19 Unexpected and Fun Things to Do in Augusta, Georgia

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Despite having lived in Georgia for 6 years, it took me moving out of the state to start diving deep into discovering all the wonderful cities that Georgia calls home. Whoops. Augusta was no exception. Sure, I had driven through it a number of times, but now that I spent a long weekend discovering Augusta, I’m confident I’ve found some incredible things to do that I guarantee you have never heard of.

Augusta is known for hosting the Masters, a national professional golf tournament. But, Augusta is also home to James Brown, a beautiful and historically important river, one of the most unique museums in the whole world, and some mouthwateringly good food. If you’re considering a weekend getaway in Georgia, these fun things to do in Augusta certainly make the city a worthwhile trip.

Summary of the Best of Augusta

Fun Things to Do in Augusta

Top Attractions in Augusta

1. Step back in time at Pexcho’s Dime Museum

The last of its kind in the entire world, Pexcho’s American Dime Museum is a must do in Augusta! 

What is a dime museum you ask? These museums were popular in the mid-late 1800s and were the primary (read: only) form of entertainment at that time. They cost a dime, so were popular for the working and lower class.

They featured oddities like shrunken heads, giraffes and whales (this was before zoos were a thing), skeletons, insects, taxidermy, and so much more. You’d often find the museum accompanied by sideshow performers like sword swallowers, sideshow geeks (who consumed animals from head to toe), tattooed men and women, and those with extra or missing limbs.

PT Barnum had a five-story dime museum in New York and Ripley’s Believe It or Not was inspired by the oddities found in such museums.

Now, there’s only one surviving dime museum in existence and it’s in Augusta, Georgia! I know, who would have thought?!

To visit Pexcho’s American Dime Museum, you’ll need to book a tour in advance by calling (706) 925-6526. They only do guided tours, but I promise, that’s the best way to experience the museum as you’ll get a fascinating history, learn all about the collection, and perhaps even catch a performer!

Tickets are $18 and worth every last of the 180 dimes to get in.

2. Get up offa that thing at James Brown Family Historical Tour

James Brown, aka the Godfather of Soul aka Mr. Dynamite, grew up in Augusta, Georgia. His legacy is bursting from the city, so it’s only fitting to take a proper tour to learn more about him.

On the James Brown Family Historical Tour, you’ll see all the important sites in James Brown’s life before and after his fame including his elementary school, his music club, and his family homes all while traveling via private van listening to James Brown’s music!

One recommendation I have is to watch a documentary on James Brown, or Get on Up, the biopic, to understand his full story and references prior to seeing them in person. It will give you extra context to make the tour even more special!

Tours cost $45 per person and operate on Saturdays only. Your tour ticket comes with admission to the Augusta Museum of History, so don’t miss it!

3. Learn at Augusta Museum of History

At the Augusta Museum of History, you’ll learn about the development of the city from the time of Native American occupation to the Civil War and beyond. They have a wonderful exhibit on James Brown as well as other Augusta legends.

Don’t miss the exhibit on the Masters and golf history in Augusta. You’ll see golf carts, clubs, and artifacts from notable golfers who’ve competed in the Masters.

4. Discover the Morris Museum of Art

Devoted to the artists of the American South, Morris Museum of Art houses over 5000 works of art including paintings, photography, glass works, and folk art.

They have 12 permanent exhibits that feature the Southern Landscape, Impressionism in the South, Images of the Civil War, Southerners at Play, and more!

5. Tour the The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson, our 28th president, grew up in Augusta, Georgia. Now, you can tour his childhood home to learn more about his influences that he took with him as president. The tour of his home also gives a glimpse into Southern life during the late 1800s and the aftermath of the Civil War.

It’s recommended to book your tour ahead of time. They happen on the hour and last 45 minutes.

6. Step outside at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area

This area is affiliated with the National Park Service and tells the story of the coming of the Industrial Revolution to Augusta, specifically how the Savannah River was transformed to be a source of power and water supply.

Now, you can visit the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area for recreation where there is hiking, kayaking, and cycling.

Visit the Discovery Center to learn about Augusta’s and the Augusta Canal’s role in the Industrial Revolution. To dive into a deep history lesson, consider the Cloth to Canal tour, which is an immersive experience where you can see what life was like for textile factory workers along the river in the 1880s. 

You can also book a boat tour to get out on the water! They have different themes like music and the Civil War.

7. Learn more context at The Lucy Craft Laney Museum Of Black History

Lucy Craft Laney opened the first school for Black students in Augusta, Georgia in 1883. To recognize her legacy, you can now visit the Museum of Black History named in her honor.

Within the museum, you can learn more about Lucy Craft Laney and explore the grounds where there is a period garden and butterfly garden.

The museum also has special rotating exhibits that are always interesting! Currently, they’re showcasing Augusta’s Black Caddies, who were essential in assisting the world’s top golfers at the Masters.

Book a guided tour at select times to visit.

8. DIY a souvenir at Augusta Candle Company

For a fun DIY day, visit Augusta Candle Company. Here, you can make your own candle by crafting your own signature scent. You start by smelling all the individual scents and figuring out which ones you want to combine. Don’t worry you’ll have an opportunity to test out multiple combinations.

Then you choose your vessel – a jar, a figural container (I got a pumpkin!), or tin. Then you get to mixing and pouring. 

You can also create your own scent and make other scented items like car air fresheners, soaps, and lotions!

The candles are priced based on the container you choose and range from $18 to $55, and all include the DIY workshop experience. If you live nearby, you can also bring your empty container back for a refill with your signature scent!

Free Things to Do in Augusta

9. Walk the Riverwalk

If you need a nice spot for a walk, look no further than the Riverwalk. This is a multi-level paved walking trail that follows the river between 6th and 10th streets.

The lower level has the best views where you might spot some wildlife, plus there are lots of benches for breaks.

The upper level has a history of Augusta told over the course of the walk via plaques. Don’t miss the analemmatic sundial, which uses your own shadow to tell the time!

10. Admire the views from 5th Street Freedom Pedestrian Bridge

If you keep walking an extra block to 5th Street you’ll reach the Freedom Pedestrian Bridge, which features sculptures as part of the Sculpture Walk (number 13 on this list), places to sit, views of the river, and interactive games for kids (and adults) of all ages.

11. Find the Murals

I was so impressed by all the fabulous murals in Augusta. I swear every corner I turned there was a mural and not some forgotten thing from 20 years ago, but a vibrant, meaningful, beautiful work of art!

Some to visit include:

• James Brown Mural by Cole Phail – 190 James Brown Blvd.
• Robot and the Moon by Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman – 215 12th St.
• James Brown Lyrics (set of 3) by Leonard Zimmerman, Brian Stewart, and Jay Jacobs – 800 block of Ellis St.
• Girl with Butterflies by Jay Jacobs –  739 Greene St. (there’s a nice community garden here, too)

I promise you’ll find them without even looking!

12. Shop at Saturday Market on the River

Every Saturday, Augusta has a Market on the River at the corner of 8th St and Reynolds St. Here you’ll find local eats, artists, and produce. 

It happens every Saturday from 8 am until 2 pm. I had some pupusas for lunch here and they were delish!

13. Explore Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Did you know there’s swamps in Georgia? Okay maybe yes, but you’re probably picturing closer to the coast and farther south.

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is a must do to get a glimpse into Augusta’s vibrant swamp life! The history of the swamp is actually quite fascinating. It was once settled by Native Americans who used the resources the swamp provided. Over the years, it became a business opportunity for Italian settlers, a form of therapy treatment for nearby mental patients, and eventually an illegal waste water dumping ground. 

Once the Clean Air Act was passed, a water treatment facility used the swamp in conjunction with their methods to capitalize on natural cleaning processes.

Now, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is a center for education and research. I even visited their lab to see the great work they’re doing!

When you visit, you can walk their scenic boardwalk, pop into the visitors center, and explore the wetlands where you’ll likely see some wildlife. I spotted dragonflies, turtles, and lots of birds on my walk on Cattail trail.

14. Enjoy the Sacred Heart Cultural Center

Located in a historic 19th century church, Sacred Heart Cultural Center is now a celebration of the arts, architecture, and history. When you visit, grab a $5 audio guide to learn more about the center or take a self-guided tour for free. 

Their art exhibits rotate frequently, so you’ll always see something new. And, they often host events (paid) like the Candlelight music series by Fever. 

15. Appreciate the Sculpture Trail

Through the end of 2024, you can enjoy the Sculpture Trail, which features 15 sculptures scattered throughout the Riverwalk, Pedestrian Bridge, and Augusta Common, a public park area.

While you walk, check out this digital guide to the sculptures for more information on all of them!

Best Augusta Events

16. Arts in the Heart Festival

I had the best time visiting for the Arts in the Heart Festival. This celebration of art and culture brings over 100,000 visitors to town.

There are hundreds of artists set up in booths from 6th to 10th Streets on Broad. Plus, multiple sound stages with musicians, bands, dancers, and other performers.

One of the most popular parts of the festival is the Global Village with representative food booths from countries around the world including Laos, India, Samoa, Lebanon, Sudan, Germany, and so many more!

The festival happens each September over the course of a weekend and tickets are $20.

17. The Masters

Each spring, Augusta hosts the National Masters Tournament for professional golf. To attend you need to enter the ticket lottery for a chance to attend practice rounds or daily tournaments.

The Masters has been around since 1934 and is always the first full week of April. The city of Augusta gets very busy for the Masters and hotels can get booked up quickly (and expensively), so plan ahead if you want to attend!

Food and Drink

18. Fill up at the The Foodie Trot

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again…and again…and again. I LOVE a food tour.

When I visited Augusta it was a no-brainer that I had to do The Foodie Trot, aka Augusta’s one and only food tour.

They actually have several different food tours that they do, but I did their Brunch Trot. As a breakfast lover this was already a matchmade in heaven.

My tour was led by the two owners, Keisha and Fran, who were such a delight! We went to three locations and tried some insanely delicious food including banana pudding french toast and a peanut butter waffle cookie!

They also have a “It’s 5’oclock Somewhere” tour to sample happy hour drinks and bites.

The brunch tour is $65 and the happy hour tour is $85, and I promise it’s worth every penny. I also recommend doing your food tour first thing when you arrive, so if you find a favorite spot, you can go back during the rest of your trip!

19. Taste local brews at Savannah River Brewing Company

Visit the Savannah River Brewing Company taproom to indulge in some local beer. Named for the namesake river that borders Augusta and separates Georgia from South Carolina, Savannah River Brewing Company is known for making beer that’s a journey and a conversation starter.

Their taproom has games and they often host events, including weekly Beer Yoga on Saturdays at 10:30 am. If you need a recommendation, I’d go with the locally inspired brews like Phinizy Swamp Thing, a Berliner Weisse, and Dynamite Brown Ale.

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Thank you to Visit Augusta for hosting me on this trip. As always, all opinions are my own.

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