Top 15 Things To Do in Savannah GA

Savannah, in the heart of Georgia, is a place of historic charm and Southern warmth. It’s a city full of unique experiences for all kinds of travelers.

Travel + Leisure ranked Savannah third in the World’s Best Awards. Its 23 squares make it a city of beauty and history. It’s a place where old stories meet new life.

Exploring Savannah means diving into its architecture, food, and culture. You can walk its cobblestone streets or go on ghost tours. There’s adventure everywhere you look.

Whether you love history, art, or food, Savannah has something for you. It’s a city that will capture your heart and leave you with memories to cherish. Discover the magic of Savannah!

Explore Forsyth Park: A Gem in the Heart of Savannah

Forsyth Park is a vibrant spot in Savannah’s Historic District. It covers 30 acres and offers a peaceful escape from city life. It’s a great place for both travelers and locals to enjoy.

The park has a rich history, starting in 1841. It’s a key part of Savannah’s urban scene. Its location near downtown makes it a welcoming spot for city explorers.

Visit the Iconic Fountain

The park’s main attraction is a beautiful cast-iron fountain from 1858. It’s a favorite spot for photos. It has also been featured in many movies and TV shows, captivating visitors worldwide.

Enjoy a Scenic Picnic

The park offers many fun activities:

1.5-mile walking loop for exercise enthusiasts
Tennis and basketball courts for sports lovers
Expansive lawns perfect for picnics and relaxation
Free Fragrant Garden open on weekdays

Attend Local Events

Forsyth Park is the place to be for exciting events:

Celtic Festival in March
Sidewalk Arts Festival in April
Savannah Jazz Festival in September
Picnic in the Park with Savannah Philharmonic in October
Savannah Pride Festival

The Forsyth Farmers Market is another reason to visit. It’s open every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Whether you’re looking for fun, culture, or peace, Forsyth Park has it all.

Take a Stroll Along River Street

Savannah River Street invites you with its rich history and lively vibe. This cobblestone path turns a simple walk into a journey through Savannah’s past. Along the beautiful Savannah River, it mixes culture, shopping, and food.

Discover Unique Shopping Experiences

River Street Market Place is a top spot for shopping. You’ll find:

Handmade art and jewelry from local artists
Specialty shops with unique souvenirs
River Street Sweets with traditional Southern treats
Savannah Bee Company’s wide range of honey

Savor Riverside Dining

The riverfront restaurants offer a memorable food journey. You can try:

The Shrimp Factory in a historic cotton warehouse
Rocks on the Roof for rooftop dining with views
Wet Willie’s for colorful frozen drinks

Enjoy Spectacular River Views

The Savannah River is a stunning backdrop for your walk. You can see big cargo ships, enjoy sunsets, and learn about the maritime history. Water taxis and riverboat cruises let you see the waterfront from different angles.

Looking for history, shopping, or food? Savannah River Street has it all. It’s a place that truly captures the essence of this charming Southern city.

Discover Historic Savannah’s Squares

Savannah’s historic district is special because of its unique urban design. The squares are a network of green spaces that tell the city’s story. Tours often highlight these spaces, showing the city’s rich culture.

The city has 23 historic squares, each with its own story. They were part of General James Oglethorpe’s urban plan. This grid system is a key part of Savannah’s historic district.

Learn About Their History

Each square has its own chapter in Savannah’s history. Some squares are:

Johnson Square: The oldest and largest square, established in 1733
Chippewa Square: Famous for its bronze statue of General Oglethorpe
Ellis Square: Restored through a public-private partnership
Crawford Square: Features a basketball court and gazebo

Visit Notable Statues

Square	Notable Statue/Monument	Year Designed
Chippewa Square	General James Edward Oglethorpe Statue	1815
Wright Square	Two Significant Monuments	1733
Greene Square	Historical Marker	1799

Relax in the Shade

The squares are more than just history. They offer a break from the sun. Visitors can enjoy picnics, read, or watch people. These squares show Savannah’s unique charm.

Experience the Architecture of the Historic District

In the heart of Georgia, the Savannah historic district is a stunning architectural wonder. It has over twenty city squares and historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. This place offers a unique journey through architectural brilliance.

This district is one of the top ten largest national historic landmark districts in the U.S. Visitors can see a wide range of architectural styles. These styles tell the story of Savannah’s rich cultural heritage.

Tour Beautiful Homes

Architectural fans will love the stunning homes in the Savannah historic district. Some notable attractions include:

The Gingerbread House (built in 1899), a spectacular example of Steamboat Gothic architecture
Elegant row houses showing off Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate designs
Preserved mansions with detailed ironwork and facades

Visit Significant Landmarks

Savannah georgia attractions go beyond homes. Key landmarks include:

Cathedral of St. John The Baptist (dedicated in 1876)
Owens-Thomas House, showing English Regency architectural principles
City Market, a historical site from 1755

Walking through these streets is like walking through a living museum. Every building tells stories of architectural innovation and historical significance.

Visit the Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery is just three miles from Savannah’s Historic District. It’s a stunning place for activities and history. This outdoor museum is filled with art, history, and natural beauty.

The cemetery is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day. In spring, it comes alive with hot pink azaleas. These flowers grow up to six feet tall, adding color to the historic tombstones.

Appreciate the Art of Tombstones

The cemetery’s landscape is full of artistic wonders. You can see detailed sculptures and mausoleums from the 18th and 19th centuries. These show amazing craftsmanship.

Notable gravesites include Johnny Mercer, who wrote over 1,500 songs
Conrad Aiken’s burial site, a former U.S. Poet Laureate
The famous Gracie Watson memorial, known for its poignant story

Explore the Haunting Beauty

Savannah tours of Bonaventure Cemetery offer many ways to explore. The Bonaventure Historical Society gives free guided tours every second weekend. Special tours like Bonaventure Dash run daily, sharing deep insights into the cemetery’s history.

You can drive to the cemetery in 15-20 minutes or take bus line 10. With its dramatic live oak trees and Spanish moss, Bonaventure Cemetery is unforgettable. It’s perfect for history lovers and curious travelers.

Enjoy a Ghost Tour of Savannah

Savannah comes alive at night, making ghost tours a must-do. It’s one of America’s most haunted cities. These tours mix history with spooky fun.

There are two main ghost tour options:

Walking Tours: Intimate journeys through historic streets
Trolley Tours: Cover more ground

Haunting Historical Experiences

Ghost tours in Savannah reveal dark secrets. You’ll visit places like Colonial Park Cemetery and Sorrel Weed House. These tours are more than just scary stories.

Unique Tour Options

There’s a ghost tour for everyone:

Ghostwalker Tour: Limited to 15 for a personal touch
Family-Friendly “Fraidy Cat” Tour: Fun for all ages
Adults-Only Sixth Sense Tour: For a deeper, scarier experience

Ghost tours in Savannah are perfect for anyone. They offer thrilling adventures that connect you to the city’s spooky history.

Experience Savannah’s Culinary Scene

Savannah’s food scene is a journey through Southern flavors and coastal cuisine. Exploring local restaurants is a top thing to do in Savannah GA. It offers a delicious adventure that connects visitors with the city’s rich culinary heritage.

Classic Southern Cuisine Delights

The city’s culinary landscape celebrates traditional Southern cooking. It offers unforgettable dishes that tell a story on every plate:

Crispy fried green tomatoes
Creamy shrimp and grits
Hearty collard greens
Perfectly prepared fried chicken

Local Seafood Specialties

Seafood lovers will find Savannah’s coastal location makes dining extraordinary. Local restaurants showcase the region’s maritime bounty with exceptional seafood offerings:

Fresh oysters from Sorry Charlie’s
Blue crab delicacies
Locally caught fish preparations
Signature crabcakes

Food tours offer an immersive way to explore Savannah’s culinary scene. These tours last 3 hours, covering about 1.5 miles. They feature multiple dining stops. Participants can expect to sample a variety of dishes that represent the city’s diverse gastronomic landscape.

Whether you’re looking for classic Southern comfort food or innovative coastal cuisine, Savannah’s restaurants have something for everyone. The city’s culinary scene is a testament to its rich cultural heritage and commitment to exceptional dining experiences.

Go on a Riverboat Cruise

Explore one of the most enchanting activities in Savannah along the historic Savannah river street. Riverboat cruises take you through the scenic waterfront of Savannah. They offer a unique view of the city’s rich maritime history.

The iconic Georgia Queen is a top attraction for those looking for a special experience. This magnificent ship has impressive features that make it a must-see:

Can hold up to 1,000 guests
Has over 15,000 square feet of dining space
Features the largest rooftop entertainment area in Savannah
Offers 360° panoramic views of the river and city

Take in Breathtaking Views

There are cruise options for everyone, with daily sightseeing tours. These tours show off Savannah’s historic beauty. The 90-minute cruise is fully narrated, sharing interesting stories about the city’s landmarks.

Cruise Type	Duration	Starting Price
Sightseeing Cruise	90 minutes	$27.50
Sunset Cruise	60 minutes	$41.00
Gospel Dinner Cruise	2 hours	$55.00

Enjoy Live Entertainment and Dining

Food lovers will enjoy the varied dining options on the riverboats. From Southern buffets to beef carving stations, there’s something for everyone. Live music and entertainment make each cruise a celebration of Savannah’s culture.

Cash bar for alcoholic drinks
Wheelchair accessible
Seasonal and holiday cruises available
Operates under U.S. Coast Guard safety rules

Explore the Telfair Museums

Discover the rich artistic landscape of Savannah’s most fascinating museum collection. The Telfair Museums showcase the city’s cultural heritage. They offer an unparalleled exploration of Southern art and history. Established in 1886, the Telfair Academy is the oldest public art museum in the South.

Savannah museums provide a unique window into the region’s artistic evolution. The museum complex features three distinct sites: the historic Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House, and the modern Jepson Center. Each location tells a different story, from 19th-century architectural marvels to contemporary art exhibitions. Visitors can purchase a single ticket for $20 that grants access to all three venues for an entire week.

Southern Art and Historical Insights

The Owens-Thomas House offers a profound historical experience. It features the only intact urban slave quarters open to the public in Savannah. Built in 1819, this site provides an intimate look at the complex social dynamics of the early 19th century.

On the other hand, the Jepson Center attracts a younger crowd. It has an interactive TechSpace and modern art exhibitions, including the famous Bird Girl statue from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”.

Modern Artistic Exploration

Art lovers will appreciate the museum’s strategic location in Savannah’s Historic District. All three sites are within walking distance. The museums are open daily from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Whether you’re interested in historical architecture, contemporary art, or deeply moving historical narratives, the Telfair Museums offer an unforgettable journey through Savannah’s rich cultural landscape.

FAQ

What are the best times to visit Savannah?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times. The weather is mild, and there are fewer people around. You can enjoy the gardens and historic charm without the summer heat.

Is Savannah walkable for tourists?

Yes, it is! The Historic District is very walkable. You can easily get to most attractions on foot. The city’s layout and flat terrain make it perfect for walking tours.

What are the must-try local foods in Savannah?

You must try the Low Country cuisine. This includes shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, pralines, and fresh seafood. River Street has many restaurants serving local favorites like crab cakes and oysters.

Are ghost tours in Savannah worth taking?

Ghost tours are a must for history buffs. Savannah is known for its ghost stories. These tours mix history, legends, and spooky tales, making them unforgettable.

How many historic squares are in Savannah?

Savannah has 22 historic squares. Each square has its own story and charm. They show the city’s design and cultural heritage.

What’s the best way to explore Savannah’s history?

To explore Savannah’s history, take walking tours of the Historic District. Visit historic homes like the Owens-Thomas House. Don’t miss Bonaventure Cemetery and the Telfair Museums. Each offers a unique view of Savannah’s past.

Is Savannah family-friendly?

Yes, Savannah is great for families. There are riverboat cruises, Forsyth Park, and ghost tours for kids. The city’s relaxed vibe and beauty make it perfect for all ages.