10 Easy Road Trips From North Augusta, SC: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Aiken County
If you live in or around
North Augusta, South Carolina, you already know it’s a great home base. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, drive an hour or two, and discover something new.
The good news? There are plenty of
short road trips near North Augusta in the surrounding counties of
Richmond and Burke in Georgia, and
Edgefield, Barnwell, Saluda, Lexington, and Orangeburg in South Carolina.
All of the ideas below take you
out of Aiken County but keep you close enough to be back home by evening. Think of them as “mini-vacations” you can squeeze into a Saturday.
1. Explore Downtown Augusta, GA & the Riverwalk (Richmond County, GA)
Only about 15–20 minutes from North Augusta, downtown
Augusta, Georgia makes for an easy day trip you can do on a whim.
- Augusta Riverwalk – Stroll along the Savannah River on a paved walkway with benches, gardens, and river views. It’s perfect for a slow walk, a first date, or some quiet “me time.”
- Local restaurants & coffee shops – Pop into a café on Broad Street, grab a burger, or find a dessert spot for something sweet.
- Public art and murals – Take a casual walking tour and snap some photos. It’s an easy way to feel like a tourist in your own backyard.
If you’ve ever said, “There’s nothing to do around here,” try spending one full day exploring downtown Augusta. You might be surprised how much you’ve been driving past.
2. Step Back in Time at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (Richmond County, GA)
History lovers, this one’s for you. The
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is less than a 30‑minute drive from North Augusta and offers a blend of nature and history.
- Boat tours – Take a guided canal boat ride and learn how the canal powered mills and factories in the 1800s.
- Walking and biking trails – The towpath along the canal is flat and great for an easy walk or bike ride.
- Interpretive center – See exhibits about textile mills, the Civil War, and how the canal shaped Augusta.
If you’re looking for
family-friendly things to do near North Augusta, this is a low-stress outing that keeps kids interested without feeling like a strict history lesson.
3. Visit the Birthplace of the Masters: Augusta’s Golf Heritage (Richmond County, GA)
You don’t have to score a badge to the Masters to enjoy
Augusta’s golf culture. Even if you’re not a golfer, it’s fun to soak in the atmosphere.
- Golf Hall of Fame monuments & statues – Around Augusta, you’ll find tributes to famous golfers and the city’s golf history.
- Public courses – Book a tee time at one of the public golf courses if you play, or hit the driving range and just whack a few balls.
- Golf-themed dining – During Masters season, Augusta has a festive feel—many restaurants lean into the theme.
If you’ve ever watched The Masters on TV and thought, “One day I’ll go,” this is your warm‑up trip.
4. Discover Small-Town Charm in Waynesboro, GA (Burke County, GA)
Drive about 45–60 minutes south into
Burke County, Georgia, and you’ll land in
Waynesboro, a quiet town often called the “Bird Dog Capital of the World.”
- Historic downtown – Walk past old brick storefronts, peek into local shops, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
- Local eateries – Grab some Southern comfort food at a small-town diner where everyone seems to know each other.
- Seasonal festivals – From local fairs to holiday events, the town puts on classic community celebrations.
This is a good destination if you just want to drive country roads, roll the windows down, and enjoy a day that feels like something out of an old movie.
5. Go Country in Edgefield, SC – Home of the Ten Governors (Edgefield County, SC)
About 25–35 minutes north of North Augusta,
Edgefield, South Carolina, is a small town with a big claim to fame: it’s known as the
“Home of Ten Governors.”
- Historic downtown square – Browse antique shops, admire historic buildings, and chat with locals.
- Southern history sites – Learn about South Carolina politics, past leaders, and the area’s sometimes-wild history.
- Country drives – The roads around Edgefield are perfect if you enjoy rolling hills, old barns, and lots of trees.
If you like small towns where people still wave when you drive by, Edgefield should be on your road trip list.
6. Escape to the Woods: Sumter National Forest – Edgefield Area (Edgefield & Saluda Counties, SC)
If you’re craving fresh air and tall trees, head to the
Sumter National Forest areas in
Edgefield and Saluda Counties. Many trailheads are roughly 45–60 minutes from North Augusta.
- Hiking – Look for easy forest trails if you’re new to hiking or longer routes if you want more of a challenge.
- Fishing and picnicking – Pack a cooler, find a quiet spot near the water, and make a simple day of it.
- Wildlife spotting – You might see deer, birds, and other wildlife. Early mornings are usually best.
This is a nice break if you feel “stuck inside” during the week. Even a two‑hour forest walk can reset your mood.
7. Discover the Little Town of Saluda, SC (Saluda County, SC)
Head about an hour northwest to
Saluda, South Carolina, a classic rural town with deep roots.
- Court House Square – Wander around the old courthouse area and check out local monuments and markers.
- Local shops and eats – Enjoy a simple lunch at a local café or diner.
- Country scenery – The drive itself is part of the experience, with farms, fields, and old churches along the way.
If you’re into
slow-paced day trips near North Augusta where you’re not rushing from place to place, Saluda fits the bill.
8. Splash and Shop Around Lake Murray Country (Lexington County, SC)
A bit farther but still within day-trip distance (around 1.5 hours),
Lake Murray in
Lexington County is a favorite spot for water lovers.
- Lake activities – Rent a boat, go for a swim at a public park area, or just sit by the shore with a cooler and a good book.
- Lexington dining – The town of Lexington has plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores to explore before or after the lake.
- Sunset views – If you stay into the evening, the sunsets over the lake can be beautiful—perfect for photos.
Think of this as your “close-to-home lake vacation” without the hotel bill.
9. Experience a Classic College Town: Columbia’s West Side (Lexington County, SC)
While most people think of Columbia as being in Richland County, parts of the metro area stretch into
Lexington County, especially on the west side of town. From North Augusta, you’re looking at about a 1.5‑hour drive.
- Shopping & dining – Explore places on the Lexington side and nearby areas for plenty of options.
- Walkable areas – Wander through neighborhoods and parks, or head toward the river views near the county line.
- Game day vibes – If USC has a home game, the whole area takes on an energetic, college‑town feel.
If you miss the buzz of a bigger city now and then, this quick trip gives you that burst of energy without feeling overwhelming.
10. Discover History and Flavor in Orangeburg, SC (Orangeburg County, SC)
About 1.5–2 hours from North Augusta,
Orangeburg, South Carolina, offers a mix of history, culture, and small-city charm.
- Historic sites – Learn about the area’s role in South Carolina history and the civil rights era.
- Parks and gardens – Spend time outdoors in one of the local green spaces.
- Local restaurants – Try classic South Carolina dishes and family-owned spots you won’t find anywhere else.
This is a great option if you want to feel like you’ve truly “gone somewhere” for the day without having to book a hotel.
Tips for Making the Most of Your North Augusta Day Trips
To keep these
out-of-county road trips fun and stress-free, a little planning goes a long way:
- Start with a loose plan – Pick one main stop, then a backup stop in case something is closed or too crowded.
- Pack a simple road trip kit – Water, snacks, a phone charger, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket if you’ll be out after dark.
- Check drive times – Most of these trips range from about 20 minutes to 2 hours from North Augusta. Check traffic before you leave.
- Be flexible – Some of the best discoveries happen when you take a side road or pop into a place you didn’t plan on.
Ready to Hit the Road From North Augusta?
Living in
North Augusta means you’re surrounded by easy drives to
small towns, lakes, forests, and historic downtowns in Georgia and South Carolina. You don’t need a week off work or a big budget to feel like you got away.
Sometimes, all it takes is a full gas tank, a friend or two, and a simple plan.
- Which of these 10 road trips from North Augusta would you try first?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Burke, Richmond, Barnwell, Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, or Orangeburg Counties?
Share your ideas in the comments and let others know your favorite day-trip spots.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who live in the North Augusta or CSRA area. You might just inspire someone’s next Saturday adventure.
Comments
Post a Comment