Augusta, Maine Travel Guide

Discover Augusta, Maine: A perfect blend of history, nature, and culture in New England's charming capital city.

Augusta, the capital city of Maine, is a charming destination that offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Situated along the Kennebec River, Augusta is known for its picturesque scenery and welcoming atmosphere. The city's history dates back to the early 18th century, and its rich heritage is evident in its well-preserved buildings and historic sites. One of the key attractions in Augusta is the Maine State Museum, where visitors can explore exhibits covering the state's history, culture, and natural environment. The nearby State House, with its impressive dome, is another landmark that offers guided tours, providing insights into Maine's legislative process and architecture. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Augusta. The Viles Arboretum is a beautiful park featuring numerous walking trails, gardens, and sculptures. The arboretum is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic amidst the stunning landscapes. Additionally, the Kennebec River Rail Trail offers a scenic route for biking, running, or walking, with lovely views of the river and surrounding areas. Augusta also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and cultural events happening throughout the year. The city is home to several local eateries and shops, where visitors can sample Maine's famous seafood and discover unique crafts and souvenirs. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Augusta has something to offer every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Augusta.

Visit the Maine State Museum early in the day to avoid crowds and have more time to explore.
Take a guided tour of the State House to learn about Maine's history and enjoy panoramic views from the dome.
Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at Viles Arboretum to fully appreciate its beauty.
Rent a bike and explore the Kennebec River Rail Trail for a fun and active way to see the city.
Try local seafood at one of Augusta's many eateries for an authentic taste of Maine.

Explore Augusta: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Augusta

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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, a stunning blend of nature and artistry, showcasing Maine's unique flora in a serene coastal setting.

4.8

Maine Maritime Museum

Discover Maine's maritime history at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, featuring engaging exhibits and scenic boat tours along the Kennebec River.

4.7

Androscoggin Swinging Bridge

Discover the charm of the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge in Topsham, Maine, where stunning views and outdoor adventure await every visitor.

4.7

Maine State Museum

Explore Maine's heritage at the Maine State Museum, where history, art, and culture intertwine in an engaging and educational experience.

4.7

Best landmarks in Augusta

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Cushnoc Brewing Co.

Discover craft beers and gourmet pizzas at Cushnoc Brewing Co., the premier brewpub in Augusta, Maine, where flavor meets fun.

4.7

Senator Inn & Spa

Experience luxury and tranquility at Senator Inn & Spa, the perfect retreat for travelers in Augusta, Maine.

4.0

Augusta House of Pancakes

Savor delicious breakfast delights in a cozy atmosphere at Augusta House of Pancakes, the perfect start to your Maine adventure.

4.4

Maine State Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Maine at the Maine State Museum, a captivating tourist attraction in Augusta showcasing diverse exhibits.

4.7

Best restaurants in Augusta

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The Red Barn

Experience the best seafood at The Red Barn in Augusta, Maine – where fresh flavors meet local charm.

4.7

Texas Roadhouse

Indulge in mouthwatering steaks and Southern-inspired dishes at Texas Roadhouse in Augusta – where flavor meets fun!

4.3

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Olive Garden in Augusta – where delicious food meets family-friendly dining.

4.2

Cushnoc Brewing Co.

Discover the perfect blend of artisanal pizzas and handcrafted beers at Cushnoc Brewing Co., Augusta's top brewpub destination.

4.7

Best bars in Augusta

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Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Discover the rich flavors of Italy at Olive Garden in Augusta, where family dining meets authentic Italian cuisine and warm hospitality.

4.2

Cushnoc Brewing Co.

Explore the heart of Maine's craft beer scene at Cushnoc Brewing Co., where gourmet pizzas and artisanal brews come together in a delightful riverside setting.

4.7

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in Augusta, ME, where delicious food meets a lively atmosphere.

4.1

99 Restaurants

Discover the rich flavors of New England at 99 Restaurants in Augusta, where comfort food meets local charm in a vibrant pub setting.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Augusta

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Cushnoc Brewing Co.

Discover the heart of Augusta's craft beer scene at Cushnoc Brewing Co., where exceptional brews meet delicious pizza in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.7

Otto's on the River

Experience the finest New American cuisine with riverfront views at Otto's on the River in Augusta, Maine, where flavor meets ambiance.

4.3

John Sullivan's

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of John Sullivan's, Augusta's premier Irish pub known for its authentic cuisine and welcoming charm.

4.5

The Whiskey Kitchen

Discover The Whiskey Kitchen in Augusta, ME - where delicious food, extensive whiskey, and live music create an unforgettable experience.

4.4

Best shops in Augusta

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Marketplace at Augusta

Explore the vibrant Marketplace at Augusta, where shopping meets dining in a delightful experience for every tourist.

4.2

Turnpike Mall

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Turnpike Mall in Augusta, Maine, where great deals and diverse dining await every visitor.

3.9

Kohl's

Discover a diverse shopping experience at Kohl's in Augusta, Maine, where affordability meets quality across a vast selection of products.

4.2

Capitol Shopping Center

Discover Augusta's vibrant retail scene at Capitol Shopping Center, where shopping, dining, and entertainment await in a delightful atmosphere.

4.2

Explore Augusta on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Augusta, mapped for you.

Augusta Essentials

Augusta, the capital city of Maine, is accessible by several means of transportation. The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), located about an hour's drive south of Augusta. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use ride-sharing apps to reach Augusta. If you prefer traveling by train, Amtrak's Downeaster service connects Boston to Brunswick, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Augusta. Bus services like Greyhound and Concord Coach Lines also offer connections to Augusta from various cities in the New England region.
Augusta offers a variety of transportation options. The city has a public bus system operated by Kennebec Explorer, providing routes within Augusta and surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. If you prefer to drive, car rentals are an option, and the city's layout makes it easy to navigate by car. For cyclists, Augusta has several bike-friendly roads and trails. Walking is also a viable option for exploring downtown Augusta, where many attractions are located close to one another.
The official currency in Augusta, Maine, is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, particularly in the downtown area and near shopping centers, making it easy to withdraw cash if needed. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also commonly accepted. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of technical issues with card payments.
Augusta is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While Augusta does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, being vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended. The downtown area, especially around the State House and the Kennebec River, is well-patrolled and considered safe for tourists.
In case of an emergency in Augusta, dial 911 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical emergency services. The MaineGeneral Medical Center is the primary hospital in Augusta, offering comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are also available throughout the city for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency issues, the local police department and tourist information centers can provide assistance and guidance.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as Maine's weather can be unpredictable. Casual and comfortable clothing is generally acceptable. Avoid overly formal attire unless attending a specific event that requires it. Religion: Do respect local religious practices and places of worship. While most of Augusta's population is not highly religious, it is courteous to be respectful when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t play loud music or talk loudly on your phone. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Mainers are known for their hospitality, so a polite greeting goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like lobster rolls and whoopie pies. Don’t forget to tip your servers, as tipping is customary in the United States.
To experience Augusta like a local, visit the Farmers' Market at Mill Park for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with residents, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss exploring the Kennebec River Rail Trail, which offers scenic views and is popular among locals for walking and cycling. For a unique experience, visit the Viles Arboretum, a public garden and nature preserve that offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to see Maine's natural beauty up close.

When is the best time to visit Augusta?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Augusta

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Augusta. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloWicked good
  [wih-ked good]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yah]
- YesYup
  [yup]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [please/yuh-welcome]
- Thank youMuch obliged
  [muhch ob-lahjed]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [pahrdn me]
- How are you?How's it goin'?
  [hows it go-in]
- Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. yuh?]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish?]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please
  [Can I see the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't do meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'll pay now, please
  [I'll pay now, please]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [Get lost!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [Call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [Get a doc!]
- I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned around]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just browsin']
- How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [How much does it cost?]
- That's too expensiveThat's wicked pricey
  [That's wih-ked pricey]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya do it cheaper?
  [Can ya do it cheaper?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
- MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
- YesterdayYestidy
  [Yestidy]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorry
  [Tomorry]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [Can ya show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Augusta

Long before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Augusta was inhabited by the Abenaki tribe. They called the Kennebec River 'Canoe River' and used it as a vital route for transportation and trade. Artifacts and ancient sites around Augusta provide a glimpse into the rich indigenous heritage of the region.
In 1754, during the French and Indian War, the British built Fort Western on the banks of the Kennebec River. It served as a supply depot and a defensive outpost. Today, Fort Western is the oldest surviving wooden fort in New England and serves as a museum, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and explore colonial military life.
Augusta was officially incorporated as a town in 1797 and named after Augusta Dearborn, the daughter of American Revolutionary War hero Henry Dearborn. The incorporation marked the beginning of Augusta's development from a small settlement into a bustling town.
In 1827, Augusta was chosen as the capital of Maine, a status it retains to this day. The decision was influenced by Augusta's central location and its accessibility via the Kennebec River. The Maine State House, designed by Charles Bulfinch, was completed in 1832 and remains a focal point of the city.
The 19th century brought industrial growth to Augusta, with the Kennebec River playing a crucial role in powering mills and factories. Textile mills, paper mills, and other manufacturing industries flourished, transforming Augusta into an industrial hub. Many of the historic buildings from this era still stand, reflecting the city’s industrial heritage.
In 1865, a devastating fire swept through downtown Augusta, destroying many buildings and causing significant damage. The city rebuilt quickly, and the reconstruction led to the development of a more modern and fire-resistant infrastructure. This event is a testament to the resilience and determination of Augusta's residents.
In recent decades, Augusta has seen significant cultural growth, with the establishment of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. The Maine State Museum offers extensive exhibits on the state's natural and cultural history, while the historic Cushnoc Archeological Site provides insights into early European settlement and Native American life.