Explore Augusta Between Rounds

Yes, the Masters is a big tournament. None bigger. But no reasonable man—or woman—lives on golf alone. A handy guide to what to see between rounds at Augusta National.

 

You’re lucky enough to have snagged a ticket to the Masters. But what’s there to do in Augusta when you’re not watching Rory, Dustin, Phil and company work their magic?

Fortunately, Georgia’s second-largest city is rich in Southern charm and grace, with more than enough attractions to keep you busy. Lying on the banks of the Savannah River—about a two-hour drive east of Atlanta—Augusta is most notably home to the Morris Museum of Art, the Confederate-built Powderworks Chimney, the boyhood home of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, and Riverwalk, an innovative stretch of red-brick walkways that has helped revitalize the city’s downtown core.

In fact, there’s so much worth seeing you might want to extend your stay by a day or two.

Here, a quick guide to Augusta’s top attractions, including three outstanding public-play courses for visitors who stubbornly prefer golf to culture.

Augusta Riverwalk

A two-tiered pedestrian walkway along the banks of the Savannah River, Augusta Riverwalk includes a Japanese garden, restaurants, a street plaza, the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre, a marina, and the two largest water features in downtown Augusta. Also found at Riverwalk is the Morris Museum of Art, the first museum dedicated to the art and artists of the American South.

Magnolia Cemetery

More than 300 Confederate soldiers—including seven generals—were laid to rest in Magnolia Cemetery. In 1864, the cemetery’s eastern wall acted as a defensive line against the invading Union Army.

Childhood Home of Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson (the 28th President of the United States) lived in the red-bricked two-storey house at 419 Seventh Street from 1860 to 1870, when his father served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.

Confederate Powderworks Chimney

Augusta’s only surviving structure built by the Confederacy, the Confederate Powderworks Chimney was the world’s second-largest gunpowder factory following its completion in 1862.

James Brown Boulevard

In 1993, Augusta paid tribute to native son James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, by renaming downtown’s 9th Street James Brown Boulevard. A life-sized statue of Brown was erected the year before the singer’s death in 2006.

Meadow Garden

This pre-1791 farmhouse (Augusta’s oldest documented house) was the home of two-time Georgia governor George Walton, the youngest original signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Springfield Baptist Church

Built in 1801, Springfield Baptist Church is the oldest church in Augusta, as well as the home of the oldest African-American congregation in the United States.

Public Golf Courses

Jones Creek Golf Club: Dogwoods, azaleas and quick elevation changes are the hallmarks of an award-wining layout originally designed by Rees Jones, but later revamped by Tom Fazio.

Forest Hills Golf Club: Bobby Jones won the 1930 Southeastern Open at this classic beauty on the grounds of Georgia Regents University. Originally designed by Donald Ross, the course was renovated by Arnold Palmer’s design team in 2004.

River Golf Club: Set on the banks of the Savannah River, Jim Fazio’s acclaimed design includes numerous lakes, wetlands and dramatic bunkers.