tourist attractions savannah georgia

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Savannah, GA

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Savannah is the embodiment of the idyllic Southern city, with grand old mansions, green parks with ornate fountains and huge moss-draped trees, and cobbled streets along the waterfront. These all combine to provide a beguiling charm and make it one of the highlights of Georgia .

Savannah lies on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Savannah River, directly on the border with South Carolina. It was the first town in North America to be laid out on a regular plan, part of which was a large number of lovely historic squares dotted throughout the city.

The city was spared from destruction at the hands of Union troops at the end of the Civil War, and as a result, it is full of rare examples of original Southern architecture. Today, Savannah is a bustling modern city that retains its historic charm while welcoming tourists to experience all it has to offer.

Begin your sightseeing adventure with our list of the top attractions in Savannah, Georgia.

1. Bull Street & the Savannah Historic District

2. forsyth park, 3. bonaventure cemetery, 4. river street, 5. cathedral of st. john the baptist, 6. owens-thomas house & slave quarters, 7. national museum of the mighty eighth air force, 8. telfair academy of arts and sciences, 9. squares of savannah, 10. juliette gordon low birthplace, 11. ralph mark gilbert civil rights museum, 12. first african baptist church, 13. fort mcallister state historic park, 14. old fort jackson, 15. city market, 16. wormsloe historic site, 17. webb military museum, 18. skidaway island state park, 19. ships of the sea maritime museum, where to stay in savannah for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to savannah, map of tourist attractions in savannah, ga, savannah, ga - climate chart.

The best way of getting to know the impeccably preserved Savannah Historic District is to take a stroll along Bull Street and the side streets that extend in either direction. The starting point is City Hall , built in 1905, at the intersection of Bull and Bay Streets. Opposite City Hall is the U.S. Customs House , built in 1852 on the site of the colony's first public building.

To the south of this is Johnson Square , the first public square laid out in the newly planned town, with the Christ Episcopal Church built in 1838 on the site of the colony's first church of 1733. There are many historic squares to explore in this section of Savannah, so take your time to explore, camera at the ready.

Along this stretch are numerous coffee shops and restaurants, some with outdoor tables that are perfect for people-watching.

You can also enjoy Bull Street from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. A number of reputable companies provide these excursions, including Savannah Carriage Tours , which offers 45-minute rides that include up to eight of the city's most elegant squares. Also fun are the handy Savannah Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tours , where you can learn a little history while sightseeing and gathering ideas about places to explore in greater detail later.

Forsyth Park is the largest and most visited park in Savannah. Created in the mid-19th century at a time when large parks were extremely fashionable in American cities, it remains a magnet for tourists and locals alike.

The park's most important feature is its large cast-iron fountain. Added to the park's north end in 1858, it has remained the primary feature of this 30-acre green space ever since, with several periods of restoration, including the most recent major restoration in the late 1980s.

In the spring, the park puts on a great display of color when the azaleas are in full bloom. Within the park are a number of notable public amenities including a visitor center and Band Shell, along with a café, snack bar, and tennis courts.

Forsyth Park is also a lovely area to walk, with large shady trees and many pleasant paved paths to explore. Surrounding the park are a number of interesting old buildings that provide an elegant backdrop and set the scene for no end of memorable photos.

Whenever I visit Forsyth Park, I head back to the Historic District following one of the less-traveled routes such as Barnard or Montgomery Streets, or even one of the less-traveled north-south side streets. They're safe, and letting your curiosity get the better of you will lead to no end of pretty corners of the city you may not otherwise have experienced.

Address: 2 W Gaston Street, Savannah, Georgia

Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the best-known historic cemeteries in the country, loved for its sprawling Victorian layout and beautiful stonework monuments. The grounds are spectacular, with massive oak trees draped with hanging moss. If the setting looks familiar, it may be because it was featured as a setting for the novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .

The cemetery covers more than 100 acres, and its historic district is more than 14 acres and is home to graves from as early as 1846. In addition to stunning marble tombs, the cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 1,300 veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and other conflicts.

A rewarding way to visit the cemetery is on a Bonaventure Cemetery Tour . Guided by a local historian and author, you'll hear fascinating stories about the cemetery and the famous people who were laid to rest here.

Address: 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, Georgia

Iron steps lead down from Factors Walk to Savannah's historic riverfront district, an always bustling area along River Street that features well-preserved old warehouses, many of them now occupied by shops, restaurants, and hotels.

At this popular area to visit day or night, a recent multi-million-dollar expansion has added even more fun things to do on the south bank of the Savannah River. The luxurious new JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District hotel and a state-of-the-art music venue, Plant Riverside, at the west end of River Street greatly expanded the offerings, adding new dining experiences and a cluster of high-end shops and galleries.

Excellent views of the port and suspension bridge can be had from here or from Hutchinson Island. An ideal way to get the best Riverfront photo ops is by taking the free ferry that brings you to the island and back, a ride that is particularly lovely in the evening. Another option is to take a trip aboard the Georgia Queen, a replica riverboat that offers dinner cruises along the Savannah River.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah was built in the 1870s and then rebuilt in 1899 after a severe fire. It took more than a decade to redecorate the new cathedral. The building again underwent restoration work in the 1950s and 60s, and more work was done in the 80s and 90s.

The interior is a delight, with marble railings and floors and a marble altar. The main altar, carved in Italy, weighs 9,000 pounds and is certainly impressive. Join one of the docent-led tours to learn more from an expert well-versed in the church's history.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is also well-known for its incredible Renaissance-style murals and a pipe organ with 2,308 pipes. Above the organ is the Great Rose Window, with panels radiating out from the images of St. Cecilia in the middle.

Address: 222 East Harris Street, Savannah, Georgia

The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters is Savannah's most important historic home thanks to its dedication to looking at the lives of the enslaved people who worked and lived here. The Slave Quarters are just part of the exhibits, which look at daily life for the 14 enslaved workers who ran the home, worked the grounds, and raised the children.

Tours of the home discuss the complicated nature of relationships between the slave owners, children, and slaves themselves, and encourage visitors to continue to ask questions after they leave. The home is a National Historic Landmark and is operated by the Telfair Museums.

Address: 124 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force , located just outside Savannah, is one of the nation's top museums dedicated to World War II history. In addition to a memorial and extensive information about the Eighth Air Force regiment, the museum has many historic exhibits that explore various phases of the conflict.

The tour begins with an introduction to Germany in the wake of WWI and a look at how the Nazi regime was able to rise to power with the use of propaganda. Exhibits also include films about life as a bomber pilot and a re-created airfield, as well as dioramas and interactive exhibits.

Museum collections include a B-17 Flying Fortress and other WWII aircraft, as well as scale models. There are also extensive displays containing the personal stories and belongings of members of the Mighty Eighth.

Address: 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, Georgia

The Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences , more commonly called the Telfair Museum of Art, has been operated by the Georgia Historical Society since it opened in 1886, and it is the oldest art museum in the state. Art Collections include European and American works in a variety of media with a focus on 19th- and 20th-century art.

Among the featured artists are Robert Henri, George Luks, and Childe Hassam. The museum is also home to a sculpture gallery and rotunda added by architect Detlef Lienau. The building that houses the museum, a 200-year-old mansion designed in the Neoclassical Regency style, is equally impressive.

The museum includes 19th-century period rooms and offers a self-guided audio tour that focuses on the architecture. Guided tours are also available, free of charge, and delve into the museum's history and details about its content.

Address: 121 Barnard Street, Savannah, Georgia

Savannah's many public squares are one of its most attractive qualities, especially on a hot city afternoon when you need a spot of shade and a few moments with nature. These are the best places to visit in Savannah for peace and relaxation.

Several of the most popular squares are located along historic Bull Street , including Chippewa Square , which is known for its appearance in the film Forrest Gump ; the city's largest and oldest Johnson Square ; and Madison Square , which is conveniently close to shopping and dining.

Ellis and Franklin Squares are adjacent to the bustling City Market , and Ellis is home to a giant chess set, as well as a lovely fountain and shaded tables.

Crawford Square , located at McDonough and Houston streets, has recreational facilities, including a gazebo and basketball court. Although smaller than most, Columbia Square is a peaceful respite within the surrounding city life.

Other popular squares can be found along Barnard Street, including Chatham Square at Wayne Street, Orleans Square behind the Savannah Civic Center , and Pulaski Square at the intersection of West Macon, which is known for its tremendous live oaks.

The birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low , a founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, was built in 1821. Her family home, which was the first National Historic Landmark in Savannah, has been restored to how it looked in the 1880s and furnished with many original Gordon family pieces.

In the Gallery are some of Gordon's original artworks, as well as some of the family's furnishings and memorabilia. Some of the collections on display in the house include jewelry, photographs, and written material.

The house offers great insight into the lifestyle of the family and of the era. It also describes the achievements of Juliette Gordon Low and the history of the Girl Scouts which is a very popular destination for scout troops of all ages.

Address: 10 East Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, Georgia

The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum is named for the man who is credited with being the father of the civil rights movement in Savannah. Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert was a pastor at the First African Baptist Church in Franklin Square and the president of the NAACP in Savannah for eight years.

The museum itself honors Dr. Gilbert and his important roles and also explores the long and arduous path that African Americans have endured from the first slaves in Georgia to the present day. Exhibits include photographs, personal stories, little-known facts, a reading room, and interactive displays, as well as a film.

The museum is located in the former home of the Wage Earners Savings and Loan Bank, significant as being one of the earliest and largest banks for African-Americans.

Address: 460 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia

Separated from the always bustling City Market area by Franklin Square on Montgomery Street, the First African Baptist Church has been a place of worship and sanctuary for Savannah's African American population since 1859. Built by both free African Americans and slaves allowed to work on it after toiling in the fields, it has the distinction of being the first brick building to be owned by Georgia's black community.

Interesting features include a series of holes set in the sanctuary's floor that, while designed to look like a decorative flourish, actually served as air holes for escaped slaves hiding in the small space below. The church also played an important role in the Underground Railroad, and later in the Civil Rights Movement.

An excellent museum traces the church's history back even further to 1773, confirming its status as North America's first black Baptist congregation. The museum also displays related artifacts, including church records, handmade quilts, and photos. Guided tours of both the church and the museum are available.

Address: 23 Montgomery Street, Savannah, Georgia

Fort McAllister , now a State Historic Park, was used during the Civil War and contains some of the best-preserved earthwork fortifications of the Confederacy. It is an excellent example of coastal defenses during this time period.

On the grounds are cannons and other military operational items, as well as a Civil War museum with interesting displays and information. Despite its historical significance, many people also visit the park simply for the recreational opportunities and the natural beauty.

The park is located on the Great Ogeechee River south of Savannah and offers such activities as camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking in a lovely treed area. There are a limited number of cabins available for rent.

Trails offer places to walk or bike and there is some children's equipment. Since winter months can be cool and midsummer can be blazing hot, spring and fall are generally the best times to visit.

Address: 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Savannah, Georgia

Old Fort Jackson is the oldest standing fort in the state of Georgia. The original brick fort, one of only a few Second System fortifications still left standing in the United States, was begun in 1808.

The fort was manned during the War of 1812 and was also active during the Civil War. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark, preserved and managed by the Coastal Heritage Society. On display at the fort are various exhibits on military history. The fort also features cannon firing demonstrations.

Address: 1 Fort Jackson Road, Savannah, Georgia

Savannah's City Market is a favorite among both locals and tourists for its numerous things to do and upbeat atmosphere. Here, you can find working artist studios; plenty of dining options, from quick bites to full-service restaurants; and a variety of entertainment, from local musicians to nationally known artists.

This is also a prime shopping destination, home to a wide variety of boutiques, an old-fashioned country store, a sweet shop with homemade candy, and even an entire store for dogs.

Location: Between Ellis Square and Franklin Square, Savannah

If you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet outside the city center, head to Wormsloe Historic Site . As you pass through the historic gate, you'll find a wide walkway and other trails winding their way under sprawling live oaks draped with moss.

The trails take you past the "Tabby" and other buildings of this one-time plantation owned by one of Georgia's founders. The site is an excellent day trip for families. Costumed docents will interact with your family and tell you about what they are working on and the history of Wormsloe.

The site is spread out over 822 acres and is a mix of forest, marsh, and former farmlands.

Address: 601 Skidaway Road, Savannah, Georgia

History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Webb Military Museum , located in historic downtown Savannah. Here, you can view a variety of military artifacts that cover all branches and conflicts, from the Civil War right through to the modern day.

Highlights of the museum's large private collection include numerous military uniforms, helmets and headgear, medals, artifacts, and memorabilia related to conflicts within the US and abroad. Guided tours can be arranged with advance notice, and a shop selling related souvenirs is located on the premises.

Address: 411 E York Street, Savannah, Georgia

Ideally located only a short distance from downtown Savannah is Skidaway Island State Park . The park is great for those who are traveling in an RV or prefer to camp, as opposed to staying in Savannah's pricey downtown hotels.

The park is home to wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and wading birds. Scenic walking trails lead through typical coastal flora to lookouts with views of the Skidaway Narrows.

Set peacefully under live oaks with hanging Spanish moss are 87 sites suitable for RVs or tents. All sites have electricity, and a few sites have sewer service as well. Also available are three cabins complete with beds, a kitchen, bathrooms with showers, and air conditioning.

Address: 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, Georgia

Another great Savannah attraction that's within a short stroll of the historic downtown district is the Ships Of The Sea Maritime Museum . Set in the lovely, early-19th century William Scarbrough House, this fascinating museum preserves Savannah's rich maritime history.

Highlights include a large collection of scale model replicas of vessels with connections to the city and its river port, along with artifacts, paintings, and photos. Interesting displays also tell the story of the home's original resident, William Scarbrough, who made and later lost his fortune as the owner of the Savannah Steamship Company. Other displays deal with the Civil War period and Savannah's role in the slave trade.

In addition to informative guided tours, the Ships of the Sea Museum features an array of fascinating programming related to the city's maritime history. These include regular lectures and talks, educational programs for young and old alike, as well as art shows and workshops. A gift shop is also located on-site, and guided tours are available.

The museum is also home to one of the best, and quietest, gardens in Savannah. It's free to enter, and as the historic district's largest private garden, it offers a pleasant sanctuary from the crowds visiting the Historic District across the street. All plant species here are native to Georgia, with most examples being available at the time the garden was originally laid out in the 1800s. A later addition was the official Savannah weather station, the kiosk of which can still be seen today.

Address: 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, Georgia

To fully appreciate Savannah's genteel Southern charm, historical squares, moss-draped oak trees, antebellum mansions, great restaurants, and quaint shops, it's best to stay right downtown, in the Historic District. The waterfront and Bull Street are the two main tourist focal points of this area, so staying within walking distance of either of these is preferable. Below are some highly-rated hotels in good locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• On Lafayette Square in the Historic District, the Hamilton-Turner Inn is a beautiful 1873 mansion and was featured in the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil . This charming inn features 17 individually designed suites, with high ceilings, four poster beds, claw-foot tubs, and other fine antique furnishings.
• With a fabulous location along the waterfront, The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, Autograph Collection is an elegant hotel in a romantic 18th-century building, with views over the water and the Historic District.
• Another great choice for those wanting to be close to the action on River Street is the brand-new JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District . Occupying the city's old power plant, the hotel has a unique museum-like quality that appeals to all ages.
• The 4-star River Street Inn is a classy boutique hotel set in an old cotton warehouse dating from 1817. Featuring chic rooms, many with superb views over the Savannah River, this great hotel is just steps away from Bull Street and the Historic Savannah district.
• In the heart of the old city, steps from Bull Street, the Eliza Thompson House is a boutique hotel with a true Southern feel. Built-in 1847, the property consists of a main house and carriage house, with 25 individually designed rooms, a lovely courtyard patio, and lush gardens. For something a little more contemporary but equally enticing, The Kimpton Brice Hotel is the best bet.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• On the edge of the Historic District, near Emmet Park and overlooking the riverfront, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Savanah Historic District/Riverfront has a rooftop pool and patio.
• The Marshall House , dating from the mid-19th century, is a small, delightful hotel, with an awesome location near the excellent shopping on East Broughton Street.
• Overlooking Savannah's famous Forsyth Park is the Forsyth Park Inn , a historic Queen Victoria mansion with high ceilings, huge doors, and quaint indoor and outdoor sitting areas. This is a B&B, serving a full gourmet breakfast.

Budget Hotels:

• True budget hotels are found a short distance outside the city center. La Quinta Inn & Suites and Super 8 by Wyndham both offer basic, comfortable rooms and are an easy 15-minute drive from the Historic District.
• Sightseeing by Trolley: One of the most convenient ways to get the most out of your sightseeing is the Savannah Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour , which gives you flexibility while getting to all of the city's top tourist attractions. A well-versed guide will provide fascinating commentary about the city's history and culture as the trolley makes its route along 15 stops, including major sites like Forsyth Park , the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace , and City Market .
• Walking Tour: The 90-minute Savannah Walking Tour gives tourists the opportunity to take in the beauty of Savannah at a slower pace while learning about the city's rich history as a strategic port and center of colonial government. Beginning in the beautiful Reynolds Square , the tour explores Savannah Historic District's many landmarks, both the well-known and those known only to locals.
• Cemetery Tour: Tourists who are looking for a meaningful visit to the city's famous cemetery will want to book one of the Bonaventure Cemetery Journeys with Shannon Scott , local historian, author, and storyteller. During the two-hour tour of this magnificent cemetery, tourists will learn about Victorian burial traditions, artwork and symbolism within the cemetery, and other fascinating details.

More on Georgia

Savannah   Travel Guide

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17 Best Things to Do in Savannah, GA + Tips from a Local

Much of Savannah's charm lies in meandering through the Historic District's verdant squares – all 22 of them. For an overview of the Historic District's top attractions, consider signing up for a guided tour or choose among the many

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Take a walk in Forsyth Park Take a walk in Forsyth Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you are visiting in the fall, check out the free weeklong Savannah Jazz Festival in the park, which features local vendors and food trucks. – Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

Go to this 30-acre park in the heart of Savannah's Historic District to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Keep your camera ready, though, as there is plenty to see here as well. Stroll past the stunning white-stone Forsyth Fountain, memorials dedicated to the Spanish-American War, the Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired and the 300-year-old Candler Oak tree. From the park, you can see several historic sites within walking distance, including the Mercer-Williams House Museum and the Sorrel Weed House .

Go on a Savannah history tour Go on a Savannah history tour

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you want a totally unique experience, there are also bike tours, dog-walking tours, a comedy trolley tour called "Savannah for Morons" and food tours. –  Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

Savannah's recorded history stretches back to 1733 when General James Oglethorpe docked his ship on the Savannah River and named this new territory (and America's 13th colony) "Georgia." You can hear all about Savannah's past and the events that shaped its present on a history tour. What's more, you won't have any trouble finding a tour that suits your interests, Savannah boasts a bevy of  city tours  – from architecture to ghosts to photography – for a variety of travelers.

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist free

Towering over Lafayette Square in the Historic District, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist's Gothic towers should lure in any architecture buff. The original cathedral was established in 1799 by the first French colonists to arrive in the area. The brick structure you see today is not the original (since its founding, the church moved locations and was partially rebuilt following a fire in 1898), but the cathedral still impresses visitors with its imposing spires, Italian marble altar and stunning stained-glass windows. What's more, a Catholic cathedral of this size is a bit of a rarity in the South, where Catholicism is not the dominant religion.

Most travelers who took the time to see this cathedral were flabbergasted by its beauty, comparing it to Europe's medieval churches. Even if you're not interested in attending Mass, you should still set aside 10 to 15 minutes to take a brief peek inside the stunning interior. However, recent visitors said attending Mass here is worth considering (even if you're not Catholic), thanks to the beautiful atmosphere and talented choir. Feel free to take a self-guided tour inside the cathedral, but remember to be respectful as it's still an active house of worship.

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Bonaventure Cemetery Bonaventure Cemetery free

While a stroll through a cemetery may sound a little morbid, a visit to the more than 100-acre Bonaventure Cemetery is a must for lovers of the written word. Originally called the Evergreen Cemetery (and occupying land previously used for a plantation), the Victorian-style cemetery was purchased by the city of Savannah in 1907 and redesigned to its current size. Keep your eyes peeled for the tombstones of such celebrities as poet Conrad Aiken and lyricist Johnny Mercer. You should also make a point of looking for the grave of Danny Hansford (buried in the neighboring Greenwich Cemetery), whose murder inspired John Berendt's best-selling book, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

According to many visitors, the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure won't disappoint, but travelers said that bug spray, a water bottle and comfortable walking shoes are a must. You can tour the cemetery on your own, but recent visitors said you should also consider signing up for a guided tour to gain a better understanding of the cemetery's intriguing history.

River Street River Street free

Running alongside the Savannah River in the Waterfront district is River Street, a lively area perfect for afternoon strolls. The cobblestone street is lined with more than 75 souvenir shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs housed in old cotton warehouses. It's also the place to go for pub crawls, making it attractive to party-seekers, and thus, slightly less family-friendly after dark. Plus, the area comes alive with street musicians after the sun sets.

Recent visitors recommended spending a few hours here for the gorgeous river views and excellent people-watching. Many also recommended the restaurants here.

Old Sorrel-Weed House Old Sorrel-Weed House

U.S. News Insider Tip: A couple feet away is Chippewa Square – the backdrop for the "Forrest Gump" scene where Tom Hanks sits on a bench to narrate the character's life story. If you are looking for the bench, visit the Savannah History Museum to see a replica. – Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

Constructed in 1840 in the Greek Revival style, this Mediterranean villa was owned by a shipping merchant named Francis Sorrel and then became the boyhood home to Brig. Gen. Moxley Sorrel, who fought in the Civil War. But that's not why the house is so famous. In addition to appearing in the opening scenes of "Forrest Gump," the house has also been featured in an episode of HGTV's "Ghost Adventures." In fact, it's often referred to as one of the most haunted buildings in Savannah and is a frequent stop on some of the best Savannah ghost tours . It's believed that Francis Sorrel's second wife died by suicide at the house, along with one of his enslaved workers. Visitors to the house can choose between a history and architecture tour, a historic walking tour, a ghost tour or a "paranormal investigation."

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

George Welshman Owens was a wealthy planter, lawyer and politician who lived in this house with his wife, six children and up to 14 enslaved people beginning in 1833. The last Owens descendant to live in the house was George Owens' granddaughter, Margaret Gray Thomas, who left the property to the Telfair Academy of Arts and Science in her will in 1875. Unlike the other two Telfair Museums – the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy – the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters focuses less on art and more on the Owens' family furnishings and history of the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the South.

A tour of the facility reveals what life was like for the upper class in 19th-century Savannah: You'll see Greek-inspired craftsmanship and beautiful stained glass, in addition to the old carriage house and slave quarters. You'll also have a chance to peruse the common spaces, such as the drawing room and the dining room, where the family entertained guests, and can learn more about the day-to-day life of the family's enslaved workers through interactive exhibits in the butler's pantry, the working cellar and the slave quarters.

Tour Fort Pulaski National Monument Tour Fort Pulaski National Monument

Named for Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski, this 19th-century fort was originally constructed to defend Savannah from coastal attacks. Notably, it was here that Gen. Robert E. Lee was first assigned after graduating from West Point. During the Civil War, it was occupied by Confederate troops until being surrendered to Union forces in 1862.

Fort Pulaski was also a safe haven for enslaved people as part of the Underground Railroad. Union Maj. Gen. David Hunter issued an order in April 1862 stating: "All persons of color lately held in involuntary service by enemies of the United States in Fort Pulaski and on Cockspur Island, Georgia are hereby confiscated and declared free." As such, many enslaved people came to Fort Pulaski and once on the island, began a free life on the Georgia coast. Meanwhile, others joined to form one of the first colored troops divisions in the Civil War. Hundreds of enslaved people were granted freedom as a result of Hunter's order.

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Take a daytrip to Tybee Island Take a daytrip to Tybee Island free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you are into pristine beaches, avid camping, birdwatching and unearthing fossils, consider visiting an uninhabited nature preserve called "Little Tybee Island," which is only accessible only by boat. – Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

When you've had your fill of ghost stories , green squares and historic homes, head to Tybee Island. Just a half-hour east of the Historic District, Tybee Island is home to 5 miles of beachfront, the famous Tybee Island Light Station and the Marine Science Center, among other attractions. On your way to the beach, consider a stop at  Fort Pulaski Monument , a Civil War landmark sandwiched between Savannah and Tybee Island.

Historic Savannah Theatre Historic Savannah Theatre

Built by architect William Jay, who also designed the Telfair Mansion , the historic Savannah Theatre opened its doors to the public in 1818 and again in 1950 following a remodeling in the art deco style. The lobby features a display of artifacts, newspaper articles and photographs from the past. Still an active theater today, it hosts live shows, musicals, comedy performances and a paranormal investigation experience.

Many recent visitors praised the live performances in the beautifully restored theater and particularly recommend the annual Christmas show.

Savannah African Art Museum Savannah African Art Museum free

The Savannah African Art Museum is home to a collection of more than 1,000 pieces of artwork from West and Central Africa. The African art on display here includes a variety of 19th- and 20th-century spiritual and ceremonial objects, created from metal, wood, ceramics and more. According to the museum, its mission is to "provide engaging experiences that educate and start conversations about the power, diversity, and spirituality of African art." Tours of the collection are available Wednesday through Saturday, running every 30 minutes, and typically last about an hour. Visitors can choose a tour of the West Africa collection or the Central Africa collection.

All recent travelers give this museum positive reviews, calling it a hidden gem in Savannah. Many were impressed with the variety of artwork here, from masks to textiles to sculptures. Several compliment the knowledgeable guides, who are able to shed some light on the history of the various art.

Wormsloe State Historic Site Wormsloe State Historic Site

Right up there with  Forsyth Park  and  River Street , Wormsloe State Historic Site is one of Savannah's top attractions. Even if you never heard of the site, you've likely seen it in pictures: its star attraction is the mile-long avenue leading to the former plantation, which is lined on both sides by towering live oak trees dressed in Spanish moss.

Most travelers venture here for the free photo-op alone, but what lies beyond the entryway is also worth your attention. Here you'll find the ruins of Wormsloe, the oldest standing structure in Savannah and the Colonial estate of Noble Jones, a carpenter who came to Georgia in 1733 with James Oglethorpe and the first group of settlers from England. In the 1750s, Jones used a group of enslaved people to maintain the property, plant crops like cotton, grains and vegetables, and keep Wormsloe profitable. Along with the ruins, visitors can tour a small museum featuring artifacts unearthed at Wormsloe and watch a brief film about the site and Georgia's founding. There's also a 7-mile-long interpretative nature trail that runs along a marsh on the Skidaway River, as well as costumed interpreters demonstrating the tools and skills of Colonial Georgia.

First African Baptist Church First African Baptist Church

A National Historic Landmark, the First African Baptist Church was first organized in 1773 by the Rev. George Liele and is the oldest continuous Black church in North America. The reverend, who was born into slavery but later granted freedom by the British for his loyalty, became the church's pastor in 1775 and the church was officially established as a body of organized believers in 1777. After the British lost the Revolutionary War, rather than chance re-enslavement in the South, Liele fled to Jamaica . Before leaving for Jamaica, he ordained Andrew Bryan (one of the congregation's original members) to be the second pastor of the church until 1812 when his nephew Andrew Marshall took over. Under Marshall's leadership, the church acquired the property where it currently stands in downtown Savannah.

The church still features many historical elements, including stained-glass windows and the original light fixtures, balcony pews and baptismal pool. Today, visitors can attend a service or take a tour to admire its beauty. Previous travelers highly recommend stopping here to learn about its history and importance as a safe haven along the Underground Railroad.

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Savannah City Market Savannah City Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Amid the attractions within City Market, the American Prohibition Museum is an unexpected find. It features cool exhibits and an authentic speakeasy serving up the Chatham Artillery punch – rumored to be made using a recipe that dates back to 1870! –  Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

If you're planning to tour Savannah's Historic District, City Market is a great place to start. Spread out across four blocks, the open-air marketplace features restored warehouses sheltering everything from restaurants to boutiques to art galleries. When you're not shopping, listening to live music or enjoying a casual bite to eat, simply sit and people-watch: past visitors said this area is great for resting tired feet and taking in the Savannah scene. Plus, City Market is also a popular drop-off point for  trolley and carriage tours , so if you need to kill time before or after your tour, plan to check out the market.

Mercer Williams House Museum Mercer Williams House Museum

A stop at the Mercer-Williams House is a must when in Savannah. While it was commissioned by Gen. Hugh W. Mercer (great-grandfather of lyricist Johnny Mercer), this house is much more famous for what happened here when it was owned by Jim Williams. Williams was a noted Savannah antiques dealer and the central character in John Berendt's best-selling book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," which detailed the shooting that took place in the house in 1981. While the upstairs is off-limits, you're invited to explore the ground floor, which is ornately decorated with 18th- and 19th-century furnishings, Chinese porcelain and portraits dating back to the 1700s.

Though most recent visitors were pleased with their tour of the Mercer-Williams House and highly recommended it if you are a fan of the book, they did warn that no photography was allowed in the garden or the house. Also, keep in mind that since members of the family still occupy the residence, only the ground floor is accessible to visitors.

Telfair Academy Telfair Academy

If you're a fan of art forms from the 19th and 20th centuries (or if you just need a break from the Georgia heat), you'll want to spend a few hours perusing this mansion-turned-museum, which was originally built in 1819 for Alexander Telfair. Housing four primary art forms – paintings, architecture, sculpture, and printmaking, including paintings from the Impressionist period, plaster casts of such renowned works as the Venus de Milo and period furniture left over from the Telfair family themselves, this marble-clad museum – the first public art museum in the South – shelters a diverse array of pieces. But the real highlight of the museum is Sylvia Shaw Judson's famous Bird Girl statue, which appears on the cover of John Berendt's bestselling book, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

Most recent visitors were charmed by the Telfair Academy, with many citing it as a "must-see" while in Savannah, specifically because of the renowned Bird Girl statue. What's more, many appreciated that admission to Telfair Academy also covers entrance to each of the other Telfair sites, including the Jepson Center and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters . Many travelers loved the ability to see all three sites for one, discounted ticket price.

Jepson Center Jepson Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: While visiting the Jepson, enjoy a meal at the on-site Wildflower Café, a fast-casual restaurant that opened in 2023. – Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

The Jepson Center is a modern art and interactive museum designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. The museum's contemporary collection is home to various travelling exhibits, giving visitors something new to explore each year. Among the ongoing exhibits, 18 works in classic European painting and impressionism are on site. Among these, visitors will also find featured Savannah artists Valentino Molina and Mary Hoover Aiken. Other notable elements about the center include sculpture terraces, education studios and a 220-seat auditorium. The Jepson Center is also slated to open the Telfair Children's Art Museum in summer 2023, offering learning experiences through modern, immersive technology and hands-on activities. Art enthusiasts can purchase souvenirs at the gallery store or stop for light bites at the cafe situated in the building's gorgeous atrium. Museum admission is not required to visit the gallery shop or cafe.

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Home › Things To Do › Must See Sights

Must See Sights In Savannah, GA

See also: – More tourist attractions and things to do in Savannah – The Historic District – Savannah’s events by month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December – Savannah’s weather by month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November or December

1 – The Squares

If there is one thing that makes Savannah truly unique it is its system of 20+ squares, laid out in a centuries-old plan that has never been replicated on the same scale anywhere else in the world.

These little parks offer a beautiful respite from the city, filled with monuments, moss-hung live oaks, and benches where you can rest and admire some of the best of Savannah’s architecture.

The most well known squares – Johnson, Wright, Chippewa, Madison and Monterey – are along Bull Street, which is also where you will find Savannah’s oldest and biggest monuments, erected in the 19th century to its founders and military heroes.

Many of the squares further off the beaten path are worth a visit too, pretty and peaceful amidst the more heavily residential setting of the eastern and southwestern Historic District.

2 – Forsyth Park

No visit to Savannah is complete without seeing Forsyth Park and its famous fountain. The park, established in the 1850s, is one of the oldest and most charming in the country, with mossy oaks and flowering shrubs arranged around its very distinctive central fountain, Savannah’s signature landmark.

If you want to take the best pictures, visit early or late in the day, when the light is softer and the risk of the bright white fountain appearing overexposed in your image is lessened.

3 – Monuments To The Black Contribution To Savannah

History in Savannah is everywhere, but until recently there were few visible representations of the Black side of the city’s story. Now, two major monuments in downtown Savannah commemorate the substantial role played by people of African descent in the history of the city and the nation.

On River Street, just behind City Hall, the African-American Monument recognizes Savannah’s history of slavery and the role of its Black inhabitants in its history and culture.

A few blocks away in Franklin Square you can also see the Haitian Monument, which commemorates the hundreds of Black soldiers from the former French colony of Saint-Domingue who fought in the Siege of Savannah during the Revolutionary War.

While you are at the Haitian Monument, don’t miss the First African Baptist Church, also on Franklin Square. This church was built entirely with African-American labor in the years before the Civil War, and is a National Historic Landmark. Tours of the church’s history and its role in the Underground Railroad are available most days each week (tours are currently suspended due to coronavirus) .

4 – The Cathedral Of St John The Baptist

This striking cathedral is one of the most recognizable features of Savannah’s skyline, its twin 200-foot white spires rising above neighboring Lafayette Square.

The cathedral, which is one of the largest in the southern states, is among the Historic District’s most visited attractions and landmarks, and a must-see even if you just want to admire its external architecture.

For a small donation, however, you can also go inside to better appreciate the cathedral’s beautiful stained glass windows and its outstanding collection of murals, the latter a comparatively rare feature of American places of worship.

5 – Factors Walk

This architectural peculiarity is probably more intriguing than it is impressive, but the series of structures, spanning several blocks to either side of City Hall, is well worth a look if you have any interest in history and the urban landscape.

Factors Walk – so-called because it was used primarily by the cotton factors who worked on Savannah’s 19th-century riverfront – is a series of split-level streets and footbridges made necessary by Savannah’s geography.

While the city proper sits atop a 40-foot high sandy bluff, the warehouses and offices that processed the cotton and other goods that passed through the port of Savannah were built down at the river level.

The people working on Bay Street needed a quick way to get to the buildings fronting on River Street — and the city needed a way to stop the bluff sliding into the river.

The solution to both these problems, constructed over a period of several years in the mid-19th century, was a series of retaining walls to contain the bluff, with the reinforced embankment on the riverward side of Bay Street connected to the upper levels of River Street’s warehouses by a network of iron bridges and walkways.

Savannah’s port trade was long ago moved up the river, and today Factors Walk is a quaint and often-photographed attraction, its picturesque ironwork bridges now leading to tourist shops and small boutiques, restaurants and hotels.

6 – Bonaventure Cemetery

One of Savannah’s most hauntingly beautiful landscapes is the historic Bonaventure Cemetery. Located a few miles from downtown, this 19th-century burial spot is home to the graves of many of the city’s best known individuals as well as thousands of ordinary citizens, memorialized by an enormous collection of diverse and impressive funerary art.

What really makes this cemetery special, though, is its forest-like canopy of live oaks and their Gothic drapes of moss, complemented in spring by a profusion of flowering azaleas.

Bonaventure frequently makes it onto best-10-cemeteries-in-America type lists, and featured prominently in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , the widely-read true crime book set in 1980s Savannah.

If you are wondering where the famous Bird Girl statue from the cover of Midnight can be seen, the answer is at the Telfair Academy, a downtown art museum.

The statue had to be removed from the cemetery after the book and movie came out, on account of the enormous numbers of people who came to see, touch and photograph it and their impact on both the statue itself and the surrounding graves.

→ See also: Bonaventure Cemetery tours

7 – The Salt Marshes

When you’re visiting Savannah, it’s easy to get caught up in the sights and attractions of the Historic District and forget that the beautiful marsh scenery of the Georgia lowcountry is only minutes away.

For an immersive trip out into the lowcountry and the best opportunities for getting close up to the local birds and wildlife (and maybe an alligator!) you can take a kayak tour into the marsh, most conveniently from either Tybee Island or the Skidaway River. If you don’t feel like paddling, boat tours are also available.

Another, easier way to enjoy views of the marsh and vicariously experience the lowcountry riverside lifestyle is to take a stroll along Bluff Drive at Isle of Hope, a pretty suburb alongside the Skidaway River, a few miles from downtown Savannah. Sunset is an especially good time to visit.

Or, go to Skidaway Island State Park, which offers hiking trails through maritime forest and a boardwalk across the marsh.

You can also combine marsh views with a visit to the Pin Point Heritage Museum, (currently closed due to coronavirus) which explores the history of the local Gullah-Geechee community at Pin Point and its role in the area’s seafood industry.

8 – River Street, From The Ferry

River Street is best known for its wide selection of bars, restaurants and tourist shops but it is also home to a long stretch of historic former warehouse buildings, one of the most photographed scenes in the city.

For the views of the full length of River Street, take the little free ferry across to Hutchinson Island, from either the landing behind City Hall or past the Waving Girl Monument at the far east of River Street.

The ride across the river only takes a few minutes. For the best views and pictures, get one of the outdoor seats, but you will also have the opportunity to take pictures of River Street and the Savannah River Bridge (and sometimes, one of the massive container ships coming into the port) once you get to Hutchinson Island.

→ Read more about River Street or how to ride the Savannah Belles ferry.

9 – Wormsloe’s Live Oak Avenue

There isn’t anywhere in Savannah where you can visit a restored plantation mansion and learn about the lives of enslaved people and the families who profited from their labor.

Savannah does, however, have an example of one of the most iconic (albeit historically problematic) scenes of the plantation landscape – a live oak avenue, one mile long – at the nearby Wormsloe Historic Site, operated by the state to preserve the colonial-era ruins of one of Georgia’s oldest plantations and earliest sites of enslavement.

→ See also: Black history tours of Savannah

10 – Jones Street

Jones Street is widely considered to be one of the prettiest streets in the United States. Lined with beautiful arching oaks draped with Spanish moss and home to dozens of excellent examples of the sedate, high-stooped Greek Revival architecture that is so typical of 19th-century Savannah, this is a great spot for a shaded stroll and to take a picture or two.

→ More about Jones Street’s history and architecture

Other Things To Do In Savannah

– Free things to do in Savannah – Savannah events – Guided tours of Savannah – Black history sites in Savannah – Museums – Historic house tours – Art museums – More Savannah cemeteries – State parks and wildlife refuges near Savannah – Other attractions and things to do

See also: – The best time of year to visit Savannah – How to get to Savannah – Free shuttles and other public transport

© Melanie K Jones 2024

The top 8 things to do in Savannah

Jun 20, 2024 • 8 min read

Savannah has so many fun things to do and see that you may never want to leave Mihai_Andritoiu / Shutterstock

Georgia’s oldest city, not to mention the first capital, was established on the Savannah River in 1733, and for nearly 300 years, it's beckoned visitors to the Spanish moss-lined trees. It’s one of the nation’s biggest ports, and its hospitable locals helped earn the nickname the “Hostess City.”

Savannah is best explored on foot and is warm throughout much of the year . There’s a packed calendar of annual events, including the wild St Patrick’s Day festivities (one of the largest celebrations in the country), New Year’s Eve, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival and the Savannah Jazz Festival. It's also the perfect spot for a quick getaway any other weekend of the year.

Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit, you’re sure to enjoy these quintessential Savannah experiences.

1. Explore the Historic District’s most famous addresses

Touring Savannah’s grand house museums is one of the most popular draws for visitors, but it might not have been possible if it weren’t for a group of women in the 1950s who founded the Historic Savannah Foundation – they fought to save many of the treasured residences from demolition. To date, the organization has saved over 400 structures, including its first save, the Davenport House.

Each house has something different to offer and a history that it’s known for. The Juliette Gordon Low House is the former residence of the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, and the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home is where the writer grew up (and was saved by Hollywood director Jerry Bruckheimer!).

The Mercer-Williams House is best known as the site of the real-life events of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, a book by John Berendt about a murder involving a member of the city’s high society. Some of the homes can be visited using combination tickets.

2. See where Savannah celebrates on the Riverfront

A unique feature of the city is that its waterfront is located not on the ocean but rather on the Savannah River. The nearly one-mile stretch of cobblestone was once the warehouse district, but it's now popular for its bars, restaurants and shops. It’s also an open container district, meaning you can walk around with your drink without getting in trouble. But it must be in a 16-ounce plastic cup, and you can’t go outside the confines of the historic district.

The wildest time to be here is during St Patrick’s Day, by far Savannah’s biggest annual event, when the river is dyed green and revelers wear every shade of the color. During the rest of the year, you’re almost certain to see massive container ships passing through on their way to the ocean. It is one of the nation’s busiest ports, after all. If you want to see the river for yourself, take the old-fashioned paddle boat docked here for a cruise.

Detour: There’s also been a great deal of expansion on both sides of the Riverfront, especially in the Plant Riverside District, a converted power plant turned sprawling complex with multiple restaurants, the JW Marriott hotel (with a museum-worthy collection of fossils and minerals) and shopping. On the opposite side, the Thompson Savannah is the first of the brand’s offerings in the Peach State. Both hotels have rooftop bars to catch Savannah’s legendary sunsets.

3. Dine on the unique fare of Coastal Georgia

Like nearly every other southern city, Savannah is known for its food. You’ll find all of the usual suspects, like fried chicken and barbecue, but this city’s cuisine has additional influences from its coastal locale and the people that inhabit it, namely the Gullah and Geechee – descendants of formerly enslaved people brought to the US from Africa.

Popular dishes often include seafood and local vegetables. If it’s your first time, be sure to try two signature rice-based dishes: Savannah red rice and country captain. Savannah red rice features pork and rice cooked with chicken broth and the “holy trinity” of celery, onion and pepper. Country captain is similar to a chicken curry. If you want the local drink experience, it has to be the Chatham Artillery Punch, a booze-heavy drink of cognac, rum, champagne and bourbon said to have been invented here.

Planning tip: Some of the best places to enjoy these dishes and others are restaurants like Sisters of the New South , The Grey – often cited as the best restaurant in Savannah – and 2 Chefs Gullah Geechee Soul Food . Make reservations where available.

4. Experience the city’s spooky side

A city as old as Savannah is bound to have its fair share of ghost stories, which can be best experienced on one of the ghost tours that run through the historic district most evenings. The experiences vary, with some appropriate for kids while others are best for adults only, and they focus on the macabre history and tales of spooky sightings. There’s even a tour that transports curious travelers via hearse !

You’ll also find an abundance of cemeteries, but perhaps the most famous is Bonaventure , located a short drive outside of downtown. It’s been a burial ground since 1846, when it was created on the site of a plantation. The over-100-acre Victorian cemetery resembles a garden and is best known for the plots of songwriter Johnny Mercer and Poet Laureate Conrad Aiken, plus the graves of soldiers from the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Just remember that it’s still a functioning cemetery, so visit respectfully.

Colonial Park Cemetery is another must-see, established in 1750 with over 9000 graves. It closed to burials the following decade and later became a city park. Here, you can hunt for the plots of several early notable locals like Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and painter Edward Malbone.

And if you’re not squeamish, check out the Graveface Museum on Factors Walk, overlooking River Street. It has a vast collection of artifacts from sideshows, cult leaders, serial killers and medical oddities. The same admission ticket also gets you into the museum’s arcade, filled with vintage pinball and video games.

5. Relive your favorite movies and television shows

The stunning scenery of Savannah has been featured repeatedly on the big and small screen, and you can re-enact your favorites if you know where to look. Visitors often go looking for the Forrest Gump bench in Chippewa Square, where the famous storytelling scenes were filmed, but you’ll actually find it in the Savannah History Museum .

The famous “Bird Girl” statue graced the cover of the book (and movie) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and tourists enjoyed visiting her so much she has since been moved to the Telfair Academy .

The Civil War epic Glory transformed River Street into antebellum Boston and used the Georgia Railroad Museum as army barracks. Tybee Island has been used for filming repeatedly, including for the films The Last Song and Baywatch .

6. Sit amongst the oaks in the public squares and parks

Something that sets Savannah apart from other cities is that it was designed on a grid system with public squares scattered amongst the blocks. There are 22 of these parks in total, each with its own history and features. For example, Franklin Square is named for statesman Benjamin Franklin and once held the city’s water tower. Johnson Square holds a monument to Revolutionary War general and local Nathanael Greene. Wright Square has a monument to Yamacraw chief Tomochichi.

Planning tip: No matter which square you find yourself in, it’s a great spot to enjoy a picnic or settle in with a good book, perhaps one by a local author. Forsyth Park has a weekly farmers market where you can pick up pastries and coffee. During the rest of the week, Zunzi’s, Collins Quarter , and “Fancy Parker’s,” a nickname for the upscale gas station downtown known for its fried chicken, are all great options for to-go fare.

7. Shop for special souvenirs at the city’s boutiques

Broughton Street is the best spot to indulge in retail therapy, but you’ll find great locally-owned shops all over the city. At Chocolat by Adam Turoni , you can purchase artfully prepared sweets, and The Paris Market sells incredible European antiques and gift items, with an in-house cafe for a much-needed caffeine boost.

Pick up a copy of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (or wherever your interests lie) at local bookstores The Book Lady and E. Shaver Booksellers , two of the city’s longtime shops. At the City Market , you’ll discover a wide range of items like bath products, jewelry, art and sweetgrass baskets. And at Starland Strange and Bazaar , browse the sticker bar and clothing before cooling off with an ice cream from the counter.

8. Visit the barrier islands and coastal locales

Get out of town for the day to explore the area’s coastline. Tybee Island is a popular spot for travelers looking to hit the beach, with three miles of shoreline and plentiful public access points. The island is also known for its iconic lighthouse , art galleries and funky eateries, including The Crab Shack , a seafood restaurant tucked into the trees.

Fort Pulaski National Monument on Cockspur Island was a coastal fortification built after the War of 1812. Even if you’re not a history buff, the over 200-acre site is also great for hiking and wildlife spotting. You can also see the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, now surrounded by water, from here.

The dramatic Avenue of Oaks at Wormsloe Historic Site on the Isle of Hope is one feature that attracts visitors, but the site itself has plenty more to see. There’s an onsite museum and trails where you can see the ruins of the former plantation home, built from tabby, a material made from crushed shells.

Detour: A good follow-up is a stop by the Pin Point Heritage Museum , which tells the history of the local Gullah-Geechee community in a former oyster processing plant. Many of the formerly enslaved residents that founded Pin Point earned a living in the seafood industry.

This article was first published Jul 23, 2021 and updated Jun 20, 2024.

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22 Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia, According to Locals

Themed walking tours, sunset drinks, and beautiful cobblestone squares await in this beloved Southern city.

John Burke/Getty Images

Regularly on best-of lists in the travel world, Savannah, Georgia attracts explorers of all kinds. Some want to get to know the city's rich history, others simply want to enjoy its stunning cobblestone squares lined with live oaks and Colonial and Victorian homes. Jessica Osborne and Melissa Taylor, co-owners of E Shaver Booksellers , describe Savannah as “mysterious, beautiful , eclectic, and just a little weird." Immersing yourself in the city's history, food , and culture is the ultimate travel goal.

While many locals, including Taylor and Osbourne, recommend visiting the coastal community for at least three nights, Savannah is one of those places travelers can return to again and again, experiencing something new on each trip. Whether you’re headed to the Hostess City for the first time or you simply can’t stay away for too long, you’ll want to check off at least a few of the 22 best things to do in Savannah, Georgia. 

1. Stroll through the city’s parks and squares.

At 30 acres, Forsyth Park is the largest green space in Savannah’s Historic District, with ample room for walking, picnicking, and big events — if you're here in September, check out the annual Savannah Jazz Festival. Any time of year, stop by the famous fountain before making your way to Chippewa Square, where you’ll find the “Forrest Gump” bench. 

2. Get your caffeine fix at The Coffee Fox.

Instead of your typical black coffee, opt for the signature horchata latte at The Coffee Fox to start your day. If you’re hungry, snag a kolache (a Czech pastry), or something off the all-day brunch menu at The Collins Quarter , just a five-minute walk away. 

3. Enjoy a beach day on Tybee Island.

Bear2016/Getty Images

Tybee Island, one of the best beach towns in the South , is about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. Brandon Carter, executive chef and owner of Savannah restaurant Common Thread (more on it later) loves this easy excursion himself. “The drive out is great to help you decompress. Tybee has beach town vibes and great little shops. Don’t forget to hit Sea Wolf for strong drinks and tasty hot dogs,” he says. 

4. Browse the shelves at E Shaver Booksellers.

You don’t need to be an avid reader to appreciate the charm of E Shaver Booksellers, an iconic bookstore on Bull Street. If you are a bibliophile, you’ll surely leave with a new novel or two in hand — and don’t forget to wave goodbye to the store’s several cats as you exit. 

5. Load up on sweet treats at Back In The Day Bakery.

A midday pick-me-up is always a good idea, especially if you’re exploring the city by foot. Back in the Day Bakery , owned by Cheryl and Griffith Day, is just the ticket. A wildflower honey bun or a blueberry muffin will keep hunger at bay. 

6. View the latest exhibitions at the SCAD Museum of Art. 

Savannah hums with creativity, and a large part of that stems from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The SCAD Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum affiliated with the school, has a series of rotating contemporary art exhibitions on display throughout the year; see what’s on view here . 

7. Venture down cobblestoned River Street.

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

Perry Lane Hotel ’s Mandy Heldreth, a lifelong Savannah resident, says this famous riverfront path is a must-see when in town. “Take a walk down the cobblestones on River Street. The historic walkway takes you along the Savannah River, where you can see the cargo vessels continuing into the Port of Savannah.”

8. Visit the three Telfair Museums, the first public art museum in the South.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The oldest public art museum in the Southeastern United States, Telfair Museums is actually made up of three museums. Two are National Historic Landmark sites: the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. The Jepson Center for the Arts is the third structure, a modern one built in 2006 and home to an art collection that stretches from the 19th century to today. The best part? You only need one ticket for all three. 

Related : 10 Best Places to Travel in January

9. Fill up on fresh seafood.

In a coastal city like Savannah, it’s no surprise that the seafood is wildly good. “There’s a walk-up fried fish place called Shabazz [with] a real sense of place. My order: fried whiting, fries, Shabazz juice, and a slice of 'Yusuf's World Famous Pie.' I love that place,” chef Carter said.

10. Sign up for a ghost or history tour. 

Walking tours are a great way to get to know this destination. Patt Gunn, founder of Underground Tours of Savannah, often leads 90-minute historical treks in town, highlighting the journey of enslaved Africans brought to Savannah and sold in Johnson Square — an important part of the city’s past. 

Whether you’d prefer to walk, bike, or catch a narrated ride on a boat or trolley, tour options abound —just pick the theme that best suits your interests. Check out Underground Tours of Savannah , Ghost City Tours (if you want a spookier take on Savannah), Architectural Savannah , Old Town Trolley Tours , and Savannah Riverboat Cruises , to name a few.

11. Immerse yourself in art, music, and shopping at City Market. 

cweimer4/Getty Images

Savannah’s historic City Market once welcomed fishermen, farmers, and horse-drawn carriages on a daily basis. Today, the open-air market, which spans four blocks, is a hub for galleries, shops, restaurants, and the American Prohibition Museum , which even has an onsite speakeasy. 

12. Escape the heat by visiting another city museum. 

W. Metzen/ClassicStock/Getty Images

Savannah’s museum roster is vast and varied. In addition to the Telfair Museums, the SCAD Museum of Art, and the American Prohibition Museum, there’s the Savannah African Art Museum , the Mercer Williams House Museum , and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum , named for the “father” of the Civil Rights Movement in Savannah and the 13th pastor of Savannah’s First African Baptist Church.

13. Sit down for a meal at The Olde Pink House.

Known and named for its pink hue, The Olde Pink House is a tourist favorite in Savannah. The menu is distinctly Southern — think fried green tomatoes and fried chicken — and it maintains a fabulous reputation throughout the city. 

14. Pick up local produce at Forsyth Farmers’ Market.

If you’re in town on a Saturday, Taylor and Osbourne recommend “[starting] the morning with a walk around the farmers’ market at Forsyth Park .” Once you’ve made your selections, head down Bull Street toward Broughton Street to visit two of their favorite shops: The Paris Market and Terra Cotta .

15. Throw back a few oysters at Common Thread.

Named by Bon Appétit as one of the best new restaurants in 2022, Common Thread is an “ingredient and seasonally inspired restaurant concept” inside of a restored two-story home built in the 19th century. Chef Carter helms this beloved place, and his dynamic menu changes based on produce availability, but you can never go wrong with the oysters to start. For other meals nearby, Chef Carter recommends having a “light and flavorful” lunch at Wildflower Cafe on Telfair Square and a nightcap at Lone Wolf Lounge .

16. Stretch your legs in Bonaventure Cemetery.

Sean Craft/Getty Images

Three miles from downtown is Bonaventure Cemetery , an azalea-filled resting place known for its role in John Berendt’s 1994 book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Osbourne’s pro-tip for visiting the 100-plus acres? “Bring bug spray.”

17. Cool off with some ice cream at Leopold’s. 

Serving homemade ice cream since 1919, Leopold’s is a Savannah staple. When the Southern city’s temperatures reach the 90s, nothing takes the edge off quite like a scoop or two inside the famed ice cream parlor. 

18. Saddle up to a different kind of bar at Savannah Bee Company's flagship store.

Opened in 2008, the Broughton Street location of Savannah Bee Company treats visitors to both a honey-tasting bar and a mead-tasting bar. It’s the perfect way to break up your day, and you can also pick up a souvenir from your travels.

19. Make a reservation at Chef Mashama Bailey's The Grey. 

Chef Mashama Bailey is known throughout the culinary world; in 2019, she was awarded the title of Best Chef Southeast by the James Beard Foundation. In Savannah, her name is synonymous with her restaurant The Grey , which is set in an Art Deco building that was once a Greyhound station. According to Taylor, “You should absolutely eat at the bar in The Grey; the building restoration is a beautiful thing."

20. Have a rooftop drink at Perry Lane Hotel.

Courtesy of Perry Lane Hotel

Peregrin at the Perry Lane Hotel grants visitors great views of the city, but they're particularly magical at sunset. The bar has signature cocktails, zero-proof concoctions, and multiple frozé options, including rosé, aperol, lillet rouge, and lemon.

21. Visit the First African Baptist Church and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

David Madison/Getty Images

A National Historic Landmark, Savannah’s First African Baptist Church is said to be the “oldest continuous African-American congregation in America.” Tickets for tours can be purchased here . The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist — about one mile away — is open for self-guided tours seven days a week, though hours vary. 

22. Wait in line for a seat inside Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room.

If you want Southern comfort food, there’s one place to go, and that's Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room . “Lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ is totally worth waiting in line for,” says Taylor. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the lucky individuals inside are privy to a family-style meal of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, butter beans, okra and tomatoes, and other mouth-watering delights.

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

17 Best Places To Visit In Savannah (+ Hidden Gems!)

January 4, 2022 //  by  Southern Trippers

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Savannah? We’ve got every top spot for touring on this list! Check out some of Savannah’s favorite attractions and find some hidden gems that are off the beaten path.

Planning your trip to Savannah last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Savannah!

Top Experiences And Tours In Savannah:

• Ghosts And Graveyards Tour With Low House Entry (Our pick!)
• Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Less walking and lots of fun)
• Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise (Likely to sell out!)
• First Squares Food Tour (3 hours long so lots of food)

Top Hotels In Savannah:

• The Thunderbird Inn (Affordable and historic)
• Marriott Savannah Riverfront (Waterfront views)
• River Street Inn (Great location)
• Mansion On Forsyth Park (Luxury!)

Savannah is a city with a rich history, a lively entertainment district, and an amazing coastal landscape to enjoy. To make the most of it all, check out Savannah’s best tours , so you won’t miss a beat on your journey through the city.

It’s definitely the kind of city you can wander through and get lost in (in a good way)! In every district, on every street, there is something waiting to charm you and delight your senses as you learn more about one of the oldest cities in America!

Here you’ll find the best in food, drink, entertainment, architecture, historic sites… you name it, we’ve got it. Read on to discover the best places to visit in Savannah!

Forsyth Park

A trip to this coastal city in Georgia is never complete without a stop at Forsyth Park, always recommended as one of the top places to see in Savannah. Originally built in 1840, the park has been expanded over time. The fountain in particular is a special landmark in the city, having been featured in films like Forrest Gump , Cape Fear , and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .

The park sits right in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District and is steps away from many other Savannah tourist attractions. Bring a picnic and dine amongst the canopy of trees, let the kids roam in the open air, or nestle against a tree trunk with your favorite book.

Looking for a more in-depth visit around this area? Try the Two Hour Savannah Bike Tour, which will take you along the historic streets and straight through Forsyth Park. Tickets are $30, and bike and helmet rentals are included. Touring by bike is efficient, green, and a great way to get to know this remarkable city!

Book your tour: Two Hour Savannah Bike Tour

Stroll Plant Riverside District

If savoring the flavor of Savannah is on your list of things to do, then you must take a stroll around the Plant Riverside District! With a distinct shopping, culinary, and nightlife scene, the Plant Riverside District is arguably the most entertaining neighborhood and one of the best places to go in Savannah.

Start your walk by stopping in one of the area’s many shops. We love Grand Bohemian Gallery for one-of-a-kind art finds, and September’s Closet, a ladies clothing boutique that is one of the true hidden gems in Savannah. When shopping is done, grab a drink at the Riverside Biergarten or try a sweet treat at Byrd’s Famous Cookies. Plant Riverside is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Savannah, with so much to do and see .

Get to know the Plant Riverside District like a local with the Interactive Tour that takes guests on a journey through the area’s past and present. The tour begins at the exciting Generator Hall and uses storytelling to immerse guests in the magic of the neighborhood. Tickets are $35 per guest. Tours last one hour and are available at selected times Wednesdays through Sundays.

Book your tour: I nteractive Tour of the Plant Riverside District

Wormsloe Historic Site

Formally known as Wormsloe Plantation, this state historic site is home to some breathtaking views of the natural landscape of coastal Georgia. Guests are welcomed down an avenue lined with live oaks and Spanish moss that lead to what once was the estate of one of Georgia’s founding fathers, Noble Jones. Because of its rich history and natural beauty, Wormsloe Historic Site is known as one of the best places to visit in Savannah.

Visitors to Wormsloe can enjoy robust nature trails, a museum with artifacts found on Wormsloe’s grounds, and historic interpretations of life at the time Noble Jones built the estate. Its tabby ruins are the oldest standing structure in Georgia.

Wormsloe is open seven days a week, and ticket prices vary. Got a four-legged friend with you? They are welcome on the outdoor trails at Wormsloe! Make sure to bring your camera with you, too – Wormsloe is definitely one of the most picturesque places to go in Savannah .

Book your admission: Wormsloe State Historic Site

Day Trip To Tybee Island

Certainly one of the best places to visit near Savannah, Tybee Island offers a wide array of activities for visitors wanting to soak up the sun or the area’s abundant history. About a 30-minute drive from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is a wonderful place to spend the day exploring with family and friends. There are truly so many things to do in Tybee Island and you should make it a stop for sure!

Start with a trip to the lighthouse at Tybee Island, known as both the oldest and the tallest light-keeping station in the state. An on-site museum highlights the history of the lighthouse and the residents who once called this area home. This is truly one of the best beach towns in Georgia!

If you’re looking for more history to explore, head over to Fort Pulaski National Monument, known as one of the coolest Nationals Park in Georgia . Here, you can walk the halls of the once state-of-the-art military fortification that housed prisoners of war during the Civil War.

If outdoor adventure is what you’re after, check out Sea Kayak Georgia! Guests can embark on a variety of water-based tours to suit your party! From stand-up paddling tours to remote marshlands to full-day and overnight camping canoe trips to custom tours to meet your group’s needs and interests, Sea Kayak Georgia is one of the best ways to explore Savannah’s aquatic ecosystems.

Book your tour: Sea Kayak Georgia

Visit The Rooftop Bars

Savannah has no shortage of great places to find a tasty beverage, but their rooftop bars are unparalleled with amazing and drinks and stunning views of the city down below.

A few of our favorites include Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden in the Plant Riverside District (try the Georgia Kiss, Grey Goose vodka, blood orange, and lemon), Peregrin above the Perry Lane Hotel (try the Yuzu with sake, yuzu liqueur, elderflower liqueur, cava, and grapefruit lavender bitters), and Top Deck Bar on River Street (try the Midnight Sail with Absolut Pear, St. Germaine, lime juice, Blue Curacao, Grenadine, and a splash of soda).

Want to try everything? Take the Generals and Generalities Cocktail Tour, exploring Savannah’s history through cocktails and stories. You’ll get to take a walk through Savannah’s storied history and try the most beloved drinks from long ago. Tickets are $85 per person, but all beverages are included in the ticket price.

Looking for more? Check out our list of the best rooftop bars in Savannah . They certainly top our list as some of the most fun places to go in Savannah!

Book your tour: The Generals and Generalities Cocktail Tour

Mercer Williams House

Arguably the most famous of Savannah’s historic homes, the Mercer Williams house is notable for its Renaissance Revival style of architecture and as being the site of one of Savannah’s most notorious murders, depicted in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .

The home began construction by the Mercer family in 1860, but the Civil War delayed the completion of the home. It was finally finished in 1868, at which time the home was sold to John Wilder. Consequently, no Mercer ever lived in the house. It is truly one of the best Museums In Savannah!

By the 1960s, local preservationist Jim Williams bought and restored the home as his permanent residence. In 1981, Jim Williams shot and killed Danny Hansford in the home’s study, claiming self-defense. Williams was tried for the murder four times, a record in the state of Georgia. Finally acquitted in 1989, Williams returned to living in the home, and he passed away eight months after his release.

The Mercer Williams House now operates as a museum with guided tours occurring every 40 minutes during operating hours. Reservations are encouraged in advance. Make sure to check out Savannah’s famed Mercer Williams House on your next trip, definitely one of the best places to visit in Savannah!

Book your admission: The Mercer Williams House

Marvel At Houses On East Jones Street

Known as “the prettiest street in Savannah,” East Jones Street makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll, to admire some of the beautiful homes lining the avenue – absolutely one of the best places to visit in Savannah!

The street is named for Major John Jones, a Revolutionary War hero. Jones died at the attack on Spring Hill, but was a notable figure in the founding of Savannah prior to the war.

Most of the homes found on the street date to the 1850s and 1860s, creating uniformity in architecture and style. The area declined in popularity during the first half of the 20th century but was revitalized during the 1960s when preservationists embarked on large-scale restoration projects on many of the properties.

Notable homes on the street include the Knapp House, the Eliza Thompson House, and the Alexander Smets House among others. This neighborhood in historic Savannah, Georgia also is one of our favorites to stay in !

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in the state, this church was originally constructed in 1859 but was almost destroyed by a fire in 1898. The community rallied around the building and it was rebuilt, remains a hallmark of outstanding architecture and beauty – one of the best places to visit in Savannah!

Visitors to the area are welcome to join the church for one of the many masses held throughout the week. Docent-led tours are another great way to learn about the church and its history dating back all the way to the founding of the city. Tours are free to guests, but donations are appreciated and reservations are encouraged.

The tour will guide guests through the general history of the Roman Catholic Church in Savannah, and touch on the architecture and history of the building itself. You can marvel at the steeple bell, the terra cotta decoration, and the amazing Great Rose Window. Truly one of the quintessential Savannah tourist attractions.

Book your tour: Docent-Led Tour of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

First African Baptist Church

Another incredible church, deeply embedded in the history of Savannah is the First African Baptist Church, founded in 1773 under the pastorship of Reverend George Liele. Pastor Liele was an emancipated slave and chose to leave Savannah in 1782 to ensure his freedom. He migrated to Jamaica and expanded his work as a minister there.

The site of the current church was developed under the third pastor, Reverend Andrew C. Marshall. Here he organized the first black Sunday school in North American and changed the name of the church from First Colored Baptist to its current name.

The sanctuary was completed in 1859 and still stands today as a testament to faith and community. Tours are available on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 3:00 PM, and ticket prices vary. Make sure to add this to your list of best places to visit in Savannah for a deep dive into the history of one of the area’s most important communities.

Book your tour: First African Baptist Church

Go On A Ghost Tour

Looking for one of the best places to go in Savannah at night? Check out a spooky ghost tour, of course! As the oldest settlement in the state, Savannah definitely has some other-worldly beings from days gone by roaming the streets and historic buildings of today. Learn all about them and their connection to this area on The Dead of Night Ghost Tour.

This adults-only tour takes guests on a walk through Savannah’s historic district and provides a deep dive into the scariest and darkest of hauntings in the city. The tour begins at 423 Abercorn, a haunted house like no other! From there, guests will make stops at places like the macabre Foley House Inn and the creepy Sorrel Weed House. You’ll definitely want to bring your comfiest shoes and maybe even a flashlight to get you through the evening!

This 90-minute tour runs nightly at 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Tickets are $35, and the tour is known to sell out well in advance. Make sure to make your reservation before your trip!

Book your tour: The Dead of Night Ghost Tour

Try Ice Cream At Leopold’s

Located on Broughton Street, Leopold’s has been serving Savannah’s best ice cream for over a century. Their original recipe continues to delight their guests, making Leopold’s one of the best places to visit in Savannah!

Leopold’s was first founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece, at a shop nestled on a corner by the popular streetcar. Guests would hop off the trolly for Leopold’s legendary shakes, malts, and banana splits. Though the shop has since moved from its original location, it still features many of the elements of that first store, like the black marble soda fountain and the telephone booth.

Try their premium ice cream (we like the Honey Almond & Cream and the Peanut Butter Chippy) or enjoy a soda fountain staple like the Hot Fudge Sundae or one of their Milk Shakes. Leopold’s is open seven days a week, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth at any time on your trip!

Go Shopping At Paris Market

Prepare to get lost in a thoughtfully curated shop of wonders when you visit The Paris Market, one of the best places to visit in Savannah. Opened in 2001, The Paris Market is dedicated to sourcing a variety of treasures from around the globe and items handcrafted in Savannah.

If you’re not sure exactly what you’re shopping for, The Paris Market is the place to go. Here you’ll find wonderful and unique gifts, home goods, antiques, jewelry, and more – items you never even knew you needed! We love the carefully selected candles with delicious scents, the amazing art, the incredible one-of-a-kind soaps, and their signature The Paris Market Coffee.

If you work up an appetite while you shop, The Paris Market features an in-store cafe serving tea, wine, champagne, and house-made sandwiches. You could definitely spend a delightful rainy afternoon discovering the wonders that The Paris Market has on offer.

There’s no telling what you’ll find when you visit The Paris Market, but it will be wonderful! And make sure to check out some of our other top picks for shopping in Savannah !

Walk Gaston Street To See The Mansions

Some of the most iconic homes in Savannah line Gaston Street, a beacon of wealth and history in Savannah’s past. As you walk beneath the Spanish moss, you’ll be treated to views of mansions standing grandly, built in a variety of architectural styles, but each dedicated to displaying opulence. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Savannah for a walk on a sunny day.

The landmark building on Gaston Street is The Gastonian, a luxury, historic hotel. It’s an excellent place to stay, combining two adjoining residential mansions into one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts in Savannah.

Located right in the heart of the historic district, Gaston Street is a lovely place to wander after a downtown tour, shopping excursion, or a jaunt through Forsyth Park. When you walk down Gaston Street, you truly feel like a home-grown Savannahian.

Grab A Meal At Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room

Opened in 1943, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room has been treating the folks of Savannah to the best southern cooking ever since. Located in Savannah’s historic district this is the perfect place to grab a meal after you’ve experienced many of the attractions on this list. With delicious homestyle meals on the menu, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is definitely one of the best places to go in Savannah!

The menu at Mrs. Wilkes’ is simple, but oh so good! First, you pick a meat like Fried Chicken or Meat Loaf and then add on your veggies. We like the Snap Peas, Candied Yams, and Macaroni and Cheese. You really can’t go wrong here – it’s all made fresh every day from seasonal local ingredients – yum!

But wait – there’s more! You can also stay at Mrs. Wilkes’, too! The Wilkes Pied-a-Terre is an entire apartment available to rent, to truly feel like Savannah local.

While Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is at the forefront of famous restaurants in Savannah, don’t miss some of our other favorite restaurants in Savannah !

Pin Point Heritage Museum

One of the most hidden gems in Savannah is the Pin Point Heritage Museum, a site dedicated to the preservation and exploration of the Gullah and Geechee culture that was once prominent in the area. The museum is housed in an old crab factory and is one of the best places to visit near Savannah.

Pin Point was a community settled in 1896 by freedmen on the banks of the Moon River not far from Savannah. Guest walking through the exhibits are treated to artifacts, photographs, and lessons providing insight into Geechee and Gullah’s daily life, worship, communication, and cooking.

The museum is open on Thursdays through Saturdays and ticket prices vary. If you’re traveling with a large group, tours can be arranged by contacting the museum in advance.

Book your admission: Pin Point Heritage Museum

The Savannah Underground

The Savannah Underground is an immersive one-of-a-kind experience that puts YOU at the center of Savannah’s most haunting and gruesome tales, making this one of the best places to visit in Savannah for a spooky evening.

Guests can enjoy an engaging show upon their visit to The Savannah Underground and have the option to embark on a trolley tour upon the conclusion of the show. Listen to three ghostly tales being acted out around you in their 360-degree interactive theatre. Current sinister stories include Yellow Fever , about a girl who suffers from the disease, and Boo Hag , about a woman who is haunted by a Gullah Geechee ghost known as “Hag.”

The evening also includes a ghost tour via trolley to some of the city’s most haunted spots and spookiest landscapes. As you jaunt through Savannah’s cobblestone streets, hear the stories that give Savannah the reputation as being one of “the most haunted cities in America.”

Book your admission: The Savannah Underground

Ride The Paddle Wheeler

To tour the lush landscape of Savannah from the water, you can’t beat an afternoon cruise aboard the Georgia Queen – it’s one of the best places to visit in Savannah for a lazy afternoon. The riverboat provides state-of-the-art modern amenities while letting guests experience the transportation of days gone by.

The Georgia Queen offers a variety of cruises to suit your tastes. Meals are served on board and you can choose your cruising time around a specific meal in the day – they offer cruises for brunch, lunch, and dinner. You can also choose a cruise based on activity. The sightseeing tour showcases the best of the coast as you float down the river with guided narration from the captain himself!

If you’re looking for a cruise focused on entertainment, try the sunset cruise where a live band will play as cocktails are served and the sun sets over the river. If you love music, check out the Monday night gospel cruise, where dinner is served amidst the sounds of Savannah’s best gospel entertainers.

No matter which cruise you choose, the Georgia Queen is always one of the best activities in Savannah!

Book your cruise: Cruise Aboard the Georgia Queen

With so much to do and see, Savannah is an excellent destination for an active traveler. If you have a curious mind, there is so much to learn – from the storied history to the outstanding architecture to the quirky shops and fabulous bars and restaurants.

The best places to visit in Savannah are always right around the next corner! Come discover the magic of Georgia’s oldest city!

30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Savannah (Georgia)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: August 14, 2019  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Those who want to visit a city of true Southern hospitality and fantastic culture should come to Savannah, Georgia.

This city has shown that Georgia is more than just Atlanta .

With a vibrant atmosphere and an agreeable climate, you’ll find that any time of year is a great time to come to Savannah.

These are 30 things to do in Savannah, Georgia.

Table of Contents

1. Old Savannah Trolley Tours

Chris Allan / Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Savannah, Georgia is to go on Old Savannah trolley tours .

These tours bring you around the historic district of Savannah and let you see various points of interest.

This can be fun for people in large groups, such as families on vacation as well as close friends.

Old Savannah trolley tours highlight some of the best sites in Savannah, Georgia.

You can see places like the Juliette Gordon Low Home, the Mulberry Inn, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

These sightseeing opportunities can help you to see just how diverse and historic Savannah is.

Over 90 minutes, you can see what Old Savannah is like. There are lots of great chances for fun photos.

You’ll want to listen closely as well so that you can absorb the stories as much as possible.

This is definitely one of the best ways to get educated in Savannah, Georgia.

Address: 215 West Boundary Street (Tour departure location), Savannah, GA 31401, USA

2. Forsyth Park

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

If you have any foresight when you come to Savannah, Georgia, you’ll make sure to come to Forsyth Park.

This has become one of the most cherished parks in all of the south.

It’s Savannah at its best, based on how much beauty and comfort it offers to anyone who comes to it.

When you’re at Forsyth Park on a nice day, it’s hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere else.

The happy expressions on your fellow park guests can provide further reassurance.

Forsyth Park is part of the Savannah historic district. It has an area of 300 acres.

Some of the activities that can be done here include running, picnicking, and checking out the incredible fountain.

There’s also a farmer’s market hosted here every Saturday if you want to get a taste of great Georgia produce.

When you’re looking for stuff to do in Savannah, Georgia in a relaxed manner, you should come to Forsyth Park.

It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can really have a lot of fun without spending any money while you’re here.

Address:  2 W Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

3. Savannah Waterfront

The Savannah waterfront is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the city.

Bordered by the Savannah River, this is a great place for intermingling and taking in a gorgeous view.

Coming to the Savannah waterfront lets you feel very entertained by all that there is to do and see.

Some of the attractions at the Savannah waterfront include places to shop and eat.

You can browse stores like Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, Exotic Cigars, and Fabulous Finds Under $20.

There are also some of the top seafood restaurants in Georgia here.

Some of the best places to eat at the Savannah waterfront include River House Seafood, The Shrimp Factory, and Pearle’s Saltwater Grille.

If you love art, you’ll want to be sure to check out the galleries throughout the waterfront.

You might also try to plan a trip to coincide with events hosted at the waterfront, such as Oktoberfest.

If you’re wanting to have a great time around Savannah, this is the place to come to.

Address: 404 East Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401-1208, USA

4. City Market

Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock

In many cities, you’ll be lucky to find a market’s even half as good as City Market .

Seven days a week, lots of people fill into this four-block area to patron all sorts of fantastic merchants.

Even if you don’t spend a penny, you can still have a great time here.

City Market is where people go in Savannah to check out awesome shops like American Prohibition Museum, Georgia Tasting Room, The Little Convenience Store, and Woof Gang at Home.

There are also great restaurants here, such as Vinnie Van Go-Go’s and Wild Wing Cafe.

If you really love art, you should make sure to see the galleries, such as Stephen Kasun Gallery and Alix Baptiste Art Gallery.

Entertainment is a big part of City Market. There are live concerts and great bars around the market.

Grab a drink at The Bar Bar one night and socialize with the locals as well as other tourists.

It can be really cool to spend the better part of a day in Savannah, Georgia at City Market and discover all these awesome businesses.

Address:  219 W Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

5. Food Tours

Fanfo / Shutterstock

When you come to a city such as Savannah, Georgia you can be flabbergasted by how many restaurants you want to try.

It can seem also unfair to have to choose one over the other.

Instead of fretting over what to do for dining while you’re in Savannah, you should go on a food tour.

On these tours, hosted by Savannah Taste Experience , you’ll be brought to different restaurants with one thing in common: they’re all a culinary delight.

There are two tours to choose from.

The first is known as “The First Squares Food Tour” and brings you to seven different restaurants.

The second tour has restaurants that are a bit more off-the-beaten-path.

But no matter which tour you choose, you’re going to be treated to lots of great food.

These tours are as entertaining as the food is delicious. The cost of these tours is $56.95 per adult.

Address: 426 Barnard St., Savannah, GA 31401, USA

Planning a road trip around Georgia? Check out our list of things to do in Georgia !

6. The Owens-Thomas House

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

There’s hardly a better way to get a glimpse of a city’s historic significance than through visiting some of its most legendary buildings.

In Savannah, Georgia, The Owens-Thomas House is a place of legend.

It’s approximately 200 years old and continues to be a part of the city’s lore.

Some of the most striking features of the two-story house are its Parterre Garden, Orientation Gallery, and The Loft, an area for historians to do their research.

The Owens-Thomas House was also used for slave-holding purposes, and you can see where the slaves were forced to live.

When you come to the Owens-Thomas Tour, you can count on getting a highly satisfying tour through the past.

The Owens-Thomas House is opened from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.

It’s definitely one of the best-known Savannah attractions, as for good reason.

Those who are interested in learning more about Savannah history should definitely check out the Owens-Thomas House.

Address:  124 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

7. The University of Georgia Aquarium

Brent Moore / flickr

There’s nothing quite like getting to see aquatic animals in person.

You might not have the chance to go snorkeling while you’re in the city.

However, you can still check out the marine life and learn plenty by going to the University of Georgia Aquarium .

At this aquarium, you can see more than 200 types of marine animals, most of which are found on the Georgia coast.

Animals include stingrays, sea turtles, and diamondback terrapins. A touch tank allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of Georgia’s marine invertebrates such as whelks and crabs.

The aquarium campus also features a learning garden with native plants and animals as well as a nature trail that runs along the Skidaway River.

Adults and kids can both have a wonderful experience at the UGA Aquarium.

The UGA Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Ticket prices vary.

It’s so much fun to observe these species as they swim and move about.

Coming here can be a great way to spend part of a weekend trip to Savannah, Georgia.

Address:  30 Ocean Science Cir, Savannah, GA 31411, USA

8. Telfair Museum of Art

meunierd / Shutterstock

The Telfair Museum of Art is a great place to experience culture in Savannah, Georgia.

This museum was founded 200 years ago.

Throughout the years, it has become an icon in the city for how it highlights a wide array of artists and unique styles.

No other public art museum in the south is older.

Located in the city’s historic district, the Telfair Museum of Art has become one of the top Savannah attractions for those who want to take in true style.

Great artists like Kahlil Gibran are represented here. There are also lots of impressive sculptures to be seen as well.

The Telfair Museum of Art has three buildings, including the aforementioned Owens-Thomas House.

A great cultural experience in Savannah can be had here.

It wouldn’t be off-base to consider this as one of the top 10 art museums in the entire state of Georgia, as it has so much goodness to offer.

Address:  207 W York St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

9. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

f11photo / Shutterstock

While you’ll go past it on the trolley tour of the historic district, The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is still something you should see as closely as possible when you’re in Savannah.

This is a place that can enthrall people of all sorts of faith backgrounds, as you don’t need to be Catholic to see the beauty in this structure.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was first built in 1876 and rebuilt shortly after a fire in 1898.

There are tours available from Monday to Saturday, starting at 9 and ending at 5.

Services are held every day of the week.

Some of the best things to see here are the stained glass windows and the immense spires.

Visiting the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of the best things to do in Savannah.

It’s a place where you can feel your faith grow and is one of the best places to visit in Savannah.

Be sure to put this on your list if you want to get a chance to really show your devotion when you come to this city.

Address:  222 E Harris St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

10. Roots Up Gallery

Roots Up Gallery

Those who think that art can’t speak to anyone but those of the highest class rank should come to Roots Up Gallery .

This art gallery is all about honoring “roots,” particularly those of the south.

It’s also a great place to see works from up and coming artists.

Roots Up Gallery is situated downtown.

The building it’s in used to be a townhouse. You can really get a good feel for the history of the building by exploring.

However, you’ll want to pay special attention to all of the different pieces on display.

These are in styles ranging from pottery to oil painting.

Visiting Roots Up Gallery is one of the best things to do in Savannah.

It has become one of the top points of interest for art lovers in the south.

If you see something you really love, you might consider picking it up for framing or display in your home.

So much fun can be had when you look at all the wonderful art at Roots Up Gallery.

Address:  412 Whitaker St c, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

Visiting other parts of Georgia? Why not check out some of the things to do in Helen, GA & some of the things to do in Augusta, GA ?

11. The Savannah Theatre

This theatre is also known as “The Historic Savannah Theatre.”

It was founded in 1818, which would certainly make it qualify, as would it’s fame as America’s oldest theater.

But it’s not just the age of the venue that has made it such a piece of Savannah history.

There’s also the fact that this is a phenomenal theatre that hosts amazing events throughout any given year.

The Savannah Theatre holds up to 525 people and has impressive features like its grand marquee and stage.

However, what’s arguably most impressive are the events that are hosted here.

There are things like musicals and live concerts, and it’s really incredible to be able to see things like “Elf The Musical” live.

Going to the Savannah Theatre is one of the most fun things to do in Savannah.

It’s one of the best performing arts venues in all of the south.

Checking out the events at The Savannah Theatre is something you must do before you come to the city.

Address:  222 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

12. Hands-on Cooking Classes

Chef Darin Sehnert

The culinary experience is a very important part of any trip, but Savannah offers something very special.

One of the top activities for those who don’t find getting some ingredients on their hands is taking “Hands-on Cooking Classes” at Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table .

Chef Darin Sehnert is one of the most well-respected chefs around the city.

His cooking skills are matched by his teaching ones. He makes learning how to cook a true pleasure.

You can prepare some of the best food you’ve ever made.

Things you can learn how to make include paella, shrimp and grits, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Chef Sehnert offers cooking classes throughout the month.

The cost can vary, but it’s typically $90 or $100 for classes that last around 3 and 3.5 hours.

This is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Savannah, and you can come home packed with knockout recipes, made like a true professional.

Address:  2514 Abercorn St #140, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

13. Wormsloe Historic Site

Serge Skiba / Shutterstock

Even if you’ve never been to Wormsloe Historic Site or even heard of it, the odds are quite excellent that you’ve seen it.

The sight of trees suspended over pavement to create an amazing makeshift tunnel can create a very tranquil feeling just through artistic depictions.

When you see it in person, however, it’s a whole different kind of beauty.

The trees that line this path are some of the mightiest oaks you’ll ever encounter.

There’s also lots of Spanish moss to be observed.

You should keep going down this path as far as it lets you, as you’ll eventually reach the Wormsloe estate, which is Savannah’s oldest surviving building.

The Wormsloe Historic Site is one of the best places to visit when you come to Savannah.

It’s rare to have a place where the path to the attraction is also an attraction.

You can also take tours and even host events like weddings here.

This place should keep being one of Savannah’s greatest attractions.

Address:  7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA 31406, USA

14. Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

Kelly Michals / flickr

Before we had airplanes, getting around internationally meant using ships.

At the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum , you can see things relating to ships from the 1700s and the 1800s.

Coming here is one of the most fun things to do in Savannah if you’re interested in seafaring.

This museum includes items from centuries ago, but it’s actually fairly modern, having been opened in 1966.

It’s got great exhibitions of things like finely-made model ships, including one of the Titanic.

There are also events hosted here, such as the premieres of work by artists like Robert Morris, of Savannah.

Coming to the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is one of the top things to do in Savannah.

You can learn some really impressive things and have fun looking at all the models.

The museum is opened from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, with guests not being admitted past 4:15 p.m.

Address:  41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

15. The Wilkes House

Southern cooking is one of the best parts of coming to Savannah, Georgia, and The Wilkes House is a restaurant that shows exactly why that is.

This restaurant is only open for lunch, but it’s one of the greatest lunch experiences in the south you’ll ever have.

The entire menu and dining experience have made it one of the greatest Savannah attractions.

The Wilkes House has everything you’d want from traditional southern cooking, including meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens.

The seating arrangement is family-style, so you can really feel the southern hospitality coming through every part of your meal.

Coming to The Wilkes House is definitely what to do in Savannah, Georgia if you want to have a beautiful dining experience.

It costs $25 for lunch, plus tax, and is half-price for children 10 and younger.

If you’re anywhere close to Savannah, you need to get a meal at The Wilkes House.

Address:  107 W Jones St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

Exploring other areas of Georgia? Why not check out some of the things to do in Blue Ridge, GA  & some of the things to do in Columbus, GA ?

16. Photography Walking Tours

harsanger / Shutterstock

Taking photos is one of the most sensible travel tips , no matter where you’re going on vacation.

However, it can sometimes be hard to figure out exactly what to take photos of and how to take the best possible photos.

In Savannah, Georgia, you can go on photography walking tours that relieve you of worrying about those things.

These tours are hosted by Capturing Savannah .

For about two hours, you’ll go to different points of interest that would be perfect for photos.

You’ll also receive instruction on how to take the best possible photos from friendly and enthusiastic guides.

If you have a high-end camera that you’ve been wanting to save for a special occasion, this is exactly what you should use it for.

Adults and kids alike can have fun on photography walking tours.

It’s a wonderful way to get fresh air, see tourist attractions, and work on a skill.

There are so many amazing things to see in Savannah, and Capturing Savannah’s photography walking tours are one of the best ways to see them.

17. Bonaventure Cemetery

Nick Fox / Shutterstock

Going to a cemetery might not seem like the most fun thing to do while on vacation in Savannah, Georgia.

However, experiences can be highly satisfying while also being highly serious.

Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the most notable cemeteries in all of the south, and it’s one of the top things to see in Savannah if you want to show respect for those who have gone before you.

This cemetery was opened in 1846. It has a total area of roughly 160 acres.

There have been quite a few notable people buried here, including Johnny Mercer and Rosa Louise Woodbury.

It has also been immortalized through its inclusion in the book and film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

Bonaventure Cemetery is opened seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is no cost for admission.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and nourishing experience in Savannah, Georgia, you should be sure to come to Bonaventure Cemetery.

Address:  330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA 31404, USA

18. Zunzi’s

Zunzi’s Takeout & Catering

You can eat the most expensive meal at the most expensive restaurant in the world, and it might not satisfy quite the way a good sandwich does.

Zunzi’s is a wildly popular place in Savannah, Georgia for their South African-inspired sandwiches.

If you bring up this restaurant up in the vicinity of anyone who’s eaten there, you can expect their mouths to start watering right away.

The sandwiches are Zunzi’s are creative as well as delicious.

You’ll find things like hummus, marinara sauce, and their incredible “Dank sauce” on their sandwiches.

There are also things like wraps and salads to satisfy other cravings.

All kinds of dietary needs are respected, and omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, and those who avoid gluten can all have a great experience here.

If you’re in Savannah, Georgia for any amount of time, be it a week, weekend, or different length, you should come to Zunzi’s.

It’s earned a reputation for true excellence.

The moment you take that first bite of your sandwich or whatever else, you’ll see why this place so widely adored.

Address:  108 E York St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

19. Old Fort Jackson Historic Site

Old Fort Jackson Historic Site is one of the top places to come to in Savannah, Georgia if you have an interest in military history.

This fort was first built in 1808.

However, it was of especially great usage during the War of 1812, when more was added to protect it even further.

Today, Old Fort Jackson Historic Site continues to be well preserved and draws visitors every year as one of Savannah, Georgia’s most impressive tourist attraction.

It’s is a gorgeous ode to human achievement and resilience.

Knowing that the people behind this fort were able to protect themselves as well as they could is utterly inspiring.

Old Fort Jackson Historic Site is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you’re looking for activities that teach you about the important role of Savannah and the south in history, you should come to Old Fort Jackson Historic Site.

Address:  1 Fort Jackson Rd, Savannah, GA 31404, USA

20. The Grey

The name of this restaurant isn’t supposed to give you any ideas about how the food looks, as it’s full of vibrant colors, in addition to being quite delicious.

On the contrary, The Grey is named as such because it was opened in a refurbished Greyhound bus depot.

You might imagine what it would be like to be a traveler, waiting for your bus to arrive, but it’s also likely you’ll be too caught up in scarfing down the delicious food.

At The Grey, you can enjoy southern cooking that is refined as well as comforting.

Chef Mashama Bailey has experience in both Georgia and New York, and it’s helped to make her a true wizard in the kitchen.

Items like foie gras and quail can be found with ones like grits.

If someone thinks that southern cooking can’t be refined, make a reservation with them at The Grey.

The Grey is opened from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

You can definitely count on this being one of the best dining experiences you have while in Savannah, Georgia.

Address:  109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

Going on a road trip around Georgia? Why not check out some of the things to do in Tybee Island  & some of the things to do in Athens, GA ?

21. Fort Pulaski National Monument

JASON TENCH / Shutterstock

For Civil War buffs, visiting Fort Pulaski National Monument is what to do while in Savannah.

This fort was very important during the Civil War, as it showed the Confederacy what they were up against in terms of Union power.

Today, Fort Pulaski is well-preserved and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is on an island near Savannah.

The fort was struck by Union cannon fire and other artillery means in 1862, during American Civil War.

Although it was badly damaged, it has been restored thanks to the conservation efforts of the late President Calvin Coolidge.

Besides the wonder of the fort, this historic site also has an impressive lighthouse and great trails for hiking and biking.

Fort Pulaski National Monument paints a powerful portrait of one of the most important military conflicts in our nation’s history.

Coming here is essential for anybody with even a slight interest in the American Civil War.

Address: U.S. Highway 80 Savannah, Tybee Island, GA 31410-0757, USA

22. The Olde Pink House Restaurant

Ron Cogswell / flickr

One of the most elegant restaurants in all of the south, The Olde Pink House Restaurant is where you want to come in Savannah if you’re looking for a dining experience unlike any other.

This restaurant is in a mansion that dates back to the 1700s, and the food is absolutely exquisite.

At The Olde Pink House Restaurant, you can enjoy things like jumbo sea scallops, crispy fried lobster tail, and grilled pork tenderloin.

The restaurant is right next to the beautiful Planters Inn hotel, so it’s the perfect place to eat if you’re staying there.

A room service option is also available.

The Olde Pink House Restaurant is where to go if you want to have one of the most phenomenal dining experiences in Savannah.

This has become a must see for any culinarian in the south.

When you come to The Olde Pink House Restaurant, you’ll see why so many in Savannah hold it in such high esteem.

Address:  23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

23. Hearse Ghost Tours

If you’re looking for a spookily great sightseeing experience, you should go on Hearse Ghost Tours .

These tours give you a glimpse at some of the darker sides of Savannah.

If you enjoy seeing tourist attractions that aren’t part of the typically touring experience, you should go on Hearse Ghost Tours.

During these tours, you’ll be brought through destinations in one of those famously macabre vehicles.

You’ll go through cemeteries and various locales that are said to be haunted.

Whether or not you actually believe in ghosts, you’re likely to feel a few goosebumps when you’re on Hearse Ghost Tours.

Hearse Ghost Tours operates seven days a week, with tours available at 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m.

You need to make sure to make a reservation ahead of time.

Additionally, admission costs $20 for adults and $10 for kids 10 and younger.

For a spooky good time, be sure to come on Hearse Ghost Tours.

Address:  31405, 412 E Duffy St, Savannah, GA 31401, United States

24. CO Savannah

CO Savannah

CO has earned a reputation as one of the greatest places to visit in the southeast for Asian food. It has locations in multiple cities, including Savannah.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s light while also very satisfying, you should come to CO Savannah.

At CO, you can have incredible dishes like beef pho, Vietnamese ramen, laksa, and pad thai.

There are also fantastic smaller dishes, such as summer rolls.

This restaurant also does an excellent job of catering to omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike.

CO is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

There’s a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

If you’re looking for ane excellent Asian meal, come to CO.

Address:  10 Whitaker St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

25. The Mercer-Williams House

Rolf_52 / Shutterstock

The Mercer-Williams House is another one of the top places to visit for those with an interest in history.

It’s also got a very spooky feeling to it, as the “Williams” of its name comes from Jim Williams, a man tried four times for a murder that took place here, as discussed in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

On a lighter note, the home is also named for the beloved musician Johnny Mercer.

It’s also a very impressive building that’s been kept in excellent shape.

Some items in it go as far back as the 18th century.

The Mercer-Williams House is opened from Monday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

When you come here, you can feel near amazing parts of Savannah’s history.

It’s definitely one of the most fascinating places to see in the city.

Address:  429 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

26. World of Beer

World of Beer

Some people like beer in the sense that they’ll have one after work some days.

Others like beer in the sense that they can identify different types based on taste and appearance.

Then, there are people who absolutely live for beer.

If this describes you, you need to be near World of Beer as soon as you can.

At World of beer , you can try all kinds of fantastic beer.

There are hundreds to choose from, including dozens of craft beers.

The entire atmosphere is exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to a friendly bar atmosphere.

You can pair your beer with things like burgers and fried shrimp.

You can also have fun at World of Beer by taking in live music.

World of Beer is opened from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

If you’re looking for a great place to spend your night, you should come to World of Beer.

Address:  112 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

27. The Andrew Low House

Keith Michael Taylor / Shutterstock

If you’re looking to see historic homes, the Andrew Low House should be high on your list.

It’s another great sightseeing destination in the city.

It dates back to 1848 and is another example of Savannah’s undeniable historic excellence.

The Andrew Low House was the home of Low, a self-made man from Scotland.

He garnered significant wealth working in the cotton industry.

He hired architect John Norris to built his home at Lafayette Square.

Today, visitors are fascinated by the neo-classical look of the Andrew Low House.

The Andrew Low House is a perfect example of what happens when someone really applies themselves.

When you come to this site, you can feel like you’re near a true legend of Savannah’s history.

This house is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $9 for seniors and students from age 6-18.

Admission is free for active military personnel with ID.

Address:  329 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

28. Pacci Italian Kitchen and Bar

Pacci Italian Kitchen

Those who love Italian food should come to Pacci Italian Kitchen and Bar .

This is one of Savannah’s top establishments for having a fantastic meal of pasta and other treats.

Every item on this menu is made with total care.

You might feel like you’ve stepped into a first-rate restaurant in Tuscany.

The food at Pacci Italian Kitchen and Bar is excellent. The only bad part is having to decide what you want.

There are so many great dishes to choose from, including risotto, chicken parmigiana, and veal scallopini.

If you can’t make it for dinner, Pacci Italian Kitchen and Bar also offers breakfast and brunch.

Pacci Italian Kitchen is open seven days a week.

Dinner is served from Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm. to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Breakfast is served from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Address:  601 E Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

29. Tricentennial Park

EQRoy / Shutterstock

If you’re for what to see and you love museums, you should come to Tricentennial Park.

This is one of Savannah’s greatest attractions and a great place for families to spend their weekend.

There are three museums located here, and all of them help to solidify this city as one of the most beautiful places in America .

The museums that are located here are the Georgia State Railroad Museum, the Savannah Children’s Museum, and the Savannah History Museum and Battlefield Memorial Park.

All of these can offer all kinds of great learning.

Your kids are also sure to love the Children’s Museum, with exhibitions such as the maze and sensory garden.

Even if you don’t have a chance to see all of these museums in one trip, Tricentennial Park can still be a highlight of your visit.

It’s great to see how much the city focuses on helping people have fun as well as learn.

There are three museums and countless memories to be made here.

Address:  MLK Jr Blvd @, Louisville Rd, Savannah, GA 31401, United States

30. Leopold’s Ice Cream

Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock

One of the most legendary parts of this city is Leopold’s . It has roughly a century of history, having been opened in 1919.

While it might sound like a dive bar, it’s actually an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

Generations have come to Leopold’s and savored all sorts of items on their menu.

As soon as you step into Leopold’s, you should feel yourself being charmed by the atmosphere.

It’s quaint and gorgeous all at once. However, it’s when you dive into the menu that you can really be impressed.

There are all kinds of great sandwiches and soups.

If you have a sweet tooth, Leopold’s is the place for you, as they’re most famous for their outstanding ice cream.

When you come to a place like Leopold’s, you can feel like you’re filled with pure southern hospitality.

It’s open from Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Whether you want something after breakfast, a late-night treat, or something else, Leopold’s is the place to be.

Address:  212 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To Savannah

Savannah is one of the best cities in the entire south.

If you’re looking for a place with history, great food, and wonderful people, come here.

You’re bound to have an excellent experience.

Savannah Attractions

Savannah offers so many unique Attractions to see! From the majestic oak trees towering over city sq  uares featuring monuments to Revolutionary War Heroes to the rising Spires of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist -- there's something for everyone to see in beautiful Savannah.

The Parks & Squares of Savannah

Every city is known for something and for Savannah, it's our series park-like squares that define our historic district. These 22 town squares are undoubtedly the number one Savannah tourist attraction.

Forsyth Park

Inspired by the French and the beauty of Parisian parks, Fredrick Law Olmstead, along with Savannah’s city planners created the picturesque Forsyth Park in the 1840s.  Today, it is the largest park in Savannah a nd the center of many cultural activities.

The Squares of Savannah

Visit one of the twenty two Squares of Savannah and enjoy a day in the park.  Enjoy lunch, take photos and read the historical markers and take in the majesty of historical monuments and statues that pay tribute to historical figures important in our history.

Historic Churches in Savannah

Cathedral basilica of st. john the baptist.

One of the most popular Savannah tourist attractions is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist on Harris Street.  The Cathedral's twin spires are among the most recognizable features of the Savannah Skyline as they rise nearly 100 feet above Lafayette Square .

Other Historic Churches in Savannah

In any city, historic churches are a popular tourist attraction, especially in downtown Savannah where there is so much history in congregations such as Christ Church Episcopal , the Mother Church of Georgia, the First African Baptist Church of Savannah , w here the first Sunday school for black children was established, and Independent Presbyterian Church , where Woodrow Wilson was married and the Father of American Church music served as organist.

Savannah's Historic Forts

Old fort jackson.

The cannons still fire daily at Old Fort Jackson in Savannah — the oldest brick fort in Georgia. This well preserved military museum on The Savannah River is less than 2 miles from the historic district and is o pen for touring seven days a week. 

Fort Pulaski National Monument

This historic fort 14 miles east of Savannah, on the way to Tybee Island, played a part in the United States defense against Britain in the early part of the 19th century. As Civil War gripped the nation in the 1860s, Fort Pulaski was attacked by Union Forces.

More Savannah Attractions

Historic homes & museums.

Flannery O'Connor Childhood Hom e Georgia Railroad Museum Green-Meldrim House Isaiah Davenport Home

Jepson Center

Mercer-Williams House

Owens Thomas House

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Ship's of the Sea Museum

Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum

Sorrel-Weed House

Telfair Academy

Famous Cemeteries in Savannah

Bonaventure Cemetery

Colonial Park Cemetery

The Charming Streets of Savannah

Broughton Street

Jones Street (coming soon)

Oglethorpe Avenue ( c o m i n g s o o n )

River Street

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Georgia (GA) » 25 Best Things to Do in Savannah (Georgia) in 2023

25 Best Things to Do in Savannah (Georgia) in 2023

There are few southern destinations that are as quintessentially southern as Savannah. Oozing with charm, it’s a pedestrian-friendly favorite for the entire family, and one that can be a little more affordable than Charleston, and a little tamer than New Orleans .

When most travelers imagine Savannah, the first thought that pops into their head is visions of cobblestone streets lined with moss-laden oaks, and for the most part, it’s not an image that’s all that far off from the truth. However, there’s so much more to Savannah than just this. Take a gander at a few of our favorite sites and sounds around this city, and you, too, will yearn to come back year after year.

I’ve lived in Savannah for several years and have experienced much of what there is to do and see. Here’s my list of the best things to do in Savannah :

1. Forsyth Park

The historic district of Savannah is beautiful enough all on its own, but Forsyth Park definitely adds to the charm. A beautiful, green, lush landscape, it’s popular with both tourists and locals alike, and you’ll find 30 acres of trees, flowers and other foliage.

There’s also nearly always something going on here, from the open air concerts, to a farmer’s market that’s open every Saturday. Forsyth Park is also home to one of the most photographed spots in all of Savannah — the huge, gorgeous fountain is totally Instagram-worthy.

2. Old Savannah Trolley Tours

Explore the best-known locations around Savannah’s historic district, on this hop-on, hop-off trolley. This is a great option if you’re in the city for a limited number of days, and want to cram as much sightseeing as possible into just an afternoon.

The trolley covers 22 squares, and shows off some of Savannah’s prime landmarks, like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Temple Mickve Israel, the Sorrel Weed House, the Juliette Gordon Low Home, the Mansion of Forsythe Park, the Mulberry Inn and the Pirates House.

There are 15 different stops, and you can hop off the trolley whenever you want to go exploring, and you can be assured that another one will be right there to pick you up, nearly whenever you like, as they come around every 15 to 20 minutes.

Book online : Hop-On Hop-Off Historic Trolley Tour

3. City Market

Easily within reach of all your sightseeing in Savannah, the City Market is four blocks of open air shopping, all surrounded by restored warehouses with tons of cute extra shopping, plus dining and art. There are plenty of open air concerts in the square as well, and it can be a great stop for just sitting and people watching.

Do keep in mind, though; the market is home to a few bars, and so you may find that the evening crowd gets a little rambunctious. If you’re visiting with the kids, make sure to stop by in the morning or early afternoon.

4. The Owens-Thomas House

If you’re an architecture guru, you probably already know of this Savannah staple, but even if you’re not, if you can appreciate a good bit of luxury living and history, you may want to stop by the Owens-Thomas House. A prime example of English Regency architecture, the house was built in 1819 and is large enough to fill an entire block.

Designed by an English architect, the home was built by a Bermuda merchant, and then later purchased by a congressman. Now, it’s a National Historic Landmark. The house has hours that are just a little odd, so you may want to check them out before you head over.

Also on the house’s block are the carriage house, the parterre garden and one of the earliest intact urban slave quarters.

Related tour : Haunted History and Ghosts Walking Tour

5. Telfair Museum of Art

One of my favorites and the oldest art museum in the South, the Telfair Museum is housed inside a classical Regency mansion, designed by an English architect and purchased by the son of the Georgian governor.

The home was completed in 1819, and it stayed within the same family until 1875, when the last surviving member of the Telfair family left the home and all of its furnishings to the Georgia Historical Society.

The structure was enlarged just eight short years later, adding a sculpture gallery and rotunda. The grand opening was a superb affair, attracting famous faces such as Jefferson Davis.

Now, when you visit, you’ll see carefully restored interior rooms, paintings from German Impressionists and the American French, period furniture, silver and other items. Additionally, the museum houses the largest public collection of paintings by Kahlil Gibran, more than 80. I recommend spending at least 2 hours here.

Read also :  15 Best Savannah Tours

6. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Called the most impressive building in all of Savannah, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist certainly will make your jaw drop.

Towering spires and stained glass take your breath away, whether you’re attending a religious mass, or enjoying a guided or self-guided tours.

The cathedral was built where it now stands in 1876, but a historic fire destroyed much of what was there in 1898. In just two years, the cathedral was rebuilt, and now it stands to represent the tradition of faith within Savannah.

It calls itself one of the Top 10 historic sites to visit in the United States, and it welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

7. The Historic Savannah Theatre

The oldest continually operating theatre in the United States, The Historic Savannah Theatre was built in 1818, opening in December with a comedy. Now, the square where it sits, Chippewa Square has become a huge part of Savannah nightlife and entertainment, mostly because of the theatre. Now, while the theatre does offer nightly shows, it also offers something else for cinema geeks.

Right outside, sits a bench where several scenes of the movie Forrest Gump was shot. This is a hugely popular spot for photos, now, as you can probably imagine.

8. Wormsloe Historic Site

If your’e looking for that quintessential Southern photo with the mossy oak trees hanging over a beautiful lane, this is where you’ll find it. This historic site includes a beautiful avenue with all the oaks and Spanish moss you could want, and it leads right up to the ruins of Wormsloe, a colonial estate which is the oldest standing structure in Savannah at this point.

If you visit during an event, you may see a costumed reenactor or two, but on a normal day, you can still visit the museum (featuring colonial artifacts) and hike the nature trail, which goes through the ruins, to a marsh and around the grounds.

Guided tour : Wormsloe Plantation and Bonaventure Cemetery Tour

9. The Savannah Waterfront

Did you even know Savannah had a river waterfront? People are sometimes surprised to hear that Savannah has its own river. River Street was historically significant as a warehouse row, highly supporting the cotton industry. However, River Street was abandoned for decades after the yellow-fever epidemic, only to be rediscovered and put back into use after the 1960s.

Now, guests can walk the cobblestone streets and see centuries of history laid out before them, as they walk past the dozens of businesses within the previously abandoned warehouses right on the river. Whether you’re looking for shopping, dining, drinks or galleries, it’s all here. I recommend the Riverboat Cruise & City Tour Combo

10. The Wilkes House

Not another architectural marvel to tour, but rather a place to fill your senses with all the tradition of fine Southern cooking.

The Wilkes House has been feeding Southerners for decades now, and you can chow down on the same fried chicken, sweet potatoes, okra, gumbo, cornbread, biscuits and more that show up on the menu regularly.

The menu changes every day, and the atmosphere is decidedly down-home and casual. Seating is family-style, everyone pays a flat price to dine and cash is the only kind of currency accepted here.

Related :  Where to Stay in Savannah GA – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

11. Bonaventure Cemetery

For more moss-laden oak tree goodness and a taste of Southern spooks (the South does have a good helping of gothic flair, by the way), head to Bonaventure Cemetery. One of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, it’s on many a visitor’s bucket list.

Free to enter, the property is more than 100 acres. If you feel like taking a tour, rather than just rambling around on your own, you can get a free guided tour on the weekends of the second Sunday of each month.

12. Old Fort Jackson Historic Site

Old Fort Jackson is the oldest standing brick fort within Georgia, built in 1808. It attracts 50,000 visitors each and every year, and for good reason. The fort is named after a Georgian governor who freed Savannah from the British rule, and it was at one time one of the strongest fortifications in the entire United States, as it was built entirely of earth, then faced with brick and then topped off with a wooden platform.

Additions were made to the fort during the War of 1812, and it looks much the same today as it did at that time. Self-guided tours are available, and you can enjoy views of the Savannah River from the top. Stick around long enough to hear the cannons shot!

13. Fort Pulaski National Monument

Built in the 1800s, Fort Pulaski stands on an island in the river, between Savannah and Tybee Island. It was the first Confederate masonry fort to fall under Union cannon fire, which marked a turning point in military history. There’s lots to do and see beyond the actual monument and fort, though.

There are trails, such as the North Pier Trail, which goes through the original construction building and passes a 19th-century battery. There’s a lighthouse, a historic dike system, bike paths and more.

14. Coastal Empire Brew Co.

Opening in 2011, Coastal Empire Beer Co. has quickly been taking awards and taking names, as it becomes a favorite among Savannah locals. I recommend heading over to the tap room, for 16 different options on tap, and seating.

One of the most popular beers they brew up is the Savannah Brown Ale, but you can also try other year round offerings, like the Tybee Island Blonde, Southern Delight Praline Amber Ale and the Coco Pina Gose.

15. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

Have a little girl in your travel group? Then you may want to make a point to swing by the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, a house museum created specifically for girls, and celebrating the woman who founded the American Girl Scouts.

Juliette was born in the home, now owned by the Girl Scouts of the USA, in 1860, and it was there, in 1912, that she kicked off the creation of the Girl Scouts.

Forty-minute guided tours are available Monday through Saturday, and online ticket purchases are recommended in advance.

16. The University of Georgia Aquarium

This marine education center and aquarium is located on Skidaway Island, near downtown Savannah.

There are lots of exhibits on the marine animals that live nearest the state, but there are also lots of other exhibits, that show off interesting things, and not even always marine animals.

There are also exhibits on things like wooly mammoths and mastodons, as both of the ancient creatures once upon a time lived within the area.

17. Hearse Ghost Tours

If a regular trolley tour isn’t really your style, maybe a ghost tour will be more up your alley? Maybe even a ghost tour that takes place in a hearse? That’s right, this ghost tour begins by picking you and your travel companions up from your hotel in a real hearse that was used for real funerals for more than 15 years.

You’ll see much of the city’s history, but also hear about its darker side, as you take it all in.

It’s definitely not your average outing.

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18. The Mercer-Williams House

Literature fans out there will want to add this particular house tour to their itinerary.

The stately mansion was once home to lyricist Johnny Mercer, but also Jim Williams, straight from the pages of John Berendt’s “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Williams is known as the only individual in the state to have ever been tried four times for the same crime — a grisly murder that took place right within the house.

While you can’t see the supposed murder site, you can explore the rest of the house, including the furnishings dating back to the 1700s.

19. The Andrew Low House

You’re probably thinking that Savannah is the city of home tours, and you’re probably right.

Here’s another worth a stop! The Andrew Low House was built in 1848 and features an Italianate exterior, and much opulence and elegance.

If the name sounds familiar, it should! This home is another that was in the family of Juliette Gordon Low.

After her death, this particular home was purchased by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia, and eventually opened to the public about 75 years ago.

20. Tricentennial Park

If you’re looking for a fun and convenient way to spend a day with the kiddos, but still fit in a little education and some interesting sights for mom and dad, head over to Tricentennial Park.

Here you’ll find three different museums — the Savannah History Museum and Battlefield Memorial Park, the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Savannah Children’s Museum.

Obviously the latter is one you’ll definitely want to visit with children in tow, but then pick between the other two at your discretion, and depending upon what your kids are most likely to love.

21. Leopold’s

No matter your age, a great way to end a day in Savannah is with a stop at Leopold’s. The little ice cream shop has stayed the same since 1919, when it was opened by Hollywood producer Stratton Leopold. There’s always a line, but it’ll be well worth it.

The ice cream is made on site with awesome ingredients and using old recipes that have been handed down through the generations. The signature flavor I suggest you try is the Tutti-Fruitt.

22. The Olde Pink House Restaurant

Combine romance and ghosts? Why not?! That’s exactly what the Olde Pink House does. I think the beautiful setting is super-elegant, with chandeliers, 18th-century architecture and a lovely dining room fireplace.

The cuisine is Southern, but elevated, so you won’t have to worry about too much butter popping the buttons on your dress.

But, beyond the shiny exterior are some ghostly visitors.

23. Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

So maybe your kids don’t like trains…maybe they like boats? If that’s the case, head to this museum, where you can see all kinds of memorabilia revolving around the ships of the 1700s and 1800s.

The home where the museum is housed? It was once the home of the same man who owned the very first steamship to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Even if you’re not up for all the boat stuff, the museum is also unique in that it has one of the largest gardens in Savannah’s historic district.

Book online : Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Self-Guided Tour

24. Colonial Park Cemetery

If you can’t make it to Bonaventure, stop by the Colonial Park Cemetery, which is also old and super creepy.

It’s been in business since 1750, and you can see graves from some of the very first colonists, as well as many, many of those who died during the yellow-fever epidemic of 1820. Needless to say, it’s pretty popular for ghost hunting after dark.

25. Fort McAllister State Park

Famous for sustaining many attacks during the Civil War, Fort McAllister would finally fall under General Sherman.

The cool thing? You can actually camp onsite. During your stay, enjoy the museum, which has lots of Civil War artifacts, but also all the nearby wetland wildlife.

25 Best Things to Do in Savannah (Georgia) in 2023:

• Forsyth Park
• Old Savannah Trolley Tours
• City Market
• The Owens-Thomas House
• Telfair Museum of Art
• The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
• The Historic Savannah Theatre
• Wormsloe Historic Site
• The Savannah Waterfront
• The Wilkes House
• Bonaventure Cemetery
• Old Fort Jackson Historic Site
• Fort Pulaski National Monument
• Coastal Empire Brew Co.
• Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
• The University of Georgia Aquarium
• Hearse Ghost Tours
• The Mercer-Williams House
• The Andrew Low House
• Tricentennial Park
• The Olde Pink House Restaurant
• Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
• Colonial Park Cemetery
• Fort McAllister State Park

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Forrest gump's lasting impact on savannah and the lowcountry, 30 years later.

The blockbuster film 'Forrest Gump' put Coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry into the hearts of millions of people.

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"I think that one of the main characters in that story is the city of Savannah," said Alderman Nick Palumbo, Savannah District 4.

"Most of the scenes are filmed in the Beaufort area," added Robb Wells, president & CEO of Visit Beaufort. "The star of the show happens to be the backdrop, the natural beauty."

The movie portrays not just the beauty but the charm of this area.

• 'Reporter' who ran with Tom Hanks across Beaufort bridge still getting paid 30 years later
• Meet Sally Field's body double in 'Forrest Gump,' plus a look at her famous home
• Here's where you can find Forrest Gump's bench in Savannah

"We don't actually have that many scenes, but the scenes that are Savannah in that movie are absolutely iconic," said Michael Owens, president & CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council. "They're very much something that Savannahians can can relate to because all of us will still sit on a bench and just sort of watch the world go by and people watch. It's a very Savannah thing."

It's those iconic scenes that attract people from all over.

"You still see people talking about it, asking where Jenny is, asking where her restaurant is," Palumbo said.

"I think every tour, whether it's a carriage ride or golf cart or even a walking tour, they're going to spend time telling the stories of Forrest Gump and what the impact of it, whether it's the bridge or a restaurant or his favorite box of chocolates, you're going to see that here in the local tours," Wells said.

In Beaufort they even have special Forrest Gump appearances at certain events.

"Every shrimp festival is going to have a Forrest Gump impersonator show up and and mingle about the crowd, or you're going to see it in the 5-K, 10-K events," Wells said.

Some Beaufort restaurants even offer Forrest Gump themed items.

"It's in recipes and our menu items," Wells said. "You're going to see Forrest's gumbo, which is a shout out to Bubba and his affinity to shrimp. You're also going to see Jenny's cocktails."

In Savannah, when the movie premiered, the city had 5 million visitors.

In 2022, it was 22 million.

"Tourism is still the number one output for this community," Owens said. "It has been for a long time with $4.4 billion worth of spending last year. And if we look at where that came from, you can probably ask Forrest Gump."

• From Savannah to Beaufort, 13 iconic scenes in 'Forrest Gump' that were shot in our area
• Playing Forrest Gump's 'Lt. Dan' was more than just a role for Gary Sinise
• How this Savannah woman helped bring 'Forrest Gump' to the big screen
• Bubba's mama recalls how Tom Hanks broke the ice as she sat starstruck on the set of 'Forrest Gump'

Everyone In Georgia Should Check Out These 15 Tourist Attractions, According To Locals

W ith so many amazing tourist attractions in Georgia, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. We’ve all got limited time and money, and between all the parks, cities, historic sites, and museums, there’s simply too much to see in the Peach State! We asked our Only In Georgia readers what attractions they think belong on a can’t-miss list. Without further adieu, here are the readers’ choice recommendations that appeared most often:

1. Fort Mountain State Park: Chatsworth

2. driftwood beach: jekyll island, 3. yonah mountain: cleveland, 4. forsyth park: savannah, 5. chickamauga & chattanooga national military park: lookout mountain, 6. cloudland canyon state park: rising fawn, 7. okefenokee swamp: southern georgia, 8. tallulah gorge: tallulah falls, 9. providence canyon: lumpkin, 10. cumberland island, 11. pasaquan: buena vista, 12. sanford stadium: athens, 13. stone mountain: stone mountain, 14. kennesaw mountain: kennesaw, 15. gibbs gardens: ball ground.

Wow! There are so many amazing attractions in Georgia. Did we miss your favorites? Share yours in the comments!

If you’re planning on hitting the road to check out any of these incredible destinations, make sure you check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List first. It’s so important to be prepared for anything life can throw at you on a vacation!

The post Everyone In Georgia Should Check Out These 15 Tourist Attractions, According To Locals appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

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Financial tips, staff & credits, subscribe to e-mail updates, savannah manages explosive growth.

The Southeast has seen explosive growth since the COVID-19 pandemic as businesses and individuals migrate to warmer and often more business-friendly climates. They're not all choosing the largest cities in the region, though. Smaller "micropolitans" are grappling with the rapid pace of this economic growth and its effects on their populations and resources. Savannah, Georgia, which has experienced a growth rate on par with Atlanta's over the past two decades, is one example.

While Savannah and neighboring Tybee Island continue to entice tourists, the area has also lured large employers like South Korean automaker Hyundai and its $7.6 billion, 2,906-acre electric vehicle and battery plant. It expects to employ about 8,500 workers at full capacity. Other established firms in the area continue to grow; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation is expanding its production facilities to add around 1,600 jobs. Memorial Health, the second-largest employer in Savannah, is adding facilities there and in neighboring Pooler and Richmond Hill.

The Port of Savannah has expanded berth capacity for incoming ships and processing capacity for containers. New rail lines will boost product movement inland, increasing employment at the port and among supporting businesses. Additional warehouses and distribution centers have come online to handle the influx of products. All told, the area expects an additional 10,000 to 15,000 jobs by 2030.

Savannah has many characteristics that inform its economic contributions. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean allows for the thriving port on the Savannah River, and miles of marshland protect the coast while serving as a nursery for important species like the diamondback terrapin. Seafood is a mainstay of the area economy, and the marsh helps shrimp, oysters, crabs, and flounder thrive. Savannah is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, boasting beautiful and historic architecture along with arts, culture, and restaurants that draw visitors from all over the world.

As expansion projects move toward completion and tourism and supporting hospitality industries also experience sustained growth, employers, residents, and elected officials are concerned about the lack of a sufficiently trained workforce, the strain on infrastructure and housing, and the potential for the area to barrel into the future and lose its historic appeal. The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), a public-private partnership focused on facilitating business investment, has identified several focus areas to address these issues.

On workforce development, it concentrates on education curricula to match employment needs at the K–12 and higher levels, encourages ex-military and their spouses from Hunter Army Airfield to remain in the area, and targets historically underrepresented demographics for career training programs.

Housing is a particular concern for maintaining Savannah's ambiance. SEDA representatives note that land zoned for residential development does not adequately address the expected need. Codes and attitudes have to change, they said, if they are to convince city residents to accept more multifamily construction and rural areas to invest in public utilities to support increased single family or multifamily development. Tax relief or incentives for residential development and stricter regulations on short-term housing, such as vacation rentals, could also provide support.

One SEDA member describes the approach of carefully evaluating needs against the effects of increased housing availability as "gentle density." The Atlanta Fed has a particular focus on economic mobility in its District, often focusing outreach on ways in which it can support improved outcomes at all income levels. "It was affirming to learn key leaders across the metro Savannah region are also actively focused on creating an economy that works for everyone, especially given the tremendous amount of economic growth on the horizon," said Reggie Chever, vice president and regional executive for the Atlanta Fed.

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), with its centralized approach to Georgia's ports, rail, and trucking interchanges, has emerged as a useful partner in addressing these issues. With its experience in the public-private partnership space, the GPA has acted as a collaborator for SEDA and guide for other businesses looking to expand into the area. It has particular interest in maintaining a strong labor pool as it has expanded capacity for larger ships through river dredging and improved berths, increased container capacity by adding cranes, and built new intermodal terminals inland.

Over the next several years, the GPA will invest around $4.5 billion in infrastructure improvements to increase big-ship berth capacity from seven to 12 and increase efficiency of transitioning goods from sea to land. It is renovating the 200-acre Ocean Terminal from a facility with three smaller berths to two large-ship berths. It is also financing a new exit ramp for truckers to bypass traffic as they head to Atlanta and adding another terminal on Hutchinson Island. Additionally, the agency is working with the Georgia Department of Transportation on a future project that will raise the Talmadge Memorial Bridge by 20 feet, which will allow larger cargo ships to pass underneath.

All this growth is in response to changes in shipping routes and methods that have taken place since the supply chain issues of 2020. Since 2014, the Port of Savannah has grown by 58.8 percent, moving to ninth from 13th among US ports in dollar value of goods processed. Growth has largely been in imports, with the value of goods processed increasing by over $18 billion from 2020 to 2023.

The GPA is actively helping Savannah's business and government leaders develop a strong workforce that aligns with the area's progress. "Our central purpose is to support economic development for Georgia and the nation," said Griff Lynch, GPA president and chief executive officer. "Ultimately, our success in that endeavor relies not only on our own efforts, but on unified collaboration with our maritime community and our local, state, and federal partners."

SEDA encourages employers to innovate recruiting and retention methods. Many are discussing a potential need for workforce housing, and the Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, and Housing Savannah, a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable housing, have provided strong private sector involvement. Other companies in Georgia have gone farther in providing a live-work-play model. Some school systems have begun offering onsite childcare for staff. Memorial Health has invested in its own nursing school to train staff it knows it will need.

Bert Brantley, president and chief executive officer of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, acknowledges the complex road ahead.

"The Savannah region is at a pivotal point where our growth is outpacing our competitor regions, yet we still see even more opportunity in our future. Strategic investments made in our ports, airport, military bases, and other infrastructure have positioned us well to weather any national economic headwinds that may be on the horizon," Brantley said. "Our challenges going forward will be ensuring that we have the right public policies in place that help us develop a trained workforce with adequate housing choices and available childcare options."

Megan Houck

Senior Business Analyst Regional Economic Information Network