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Augusta is Georgia's second-oldest city, founded in 1736 on the Savannah River at the state's eastern edge, and with about 200,000 people in its consolidated city-county it is one of the largest cities in the state. It is world-famous as the home of the Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, held each April, but it is also a historic river town with a long cultural life.
The Augusta Riverwalk follows the Savannah River through downtown on landscaped brick terraces, with an amphitheater, gardens and views across to South Carolina. The Augusta Canal, built in 1845 to power textile mills, is now a National Heritage Area; visitors can take a boat tour from the Augusta Canal Discovery Center in the old Enterprise Mill or walk and bike the towpath. Broad Street, one of the widest main streets in the country, is lined with historic buildings, restaurants and the Imperial and Miller theaters.
The Morris Museum of Art focuses on the art of the American South, and the Augusta Museum of History covers everything from Native American life to the city's own James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, who is honored with a statue on Broad Street. Historic homes include the Ezekiel Harris House and the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers boardwalks through wetlands south of the city.
The Augusta Riverwalk is a landscaped brick promenade along the Savannah River downtown, with gardens, fountains, a marina, an amphitheater and a playground. It links to Broad Street and the museums nearby. Walk it in the early evening for river views and cooler air, and check for concerts at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater.
The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area preserves the 1845 canal that powered Augusta's textile mills, with a towpath for walking and cycling and narrated boat tours. The Discovery Center in the old Enterprise Mill explains the canal's history. Take the Petersburg boat tour for an easy look at the mills and waterway.
The Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson is the Augusta house where the future president lived as a child during the Civil War and Reconstruction, when his father led the nearby Presbyterian church. Guided tours show period rooms and family items. Check tour times, as visits are by guided tour only.
Broad Street is downtown Augusta's main avenue, unusually wide and lined with historic buildings that hold restaurants, bars, galleries and shops. It hosts the First Friday art walk and other street events. Walk between the James Brown statue and the Imperial Theatre for a good look at the historic storefronts.
The James Brown Statue on Broad Street honors the Godfather of Soul, who grew up in Augusta, showing him in mid-performance with microphone in hand. It stands in a small plaza near the Augusta Common. It is a popular photo stop, and local music fans often visit on his birthday in May.
Sacred Heart Cultural Center is a former Catholic church built in 1900, noted for its twin spires, ornate brickwork and stained glass windows. It now serves as an arts and event center and hosts weddings, concerts and the yearly garden festival. Look inside when it is open to see the restored interior.
The Morris Museum of Art on the Riverwalk is devoted to the art of the American South, with paintings and works from the colonial era to today, including landscapes, portraits and folk art. Exhibits change through the year. Allow about an hour, and check for its free days and evening events.
The Augusta Museum of History covers the city's story from Native American times through the Civil War, cotton trade and twentieth century, with a locomotive, a James Brown exhibit and a golf gallery about the Masters. It is good for families. Allow about ninety minutes to see the main galleries.
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is set in the former home of educator Lucy Craft Laney, who founded the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute. Exhibits cover her life, African American history in Augusta and local achievers. The garden is a peaceful spot; call ahead to confirm opening hours.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is a wetland preserve south of downtown with boardwalks, trails and observation points over swamps and constructed wetlands. It is excellent for birdwatching, with herons, egrets and many migrating species. Go early in the morning, and bring insect repellent in warm months.
The Masters is the famous golf tournament played every April at Augusta National Golf Club, known for its blooming azaleas, green jacket and tradition. Practice round tickets are easier to get through the yearly lottery. Book lodging very early, as the whole city fills up during tournament week.
The Imperial Theatre is a restored 1918 theater on Broad Street that once hosted vaudeville acts and films. It now presents concerts, ballet, comedy and touring shows in its historic auditorium. Book tickets ahead for major events, and arrive early to admire the decorative interior.
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