Cheap bus tickets from Augusta to Florence

If Augusta already rings a bell in your mind, it's probably because of The Masters golf tournament that takes place here each spring. But there's still plenty to see and do beyond the perfectly-manicured fairways of Georgia's second-most populous city (and also one of its best vacation destinations).

Nestled along the banks of the Savannah River, Augusta is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, dating back to the 1730s. Quickly establishing itself as a major market town, farmer's markets are still common on the streets today.

The warm year-round climate has long made Augusta a draw for travelers looking to escape the chill further north for the mansions of Summerville, many of which are now open to visitors as museum spaces.

Take a stroll down Broad Street, and you'll discover a fine array of architectural styles, independent stores, and places to grab a bite to eat. Meanwhile, the Augusta Downtown Historic District contains many of the city's landmark buildings, a significant proportion of which predate the American Civil War.

The proximity to the Georgia countryside is another appealing feature of Augusta. When it comes to transport, Atlanta and its Conyers suburb are just over three hours away, thanks to a bus network consisting of 25 routes that crisscross the state and the broader southeastern United States.

Florence is a hidden gem in the northeast of South Carolina. Though best known for its history as a significant railway hub, Florence is a modern city with activities and sights to fill a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Every November, Florence goes nuts during the SC Pecan Music and Food Festival, an event hosted downtown to celebrate the beloved pecan. If you're in town during the festival, check out the car show, live music, half marathon, and other associated events to get to know Florence locals and culture.

Florence is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. Golf is a favorite among Florence residents, so upgrade from mini-golf and try the real thing. Traces Golf Club welcomes golfers of all skill levels, don't worry. Don't leave Florence without spending a day at Lynches River County Park, the starting point of the 66-mile South Carolina Revolutionary Rivers Trail. You can kayak or canoe throughout the county, following the swampy path that allowed American patriots to evade British troops in the American Revolution.

Florence Regional Airport operates limited flights to connect to Charlotte, but most paths to Florence involve some kind of ground travel. Amtrak's Palmetto and Silver Service trains stop in Florence, with connections to New York and Washington to the north and Orlando and Miami to the south. Greyhound and Southeastern Stages offer intercity bus service to Florence that connects the city to other destinations throughout the South.