The Picturesque Georgia City Famous for Alligators and James Brown
Augusta is way more than just the meeting place of a major golf tournament.
Every April, the world turns its gaze to Augusta, Georgia to watch the epic swings of the Masters Tournament, the first major golf championship of the season. For a few days, the Southern city is the center of the sports-travel universe, and then the focus fades away. And that’s a shame, since the vibrant town of Augusta is worth your attention the rest of the year, too. Where else can you visit alligators in the morning, learn about the Godfather of Soul in the afternoon, and stroll the picturesque riverwalk at sunset?
The third most populous city in Georgia (and previously the state capital), Augusta is brimming with culture, from the live concerts in the park to the trail of stunning sculptures by nationally renowned artists. And once you factor in its plethora of green spaces, the city is the perfect weekend getaway for you and your pup. Here’s our guide to exploring the Garden City, dog in tow.
Travel time
2.5 hours from Atlanta
If you only do one thing: Take your furry friend to Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
Swamps are one of the planet's most important ecosystems, supporting diverse lifeforms on both water and land. Unfortunately, their soft, boggy surroundings don’t always lend themselves to casual visits. This is why Phinizy Swamp Nature Center is so special—you don’t need hip waders to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the swamp.
Leashed pets are welcome to join you as you wind across boardwalks, trails, bridges, and overlooks in a 1,100-acre kingdom of plants and wildlife. Bald cypress trees climb from murky waters, dripping with Spanish moss while great blue herons shriek like dinosaurs and bald eagles circle overhead. Don’t miss the .08-mile dirt pond trail, which rises above the water to provide a stellar vantage for spotting alligators, river otters, and frogs.
Be sure to check the calendar before your trip. Phinizy Swamp Nature Center offers a regular roster of activities ranging from guided hikes to a popular Eco Explorer program, which invites visitors to don waders, net for insects, visit the labs, and chat with scientists about their research.
Fill the weekend with
Outdoor activities
The Augusta Riverwalk is a wheelchair-accessible, multilevel brick trail perched above the Savannah River. Leash up your pup and soak in the natural beauty of the river and the stately homes and mansions on the other side. The wide pathway is peppered with gardens, fountains, parks, and sculptures, offering access to dozens of restaurants and attractions like the Augusta Museum of History and the Morris Museum of Art. Throughout the year, the riverwalk is the site of events like live concerts at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater and the Augusta Market at the River, where artists, craftspeople, bakers, farmers, and chefs offer handmade (and homegrown) goods. Most importantly, though, your doggo will love the green spaces flanking the path and the friendly faces passing by.
For another scenic stroll, find stone arches dating back to the 1800s at Rae’s Creek Aqueduct Park. Originally constructed so the canal could cross the rushing waters of Rae’s Creek, the granite structure is a marvel of craftsmanship that survived the Civil War and centuries of natural elements. Although your dog probably doesn’t care about history, your fluffy friend will love the trees, creek, and 35-foot waterfall. The park is part of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, which includes a Discovery Center, miles of hiking and biking trails, and historic buildings.
Historic tours
Augusta is the hometown of musician James Brown, also known as the “Godfather of Soul” famous for hits like “Please, Please, Please” and “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag.” The James Brown Journey is a free self-guided audio tour of sites like his childhood home, his former school, a James Brown statue, and the James Brown exhibit at the Augusta Museum of History where a wide collection of Brown’s costumes and personal belongings are on display, including his iconic King of Soul crown. As you walk, keep an eye out for the colorful James Brown mural on Broad Street, painted by local artist Cole Phail. Aside from the museum, most of the stops are outdoors, so your pup can strut along by your side.
Where to eat and drink
For an aesthetic and delicious meal: Taco Cat was practically made for Instagram, combining retro decor with industrial elements like concrete floors and exposed-bulb string lights, as well as floor-to-ceiling glass panels that open to the street on warm days. Everything on the menu is excellent, but as the name suggests, the tacos are the star (think slow-cooked meats, fresh veggies, and housemade sauces), with vegetarian options that are just as tasty. The restaurant hosts live music or karaoke most nights and has outdoor tables where your pup can join you.
To fuel yourself between walking tours: Head to Manuel’s Bread Cafe for your sandwich and salad fix. The cafe makes breads and pastries in house from ingredients grown on its own farm, and the overall cooking style is French infused with Southern flavors and global influences. Breakfast and dinner are amazing, but Manuel’s makes an unmissable lunch with dishes like a Smoked Salmon Platter with fish smoked in-house, a Duck Confit Salad with dijon vinaigrette, and a Croque Madame smothered in bechamel. Your dog is welcome to join you at the outside tables; the staff will even bring them a water dish and a treat.
For a decadent treat: Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery is a full-service restaurant serving homemade soups and salads, including a 1/3-pound burger topped with an Augusta favorite, pimento cheese. The food is great, but the desserts are the shining jewel, with homemade cakes, cheesecakes, and pies so good they often sell out before the doors close. The Hummingbird cake and Key Lime Pie are worth a trip to Augusta alone. Portions are generous—half a slice of cake is plenty for one person, but if you order a full slice you’ll have something to look forward to the next day. Pets are welcome at the outdoor tables.
Where to stay
For a retreat steeped in history: Partridge Inn began as a private mansion in the late 1890s and was later converted into a posh hotel in 1910. Although the property has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the years, it still retains its historic character. Amenities include a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, a fine dining restaurant celebrating Southern cuisine, a swimming pool, and private decks and balconies in many of the guest rooms. The property welcomes two pets of less than 80 pounds per guest with a $250 damage deposit, along with a non-refundable pet fee of $75 per pet for up to three nights, and an additional $25 per pet for longer stays.
For close access to the waterfront: Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center is steps away from the Augusta Riverwalk, museums, shops, and restaurants downtown. Amenities include an indoor pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, an Italian restaurant/steakhouse, and practical features like desks and mini fridges in the guest rooms. The hotel allows two domestic pets totaling no more than 40 pounds with a non-refundable pet fee of $95 per stay.