Come spend a day or two exploring two states at once in the Central Savannah River area. The CSRA, which stands for the Central Savannah River Area, is a bi-state area that is located two hours from the Upstate. Georgia and South Carolina border the Savannah River and provide you with a myriad of things to do as you visit! Here are a few suggestions for you.
Nature Fun In Augusta
The Riverwalk is one of the most unique features of Augusta. Take a stroll along the water, bring some fishing poles (don’t forget your license), play at the playground and take a boat tour. Coming on the weekend? Check out the Saturday Market!
The Augusta Canal Discovery Center and Boat Tour is a fun and fascinating way to learn about civil war history and the rich history of our waterways. You can take the boat tour and then take some time exploring the Discovery Center and its interactive exhibits.
Get your paddle on! Kayaking at the Savannah Rapids is a great way to spend time as a family. They have rentals on site and you can even get a guided tour upon request. Looking for more kayaking options? Check out Cole Watkins Tours (he is fantastic with kids!!) and Outdoor Augusta Riverside Rentals.
Take a hike or enjoy a bike ride through Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. They have several trails and spots to look for gators, turtles, beavers, and more! They also have a playground and picnic area. You can stop by the visitor center and check out their awesome indoor beehive!
Love the lake life? Check out Clarks Hill Lake aka Strom Thurmond Lake! The lake has numerous beach areas, great spots for camping, and more! If you are looking for cabins…they have rentals available.
While exploring Downtown Augusta take a picture with the James Brown statue located on Broad Street.
Do something out of the ordinary. Take the kids swimming at the Aqueduct. This is a fun experience. Hike the trail, navigate the rocks, and check out the waterfall. Maybe you will see a train go by!
Discover The Charm of North Augusta
Play ball with The Augusta Greenjackets! Our baseball games are a lot of fun! Situated right on the SC riverfront is SRP Park. Catch a game, let the kids jump on the inflatables and take a picture with our mascot, Auggie.
Take a walk on the Greeneway Trail. This 7+ mile recreational trail is wonderful. It is mainly covered by a green canopy and leads to a butterfly garden and Brick Pond Park where you can spot gators and sunbathing turtles.
Visit two local icons: The Sno-Cap and The Pink Dipper. The Sno-Cap has been in business since 1964. It is a quaint diner that your kids will love. Grab some smiley fries and a rootbeer float. Don’t forget to take a picture with the mural! The Pink Dipper is a cute ice cream parlor that has 40 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream. You can also get a milkshake or a sundae!
Last Stop Aiken!
Explore the Aiken Train Museum and Visitors Center. Your kiddos will get the opportunity to operate a live train display and explore the interactive exhibits upstairs. They will get the opportunity to learn about the first designed steam-powered commercial railroad in the United States and the longest railroad in the world at that time.
Splash at the Aiken Sprayground at Citizens Park. This fun splash pad has unique water features and a waterslide. There is plenty of grass for a blanket and a picnic.
The Aiken Equine Rescue is a beautiful gem. Beautiful green hills house retired horses from all over the country. Grab your picnic baskets and enjoy a serene afternoon. Be sure to connect with the staff for an opportunity to feed the horses snacks.
Gaze at the Stars at DuPont Planetarium and RPSEC Observatory. This is a fun and educational activity that everyone will enjoy. The Planetarium runs various shows weekly. Click here for show details
There’s more to discover in Aiken, SC!
Festivals We Love
Art and Food = Amazing! Arts in the Heart of Augusta is one of the best international festivals in the southeast. This 2 ½ day festival has over 20 international food vendors, various hand-crafted art vendors, music performances, eclectic street performers, and a robust family area.
September 15th-17th, 2023
Fireworks show to rival all fireworks shows! Thunder Over Evans is a wonderful celebration of our military and a fantastic way to kick off summer. Tomahawk throwing, lumberjack shows, military displays, BMX tricksters, and more!! It is a FULL day of fun.
May 20th, 2023
Off The Beaten Path
The Big Mo
One of three drive-in movie theaters in South Carolina! Take in two movies for a low price. They also have a playground on-site and movie concessions as well.
Living History Park
A hidden gem in North Augusta, SC. The park has several buildings that tell a story about colonial life in America. The park has frequent events where they have reenactors, live blacksmith demonstrations, colonial trades fair, and more! During Christmas, they have a fantastic Father Christmas.
Richardson’s Lake Water Park and Recreation Area
Head to the beach…at the lake. Richardson’s Lake Water Park is a great way to spend the day. They have water slides, diving boards, beach volleyball, and more.
The CSRA has so much to offer for your family year-round! Be sure to check out CSRA Kids to find suggestions, activities, and seasonal information.
Looking for more day trip ideas? We have the Ultimate Guide to Day Trips near the Upstate.
