The Riverwalk is much more than a walk along the riverside. This is the second largest tourist attraction in Augusta. The walk is rich in heritage, is fully paved from the start at the Riverfront Marina up to 10th Street.
The entire walk is surrounded by beautiful landscaped scenery lined with glittery granite rocks. Picnic benches and seating are aplenty. There are multiple points along the river to stop for a rest, take in the glorious views, or treat yourselves to a family picnic.
Is it a walkway, an attraction, or a park?
Augusta’s Riverwalk offers a little bit of everything, depending on when you go. Weekdays, it is tranquil and it’s likely the only time you’ll be able to cycle it peacefully. Locals use the walkway for jogging, cycling, and sometimes, there’s local outdoor yoga group meet-ups.
On weekends, the walkway gets livelier. Especially at the bulkhead at the 8th Street entrance.
April to October, the Saturday Market is in full swing. You could spend the entire day on the Riverwalk on a Saturday. Originally, this was a farmer’s market, but it’s blossomed into so much more.
Market stalls line the entrance of the 8th Street plaza, intersecting with Reynolds Street and extends right down to the Savannah River. The stalls have a variety of fresh local produce, hot food and beverages, and there’s also a good amount of art and craft stalls where you’ll find local artists selling paintings, framed prints, and handmade jewelry.
A short walk from the 8th Street plaza is the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre – a 1,600 seat outdoor arena where you’re likely to find local musicians playing on Saturdays.
There is a playground at this part of the walkway, and a huge water fountain. If you’re taking the family, this is the part the kids will love. Splashing under the fountain, and burning their energy in the playground.
The Riverwalk itself has two walkways. An upper trail and a lower walkway. Seating for the theater is accessed from the lower walk but since it is an outdoor arena, it can be viewed from the upper level too.
The Jessye Norman Amphitheatre is where larger celebrations/festivals are held, such as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and spectacular firework displays over the Savannah River for the 4th of July Celebrations.
Sunday evenings from May through to October, live Jazz events are hosted.
Since 2009, the Riverboat Marina at the start of the walkway has been the starting point for the annual Ironman Triathlon. This is the second largest sporting event in Augusta, Georgia, second only to The Masters Golf Tournament. The Ironman Triathlon takes place in September, is a one-day event that attracts over 3,000 competitors and thousands more spectators.
The competition starts at the 6th street where it gets underway with a 1.2-mile swim in the Savannah River. The best views to see the swimmers is on the 5th Street bridge where you’ll see them race under the bridge.
The More Tranquil Parts of the Riverwalk
Towards the end of the trail (10th Street) there are two not-to-be-missed highlights. The Heroes’ Overlook and the Japanese Gardens.
The Heroes’ Overlook is a memorial site in honor of local men and women who were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, or a Distinguished Service Cross. Surrounding the inscribed memorial plaques is a Memorial Walkway that has over 900 bricks inscribed with the names of loved ones.
The Japanese Garden is located on the lower-level walkway between the 9th Street and 10th Street. It is small, tranquil and features a waterfall. This is spot that’s used for weddings and vow renewals, so it’s the perfect backdrop for a selfie or for couples to get a stunning photo taken against a serene background.
Whether you’re taking a solo trip, traveling as a couple, or bringing the family, there’s plenty see and do along the Riverwalk. Even if you’re in the city for a short-time, it might be worth skipping the gym and using the Riverwalk for your early morning jog, run, or cycle.