The Golden Blocks (James Brown Blvd / Laney Walker)
Augusta's historic Black business district — once Black-owned banks, the Lenox Theater and dozens of professional offices. Today a mix of active landmarks and vacant lots in slow redevelopment.
Best time
Spring or fall for comfortable weather — Augusta summers are hot and humid. Note the James Brown statue is currently in storage during construction of James Brown Linear Park, with its return targeted for end of 2026.
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 140
Is Augusta safe for Black travelers?
Augusta scores 3.5/5 (Good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Augusta's easiest areas for visitors are Summerville, Forest Hills and the downtown/Riverwalk corridor. The Golden Blocks area itself shows visible disinvestment — vacant storefronts next to active landmarks — so it's best visited in daylight, as in most mid-size Southern cities with a similar mix.
Neighborhoods to Know
Downtown / Broad Street & Riverwalk
Augusta's revitalized commercial core along the Savannah River, home to most restaurants and hotels.
Must-Visit Places
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
Former home of educator Lucy Craft Laney, who founded Augusta's first school for Black children. Tours by appointment.
1116 Phillips St, Augusta, GA 30901
Springfield Baptist Church
Organized in 1787, widely cited as the oldest independent African-American church in the country, and the birthplace of Morehouse College in 1867.
114 12th St, Augusta, GA 30901
Paine College
HBCU founded in 1882; regained five-year TRACS accreditation in 2026 after a period of financial trouble.
1235 15th St, Augusta, GA 30901
Pasches Island Soul Black-Owned
Black-owned Caribbean-soul fusion restaurant in the Golden Blocks area.
307 James Brown Blvd, Augusta, GA 30901
Augusta Riverwalk
Paved riverside park along the Savannah River through downtown; free public space near most visitor attractions.
8th St, Augusta, GA 30901
Visa
No visa required for US citizens (domestic).
Frequently asked questions
Is Augusta safe for Black travelers?
Augusta scores 3.5 out of 5 (Good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Augusta's easiest areas for visitors are Summerville, Forest Hills and the downtown/Riverwalk corridor. The Golden Blocks area itself shows visible disinvestment — vacant storefronts next to active landmarks — so it's best visited in daylight, as in most mid-size Southern cities with a similar mix.
Which neighborhoods in Augusta are good for Black travelers?
The Golden Blocks (James Brown Blvd / Laney Walker), Downtown / Broad Street & Riverwalk. Augusta's historic Black business district — once Black-owned banks, the Lenox Theater and dozens of professional offices. Today a mix of active landmarks and vacant lots in slow redevelopment.
Are there Black-owned businesses in Augusta?
Black-owned spots ROAM BLK recommends include Pasches Island Soul.
When is the best time to visit Augusta?
Spring or fall for comfortable weather — Augusta summers are hot and humid. Note the James Brown statue is currently in storage during construction of James Brown Linear Park, with its return targeted for end of 2026.
How much does a day in Augusta cost?
Budget: USD 75 · Mid-range: USD 140 · Luxury: USD 250 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.
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