Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Augusta, GA

  • Published 2022/11/24

Augusta is a city in Richmond County, Georgia, near the South Carolina border.

In 1736, General James Oglethorpe founded the city.

Augusta is the state capital and the second-largest city in Georgia.

You can reach Augusta from Atlanta by driving east on Interstate 20 for about 150 miles.

Augusta has a lot of people who love the outdoors and a growing, technically savvy workforce.

There are lots of locations you can enjoy without spending a dime.

Here are the free things to do in Augusta, Georgia.

Enjoy the Scenery at Augusta Riverwalk

Top view of Augusta Riverwalk

Harold Stiver / Shutterstock.com

Augusta Riverwalk is a riverfront park with brick walking paths, a splash fountain, and a playground.

The park is along the Savannah River from Sixth to Tenth Streets in the heart of downtown Augusta.

It also has convenient access to restaurants and shops.

Augusta Riverwalk’s multi-level brick trail is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.

Several smaller venues along the Riverwalk can be used for special events like picnics, concerts, and weddings.

View of Augusta Riverwalk

Linda Hendrickson / Shutterstock.com

It’s a great place to take a stroll with friends or family.

Take your time and appreciate the various native plant and wildlife along the riverbank.

You can learn about the history of this charming community via the multiple markers that dot the landscape.

The small playground just beside the marina is great for kids.

Enjoy the fresh air and fantastic river scenery when you visit the Augusta Riverwalk at 10th St, Augusta, Georgia.

Paved pathway at Augusta Riverwalk

Harold Stiver / Shutterstock.com

Stop by Georgia Visitor Information Center, Augusta

Stop by the Georgia Visitor Information Center, Augusta, at I-20 West, Georgia/South Carolina State Line.

It’s one of Georgia’s nine official tourist information centers.

It’s an excellent location to take a break, unwind, and use the facilities.

As soon as you walk in, someone will greet you warmly, and the whole place has a friendly, easygoing vibe.

There are free maps and brochures about the state and upcoming events in the city.

There are clean restrooms available for patrons at this location.

The snack options at the vending machines are extensive, and the picnic spaces are spotless.

Large trucks and recreational vehicles (RVs) can park without a problem.

The grounds are well-kept and brightly lit.

The Georgia Visitor Information Center Georgia is a great place to go before exploring the rest of Augusta, Georgia.

Take Stroll at Augusta Canal National Heritage Area

Signage of Augusta Canal National Heritage Area

Sregor54, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is at Greene St #400, Augusta, Georgia.

It is home to a preserved section of the original industrial canal that was constructed there in 1845.

Visitors may enjoy fishing holes, hiking trails, and boat trips along the canal.

The Augusta Canal is a beautiful tapestry of history, landscape, and leisure.

Discover the last remaining canal in the United States that supplies power to the nation’s factories.

Hike or ride your bike along the towpath that borders the historic canal, and you’ll see natural and urban landscapes.

The area is rich in history and natural beauty.

You may even spot occasional wildlife as you go around the canal.

The canal’s calm waters are ideal for kayaking or casting a line from the canal’s banks.

Relax on a music cruise in the evening or take one of the many daily guided boat tours on a replica canal cargo boat.

Hike the Pendleton King Park

The 64-acre Pendleton King Park is a haven for migratory birds thanks to the area’s diverse topography and great open spaces.

It is centrally placed in Augusta and features numerous gardens and green spaces.

You can take advantage of the many outdoor amenities, including a disc golf course with 18 holes, a playground, and hiking trails.

Also included are open areas perfect for picnicking, playing ball, and running with your dog at the off-leash dog park.

Unlike other popular tourist spots, it is not too crowded, so that you can enjoy some quiet time in nature.

The dog park is at the park’s entrance and features comfortable benches and shade.

Dogs can run and play freely, and plenty of fresh water is available.

Take a relaxing stroll in the park and see the beautiful flowers.

Visit Pendleton King Park at Troupe Street.

Go Boating at New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Park

View of New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Park

Linda Hendrickson / Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to reconnect with nature, look no further than the New Savannah Lock and Dam.

New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Park is a public park near the dam that features fishing areas and picnic spots.

Unfortunately, the Army Corps of Engineers has closed the Locks for good, although the surrounding area is still open to the public as a park and picnic spot.

It is managed by the Augusta Recreation & Parks Department, situated on the Savannah River near Bush Field Airport.

Water gushing at New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Park

Linda Hendrickson / Shutterstock.com

The lock and dam is a fantastic place to go fishing or boating.

Park amenities include a boat ramp, restrooms, plenty of parking, fish cleaning stations, and three rentable picnic shelters.

The park is open from March to October, contains plenty of grassy areas, and is home to several major annual events.

You’ll find the park at Lock and Dam Road.

Walk the Hallowed Grounds of Magnolia Cemetery

Magnolia Cemetery is one of Georgia’s most historically significant cemeteries.

The current Magnolia Cemetery was once a plantation.

The first two blocks were formerly part of the Academy of Richmond County, which sold them to the Augusta City Council for $800 in 1817.

It was formally established in August 1818, but it is thought to have been used earlier.

Seven Confederate generals are buried in the nearly 60-acre cemetery, including a Jewish and Greek cemetery.

There are also other Civil War relics in the cemetery.

During the Civil War, Magnolia Cemetery was an important fortification for the Confederate army.

You can stroll over its beautiful grounds while learning about its unique history.

You may find the cemetery at 3rd Street, Augusta.

Spot Local Wildlife at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Boardwalk at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is at Lock and Dam Road, Augusta, Georgia.

The Phinizy Swamp Nature Park features forests and swamplands, multi-use trails, and a scientific center that hosts events and workshops.

It’s a great place to see alligators up close and personal, and there are also gorgeous, easily accessible trails, swampland, and wildlife.

You’ll witness actual alligators in their native environment.

Swamp at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Linda Hendrickson / Shutterstock.com

A wooden boardwalk spans a quarter mile and leads to an observation deck at the end of the park.

The boardwalk offers fantastic views of Butler Creek’s floodplain, which is a great place to watch a variety of species.

The Beaver Dam Trail is half a mile long and is another great hiking option.

The beginning of the Beaver Dam Trail is just beyond the silos and the picnic pavilion.

Spanning about half a mile, this trail takes guests of the nature park over a broad path with views of Butler Creek’s floodplain.

Birds at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Linda Hendrickson / Shutterstock.com

Pay Respects at the Major Michael Donahue Memorial

The Major Michael Donahue Memorial is a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life for his nation.

The park was named after Major Michael Donahue, a paratrooper killed in Afghanistan in 2014.

He served at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, from 2009 until 2012.

The park is perfect for any outdoor activity, whether running, walking, riding a bike, or kayaking.

Everyone should stop at the memorial to honor a fallen American patriot before crossing the bridge.

People can stop by any time to take pictures or pay their respects.

In addition, the memorial serves as a starting point for a hiking path and kayak rentals.

The Maj. Michael Donahue Memorial is along the Augusta Canal Historic Trail in Augusta, Georgia.

Enjoy a Picnic at Augusta Common

Skating at Augusta Common

Jase Daniels jasedaniels, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Augusta Common is between the 8th and 9th Street Block in the middle of Downtown Augusta, between Broad Street and Reynolds Street.

This urban park is open to the public all year and hosts a variety of activities, including sporting events, festivals, concerts, and more.

More than an acre of the park features monuments, memorial plaques, benches, and a water feature and monuments.

It is a perfect spot to take it easy and have some lunch.

The location is also suitable as a venue for parades, weddings, and parties.

There are men’s and ladies’ restrooms available nearby as well.

Relax on one of the seats or picnic on the expansive grounds of the August Common.

Stroll around Downtown Augusta

Skyline of Downtown Augusta

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Going for a stroll through Downtown Augusta is an excellent opportunity to soak in the local atmosphere without spending a dime.

Many of Augusta’s most visited attractions, as well as independently owned restaurants and nightlife, are downtown.

It’s convenient to get around downtown because there’s cheap public parking and many shopping places.

Street view of Downtown Augusta

Billy F Blume Jr / Shutterstock.com

Downtown Augusta, Georgia, boasts numerous 19th-century landmarks, parks, entertainment venues, and other public spaces.

Musicals, orchestra concerts, and theatre productions are performed at the Miller and Imperial theaters, while significant concerts and sporting events are hosted at the James Brown Arena.

The Augusta Market, which takes place at the Riverwalk’s 8th Street entrance from March through November, is a gathering place for local chefs, bakers, and other artisans.

Broad Street has restaurants perfect for a chill night out with its bars, live music, and hip clothing stores.

Shops at Downtown Augusta

Billy F Blume Jr / Shutterstock.com

Play Hoops at Dyess Park

Dyess Park is a beautiful spot for celebrations of all kinds, including family get-togethers, weddings, birthdays, and baby showers.

For your comfort, it is equipped with a kitchen and toilet facilities.

The amenities include a basketball court, swimming pool, playground, comfort stations, and a picnic area.

Its playground is excellent for youngsters to have fun and burn off some energy.

You play an entire basketball game or practice your shooting skills.

In addition, they have a covered area with barbecues, tables, and benches.

Many of Augusta’s community celebrations and activities occur in the park because of its beautiful setting.

You can find Dyess Park at James Brown Boulevard.

Visit the James Brown Monument

James Brown Monument decorated with beautiful flowers

Cary Bass, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The James Brown Monument is a bronze statue of the legendary musician and a local landmark in downtown Augusta.

The statue depicts Brown in full stage garb atop a pedestal in this sculpture by orthopedic surgeon John Savage.

He was recognized as the “Godfather of Soul” and settled in Augusta in 1938.

He lived long enough to see a statue dedicated to him in Augusta before passing away in 2006.

The statue’s strategic location on the roadway is impossible to miss.

You can drive to the site, go off, and snap a quick photo.

In addition, it comes equipped with the one and only James Brown CAM, which can snap your picture and send it directly to your mobile device in minutes.

Alternatively, the James Brown Monument is accessible by foot from anywhere in downtown Augusta.

Take a Swim at Aqueduct Park

Aqueduct Park in Augusta is one of the area’s most picturesque parks.

The park is known for its granite aqueduct, which dates back to the 19th century.

Nearby activities include swimming, rock climbing, and waterfall attractions.

In 1850, Italian stonemasons constructed the aqueduct, which features two arches.

Since then, it has become one of Augusta’s most-popular historic sites.

It’s just next to the Lake Olmstead Trailhead, just over the bridge.

Abandoned railroad tracks straddle the park.

Rock climbing is another popular activity in the park.

Swimming and wading are also safe but proceed cautiously on the slippery rocks.

Have fun wandering around the refreshing waters and taking in scenic vistas.

You can visit the park at Augusta Levee Rd, Augusta, Georgia.

Other Free Things To Do Nearby

Beat the Heat at Evans Towne Center Park

Located at 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd, Evans, Georgia, the Evans Towne Center Park is open to the public and includes amenities such as a splash pad, playground, and pavilion.

You can let the kids run free in the park since Evans Towne Center Park has activities for all ages.

The park features a paved track, a splash pad, a children’s playground, and an off-leash dog area.

Concerts and other outdoor events are often held in its expansive open spaces.

Covered pavilions provide shady spots for family picnics, birthday celebrations, and other events, and the extensive grassy area is perfect for games and other outdoor activities.

The splash pad is an excellent way for youngsters and adults to beat the heat.

Excellent playground structures also provide shade for kids of all ages.

You can find this park 19 minutes from Augusta.

Play at Diamond Lakes Regional Park

Diamond Lakes Regional Park spans 286 acres and sits on the former Augusta International Speedway.

The park is on the sandy hills of Georgia, famed for its rolling landscape.

There are various recreational options in Diamond Lakes Regional Park, including a 25-site campground, a sand volleyball court, baseball/softball fields, and fishing ponds.

Diamond Lakes Regional Park opened in 1999.

Diamond Lakes has hosted multiple league games and tournaments.

Its serene ponds and lush green space make it an excellent spot for quiet reflection.

The ponds are a great place to exercise and enjoy the fresh air.

Visit the park at Windsor Spring Road, Hephzibah, Georgia, 18 minutes from Augusta.

Final Thoughts

Many famous people throughout history, including presidents, celebrities, and other notable persons, have visited Augusta, Georgia.

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the city; Augusta’s downtown and many parks offer many free activities.

Plan your trip today and discover the free things to do in Augusta, Georgia!

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