A mass transit system and two airports provide easy access to Atlanta and Columbia from the campus. Two major malls and numerous shopping centers are available to students. The Riverwalk, a new attraction in the city, is a complex of shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Augusta is internationally recognized as the host city for the Master's Golf Tournament. National performers and cultural events take place in the Augusta Richmond County Civic Center and the Bell Auditorium.
Public transportation is available to all parts of the city.
Realizing the need to train black ministers and teachers, the CME Church requested the assistance of its mother church. Each church appointed three people, who joined together to create Paine College. Paine was chartered in 1883 and offered its first instruction at the postsecondary level in 1891. The first bachelor's degree was awarded in 1885, and the present name Paine College was adopted in 1903. Paine is a historically black college and a United Negro College Fund member school.