Augusta, GA: Golf, History, and Riverfront Fun

The cool breeze from the mighty Savannah River makes Riverwalk one of the favorite places for Augusta residents and tourists to visit on a hot day, sit on a bench, and watch the river, have a picnic, or a stroll under the old shady trees. The Riverwalk stretches between 6th & 10th Streets in Downtown Augusta, and it consists of two levels accessible from different downtown locations.

The Riverwalk includes a number of popular venues such as at the 8th Street Bulkhead that hosts the weekly Saturday Market on the river and one of Augusta’s most popular summer events – the Candlelight Jazz Series. The brick-paved 10th Street Plaza leads through the levee into the Heroes Overlook. The 9th Street Plaza leads to the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, which overlooks a multi-use covered stage that bends to the Savannah River.

The Japanese Gardens make up a charming little park on the RiverWalk’s lower level, popular for a quiet destination for wedding photos. There is always something going on at the Riverwalk, from 4th of July fireworks to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities and much more.

The Augusta Museum of History is the oldest historical museum in Augusta. Founded in 1937, it is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the city and regional history. The museum owns the largest and most important historical collection in the Central Savannah River Area and is an invaluable historical resource and research center for historians, students, media, and others.

The museum’s most important permanent exhibition is Augusta's Story, a 12,000-year long journey through the area’s past. Other notable permanent exhibitions are on the history of healthcare in Augusta, a permanent exhibition on the city’s history of the banking and railroad industry, and a Transportation Corridor with a 1914 locomotive, a 1920's trolley car, and a fully reconstructed 1930's gas station. In 2003, The Knox Foundation Center for the Preservation and Study of the CSRA History and the Educational Resource Center became a part of the museum.

This 10,000 square-foot structure hosts a research library, archives, collections storage, and a lab for artifact conservation. In 2004, the 1797 Ezekiel Harris House was also added.

560 Reynolds St, Augusta, GA 30901, 706-722-8454

Augusta Canal is the only industrial canal in the American South in continuous use since it was built in 1845. A source of water, power, and transportation, the canal was largely responsible for the city’s industrial boom. After it was widened and deepened in the 1870s, a large number of mills that relied on its power, especially textile mills, were built on the canal, boosting the city’s industrial boom.

In the 1890s, the city installed the new, impressive water pumping station at mid-canal to replace the original one, and the pump is still supplying Augusta residents with water today. Augusta Canal has been declared a National Heritage Area, and one of the most imposing structures, the enormous Enterprise Mill, has been converted into a residential and office complex. The Augusta Canal National Heritage Discovery Center is also housed there.

1450 Greene St., Augusta, GA 30901, 706-823-0440

For a Cultural Trip

The Morris Museum of Art is located on the Augusta’s iconic Riverwalk, and it is the first museum of its kind – dedicated to the artists and art of the American South. Founded by William S. Morris III, the museum opened its doors to the public in 1992. The permanent collection holds almost 5,000 paintings, photographs, works on paper, and sculptures ranging from the late 18th century to today.

In addition to showing permanent collections in a number of galleries, the museum also hosts up to ten temporary special exhibits every year. The Center for the Study of Southern Art, a research library and reference center on artists working in the South, is also part of the museum.

1 10th St 2nd Floor, Augusta, GA 30901, 706-724-7501

The Sacred Heart Cultural Center is a former Catholic Church built in 1897 and located in Augusta’s downtown. Registered on the National Register of Historic Places, the striking building features twin spires, fifteen styles of brickwork, graceful arches, ninety-four magnificent stained glass windows, a barreled vaulted ceiling, and finely carved marble altars. The last mass in Sacred Heart was held in 1971, and, after extensive renovation, it was reopened in 1987 as a cultural center.

The building serves as a wonderful venue for cultural and social events – art exhibitions, theatrical production, a popular Garden Festival, and choral concerts. Its facilities can be rented for all kinds of private and public events, and it is used continually throughout the year for celebrations and civic functions. The Sacred Heart School building and the old Rectory building house offices of several local arts groups and non-profit organizations such as the Augusta Ballet, the Greater Augusta Arts Council, Choral Society, Children’s Chorale, and the Symphony Orchestra Augusta.

1301 Greene St, Augusta, GA 30901, 706-826-4701

Recommended Activities for Families

Beautifully preserved, the Augusta Downtown Historic District takes you back in time from 1801-1967. Here you will see the historic commercial areas of Broad Street, or the industrial properties that line the Savannah riverbanks. Tour Greene Street, a tree-lined boulevard with a historic park-like center.

In this area, you will see government buildings, churches, and large houses of the 19th century rich. See examples of several architectural styles side by side including Federal, Greek Revival, Romasque Revival, Queen Anne, and Beaux Arts. There are few remaining places that so beautifully and clearly document the change in styles over the centuries. There are several homes, churches, and buildings that are open to the public.

13th St., Gordon Highway, Walton Way and the Savannah River

Located just a few minutes from downtown Augusta, there is a 1100-acre nature park with 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, boardwalks, observation points, and research stations. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is a wonderful space to enjoy the beauty of diverse natural habitats of the area and learn about the challenges modern life presents to maintaining the balance of nature. The park is a laboratory for the research conducted by the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and a home to numerous wild species such as red-shouldered hawk, blue heron, otter, bobcat, alligator, and much more.

Take a stroll through this natural area following a number of trails and boardwalks such as Beaver Dam Trail, Rain Garden Deck & Boardwalk, Floodplain Boardwalk, and the Observation Deck, among others. Listen to the birds, look for alligators, take some magnificent photos, or take one of the free guided tours to learn more about this wonderful green oasis.

1858 Lock and Dam Rd, Augusta, GA 30906, 706-828-2109

Romantic Activities for Couples

Originally built as a vaudeville and photoplay theatre, the Imperial Theatre has been an Augusta icon since the early 1800's. These days, you are more likely to see popular musical theatre shows such as A Chorus Line or Mary Poppins and musical performances like concerts and tribute performances.

By taking an in-depth backstage tour, you will learn all about the architecture and history of the theatre as you tour the lobby, stage, and dressing rooms. With hundreds of performances each year, there is always something fun going on.

749 Broad Street, August, GA 30901, 706-722-8341

Founded in 1937, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art is not only a visual arts school, but also a public art gallery. With five galleries and constantly changing exhibits, the institute guarantees no two visits are ever the same. The Main Gallery features special exhibits that rotate throughout the year, showcasing both international and national artists.

The Creel-Harrison Community Gallery exhibits local, regional artists, and the North and South Galleries are used for student exhibitions from both the Gertrude Herbert Institute and local high schools. The first floor gallery is used for student exhibitions and art completion winners. There are many up-and-coming artists, and you may just discover the next Van Gogh.

506 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901, 706-722-5495

Meadow Garden was once the home to George Walton, one of three men who signed the Declaration of Independence on behalf of Georgia. Now, his final home is a National Historic Landmark where thousands of visitors come each year to visit the museum house owned and operated by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Built in 1791, the house has undergone significant reconstruction, transforming from a typical 2 ½ story Sands Hill Cottage to include a three-bay extension allowing for further recreation tableaux and artifacts. Step back in time to the late 1700’s and see how George Walton helped to shape American History.

1320 Independence Drive, Augusta, GA 30901, 706-724-4174