10 Fun Things To Do Near North Augusta, South Carolina (Aiken County Guide)
If you’re looking for a friendly small-town getaway with easy access to rivers, trails, golf, and Southern charm,
North Augusta, South Carolina is a great choice. Tucked along the Savannah River in
Aiken County, just across the state line from Augusta, Georgia, this area offers a nice mix of outdoor fun, history, and local flavor.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, visiting family at Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), or road-tripping through the Southeast, these are
10 fun things to do in and around North Augusta, SC.
1. Stroll or Bike the North Augusta Greeneway
The
North Augusta Greeneway is the heart of outdoor life here. This paved, multi-use trail runs for several miles through town and along the river.
- Perfect for walking, jogging, or biking
- Mostly flat and shaded in many areas
- Great for families, strollers, and casual riders
You’ll find multiple trailheads and parking spots around town, so it’s easy to hop on and off. If you like to start your day with some movement, grab a coffee in downtown North Augusta and head straight for the Greeneway.
Tip: Go early in the morning or around sunset when the air is cooler and the light over the trees and river is beautiful.
2. Enjoy River Views at SRP Park & Riverside Village
Baseball fan or not,
SRP Park is one of the most scenic minor league ballparks in the country. It sits right on the Savannah River in North Augusta’s
Riverside Village development.
Here you can:
- Catch an Augusta GreenJackets game (San Francisco Giants affiliate)
- Enjoy river views from your seat
- Grab food and drinks from nearby restaurants and bars
Even when there isn’t a game, Riverside Village is a nice place to walk around, sit by the water, or grab dinner. It’s especially lively on warm spring and summer nights.
If you’re planning a trip, check the
Augusta GreenJackets schedule and build an evening around a game. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to experience North Augusta.
3. Walk the River at the North Augusta Riverfront & Brick Pond Park
If you love nature but don’t want a huge hike, head to
Brick Pond Park and the nearby riverfront areas.
Brick Pond Park is a restored wetland right in North Augusta:
- Short, easy walking paths
- Boardwalks over the water
- Plenty of birds, turtles, and sometimes even gators (keep your distance!)
It’s a peaceful spot for photos, an afternoon walk, or just a quiet bench break. From here, you can also explore more of the riverfront area and enjoy views of downtown Augusta across the water.
If you’ve been driving all day on I-20, this is the kind of place where you can stretch your legs and reset.
4. Step Back in Time at the Living History Park
One of North Augusta’s most charming spots is the
Living History Park. It’s designed like a small colonial village and often hosts reenactments and special events.
You’ll find:
- Historic-style buildings and gardens
- Costumed interpreters during events
- Hands-on demonstrations at certain times of the year
Even on quiet days, the park is a nice little step back in time. Kids especially tend to enjoy wandering here, imagining what life was like centuries ago.
If you’re visiting in the spring or fall, check their event calendar. Special weekends can include craft demonstrations, historical talks, and more.
5. Cross the River to Downtown Augusta, Georgia
One of the best things about North Augusta is how
close it is to
downtown Augusta. Just a quick drive or short ride across the bridge, and you’re in another state with a totally different downtown feel.
In Augusta, GA, you can:
- Walk along the Augusta Riverwalk with gardens, fountains, and open river views
- Explore restaurants, coffee shops, and bars on Broad Street
- Visit the Morris Museum of Art, focused on Southern art
If you like to park once and wander, Augusta’s Riverwalk area and Broad Street make that easy. It’s a good “half-day” activity paired with dinner or a drink.
6. Explore Aiken’s Historic Downtown (Aiken, SC)
About 20–25 minutes from North Augusta,
AikenAiken County. It’s known for its equestrian culture, tree-lined streets, and relaxed pace.
In downtown Aiken, you can:
- Stroll past historic buildings and wide, sandy parkways
- Shop local boutiques and antique stores
- Enjoy the many cafes and restaurants around Laurens Street
Aiken has a certain “old-time Southern” charm that feels genuine, not staged. If you’re staying in North Augusta for more than a day, spending an afternoon or evening in Aiken is definitely worth it.
7. Visit Hopelands Gardens & Rye Patch (Aiken)
While you’re in Aiken, don’t miss
Hopelands Gardens, one of the area’s most beloved spots. This 14-acre public garden used to be a private estate and still feels like a secret retreat.
You’ll find:
- Shady walking paths under towering oaks
- Flower beds, fountains, and quiet lawns
- Nearby historic buildings like Rye Patch
It’s an easy, peaceful walk—no hiking boots required. Families, couples, and solo travelers all seem to enjoy it. Bring a camera, because the old trees and brick pathways make for some classic Southern photos.
If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, the gardens are especially pretty. It’s also a welcome break on hot days, thanks to all the shade.
8. Experience Aiken’s Equestrian Culture
Aiken County is horse country, and Aiken itself is known around the world for its equestrian scene. Even if you’re not a rider, you can still enjoy this part of local culture.
Depending on the season, you might:
- Watch a polo match (Aiken has several polo fields)
- Catch a horse show or event at the Aiken Training Track area
- See riders and horses out and about near Hitchcock Woods and downtown
If you’ve never watched polo before, it’s surprisingly fun and not as “formal” as people expect. Some events are free or low-cost. Check Aiken’s events calendar before your trip and see what’s happening while you’re in town.
9. Play a Round of Golf in the Augusta–North Augusta Area
When people hear “Augusta,” they often think of one thing:
golf. While the famous Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club is private and very hard to get into, there are still plenty of public courses in the area.
Near North Augusta and Aiken, you can find:
- Public and semi-private golf courses with reasonable rates
- Courses that welcome casual players, not just pros
- Beautiful fairways lined with pines and rolling hills
If you’re a golfer planning a trip around Masters week, staying in North Augusta or Aiken can be a smart move. You’ll be close to the action while enjoying smaller-town vibes and more relaxed lodging options.
Even if you just play now and then, a morning round followed by lunch in town makes for a pretty solid vacation day.
10. Paddle, Fish, or Just Relax on the Savannah River
The
Savannah River is the natural border between South Carolina and Georgia, and it’s a big part of outdoor life near North Augusta.
Depending on your interest and comfort level, you can:
- Book a kayak or paddleboard trip with local outfitters
- Fish from shore in some areas (check local rules and licenses)
- Simply enjoy river views from parks, overlooks, and restaurants
On a calm day, paddling the river gives you a whole new view of both North Augusta and Augusta. If you’d rather stay on dry land, there are plenty of spots where you can just sit and watch the water go by.
Planning Your Trip to North Augusta, SC
North Augusta is easy to reach from
I-20 and makes a great base for exploring both
Aiken County and
Augusta, Georgia. You can:
- Stay in North Augusta for a quieter, small-town feel
- Drive 5–25 minutes to most of the spots listed here
- Mix outdoor activities, history, and food into one simple trip
If you like places that feel relaxed and real—not overly touristy—this corner of South Carolina is a nice fit.
What Would You Do First Near North Augusta?
Would you start with a peaceful walk on the
North Augusta Greeneway? Plan your visit around a
baseball game at SRP Park? Or maybe spend a day exploring
downtown Aiken and Hopelands Gardens?
I’d love to hear how you’d build your perfect North Augusta weekend.
- Have you been to North Augusta, Aiken, or Augusta? What did you enjoy most?
- Did I miss one of your favorite things to do in Aiken County?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let other travelers know your tips. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or on social media—it really helps more people discover all the things to do near North Augusta, South Carolina.
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