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via Getty

via Getty

The Masters isn’t just a golf event; it’s an experience! Fans flock to Georgia during April just to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars on the course at Augusta National. But the iconic golf major doesn’t mark the only excitement fans can experience that week. A ton of enthralling sights and views await the fans in close proximity to Augusta. So, when you do find yourself there, don’t miss out on these top 10 places you can visit.

Camp, swim, and kayak at Lake Olmstead

Located just 1.25 miles from the iconic golf course, Lake Olmstead is a must-visit for every adrenaline junkie and golf enthusiast visiting Augusta. The gorgeous lake offers a picturesque view since it is surrounded by dense greenery and hills in the background.

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Besides the scenic view, visitors can also opt to quite literally drench themselves with excitement by going swimming or kayaking. Moreover, people are also allowed to go boating and swim in the lake, where catfish and largemouth bass are quite easily caught. Those looking to spend the night under the stars can also find mesmerizing camping spots to set up tents.

Learn about the history of American independence at Meadow Garden

Historic buffs can also find themselves a go-to spot near the National at the Meadow Garden. Only 3.16 miles from the home of the Masters, the site is the home of George Walton. History fans know him as one of the youngest people to sign the Declaration of Independence. Since 1901, the house museum has been open to the public, and it has since become a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Relive the beauty of Classic Cinema Hall at the Miller Theatre

Those who prefer art to camping and historic museums, need not fret either when Augusta Nationals Miller Theatre is just 3.89 miles away. Built nearly a century ago in the early 1930s, the Art Deco theater has not only held on to its history by preserving all its original features, but it has also kept up with advancements and modern upgrades.

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Offering state-of-the-art audio and video services and concert production capabilities, it provides people with the opportunity to experience a variety of art forms, from concerts to plays, in a unique historic theater setting.

Take a walk along the calm and beautiful Augusta Canal Trail

Individuals looking for a relaxing walk can head to the Augusta Canal Trail, just 1.38 miles from the golf course. The trail not only offers up scenic views but also the chance to tick yet another National Heritage Area off your checklist. It stretches 8 miles from downtown Augusta to the Savannah River and is rich in century-old history. Moreover, with flat trails for those looking for easy strolls and rock-filled and rolling terrain for more difficult trails, the canal caters to the needs of all.

Take a selfie with your loved ones at the Signers’ Monument

For a great photo to capture the essence of the city of Augusta, one can also head over to the Signers’ Monument, which is located 4.1 miles from the historic golf course. The monument, of course, has a history that goes much deeper than Augusta National itself. It marks the graves of two signers of the Declaration of Independence and also pays homage to a third.

The 50-foot-tall granite obelisk is 12 feet wide at the base and is located on the 500 block of Greene Street, right in front of the Augusta Municipal Center, which back in 1848 was the location of City Hall.

Go to the Pexcho’s American Dime Museum with your family

The Pexcho’s American Dime Museum is probably one of the most recently trending sights in Augusta. Opened by Peter Excho in June 2019, the museum pays homage to all the dime museums of the past. But its name is actually quite misleading! While many figure that the gallery showcases a variety of dimes, the name ‘Dime Museum’ was in fact coined centuries ago for exhibits of natural and bizarre wonders.

Displaying over 600 artifacts, the museum has visitors literally stepping back in time to the 1950s with its subdued lighting, mysterious medical devices, animals in ugly glass domes, and dead things in bottles. The gallery is certainly a big believer in intrigue and wonder, and it is definitely a must-visit for all looking to add a bit of strangeness to their visit!

Visit the Sacred Heart Cultural Center to look at the religious history of Augusta

Areas surrounding Augusta National are rich not only in cultural history of the country but also in religious history. Only 3.16 miles away from the course, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center is a must-visit for those seeing religious relics. Built over a century ago by Jesuit priests, its first service dates back to December 2, 1900. The site is a former Roman Catholic Church and marks one of the city’s most historic and well-known landmarks.

Go for an authentic theatre performance at the Bell Auditorium

The Bell Auditorium is a historic, stately building 3.9 miles away from the National. Built just a year after the golf course, the auditorium was home to the Richmond Academy for over 50 years, until 1986. Since then, the site has hosted concerts, stage plays, and special events.

The Bell Auditorium is set apart from other structures because of its distinctive design, which features towering columns and Romanesque detailing. Moreover, the venue boasts a huge, top-notch performance hall along with more intimate chamber areas, serving as the perfect seating location for both small and large groups.

A tour of the boyhood home of US President Woodrow Wilson

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Among its multitude of historically significant buildings, is also the childhood home of the 28th President of the U.S., Woodrow Wilson, who served from 1913 to 1921 (two consecutive terms), and grew up in Augusta. His boyhood home has been preserved as a relic of the past. The house museum depicts the former POTUS’ life growing up during the unfortunate Civil War and Reconstruction.

Manifest nature at Phinizy Swamp

All nature lovers will undoubtedly head over to Phinizy Swamp Nature Park despite its proximity to Augusta National. 8.8 miles from the course, the park is home to wetlands and woodlands. It even contains a water research and environmental education campus that, fortunately, is open to visitors. Birdwatchers often head over to the swamp and seek out red-shouldered hawks, sora, wood ducks, bald eagles, and great blue herons that are easily sighted there.

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Do you think you will find yourself at any of these places when in Augusta? Let us know in the comments below.