For things to do in Augusta, GA, plan a downtown day around the Augusta Museum of History, a choice of art or local-history museum, and a walk along the Savannah River. Make a hotel in Augusta your base for a day focused on the downtown sights.
- Downtown starting point: Augusta city centre
- History stop: Augusta Museum of History, founded in 1937
- Riverfront: the Augusta Riverwalk follows the Savannah River between 6th and 10th Streets
- Museum admission: Augusta Museum of History tickets range from free to $7, depending on age and membership
Before setting out from the hotel area
Arrange the day around the sights you plan to visit. Downtown attractions cluster near the Riverwalk, so the history museum and riverside can fit into the same stretch of the itinerary.
If you are driving, a local downtown guide reports free public-parking lots at 116 James Brown Boulevard and 865 Reynolds Street, with no time limit. For a bus trip, Augusta Transit has nine color-coded lines and no Sunday service; check the official site before you go.
Start with Augusta's downtown history
The Augusta Museum of History gives a broad introduction to the region through its permanent exhibition, “Augusta’s Story,” which follows 12,000 years of local and regional history. The museum is at 560 Reynolds Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901.
Plan this stop first if local history is a priority, then continue toward the Riverwalk’s 6th Street entrance nearby. The museum has accessible parking for vehicles displaying disability permits, a passenger drop-off area, a first-come, first-served wheelchair, elevator access to the second floor and accessible restrooms.
Choose a museum stop
Choose the Augusta Museum of History for regional history or the Morris Museum of Art for a collection focused on Southern art. The two downtown museums sit close to the Riverwalk, making either a practical addition before or after time by the water.
Augusta Museum of History
The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.; it is closed Monday through Wednesday. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 6–18; children age 5 and under and museum members enter free.
Morris Museum of Art
At One 10th Street, the Morris Museum of Art holds a permanent collection of thousands of works dating from the early nineteenth century to the present, alongside special exhibitions and public programs. Its downtown location makes it another option near the Riverwalk; check the museum’s official site for current visiting details.
The Morris Museum of Art in Augusta offers a distinct alternative to the region-focused history museum.
Walk the riverfront
The Augusta Riverwalk is a multi-level brick trail beside the Savannah River, running between 6th and 10th Streets in downtown Augusta. Its features include the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, a playground, fountains, picnic areas, Heroes Overlook Memorial and historical markers.
Visit Augusta identifies wheelchair access at the 10th Street entrance near the Augusta Marriott, the 8th Street entrance and the 6th Street entrance near the Augusta Museum of History. Parking is identified near each of those entrances, including a large lot near 8th Street. The Riverwalk is described as partially accessible.
The Augusta Market takes place at the Riverwalk’s 8th Street entrance from March through November. For details on access and riverside sights, see this guide to the Augusta Riverwalk.
Finish with an evening performance or meal
Leave the final part of the day open for an evening performance or a meal downtown. The Imperial Theatre is a downtown landmark, about a 10-minute drive from Budget Inn Express; check its official schedule when planning a performance night.
Broad Street’s improvement project covers 5th Street to 15th Street and includes redesigned on-street parking, raised bike lanes, new sidewalks and ramps, an improved James Brown plaza and landscaping. Conditions may affect your route, so check the official site before you go.
If a show is part of the plan, the Imperial Theatre visit guide covers tickets and parking considerations.
Check schedules and transit before the day
Check opening schedules for the museum you choose, and confirm transit information if you are relying on a bus. The Augusta Museum of History has set weekday patterns and is closed Monday through Wednesday, while the Riverwalk is described as open year-round.
For a straightforward sequence, start with the history museum, choose one museum visit, then spend time along the Riverwalk. Finish downtown with a performance or meal if your plans and schedules line up.
FAQs
How long should you plan for a downtown Augusta day?
The route can include the Augusta Museum of History, one museum choice and the Riverwalk, followed by an evening option. Allow time for the museum’s opening window and any performance schedule you choose.
Is the Augusta Riverwalk accessible?
The Riverwalk is described as partially accessible, with wheelchair access identified at its 6th, 8th and 10th Street entrances.
When is the Augusta Museum of History open?
It is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.; it is closed Monday through Wednesday.
Where does the Augusta Market take place?
The market takes place at the Riverwalk’s 8th Street entrance from March through November.