Travel
Things To Do in Georgia: Augusta
| February 18, 2024 | 4 Minute Read
![A boat makes its way down a canal.](/content/dam/aaa-living/esm-blog/travel/2024/09-georgia/Q2-Georgia/things-to-do-augusta/hero-things-to-do-augusta.jpg)
Golf is just one of the attractions in Augusta, located near the South Carolina border.
DO & SEE
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Enjoy the great outdoors at the United States’ only industrial power canal still in use for its original purpose. Learn its history, starting when it was built in 1845, at the Discovery Center and explore by walking, cycling, canoeing or kayaking. You can also board a replica canal cargo boat (above) for a guided tour.
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art
Housed in the historic 1818 Ware’s Folly building—a stunning example of Federalist architecture—this establishment is the area’s only independent visual arts school, offering studio classes and workshops, as well as a contemporary art gallery.
![A home with white exterior and wraparound porch surrounded by grass and manicured shrubs. Multiple flags are mounted to the roofline of the house.](/content/dam/aaa-living/esm-blog/travel/2024/09-georgia/Q2-Georgia/things-to-do-augusta/1-of-3-things-to-do-augusta.jpg)
Forest Hills Golf Club
The golf world’s eyes turn to Augusta every spring, thanks to the annual Masters Tournament. A tee time at Augusta National (above) is tough to come by, but you can still hit the links at this Augusta University course, established in 1926. The affordable 18-hole course was most recently renovated by the Arnold Palmer Company in 2003. While you’re there, hit some balls at the driving range or have a bite at the on-site grill.
EAT & STAY
![A hotel with white exterior surrounds an outdoor pool with chairs lined up on the left](/content/dam/aaa-living/esm-blog/travel/2024/09-georgia/Q2-Georgia/things-to-do-augusta/2-of-3-things-to-do-augusta.jpg)
The Partridge Inn, Curio Collection by Hilton
Book a room at this AAA Three Diamond hilltop inn (above) overlooking downtown, and you’ll enjoy equal parts history, charm and hospitality. The newly renovated building dates back to 1890 and has been boutique lodging for more than a century, developing a following of famous fans (think Reba McEntire, James Brown and Bob Dylan) over the years. Now there are 143 rooms and suites spread across six stories, a state-of-the-art fitness center and an on-site restaurant serving modern Southern fare.
The Boll Weevil Café and Sweetery
Finish off the day with something sweet at this Augusta institution. The casual eatery has been a favorite since the 1990s, but the historic building dates back to the 1850s (check out the hand-hewn beams and exposed brick). You can’t go wrong with savory comfort food dishes, but dessert is the real wow here. More than 10 layer cakes, such as strawberry, red velvet and lemon with cream cheese icing, come in towering slices.
![Oyster half-shells served on ice.](/content/dam/aaa-living/esm-blog/travel/2024/09-georgia/Q2-Georgia/things-to-do-augusta/3-of-3-things-to-do-augusta.jpg)
Abel Brown
Chef and owner Todd Schafer, whose pedigree includes top spots in New York and Napa Valley, leads this AAA Three Diamond Southern eatery and oyster bar (above). Signature small plates for sharing and mains such as the 24-hour braised beef short rib and jumbo shrimp and grits with andouille keep guests coming back. Reservations are recommended in this casual fine dining spot.