Augusta Travel Guide

Plan your Augusta visit with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, must-see destinations, and insider tips.


Introduction to Augusta

Augusta is the capital city of Maine, located in Kennebec and Moose River Valleys, in New England, in the United States of America, in North America. It is a beautiful city with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and incredible natural surroundings. Augusta has a lot to offer to travelers, from historic landmarks to outdoor adventures, from delicious cuisine to festive events. In this travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Augusta.

List of Places to Visit in Augusta

Here are some of the best places to visit in Augusta:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Maine State Museum: This museum displays exhibits that tell the story of Maine’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
  • Old Fort Western: This fort is the oldest surviving wooden fort in the country, and it played a crucial role in Maine’s colonial history.
  • Maine State House: This beautiful building is the seat of Maine’s government and features stunning architecture and artwork.

Natural Attractions of Augusta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kennebec River Rail Trail: This trail offers a scenic stroll or bike ride along the river, with beautiful views of the water and lush forests.
  • Viles Arboretum: This 224-acre nature preserve offers hiking trails, gardens, and a pond, making it the perfect place for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.
  • Hallowell Historic District: This charming neighborhood features historic homes, tree-lined streets, and unique boutiques and restaurants.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Augusta

The Kennebec River Rail Trail is an excellent trail for both hiking and biking, offering a 6.5-mile stretch of beautiful scenery and easy navigation. Another great option is the Bond Brook Recreation Area, a 300-acre preserve with trails for hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing in the winter.

Best Things to Do in Augusta: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to experience in Augusta:

  • Ken and Barbie Jeep Rentals: Rent a Jeep and explore the scenic back roads of Augusta and the surrounding area.
  • Maine Foodie Tours: This tour company offers guided culinary tours of Augusta, featuring the best local cuisine and drinks.
  • All About Adventure Tours: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River, with a guided tour from this adventure company.

Week-Long Itinerary for Augusta

Day 1: Visit the Maine State Museum, explore the Capitol Park area, and enjoy dinner at The Liberal Cup. Day 2: Hike the Kennebec River Rail Trail, visit the Old Fort Western, and grab lunch at Cushnoc Brewing. Day 3: Take a foodie tour of Augusta, visit the Viles Arboretum, and grab dinner at The Red Barn. Day 4: Rent a Jeep and explore the back roads of Augusta and the surrounding area, have lunch at Lisa’s Restaurant, and catch a movie at Flagship Cinemas. Day 5: Go whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River with All About Adventure Tours, enjoy a picnic lunch at Hallowell Historic District, and grab dinner at The Liberal Cup. Day 6: Take a day trip to Acadia National Park, go for a hike, and have a lobster dinner in Bar Harbor. Day 7: Relax at the hotel, catch up on shopping, and have a farewell dinner at The Black & Tan.

Food and Drink Scene of Augusta

Augusta has a rich culinary scene, with a variety of cuisines and styles to choose from. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Mac and Cheese: This decadent dish combines Maine’s famous lobster with creamy mac and cheese.
  • Blueberry Pie: Maine is famous for its wild blueberries, and the best way to enjoy them is in a delicious pie.
  • Red Hot Dogs: A Maine specialty, these bright red hot dogs are snappy and flavorful and can be found at most diners and drive-ins.

Local Beverages

  • Allen’s Coffee Brandy: This coffee-flavored brandy is a Maine staple and a popular way to warm up on cold winter nights.
  • Shipyard Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a variety of delicious beers, including the popular Pumpkinhead Ale.
  • Maine Root Soda: This artisanal soda company produces all-natural, organic sodas with unique flavors like blueberry, root beer, and ginger brew.

Where to Stay in Augusta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Augusta has a variety of lodging options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Senator Inn & Spa: This luxurious hotel offers spacious rooms, a full spa, and an indoor pool.
  • Comfort Inn Civic Center: This mid-range hotel offers comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and a great location.
  • Kennebec Inn Bed & Breakfast: This cozy inn offers charming rooms, homemade breakfast, and a tranquil atmosphere.

What to Buy in Augusta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some great souvenirs and local products to bring home from Augusta:

  • Blueberry Jam: Maine’s wild blueberries make some of the best jams and jellies in the world.
  • Handcrafted Pottery: Augusta has a number of local artisans who create beautiful handmade pottery.
  • Maine Maple Syrup: Made from the sap of Maine’s maple trees, this syrup is a delicious addition to any meal.

Local Culture and Customs of Augusta

Augusta’s culture is heavily influenced by its history and natural surroundings. Mainers are known for their friendly hospitality, love of the outdoors, and appreciation for good food and drink. Visitors should be aware of Maine’s “Leave No Trace” mentality, which encourages responsible, sustainable use of the state’s natural resources.

Best Time to Visit Augusta

The best time to visit Augusta is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit, with the changing leaves and crisp air. Winter can be cold and snowy, but it’s also the perfect time for skiing and other winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Augusta

Do:

  • Do explore Augusta’s scenic outdoors, with hiking, biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
  • Do visit Maine’s historic landmarks, such as the Old Fort Western and State House.
  • Do try Maine’s delicious cuisine, including lobster, blueberry pie, and red hot dogs.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage Maine’s natural resources.
  • Don’t disrespect Maine’s wildlife, including moose, deer, and bears.
  • Don’t forget to bring warm clothes in the colder months.

Safety and Health

Safety in Augusta

Augusta is generally a safe city, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. Visitors should always exercise caution when walking alone at night and should lock their cars and hotel rooms.

Health in Augusta

Augusta has a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals and urgent care centers. Visitors should be aware of Maine’s tick population, which can carry diseases like Lyme disease. It’s a good idea to check for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Getting to Augusta: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options for getting to Augusta:

Airports Near Augusta

  • Augusta State Airport: A small regional airport that offers flights to select East Coast destinations.
  • Portland International Jetport: A larger airport located 60 miles south of Augusta, offering flights to multiple U.S. cities.

Bus Stations Near Augusta

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Offers daily bus service from Boston and other East Coast cities.
  • Concord Coach Lines: Offers daily bus service from Boston and other East Coast cities.

Other Options

  • Driving: Augusta is easily accessible by car, with major highways like I-95 and US Route 201 connecting the city to other East Coast destinations.
  • Train: The Amtrak Downeaster offers daily train service from Boston to nearby towns like Brunswick and Rockland, both about an hour’s drive from Augusta.

How to Get Around in Augusta

The best way to get around Augusta is by car or by bike. Augusta has a number of car rental companies, including Budget and Enterprise. Bikes can also be rented from Maine Bike Works and other local shops. Augusta also has a bus system, the Kennebec Explorer, which offers several routes around the city and neighboring towns.

Where to Go Next from Augusta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider after visiting Augusta:

  • Acadia National Park: This stunning national park is located about 3.5 hours northeast of Augusta and offers hiking, camping, kayaking, and more.
  • Portland: Maine’s largest city is located about an hour and a half south of Augusta and offers a vibrant food and drink scene, charming neighborhoods, and beautiful waterfront views.
  • Camden: This picturesque coastal town is located about two hours east of Augusta and offers scenic harbor views, historic landmarks, and charming shops and restaurants.

Conclusion

Augusta is a hidden gem in Maine, offering a wealth of cultural and natural attractions to explore. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or delicious cuisine, Augusta has something for everyone. We hope this travel guide has helped you plan your visit and make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

Street view Street view Augusta riverfront Augusta riverfront