Things to Do in Augusta

Augusta prides itself in being home to the world’s most prestigious golf tournament—the Masters. Each April, the Augusta National Golf Club hosts the coveted tournament, drawing a vast number of spectators. Don't expect to swing your clubs at this high-end, private club, though. The public is allowed only during Masters Week for those lucky enough to have tickets. Not to worry, you and your family will find plenty else to do and see in the Garden City—you’ll make memories that’ll last a lifetime.

1. Augusta National Golf Club

If you desire to set foot on the hallowed grounds of the Augusta National Golf Club, you may want to plan ahead to score a ticket to the Masters Golf Tournament. Only a small number of tournament tickets are made available to the general public each year. For a chance to be a spectator, begin the online-only process by creating an account at Masters.com to enter the ticket lottery. Tickets are made available in late spring and early summer for the next year's tournament. Your odds are better for getting practice-round tickets than scoring the prized tournament ticket. The practice rounds may be more your speed—the crowds are lighter and so is the mood, and you'll still get to see the top pros play.

2. Masters Week

You can’t go wrong planning your trip during Masters Week, even if you don’t have tournament tickets. It falls on the first full week in April, which is also spring break week in the city, so you can always catch one of the many major events planned all over town. Reserve your room earlier rather than later because hotels are booked months in advance for Masters Week, when the entire city takes on a jubilant and festive atmosphere. You can attend local, charity concerts like Major Rager and Rock Fore! Dough where you can catch feature performances by major pop and country acts. Kick off your week at the Mayors' Masters Reception on the Augusta Common downtown, where you can sample treats from local restaurants and play fun games with the family

3. Petersburg Boat Tours

Hop aboard the open-air replica of the Petersburg cargo boat for a cruise on the Augusta Canal. Daily cruises allow you to experience both natural and historic sides of Augusta on an hour-long tour, up and down the canal. You'll see massive textile mills from the 19th century, back when Augusta was a major manufacturing center. The canal system and the Petersburg boats were originally built to serve the mills. It has since transformed into the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, the city’s favorite green space, with multi-use trails that mirror the canal’s old towpaths. Board the boats at the Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill, now converted into loft spaces where locals both work and rest their heads.

4. Selfie with a Legend

Take a selfie with the "Godfather of Soul" on Broad Street— or a likeness of him, anyway. The life-sized bronze statue of James Brown stands in a plaza in the middle of Broad Street. Get on up and snap a pic with the whole family because the statue stands at street level, rather than on a pedestal, according to Brown's wishes. Brown called Augusta home, long after he became famous and rich enough to live anywhere he pleased. Since the statue's dedication in 2005, it has become a favorite spot where fans leave mementos and inevitably pull out their cameras for a close-up with "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business".

5. Artists Row

Celebrate the arts, on the first Friday evening of each month, along Artists Row. This five-block section of Broad Street is home to many galleries, workshops, boutiques, pubs and eateries worthy of a visit on any given day; although, on first Friday, the sidewalks come alive with craft vendors and street musicians. This vibrant event is packed with fun the whole family can enjoy.

6. The Riverwalk

Put on your walking shoes to discover one of Augusta's most popular and scenic spots, the Riverwalk. Follow the brick-lined path right along the top of the levee, or take the windy path to check out the riverbank below. Along the way, don’t hesitate to engulf yourself in the gardens, fountains, pocket parks and playgrounds. The large, outdoor Jessye Norman Amphitheater is part of the Riverwalk and hosts many major concert events, with the wide river serving as the backdrop behind the stage.

7. Augusta Museum of History and Trolley Tour

Enhance your Augusta adventures with a visit to the Augusta Museum of History. Here you'll find a tourism center in the lobby, staffed with friendly folks to help flesh out your itinerary. Step inside the galleries to learn about the fascinating history of the city before golf came to town. You can tee off at the golf exhibit and, “get up offa that thing,” in the gallery devoted to James Brown. Then, hop onboard the Historic Trolley Tour of Augusta, which departs from the museum and provides a nice overview of the downtown area.

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