries – you can pick one up at the gift shop!

I would love to go back to experience the Music CruiseonFridays (BYOB, BTW) and the three-hour Sunset Cruise which runs to headsgates of the Savannah Rapids and then back toward Enterprise Mill at sunset. It’s also BYOB.

MORE IN THE HERITAGE AREA

Don’t miss hiking, biking, running along the canal’s wide, level towpath, once used by mules to pull canal boats to the Canal headgates.

Additionally there are several put-in points for canoes and kayaks. No swimming is allowed in the canal, though. This water is filtered and becomes drinking water for the city.

LUNCH AT NEW MOON CAFE

You’ve walked through time and floated down the canal, now it’s time for lunch! Back on Broad Street, take a break atNew Moon Café.

When you’re exploring on vacation, you need a place with quick food – but not fast food. You want healthy choices with a kid-friendly atmosphere, and not too far from all the attractions. New Moon Cafe fits the bill!

Select from an array of sandwiches, salads and smoothies. I picked the chicken salad, which was melt-in-your-mouth awesome. I love a salad with nuts and grapes; the touch mayo was delishand the homestyle croutons made this a perfect 10. The other two adults with me opted for sandwiches…a pimento cheese and bacon panini, and a cheesesteak-style sammy. The servings were larger than I expected. On a normal day, I would probably have had to pack a to-go box, but after our round of sight seeing we gobbled it all down.

The boys opted for PB&J, grilled cheese and chips. Great sizes, easy and fun!

I loved the smoothie bar. If we lived in Augusta, this would be my go-to place. They are made to order from real fruit – up to three selections. Since I don’t drink milk, I loved how I could choose to use juice or almond milk for the liquifying agent. I had one packed with berries and OJ. My mouth is watering as I think about it now. I also felt like it was a great treat for the kids….something different than juice, but more healthy (and as appealing) as soda.

It is casual and comfortable, and great for kids. You can pick a seat in the outside patio (bonus, the patio isdog friendly). Inside, we ordered at the counter and then found a seat. The staff brought our food which made it very easy to manage two crazy kiddos. We sat at a booth, but also noticed that tables in the downstairs area also included a section for kids, with a coloring table…complete with paper and crayons. Woot!

There is breakfast and brunch, and pastries, too. This is EXACTLY the type of place every traveling family dreams of!

THE AUGUSTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Mosey on over to theAugusta Museum of History.Inside the museum, we saw tons of history regarding the Augusta National and the Masters Golf Tournament (hosted at the Augusta National each April), including a green jacket! We jammed to music from The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. The boys enjoyed seeing the film about his life, and exploring the memorabilia of a time past. We learned about other local legends and about Augusta’s history from 12,000 years before.

There were exhibits with clothing and gear from WWI and Vietnam. We foundseveral hands-on pieces for the kids, including the ability to don a pack like soldiers wore…taking in how heavy and painful that journey must have been.

I think a favorite of my kiddos was the Transportation Corridor. They saw a 1917 steam locomotive. Be sure to watch for the train tracks outside the museum…this is where they drove the train to its current position, building the museum around it! We also saw a reconstructed 1930s gas station, a 1952 Dodge Power Wagon, and more.

Read More: 33 Things You Probably Don’t Know About the Masters

EARLY DINNER AT THE PIZZA JOINT

Ready for a break? Find your way back toPartridge Innto freshen up, grab a drink, and take a dip in the pool. Once it’s time for dinner, chow down on pizza and a brew atThe Pizza Joint.

The pizza, salad and beer selections at The Pizza Joint make this a fun place for dinner, but the outside patio really brings it home for the family! We sat outside enjoying the evening breeze. The boys played cornhole and danced with the live band. It’s located on Broad Street, which is the “main” street in Augusta, and easily reachable from most of the city’s attractions.

AN EVENING WITH THE AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS

If you’re lucky enough to visit during baseball season, plan to watch theAugusta GreenJacketsgame. The stadium is just over the Savannah River in North Augusta, South Carolina.

Our boys attended their very first baseball game here. It was an ideal way for the kids to experience their first live sports event! We couldn’t have asked for anything better. Every seat in the house provides a superb view of the field. We were able to get sooo close to the Bull Pen and really seeand feel the power of the professional pitchers. Our oldest was captivated, looking on with awe.

It was easy to run down to the concession stands (popcorn, M&Ms, hamburgers, hotdogs and tons of other “baseball food” options).

Honestly, I cannot recommend more highly a trip to a GreenJackets game while in Augusta. Parking was easy, the game was the perfect length of time for kids – not too long, not too short.

SUNDAY IN AUGUSTA GA

EXPLORE PHINIZY SWAMP NATURE PARK

It’s your last day! After breakfast at Partridge Inn, take an easy and relaxing hike atPhinizy Swamp Nature Park.The bridges, trees and lakes make a picture-perfect Sunday stroll.

I learned about Phinizy before we visited Augusta. Honestly, it was the impetus to planning a trip there, and it lived up to my expectations. We only visited for an hour or so, but you could easily spend an entire day here.

We hiked a few short trails, crossing boardwalks and bridges. We saw beautiful ponds and water channels and spent time on the observation decks searching for alligator, herons and turtles.

If you’re visiting on the weekend then be sure to register for their Saturday activities. There are guided swamp hikes, guided bike tours, family campouts, full moon hikes, stream exploration and more!

LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT MORRIS MUSEUM

Back downtown, you will be shocked and amazed with the beautiful works of art hanging in the unassuming building ofMorris Museum of Art.Morris is thefirst museum dedicated to the art and artists of the American South. Their collection includes over 5,000 pieces, including paintings, artifacts, sculptures and more. Yes, it is right next to the Saturday Market, but I put it on our Sunday itinerary because Sundays are FREE!

Full disclosure here: My kiddos were in mid-afternoon meltdown mode when I wanted to visit, so I left them in the car with Dad and a Disney movie. Dad relished a chance to close his eyes; he knew there was no way I was going to miss this experience. I love art museums, and this one surpassed my expectations!

Here are a few things you need to know:

• Prices are very affordable, but you can visit on Sundays for FREE.
• Guided tours are available on Sunday afternoons.
• Be sure to check out the family events; there are some fun things on the calendar including a monthly Mommy and Me Series.
• There are several restaurants within walking distance of the museum along Broad, Reynolds, 10th, and 11th Streets.

LUNCH (AND DESSERT) AT BOLL WEEVIL

Time for lunch atBoll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery.The Boll Weevil’s main building wasconstructedbefore 1850 and was used for cotton storage for some time.In the late 1919, Fredrick Harrison purchased the place andran it asarailroad freight building until a fire destroyed the rear…a few years later a tornado destroyed the front. Finally, in 1990, Harrison’s son decided to use the property as a restaurant. Surrounded by two other restaurants, Cotton Row and Cotton Patch, he named his eatery after the cotton-eating insect. What a story of perseverance.

Boll Weevil creates indescribable sweets, tall cakes, scrumptious pies andfresh bread. You can get them to go, or enjoy the casual dining area – leaving room to savor the desserts onsite.

Our group noshed on The Jerk sandwich, with grilled jerk chicken, provolone and all the fixings, the Chicken Salad Salad – an exorbitant amount of yummy chicken salad served on a bed of lettuce with tons of veggies, and Seared Tuna Salad which boasted seared Ahi tuna served with mandarin oranges, cucumbers and wasabi dressing. Every bite was delicious and affordable.

The boys enjoyed a grilled cheese with chips – eating it with abandon after a busy day of touring!

I saved the very best for last, though. CAKE!!! What a difficult decision…Canary Lemon with cream cheese icing…carrot cake or red velvet…or a slice of cheesecake….turtle crunch, chocolate mint Grasshopper…or maybe blueberries and cream?? Don’t skip the pies…Key Lime…Peanut Butter…Bourbon Pecan or Cappuccino Tiramisu??

These slices are HUGE and they come with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, you name it! In the end, we went for the Strawberry Cake with homemade strawberry buttercream icing and Perfect Chocolate Cake – layers of chocolate cake with brownies baked in, covered in chocolate buttercream and dark chocolate ganache. Oh my. I can still taste the goodness. It was amazing.

Two pieces of cake for three adults and two children, and we didn’t finish it all. Wishing I had a piece now!

SAVANNAH RIVER RAPIDS BEFORE YOU GO

Full belly now? Time to work it off. You’re last stop before heading home isSavannah River Rapids. There is kayaking, biking, and more!

Set along the Augusta Canal and Reed Creek waterfall, this park is beautiful, and even has a playground for the kiddos.

Read More: 5 Perfect Things You’ll Love To Do at Savannah Rapids Park near Augusta

OTHER PLACES WORTH A VISIT

SACRED HEART CULTURAL CENTER

Take a tour, you won’t be disappointed. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, built by Jesuit priests, opened its doors for worship on Dec. 2, 1900. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it is an architectural masterpiece. The building features towering twin spires, graceful arches, 15 distinctive styles of brickwork, 94 stained-glass windows, a barreled vaulted ceiling, and intricately carved Italian marble altars.

Tours, both guided and self-guided, are offered Monday-Friday.

BOYHOOD HOME OF PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON

The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson serves as a house museum depicting the life of the 28th President as a boy growing up in Georgia during the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Guided tours of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson are offered Wednesday – Saturday. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Please call ahead for tour times and to make reservations. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and military; $5 for students (K-12), and free for children under age 5.

Visiting during December? Take part in their guided holiday tours!

GERTRUDE HERBERT INSTITUTE OF ART

Founded in 1937 and housed in the historic Nicholas Ware mansion (c. 1818), the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art is Augusta’s only independent nonprofit visual arts school and contemporary art gallery.

The institute serves as a showcase for regional, national, and international artists, offering rotating exhibitions of outstanding contemporary artwork year-round

MEADOW GARDEN

Meadow Garden welcomes visitors to step into a piece of American history at the home of George Walton, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The historic house was built in 1791 and has been a part of four centuries. Most importantly, Meadow Garden connects modern visitors to this man who played a vital role in the founding of our country.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR GEORGIA VACATION

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• NATURE CENTERS: 13+ Atlanta Nature Centers Near Me for Enjoying Time Outside
• SMALL TOWNS:
• NATIONAL PARKS: National Parks in Georgia: 11+ Awesome Adventures Perfect for Day Tripping
• AIKEN, SC: 10+ Sensational Things To Do In Aiken, SC That Are Charmingly Southern

WHERE TO STAY IN AUGUSTA GA