In search of the best and fun things to do in Augusta, Maine?
Augusta is a city in Kennebec County, Maine, United States. It is the capital city of Maine and according to the 2020 census, its population is 18,899, making it the third-least populous state capital in the U.S.
Augusta has quite some fun places to visit, outdoor activities, shopping centers, places to eat, places to make you feel energetic and eclectic, and lots more.
There are also a number of historical attractions and live entertainment venues to satisfy your tastes for downtown activities in the city of Augusta.
Are you planning an exploration of Augusta? Here are the top things to do in Augusta, Maine.
Things to Do in Augusta, Maine
1. Fun at Capitol Park
Capitol Park
Your bucket list of fun things to do in Augusta, Maine, wouldn’t be complete without Capitol Park.
Capitol Park was opened in 1827, and it is tagged as Maine’s earliest documented designed landscape and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
The park features large green lawns for public gatherings, wide paths between four rows of a formal granite entryway, and historic elms.
Capitol Park consists of a bandstand and a fantastic grove for public speaking, There are also many tennis courts for a fun game.
The park also features a beautiful garden consisting of native trees and shrubs, a perfect place to relax and while away time.
Capitol Park is a stunning park with amazing views of the mountain and a clean environment of the property.
Address: 33 Union St, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
2. Maine State Museum
Maine State Museum
The state currently funds the museum to make sure it won’t fold for the seventh time; it is a great place to learn about the history of Augusta and Maine.
Maine State Museum showcases a vast variety of exhibitions, such as the representation of old stores, a locomotive, a sewing room, a working mill, and a blacksmith shop.
This museum also features impressive exhibitions gotten from its original exhibits like scientific items.
Maine State Museum also enlightens the people about the struggles between the French, British and Native Indians.
Address: 230 State St, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
3. Kennebec River Brew fest
Attending the Kennebec River Brew fest should be on your list of things to do in Augusta, Maine, for an awesome experience.
Kennebec River Brew fest is the most popular festival in the city and attracts thousands of people worldwide.
The festival began as a family event before it progressed into a renowned festival in Augusta, where people enjoy crafted beer and good music.
Kennebec River Brew fest offers cocktails and beers from local breweries and producers made using locally sourced ingredients.
This festival provides a festive atmosphere with great live music performances, lawn games, fantastic food trucks, and more.
There are so many things in Augusta you shouldn’t miss, Kennebec River Brew fest is one of them.
4. Holocaust Human Rights Center of Maine
Holocaust Human Rights Center of Maine
Holocaust Human Rights Center of Maine is located within the University of Maine in its beautiful modern facility.
The architect who designed the building won an international design award for its eye-catching design.
Holocaust Human Rights Center of Maine helps promote the importance of human rights; it is exclusively operated by volunteers.
The facility features permanent and temporary exhibits; they offer educational programs to schools and students all over the state in grades 6-12.
Holocaust Human Rights Center of Maine offers educational programs that focus on The Holocaust, human rights, and understanding & confronting bias.
There are educational programs for several senior colleges and community organizations as well as workshops and many seminars for adults and professional development purposes.
Address: 46 University Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
5. Augusta Civic Center
Augusta Civic Center
Augusta Civic Center is a 49, 000 Square feet facility that exclusively features almost all entertaining activities in one place.
The center organizes several events such as Gun shows which lasts for two days and display different kinds of guns and military weapons.
Augusta Civic Center hosts concerts that are usually exciting and lively, featuring popular artists from different parts of the world, and craft shows where artifacts and other items produced by local artists and crafters in the city are showcased.
This center consists of twenty-six rooms, two ballrooms, and several other rooms used for multiple events or functions.
Augusta Civic Center also organizes sports events which include fencing, wrestling, cheerleading, basketball, and boxing.
This center offers nothing but an unforgettable fun experience, and it will be one of the best highlights of your vacation.
Address: 76 Community Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
6. Sonny’s Museum and Rock shop
Sonny’s Museum and Rock shop
In need of a store where you could shop? Add shopping at Sonny’s Museum and Rock shop to your bucket list of things to do in Augusta, Maine.
Sonny’s Museum and Rock shop is a highly recommended place that offers different varieties of items in the city.
Gina Collins and her husband, Micheal, reopened the shop and have tried to carry on the legacy of sonny’s shop for over four years now.
Sonny’s Museum and Rock shop features numerous rock items that are not sold but are only used for exhibitions.
The shop is beautiful, featuring handmade items like rocks and gems fantastic for interior design.
Sonny’s Museum and Rock shop offers crystals, jewelry, mineral, books, and other items. They are in partnership with local artists and crafters.
Address: 226 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
7. The Marketplace at Augusta
A place that offers you all you need in one building is the Marketplace at Augusta; spending the day at Marketplace at Augusta is one of the best things to do in Augusta, Maine.
The Marketplace at Augusta is a fantastic place to visit with your travel companions, and it is the largest open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment facility in Augusta.
Several vendors in the mall offer a wide array of services, such as Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Charming Charlie, Ulta Beauty, Yankee Candle, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The Marketplace at Augusta contains numerous nice restaurants like Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Red Robin, Panera Bread, and more.
The facility is crystal clean and well maintained, with a wonderful ambiance and a great showcase of hospitality.
Address: 197 Civic Center Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
8. Senator Inn spa
As you explore the lively parks, and historical sites, take time to stop by Senator Inn spa, one of the best spas in Augusta.
Senator Inn Spa is one place that takes you away from the noise and all the hustling in the world when you visit.
The spa helps visitors get relieved from all the travel, work, and family stress through the services rendered to make them feel refreshed.
Senator Inn Spa provides a calm and peaceful ambiance which is part of the whole process; the services rendered are excellent for your health, skin, and body.
The spa specializes in manicures, massages, pedicures, body wraps, sessions, and several other services.
There are different packages for you to pick from, if you’re visiting with your spouse, ask for the couples package.
Address: 284 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
9. 1-7-10 Bowling & Entertainment Center
For a tremendous fun time with your loved ones, visiting the 1-7-10 bowling & entertainment center is one of the best things to do in Augusta, Maine.
1-7-10 bowling & entertainment center is a family fun center with several exciting amenities for everyone to explore.
The fun center offers visitors a wonderful recreational and relaxing time. 1-7-10 bowling & entertainment center features twenty nice bowling lanes, including free bumpers for the little ones.
1-7-10 bowling & entertainment center features an arcade room with different exciting games for everyone, both adults and children.
There is a sports bar & grill that serves mouth-watering meals like seafood platters, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, salad, and their signature pizza that has been voted the best pizza in town. In addition, the full-service bar features various kinds of domestic and local drinks.
1-7-10 bowling & entertainment center is open on Sunday from 12-6pm, Saturday from 12-8pm, Wednesday from 10am-8pm, Thursday from 12-9pm, Friday from 10am-9pm, and Saturday from 11am-9pm.
Address: 2246 N Belfast Ave, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
10. Brook Bond Recreation Area
Brook Bond Recreation Area is a nice place to visit if you Want to spend some quality time with your family and friends in Augusta.
The recreation area spans two hundred and seventy acres of land, offering many recreational activities.
Brook Bond Recreation Area consists of approximately twenty trails suitable for walking, biking, and skiing.
The area features winter and summer trails, which open according to the season; summer trails are open only during the summer months.
Brook Bond Recreation Area is very accessible with a large parking garage, and this is one of the most popular areas in Augusta.
Address: 21-25 Bond Brook Rd, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
11. Children’s Discovery Museum
Children’s Discovery Museum is a heaven for children and a perfect place to visit for families with little ones.
The museum can accommodate many children and their guidance with a vibrant and conducive environment for them to enjoy.
Children’s Discovery Museum offers a large array of activities that are interactive and impact knowledge and skills in the children.
The Museum serves as a craft area for the young ones to engage in painting and crafting to increase their creativity.
Children’s Discovery Museum has been in the business of allowing children to explore, play, make new friends, solve problems and gain confidence for more than thirty years.
Address: 7 Eustis Pkwy, Waterville, ME 04901, United States
12. State House
State House
State House was established in 1832 using inspiration from the Capitol building in Massachusetts.
The whole structure was built with local granite, and it is the major legislative infrastructure in the city of Augusta.
State House features about two centuries of historical architecture and several art exhibits with collections of Maine battle flags.
The central Maine city of Augusta was selected as the capital city in 1827, seven years after Main became a state in 1820.
The State House was beautiful but not perfect; renowned architect Charles Bulfinch was assigned to remodel the structure.
State House overlooks the Kennebec River, and its balcony is an excellent spot to enjoy the amazing views of the city.
Address: Maine State House, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
13. Western View Golf Course
Golfing is among the fun things to do in Augusta, Maine, especially when you golf at Western View Golf Course.
Western View Golf Course is a family-oriented public course that offers membership costs and green fees at affordable prices.
The golf course offers incredible discounts for veterans and seniors with a reasonable annual membership and cart leases.
Western View Golf Course offers an amazing host of weekly leagues, special tournaments, including Member-guest, Member-Member, Sturgeon Cup, and Las Vegas Scrambles.
They also host annual club champions competition and President’s Cup Winners; they also match their best players for both men & women at the end of the season for different competitions.
Western View Golf Course also features a snack bar that offers breakfast pizza before golf time, with lunch and dinner meals as well as delightful beverages.
Address: 130 Bolton Hill Rd, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
14. Governor Hill Mansion
Governor Hill Mansion
One of the fun things to do in Augusta, Maine, is visiting Governor Hill Mansion, which was originally the home of the state governor.
Governor Hill Mansion was erected in 1902, and it currently serves as a Venue for organizing most of the popular events in the city.
This mansion consists of three floors and was built entirely using local granite, just like most of the buildings in the city.
Governor Hill Mansion was built by John Calvin Steven, a renowned architect in Maine who was chosen by Fremont Hill during his tenure as Maine’s 45th governor. His goal was to build an executive home perfect for the highest political position in Maine.
Although several decades have passed, the gorgeous interior of the mansion has been marvelously preserved and well maintained.
Governor Hill Mansion offers multiple tours throughout the property, and the first floor is where the events take place; the second-floor features bedrooms and the third floor serves as servants’ quarters.
The Catholic Charities Maine sold the building to Geoff Houghton, a local businessman, and history devotee, in 2009.
Address: 136 State St, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
15. Fort Western
Fort Western
Visiting Fort Western is one of the top things to do in Augusta, Maine, if you want to learn about the French and Indian War.
Fort Western was constructed in 1975 and is tagged as one of the most important national historical monuments in the city
The Museum is also referred to as a living memory of the French and Indian War; it is built entirely with wood.
Fort Western showcases the history of the city of Augusta, dating back to two hundred and sixty years ago.
The Museum also gives its visitors insight into the people’s way of life in the 18th century; you can join the guided tour and browse through the entire museum.
Fort Western has been in existence for decades and has been able to retain its originality which is the main aim of its establishment.
Address: 16 Cony St, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
To the west of Maine is New Hampshire, check out our guides on things to do in Laconia , things to do in Concord, and things to do in Keene for a memorable trip.
16. Sam’s Italian Foods
Sam’s Italians
Sam’s Italian Foods restaurant is a restaurant in Augusta specializing in serving delectable International cuisines.
The restaurant serves exquisite Italian dishes with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for visitors to choose from.
Sam’s Italian Foods offers a lively and energetic ambiance, and it is a great place to try out a new delicious Italian food.
They serve delicious pizza with different kinds of toppings such as Gluten-Free Dough, Greek Olive, Green Peppers, Ham, Hamburg, Italian Sausage, Meatball, Mushroom, Onion, Pepperoni, Salami, Tomatoes, and so on
Aside from pizza, some meals served include grilled chicken salad, Ham Italian, Genoa Salami Italian, Traditional Triple, Chicken Salad Italian, Buffalo Chicken, Broccoli Lasagna, Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Parmigiana, and more.
Address: 137 Civic Center Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
17. Viles Arboretum
Viles Arboretum
Viles Arboretum spreads to nearly two hundred and twenty-two acres of land consisting of several exciting features.
The property consists of many trails, making it a popular destination for visitors in pursuit of an adventure.
Viles Arboretum is packed with numerous species of wildlife, plants, and many other natural resources; there are over three hundred wildlife species.
The Arboretum is an excellent place for birdwatching, biking, and horseback riding, as you also enjoy the exceptional beauty of the area.
Viles Arboretum is a dog-friendly property, and you can take a walk around the area, although the place might be muddy due to rain.
Address: 153 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
18. Old Post office
Old Post office
How about visiting one of the most iconic places in Augusta? A visit to the Old Post office should be at the top of your list of things to do in Augusta, Maine.
The Old Post office was established in the 1880s in a roman revival style of architecture which illustrates one of the best examples of Roman architecture in the state.
Since 1974, the Old Post office was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serving as a courthouse.
The Old Post office occupies two and a half floors with three towers; the ancient building is privately owned and constructed with local stones and granite.
The office is open to locals and tourists alike, who want to check out the gorgeous architecture and interiors.
Address: 295 Water St., Augusta, Maine United States
19. Regal Augusta
For an amazing movie experience in Augusta, book your movie tickets at Regal Augusta, one of the best cinemas in the city.
Regal Augusta is an excellent place to watch your favorite blockbuster movie with a friendly atmosphere.
The theater features numerous screens that shows newly released movies with a fantastic acoustics system.
Regal Augusta offers comfortable seats for better relaxation and higher enjoyment while watching all the interesting films.
There is a concession stand that serves delightful snacks, including hot popcorn and chilled drinks; the staff is professional and super nice.
Address: 23 Marketplace Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
20. Samantha Smith Statue
Samantha Smith was a very popular peace activist during the Cold War when she was just 10-years-old.
She wrote and sent many letters to the President of the USSR begging for peace between the two states. Her full name is Samantha Reed Smith, and she was born on June 29, 1972.
Samantha Smith was also an actress, in 1985, when she was just 13 years old, she was offered a film contract. She hosted a television special in February 1984 themed Samantha Smith Goes to Washington.
During her television special, she interviewed many political leaders about the campaign’s problems.
Samantha also featured as a guest star on the television series, Charles in Charge. In August 1985, she and her father died a commuter plane crash while returning to Maine from London.
21. The Red Barn
The Red Barn
If you’re search for a place to enjoy some delicious meal, add a visit to the Red Barn to your list of things to do in Augusta, Maine.
The Red Barn is a wonderful restaurant that offers some of the most delicious local cuisines in the city, and it is a favorite place for foodies.
The restaurant provides picnic tables to relax and enjoy the delicious meals for costs you can’t get elsewhere.
The Red Barn offers an extensive food menu, including Fresh Me Lobster Roll, clam strips, chicken basket, onions rings, whoopie pies, chicken nuggets, clam basket, Fried Haddock Sandwich, chicken salad, hot dog, and more.
The restaurant also offers delightful drinks to complement the meals served, such as chocolate, coffee, milk, bottled soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and more.
Make sure you visit the Red Barn with your friends as you relax and enjoy a chilled bottle of drink with a delicious snack
Address: 455 Riverside Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
22. Dunkin
Turkey Sausage
If you haven’t tried out a plate of delicious at Dunkin restaurant in Augusta, you are missing out.
Dunkin is your number one go-to spot when it gets to do with delightful and tasty coffee and espresso; what better way to start the day than with a special cup of coffee from Dunkin.
The cafeteria serves hundreds of customers daily with an extensive food menu for the customers to pick from.
Dunkin serves Sweet Black Pepper Snackin’ Bacon, Blueberry Lemonade, Hummus & Roasted Tomato Toast, Egg White & Veggie Omelet Bites, Coffee Roll, Chive & Onion Stuffed Bagel Minis, Turkey Sausage, Egg and Cheese, and more.
They offer a numerous list of iced drinks and cold drinks such as Iced Signature Latte, Iced Cappuccino, Iced Matcha Latte, Vanilla Cold Brew with Sweet Cold Foam, Coconut Almondmilk Cold Brew, Oatmilk Iced Latte, Frozen Matcha Latte, Cake Batter Iced Signature Latte, and so much more.
Address: 56 Bangor St, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
23. Cushnoc Brewing Co.
Cushnoc Brewing Co. is a well-known restaurant in Augusta named as a tribute to Augusta’s history in October 2017.
The restaurant’s primary goal is to provide a welcoming and friendly environment perfect for the guest to come and share a drink while also feasting on the pizzas.
Cushnoc Brewing Co. is one restaurant that serves mouth-watering woodside pizza at a much more reasonable price.
The pizzas come in different toppings using freshly sourced local ingredients for a more distinct taste and better enjoyment.
Cushnoc Brewing Co. features a tasting room that serves freshly brewed and tasty drinks produced by the brewing company.
Aside from Woodside pizzas, Cushnoc Brewing Co. serves delicious salads, snacks, and desserts. They are usually open from Sunday to Thursday from 11am-9pm, and Friday & Saturday from 11am-10pm.
Address: 243 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330, United States
24. The Kennebec River Rail Trail
Reno arch
Have you ever heard of the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Augusta? Here is your chance to visit it.
The Kennebec River Rail Trail offers residents and tourists an unforgettable experience as they explore the area.
The trail extends for 6.5 miles through a remote section of the Kennebec River shoreline.
This path spreads from Gardiner city to the waterfront park in Augusta through Farmingdale and Hallowell.
The Kennebec River Rail Trail is ideal for cyclists as it guarantees a fantastic experience.
You can ride a roller Blade or skateboard along the trail, while dog owners can go on a decent walk.
25. Colburn House State Historic Site
Colburn House State Historic Site
Major Ruben Colburn is a renowned patriot and shipbuilder. A brickyard, boatyard, and mill were enclosing houses that led to the region’s evolution.
It is a great landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. Colburn House State Historic Site stands as a representation of the family of the Colburn.
Explore more cities in Maine, check out our list of things to do in Rockland , things to do in Bangor and things to do in Kittery for a fun time
Plan your trip to Augusta
Augusta is a glamorous city that stands out in Maine with several exciting attractions and activities to offer.
There is something for everyone in Augusta, from the children’s museums, vibrant parks, restaurants, art galleries, shopping centers, fun centers, historical sites, breweries, event centers, and more.
Start planning your fun trip to Augusta, Maine.