Take a Tour of Augusta Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Augusta

Downtown Augusta is the heart of the city and a must-visit for any first-time visitor. Located along the Savannah River, downtown is home to many of Augusta’s top attractions like the Augusta Museum of History, the Morris Museum of Art, and the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson.

Start your downtown tour along Broad Street, Augusta’s main thoroughfare. Here you’ll find historic theaters like the Miller Theater and the Imperial Theatre, which both host concerts and shows. The Lamar Building is another historic Broad Street landmark—it was Augusta’s first skyscraper built in 1916.

Art lovers will enjoy the many galleries and public art displays downtown, especially along Broad Street’s arts district. Check out the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art to see work by local artists. You can also view over 30 public art murals scattered throughout downtown, created as part of Augusta’s Art the Box initiative.

No trip to Augusta is complete without a visit to the Augusta Canal, a historic canal system that helped power Augusta’s 19th century industrial boom. Stroll or bike along the canal’s towpath and cross the canal by footbridge as you take in the sights. You can even take a guided boat tour of the canal for a firsthand look at the canal locks and to learn more about its history.

Downtown Augusta has no shortage of places to eat and drink, many located in historic buildings. For Southern cuisine and live music, stop by Southbound Smokehouse located in a converted 1928 gas station. Or enjoy a craft cocktail at the upscale rooftop bar at the Partridge Inn, Augusta’s famous historic hotel.

Summerville

Just uphill from downtown Augusta lies the charming Summerville neighborhood. Summerville charms visitors with its historic homes and tree-lined streets. Many of the mansions and residences here date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Stroll down the brick-paved Summerville Place to admire some of Summerville’s grand historic homes. Especially impressive are the Victorian, Queen Anne, and Georgian Revival style mansions built by Augusta’s elite during the city’s boom years. Popular home tours offered by the Summerville Neighborhood Association allow you to glimpse inside a few of these stunning historic abodes.

While in Summerville, don’t miss the chance to relax in the neighborhood’s two public parks. Augusta Common is the city’s first public park space established in 1785, featuring monuments honoring famous Augustans like James Brown and Laurence Jones. Just across from Augusta Common, you’ll find the smaller C.T. Walker Park with its fountain pond—the perfect spot to unwind under the shade trees.

Summerville is also home to many places to grab a bite, shop, or enjoy the arts. Grab lunch at French Market Grille West before browsing the galleries at Summerville Gallery. Or catch a show at the historic Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre, located in a converted WWII-era warehouse.

North Augusta

Situated directly across the Savannah River from Augusta is the charming town of North Augusta, South Carolina. Visitors can easily access North Augusta via the 13th Street Bridge.

North Augusta is known for its historic downtown centered around Georgia Avenue. Pop into antique stores and cafes housed in brick storefronts, like Comfort Farms Juice Bar and the Sentimental Journey Antique Mall. After, stroll through the Augusta & CSRA Farmer’s Market to shop for fresh, local produce and goods.

Nature lovers will want to spend time at the Brick Pond Park and Bartram Trail. Here, you can hike through wooded wetlands and observe Augusta’s diverse wildlife. The park also contains the remains of the 19th century Augusta Canal, with intact canal walls and gatekeeper houses.

While in North Augusta, you can’t miss the Riverfront Marina, situated on the Savannah River. Take in views of Augusta from across the river as you stroll along the riverwalk. You can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to enjoy the river up close. Don’t leave without trying local favorite Riverwatch Deli for sandwiches and salads made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

West Augusta

West Augusta refers to the western suburban areas of Richmond County, located along the bank of the Savannah River. Many attractions are clustered around I-20 Exit 200, including shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Start your visit to West Augusta with a stop at the Augusta Mall. This two-story enclosed shopping mall contains over 150 stores ranging from department stores like Dillard’s to specialty retailers. Fuel up on coffee at Starbucks before hitting the stores, or enjoy a meal at one of the mall’s casual dining restaurants.

Next, head over to Topgolf Augusta for a round of golf with a twist. At Topgolf, you can enjoy point-scoring golf games using microchipped balls and clubs provided by the venue. Topgolf also has an upscale sports bar with plenty of HDTVs and food/drink specials.

If you’re traveling with kids or teenagers, Fun Zone Family Entertainment Center is also located right by Topgolf. Fun Zone contains arcade games, bumper cars, mini bowling, laser tag, and more. There’s also a full restaurant serving pizza, wings, and classic snack bar fare.

South Augusta

South Augusta refers to the area located south of Gordon Highway/GA Highway 104. Here, you’ll find attractions like Augusta National Golf Club, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, and Lake Olmstead Stadium.

Augusta National Golf Club is arguably Augusta’s most famous attraction. Each spring, this private golf club hosts golf’s biggest event—The Masters Tournament. While you can’t play a round at Augusta National, visitors can take a guided tour of the grounds during the offseason.

Nature enthusiasts will love Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Almost 1,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and ponds are open to explore via canoe, kayak, and foot. The nature center has exhibits on the park’s ecosystems and animals that call the swamp home.

History buffs will want to visit Lake Olmstead Stadium to learn about Augusta baseball history. This venue was home to the Augusta Greenjackets minor league baseball team and the Negro League team Augusta Tigers from 1930 to 1995. Today, it’s open for public sporting events and concerts.

Fort Gordon

Fort Gordon is an active U.S. Army training base located southwest of Augusta. While much of Fort Gordon is closed to the public, civilians can access many of the base’s recreation facilities located off Fort Gordon’s main gate.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love boating, fishing, and swimming at Gordon Lakes Golf Course. This property contains a 63-acre freshwater lake as well as an 18-hole golf course. You can also rent kayaks, pedal boats, and fishing gear if you don’t have your own.

When you want a break from the Augusta heat, head over to Freedom Park. This family recreation center has both indoor and outdoor pools, sports courts, picnic pavilions, and a playground. Freedom Park also hosts fun events like dive-in movies and pool parties during the summer.

While you’re at Fort Gordon, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the base’s history. The Fort Gordon Museum covers the base’s origins starting in 1941 through present day. You can even try on WWII-era uniforms and gas masks!

Book a Bus With Us

At Charter Bus Company Augusta, we provide charter bus rentals for groups of all sizes traveling in Augusta. Our modern charter buses and minibuses come equipped with amenities like WiFi, TVs, power outlets, and restrooms. When you choose Charter Bus Company Augusta, you’ll have a professional driver to transport your group between Augusta’s top neighborhoods and attractions.

Call 706-524-0056 today to receive a free, no-obligation quote on your Augusta charter bus rental!