places to visit close to savannah

• Last Updated On
• August 7, 2023

9 Fun Things to Do Near Savannah, GA: Best Places to Visit Nearby!

Savannah is a classic Southern city steeped in history with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture.

There’s nothing better than surrounding yourself in its natural allure, from the enchanting Spanish moss to the Savannah River.

But if you’re looking to explore beyond nature, there are plenty of fun things to do here and in the surrounding areas.

As a seasoned traveler, I’ve learned the ins and outs and the struggles of people wanting to explore this city.

Most of them were overwhelmed by the abundance of activities, and some ended up leaving unsatisfied.

I’ve been there, too.

But lucky for you, I’m here to save the day.

So, I’ve compiled a list of fun things to do near Savannah, GA that will make your trip unforgettable.

To make it easier for you to plan your itinerary, I’ve ranked these activities based on factors like accessibility, uniqueness, and overall fun factor. 

So sit back and relax as we dive into the best of what Savannah and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Fun Things to Do Near Savannah, GA Compared 

Savannah is a great starting point for many exciting activities you can do inside and outside the city.

With the help of this list, we’ll run down the most popular things to do near Savannah.

Editor’s Choice

Tybee Island Dolphin Cruise Tour with Stop at Tybee Island Lighthouse

Tybee Island is popularly known for its exciting boat tours and dolphin sightings while visiting plenty of tourist spots nearby.

• Accessibility: 5/5
• Entertainment Value: 5/5 
• Affordability: 4/5
• Atmosphere: 5/5
• Unique Appeal: 5/5

#2nd Best Choice

Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail

This is Hilton Head’s first and only custom pirate ship offering an immersive and fun pirate experience.

• Accessibility: 4/5
• Entertainment Value: 5/5

#3rd Best Choice

Beaufort’s Horse & Carriage History Tour

Take a relaxing and informative horse carriage ride around Beaufort and appreciate the city’s beauty and history.

• Affordability: 3/5

Here are the top 9 things to do near Savannah.

1. Tybee Island Dolphin Cruise Tour with Stop at Tybee Island Lighthouse (Editor’s Choice)

Tybee Island, GA 31328 (702) 648-5873 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Plenty of scenic views and fascinating attractions
• Fun and knowledgeable tour guide
• Not wheelchair accessible

Why We Recommend Going Here

If you love heading out to sea and discovering fascinating wildlife, take this exciting cruise tour to Tybee Island.

You’ll witness scenic ocean views, majestic birds, skipping dolphins, and historic lighthouses during your trip.

Also, their friendly and entertaining tour guides will make the trip even better while sharing plenty of educational facts.

Distance from Savannah

Tybee Island is located 17.5 miles from Savannah and it will take 25 minutes to get there.

Recommended Hotel Near Savannah National Wildlife Refuge: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Savannah W – Chatham Parkway

Related: Best Things to Do in Savannah

2. Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail

149 Lighthouse Rd Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 363-7000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Entertaining interactive pirate experience
• The staff are helpful and friendly 
• No restroom on the boat

Immerse yourself and your family in an interactive Pirate adventure that will make you feel you’re sailing the Seven Seas.

Before the activity starts, you’ll get your pirate name and learn how to talk like an actual pirate to make it more authentic.

After that, you’ll head out to sea and do plenty of activities, including an exciting treasure hunt adventure and water cannon spraying.

Getting to Hilton Head from Savannah will take you 57 minutes to drive in, about 41 miles.

Recommended Hotel Near Hilton Head Beaches: Home2 Suites By Hilton Hilton Head

3. Beaufort’s Horse & Carriage History Tour

930 Bay Street Beaufort SC 29902 (843) 476-7789 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Relaxing leisure tour
• Tour guides are entertaining and knowledgeable 
• Not suitable for bad weather

This carriage tour will let you relax while taking in the sights and sounds of Beaufort as you visit the city’s popular spots.

The carriage will take you to the city’s historic district, where you’ll see a lot of traditionally-designed buildings and beautiful trees.

And to keep you engaged, the experienced tour guides will entertain you with their enthusiasm and knowledge of the city’s many sites.

Beaufort is 42.6 miles located outside the city.

Take the SC-170W Highway, and you’ll arrive in about 54 minutes.

Recommended Hotel Near the Charleston Carriage Tour of The Historic District: Hotel Bennett Charleston

Related: Fun Things to Do in Savannah, GA with Kids

4. Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour

255 Montgomery St Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 234-8128 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour by Old Savannah Tours is the longest-running trolley tour in the city and is a popular activity for families.

You don’t have to go outside the city for an exciting tour, as this popular trolley tour takes you to Savannah’s Historic District.

Hop into a classic trolley bus as you’ll get to see the city’s historical attractions and architecture.

The trolley has open windows to make it easy for you to take photos, so don’t forget to bring a camera.

And to add educational value, the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides will share information and stories about a particular place.

This fun and educational trip inside the city is a great alternative to Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail and Beaufort’s Horse & Carriage History Tour.

This tour takes place inside Savannah, so you don’t have to leave the city.

Recommended Hotel Near Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure: DeSoto Beach Hotel

5. North Island Surf and Kayak

1 Old US Hwy 80  Tybee Island, GA 31328 (912) 786-4000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This family-owned operation is our go-to spot for some watery recreation.

When it comes to fun they’re passionate and dependable!

They’re a low-key business but expect to become instant friends with their staff. 

Kayak rentals is the main attraction, but they also offer surf instructions, eco-tours, and paddle board rentals.

With North Island Surf and Kayak you’ll be able to explore the area’s uninhabited islands, catching glimpses of dolphins, otters, osprey and other wildlife. 

Adventure is only 22 minutes away via US-80 E, about 14 miles in all.

Recommended Hotel Near North Island Surf and Kayak: The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

6. Daufuskie Trail Rides

11 Avenue of Oaks  Daufuskie Island, SC 29915 (843) 384-4510  Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Daufuskie Island is only accessible by ferry.

It’s home to a small community that keeps the island pristine and preserves its historical landmarks. 

Only 5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, you can explore this island on horseback with Daufuskie Trail Rides.

You’ll be guided by professional equestrians who will show you the best of the island.

They are highly accommodating to all levels of experience. 

And the fact that Duafuskie is one of the last horse-friendly islands in the country makes this experience truly special.

Start by going to the public Daufuskie Island Ferry Service via US-278 E, an easy 39 minute ride at 30 miles.

The Daufuskie Trail Rides staff will arrange your travel options from there. 

Recommended Hotel Near Daufuskie Trail Rides: Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah

7. Amphibian Air

109 Bowman Ave Garden City, GA 31408 (912) 572-8055 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Of all things to do and see near Savannah Amphibian Air offers perhaps the most thrilling experience.

Soar through the sky in a powered hang glider with an FAA certified pilot and look down upon Savannah and the surrounding wetlands in the open air.

Not only can you ride as a passenger, their pilots are also licensed as instructors, so you’ll have the chance to take the controls.

The expert staff caters to thrill seekers and novice adventurers.

And you’ll be able to share this unforgettable flight with photos and videos taken from the cockpit. 

The airstrip is right outside of the city.

Simply cruise west on W Bay St. for about 10 minutes and a quick minute on GA-21 N and then you’re there.

No more than a 5-mile ride. 

Recommended Hotel Near Amphibian Air: Hyatt Regency Savannah

8. Low Country Paintball

67 Low Country Lane Southwest  Ludowici, GA 31316 (912) 663-2314 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you and your fellow travelers are feeling competitive, head down to Georgia’s largest and oldest paintball facility to engage in a lively game.

They run a professional operation that attracts highly devoted players, but beginners are more than welcome and are promised a good time. 

Whether you’re with a group or traveling solo, Low Country Paintball has room for you on one of their well-constructed fields.

Special services are provided for parties and there are game options for youngsters as well. 

No need to have your own equipment either as they’ll rent anything you need.

They’re located about an hour south of Savannah.

From I-16 W you’ll take I-95 S most of the way before exiting onto GA-57.

The total distance is about 63 miles.

Recommended Hotel Near Low Country Paintball: Trowell Historic Inn

9. Fun Zone

1040 US-80  Pooler, GA 31322  (912) 330-9860 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This family-friendly hidden gem is a treasure trove of cheap activities and delicious food.

We love to come here and let loose for an afternoon. 

Go-carts, mini-golf, and arcade games are always a crowd pleaser, and that’s what you’ll find here. It’s quality, classic fun!

If you have an occasion to celebrate, Fun Zone offers a great selection of party packages, too.  

Less than 10 miles away, it’s an easy 16-minute drive along W Bay St. and US-80 W.

Recommended Hotel Near Fun Zone: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Savannah Airport

Activity Guide 

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

It’s no surprise that Savannah is home to many tourist hotspots, making it difficult to narrow down your options.

It’s wise to weigh your options and settle on the one that works best before making a final choice.

The Tybee Island Dolphin Cruise Tour with Stop at Tybee Island Lighthouse is a well-liked choice. 

This cruise takes guests to Tybee Island, where you can see the famous lighthouse and watch playful dolphins by the water.

But there are some downsides, like the chance of bad weather and getting seasick.

The Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail is another fantastic choice.

The tour’s highlights include the one-of-a-kind opportunity to travel on a pirate ship and the breathtaking natural surroundings. 

However, the fees are pretty expensive.

Lastly, Beaufort’s Horse & Carriage History Tour is fantastic for those looking to take things at a slower pace. 

You’ll enjoy a relaxing carriage ride around Beaufort’s historic quarter. However, the ride can be uncomfortable during hot weather. 

Meanwhile, the Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour is a budget-friendly choice. 

You can relax on the trolley as it takes you around the city on this excursion. 

How I Picked The Activities

As a seasoned travel blogger, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to selecting the best activities in the area. 

To ensure that the activities I recommend are truly worth experiencing, I conduct thorough research and personally visit each location.

This meticulous process allows me to confidently suggest activities that will provide my readers with a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these activities based on the following criteria: 

• Accessibility: I use this criterion to evaluate the accessibility of every attraction. Is it close to the major transport hubs? Is it easy to find? Are there plenty of parking spaces available? I ask myself these questions when assessing the attraction’s accessibility.
• Entertainment Value: This evaluates the entertainment value of the activity. Is it fun, engaging, and exciting? Does it offer hands-on activities and interactive experiences? Does it feature live shows, events, or concerts? Does it cater to various preferences and interests? I consider these factors when assessing this criterion.
• Affordability: This is used to assess the activity’s affordability. Is it free or a low-cost option compared to the other attractions? Does it offer special promotions, free entry, or discounted rates? Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? I ask myself these questions when rating affordability.
• Atmosphere: I use this criterion to assess the overall ambiance. Is it fun and welcoming? Does the environment match the activities offered? Is there a good vibe and energy? These are the questions I ask myself when I evaluate the atmosphere criterion. 
• Unique Appeal: This criterion evaluates the unique appeal of the activity. What sets it apart from the other activities? Does it provide a memorable experience? Does it have the wow factor? I consider these questions when looking into the attraction’s unique appeal. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some outdoor activities to do near savannah.

Some of the most popular outdoor activities to do near Savannah are South Beach, McQueens Island Historic Trail, and Savannah Bike Tours.

What Are Some Nearby Day Trip Destinations From Savannah?

Some nearby day trip destinations from Savannah are Tybee Island, Charleston, and Hilton Head Island.

Truly, there is no shortage of fun things to do near Savannah, GA. 

From historic tours to adventurous excursions, there is something for every member of your family.

The Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail was thrilling, as we experienced what it’s like to be a pirate while taking in beautiful water views.

Moreover, Beaufort’s Horse & Carriage History Tour was a charming way to learn about the area’s history.

Lastly, the Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour gives us a comprehensive overview of Savannah’s rich culture and architecture. 

Personally, I highly recommend the Tybee Island Dolphin Cruise Tour with Stop at Tybee Island Lighthouse. 

Not only does it offer a chance to see dolphins up close and personal, but it also includes a stop at the beautiful Tybee Island Lighthouse.

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Georgia (GA) » 15 Best Day Trips from Savannah

15 Best Day Trips from Savannah

The beautiful, leafy city of Savannah is one of Georgia’s most charming destinations, bursting at the seams with southern hospitality. This comes in the form of incredible restaurants serving both local and international eats, as well as numerous quality bars filled with travelers and students on weekends.

There’s no shortage of the fascinating historical architecture typical of the South, as well as museums and world-class galleries lining the Savannah Riverfront. However, part of the city’s appeal is the treasure trove of cultural and natural gems found near the coast and in the surrounding region.

From headlands and beaches to gorgeous islands and bustling metropolises found inland, there’s no shortage of great day trips from Savannah.

I’ve lived in Savannah for several years and have spent a lot of time exploring the surrounding area. Here’s my pick for the best day trips from Savannah.

1. Golden Isles

The barrier islands to the south of Georgia stretch out into the Atlantic and form 150 miles of subtropical coastline that comprise of secluded sandy beaches and beautiful, ancient forests.

The most popular and easiest to access of these islands are Jekyll Island, St Simons Island and Sea Island.

All are accessible by car and make for a stunningly scenic drive down the coast, peppered with idyllic stop off points at creeks and rivers – not to mention endless beaches.

One of the more attractive spots is known as Driftwood Beach, named such because of the intriguing arrangements of driftwood found there.

2. Hilton Head Island

A mere 40 minutes from the city of Savannah, crossing the border over into South Carolina , you’ll find the amenity and activity-rich Hilton Head Island.

If it’s rest and recreation you’re after, this is your ideal day trip.

The island contains not only some of the best beaches in the region, but some of the best golf courses in the world.

Locals and visitors usually head to Coligny Beach, where you can rent bikes, play volleyball or simply relax at one of the many beachfront bars.

3. Tybee Island

Seemingly similar to the laidback sprawl of low-rise 1980’s California seafront neighborhoods, Tybee is a typical beach town, populated by single story buildings and a wonderful atmosphere.

The island is only 20 minutes from Savannah and attracts friendly visitors and locals alike to its beaches and dunes, particularly in the summer months.

If you’re looking for some lively surroundings, hang around the pier, where most people congregate to eat or attend shows.

If you’d prefer some peace and quiet and stunning views, I recommend heading to the north side of the island.

4. Bluffton

The quintessential example of a thriving low country river town, Bluffton is found in South Carolina, less than an hour away from Savannah .

Thanks to its location on the May River and its proximity to the ocean, you can find some truly magnificent seafood here that can be tried in places such as the famed FARM restaurant.

This leafy town prides itself on all manner of incredible eateries; this, coupled with the wonderfully hospitable nature of the residents, has people flocking here from all over the country.

5. Palmetto Bluff

Also sharing the banks of the May River, you’ll find the high-end community of Palmetto Bluff that is open for the public to come and visit.

Here, rustic charm meets luxury service under the shade of immaculately manicured trees lining the streets, where extravagant and opulent homes are a common sight.

A visitor favorite is the Montage Hotel, where you can spend the day wandering the beautiful grounds and filling up on freshly roasted happy-hour oysters, prepared poolside most days.

6. Skidaway Island

Home to the widely beloved Skidaway Island State Park, Skidaway Island is only an astonishing 25 minutes from downtown Savannah and has a huge amount to offer in the way of a natural escape day trip.

Its unique location on salt flats and marshlands slightly inland from the coast makes it a quietly alluring place, positively teeming with wildlife.

From deer and waterfowl to crabs – the state park is an oasis for animals and you can observe them from the various raised trails and platforms built throughout the area.

7. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

Consisting of over 30,000 acres of woodland, freshwater marshes and creek and river deltas, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is an area of incredible biodiversity that is only 10 minutes from town.

Grab yourself a map at the visitor center and embark on an adventure up and down the waterways in your own canoe, or take a scenic drive on the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive that you can also cycle along.

8. Cockspur Island

Cockspur Island can be found in the southern channel of the Savannah River, a few miles from downtown. It is a destination that’s positively steeped in fascinating Civil War history. It’ s home to the Fort Pulaski National Monument – the setting of some pivotal turning points during the war.

You can explore the famous fort that still stands today, surrounded by marsh grass and gorgeous vistas of the mainland. Wandering through the many galleries and over drawbridges, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. You can even spot shells that have been stuck deep in the walls since the 1800’s.

9. Isle of Hope

Another extraordinarily close destination – a mere 10 miles from downtown Savannah – is the wonderfully quaint community of Isle of Hope. The rural community is characterized by gorgeous restored cottages and extravagant homes lining the streets.

Stroll along to Bluff Drive, where you’ll find unbeatable views over the Wilmington River as you walk under the shade of enormous moss-hung live oaks. You’ll also find a mouthwatering array of seafood restaurants tucked away in the marina. Locals enjoy grabbing a bite to eat here and watching the sun go down.

Included in : Savannah Small-Group Guided Historical Tour

10. Atlanta

If you’re looking for a little excitement thrown in with unmistakeable southern spirit and hospitality, then making the drive down to Atlanta should be at the top of your list.

The metropolis offers everything, from an electrifying food scene to probably one of the broadest arts cultures in the southeast.

With music for literally every taste, it’s impossible not to stay entertained in the glittering city of Atlanta.

Be sure to make an early start though, as the drive can sometimes take upwards of three hours.

11. Charleston

Hugging the coast due northeast of Savannah, you’ll arrive at the charming coastal town of Charleston .

Positively overflowing with history, the town is home to beautiful colonial architecture, particularly in some of its churches, such as the gorgeous Huguenot Church.

Spend an hour or so strolling through Waterfront Park and admiring the picturesque fountains, even take a quick dip if it’s a hot day.

For a laidback, bohemian atmosphere, you’ll want to explore Folly Beach – affectionately nicknamed “the Edge of America” – where you’ll find surf spots and quaint bars to relax at.

12. Jacksonville

For some of the most beautiful beaches along the east coast, take the relatively short drive down to Jacksonville, Florida ; in two hours you can be strolling past palm trees through fine white sand.

Though it’s home to the longest coastline in the country, there’s plenty more to do other than hitting the beach.

The coastal river city boasts a heaving foodie scene, characterized by mouthwatering barbecue joints, high-brow fusion restaurants, and enough bars to make you want to stay the night.

13. Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge

Unlike some of the nearby Golden Isles, the Wassaw National Refuge can only be reached by boat.

This, however, alongside the relative lack of development around this barrier island, means that the allure of untouched nature is virtually irresistible.

Miles of sandy beaches backdropped by dunes await hikers, and wildlife trails snake their way around the interior, filled with migratory birds and all manner of beautiful flora and fauna.

14. Beaufort

Boasting the accolade of being the second oldest town in South Carolina, Beaufort is as rich in history as it is beautiful.

It’s worth spending a couple of hours with a professional guide, who can take you around the stately homes telling you the intriguing stories behind each one.

The characteristic moss hanging live oak trees line dramatically stunning avenues, making it a gorgeous area to wander around.

The waterfront town is also home to plenty of activities, from sports fishing to horseback riding and everything in between.

Simply pay a visit to one of the many local adventure tour operators.

15. Francis Marion National Forest

Named after a revolutionary war hero, the Francis Marion National Forest shares the same coastline as Savannah.

But thanks to its size, it extends far inland, and here is where you can find its hidden gems.

In less than three hours, you can reach some of the most awe-inspiring mountains, waterways, and waterfalls on the east coast.

The contrast to the lower marshlands is astounding, with mountain biking opportunities up in the Forks Area Trail System or whitewater rafting down the Chattooga River.

15 Best Day Trips from Savannah:

• Golden Isles
• Hilton Head Island
• Tybee Island
• Palmetto Bluff
• Skidaway Island
• Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
• Cockspur Island
• Isle of Hope
• Jacksonville
• Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
• Francis Marion National Forest

Plan, Ready, Go®

13 Awesome Day Trips from Savannah (2.5-hour Drive or Less)

Savannah, Georgia, is one of the top tourist destinations in the Southeastern United States. But as you plan your  Savannah itinerary , don’t overlook all of the great things that there are to do  outside  of Savannah as well. All of these day trips from Savannah are within about a 2.5-hour drive of central Savannah, Georgia (give or take, depending on traffic).  

Savannah is jam-packed with history, great places to eat and wonderful things to do. But the area of the Southeast around Savannah is full of amazing historic sites, islands, beaches, and some great cities too. 

Seriously. There are so many great options. Keep reading to find out more! 

Have more time to explore? Check out these ideas for weekend trips from Savannah .

Plan out your Savannah trip with your FREE printable travel planner .

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.  

Skidaway Island State Park

Distance from Savannah: 15 miles

Drive time: Approximately 25 minutes

Skidaway Island State Park is a great option for a day trip from Savannah. Just a short drive from downtown Savannah, the park offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including salt marshes and maritime forests. You may spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat including deer, fiddler crabs, and egrets.

There are also several miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, or birdwatching. The park is also a great place for picnicking. So whether you’re looking to explore nature or just relax in a beautiful setting, Skidaway Island State Park is worth a visit.

If you want to make an overnight or weekend getaway out of your trip, you can enjoy camping among the beautiful live oaks and Spanish moss.

Tybee Island 

Distance from Savannah:  18 miles 

Drive time:  Approximately 20-30 minutes 

Easily the most popular day trip from Savannah, Tybee Island’s most famous site is probably its light station, the oldest and tallest in Georgia. The 2.5-mile-long barrier island’s location at the mouth of the Savannah River also made it especially important as a military position. 

Although it’s essentially “next door” to Savannah, you could easily spend an entire day exploring Tybee Island. 

Taking in the natural beauty of Tybee Island is a great way to spend the day. It’s a popular spot for bird watching, sea kayaking, dolphin spotting, biking, fishing and more. The  Light Station Museum admission is reasonably priced. (They are closed on Tuesdays.)

To explore the island, you can of course drive yourself there, or you could book a sightseeing tour  like this one  that includes a dolphin-watching cruise. 

Or perhaps just enjoy a day relaxing on a  Tybee Island beach  complete with beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers stocked with ice.  

Fort Pulaski National Monument 

Distance from Savannah:  14 miles 

Drive time:  Approximately 25 minutes 

Also quite close to the historic center of Savannah,  Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on Cockspur Island. Fort Pulaski is operated by the National Park Service and is open seven days a week year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days. 

The fort was built to protect the Port of Savannah not long before the American Civil War broke out in 1861.

The fort was made mostly of brick (millions and millions of bricks) and was soon rendered obsolete when the Union Army used Fort Pulaski as the site for the testing of their new rifled cannons.

Fort Pulaski fell to the Union Army in less than two days. The fort was then used by the Union Army as a prisoner-of-war camp. 

The Fort Pulaski National Monument includes the fort, most of Cockspur Island as well as McQueens Island. The site includes walking trails, and fishing is allowed on the Savannah River. The Visitor Center includes exhibits about the fort’s construction and the Civil War battle.  

Fort McAllister State Park 

Distance from Savannah:  30 miles 

Drive time:  40 minutes 

Continuing on the Civil War historical site theme, south of Savannah you’ll find  Fort McAllister State Park on the banks of the Ogeechee River. Now don’t dismiss this park out of hand even if you’ve been to both Fort Sumter in South Carolina and Fort Pulaski (see above), because  these Confederate fortifications are actually earthworks and some of the best-preserved. 

The fort withstood multiple naval attacks but eventually fell to General Sherman on his March to the Sea. Fort McAllister was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.  

The 1700-acre park includes picnic shelters, a museum, a gift shop, boat ramps, a dock, a fishing pier, and a playground. Those who want to do more than a day trip here can choose from cottage or campsite accommodations. 

There are about 4 miles of trails for hiking, there are seasonally available kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals, bike rentals, and educational programs. 

There is a small fee for parking in addition to the historical site entrance fee. 

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More fun things to do in and around Savannah, Georgia 

Not far outside the historic center of Savannah, you’ll find two key historical sites. With  this half-day tour ,  you’ll get to see Bonaventure Cemetery and Wormsloe Plantation.  

Consider putting yourself in the hands of an expert tour guide.  Enjoy a private tour   of the Savannah historic district, Tybee Island,  and  Fort Pulaski National Monument all in one epic tour. Comes with free 24-hour cancellation and includes transportation. 

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 

Distance from Savannah:  34 miles 

Drive time:  45 minutes 

Hilton Head Island is one of my  favorite  places, and honestly, it deserves more time than just a day trip from Savannah; however, if all you have is a day then we can make it work. 

Just so you understand how awesome Hilton Head is, you don’t have to take my word for it.  Travel + Leisure  named Hilton Head Island the BEST island in the continental United States for three consecutive years. I quite agree. 

Try Coligny Beach Park for public beach access. Coligny Beach is also a  designated swim area . There’s free parking nearby and some fun shopping as well. The iconic  Harbour Town Lighthouse is also a popular stop. 

You’ll also find plenty of other things to do like biking on the beach or along the miles of recreational paths and of course eating some great Southern food. If you get to Hilton Head for breakfast, make a stop at  Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café . It’s popular with locals, and they have good gluten-free options.  

We recommend that you enjoy lunch or dinner at  A Lowcountry Backyard to try their wonderful food. They’re famous for their shrimp and grits and of course, the Lowcountry boil. When we were there, they gladly helped hubby find something delicious and gluten-free to eat, and they have good vegetarian options too. They don’t take reservations, so make sure you get there early.

Jekyll Island

Distance from Savannah: 95 miles

Drive time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Jekyll Island is one of the “Golden Isles” barrier islands off the coast of Georgia that include St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sapelo Island, Blackbeard Island, plus Historic Darien and Historic Brunswick.

Jekyll Island is a popular spot for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for biking, golf, long walks on the beach, touring historic homes, and more. Don’t miss Driftwood Beach on the north end of the island.

The island is also home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center , which offers educational programs about these creatures and works to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured turtles.

The center is open to the public. Visitors can take a “behind the scenes” tour of the center, watch the turtles being cared for, and learn about the efforts to protect these animals.

Charleston, South Carolina 

Distance from Savannah:  108 miles 

Drive time:  2 hours 

Folks, if you like Savannah, you’ll  love Charleston . In my opinion, it has all the same kinds of things to do that Savannah offers plus more. Although I would recommend you spend at least a  weekend in Charleston , it is also very doable to make a Charleston day trip from Savannah. 

Charleston is full of wonderful historical sites, like the historic Aiken-Rhett House, beautiful architecture, lovely Waterfront Park (and its famous Pineapple Fountain), the Battery, the Historic Market, and of course amazing food. 

We love getting lunch at  Fleet Landing  right on the water. And make a point to stop in at  Carmella’s Dessert Bar  for coffee or a treat. You’ll love it. 

For more details, check out our post about how to spend   one day in Charleston .  For more about why we love Charleston, read our  Charleston vs Savannah post.

Build the ideal lowcountry road trip with this Charleston and Savannah itinerary.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Distance from Savannah: 115 miles to Visitor Center

Drive time: Approximately 2 hours, plus the ferry ride

Cumberland Island National Seashore is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for some amazing sandy beaches. The island has a rich history and is perfect for a day trip or even an overnight camping excursion.

Access to the Seashore is by ferry or private boat. Plan to make your ferry reservations in advance.

If you’re looking for a place to hike, bike, camp, birdwatch, or beach comb, look no further. With over 50 miles of nature trails and roads as well as 18 miles of beaches available to explore, there’s something here for everyone.

There are no food vendors at the Seashore, so plan to bring with you (and pack back out) whatever you will need for the day.

Folly Beach 

Distance from Savannah:  115 miles 

Folly Beach is quite close to Charleston, so if you’re feeling up to it, you could visit Folly and pop over to Charleston on one super-epic day trip.  

Folly Beach is a 12-square-mile barrier island known as a popular destination for kayak rentals, fishing, and such. You can learn how to surf or try a  stand-up paddleboard eco tour like this one .  

In Folly Beach you’ll also find “The Porgy House” home to the writers of the novel and play  Porgy . The Gershwin Brothers also wrote their opera  Porgy and Bess  in Folly Beach. The story is set in Charleston. 

Amelia Island, Florida 

Distance from Savannah:  128 miles 

Drive time : 2 hours 

A popular beach vacation destination in Florida, Amelia Island boasts 13 miles of beaches . It’s located in Northeast Florida and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Sound, and Cumberland Sound. 

In 2020, Travel + Leisure put Amelia Island at number 6 on its list of the top 15 islands in the United States. Conde Nast also named Amelia Island one of the best islands in the U.S. in its Reader’s Choice awards.  Southern Living  also named it one of the 10 most romantic destinations in Florida. 

Jacksonville, Florida 

Distance from Savannah:  141 miles 

Drive time:  2 hours, 10 minutes

It’s the largest city by landmass in the United States. Jacksonville also claims to have the largest urban park system and the most shoreline of any city in Florida. It’s also the most populous city in the Southeast and is only about a 2-hour drive from Savannah, which makes it a great option for a city day trip. 

Popular sites and attractions in “Jax” include the  Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens , Friendship Fountain, the Museum of Science and History, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Enjoy a picturesque River Walk stroll along the St. Johns River, try the St. Johns River Taxi, or check out some of their 22 miles of beaches.  

My fellow National Park Service site enthusiasts will likely want to spend some time at  Fort Caroline National Memorial , which memorializes the failed French colonial presence in Florida in the 16th century. Like  Kingsley Plantation , it’s part of the  Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve . 

Augusta, Georgia 

Distance from Savannah:  130 miles 

Drive time:  2.5 hours 

Although it’s best known for hosting  The Masters golf tournament , Augusta, Georgia, is also a lovely town that is just begging to be explored. Fortunately, its walkable historic downtown and Riverwalk area make that easy to do. 

The  Augusta Riverwalk  features a children’s playground, gardens, the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, and the Augusta Saturday Market at the River (closed in winter).

Top things to do in Augusta include the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, the Augusta Museum of History, the Morris Museum of Art, Woodrow Wilson’s boyhood home, popular restaurants, shopping, and more. 

Fun facts: Augusta was founded by James Oglethorpe (who was also the founder of Savannah) and it was named for Princess Augusta of Wales.  

And in case you were wondering,  no you cannot tour Augusta National . It is totally closed and super duper private. Strictly members only. Seriously. The only time it’s open to the public is during The Masters and even then only those with tickets are allowed in. 

Congaree National Park 

Distance from Savannah:  150 miles 

You’ll find Congaree National Park in Hopkins, South Carolina (near Columbia). It’s the only National Park in South Carolina, and sadly also one of the least visited. Congaree is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve and offers hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and bird watching. 

The Park preserves the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, according to the  National Park Service . 

Be warned. Congaree is swampy and famous (infamous?) for its mosquitoes. Protect yourself accordingly. You can check with the Park before your trip to find out what the mosquito levels are before you make the drive from Savannah. 

You may have seen photos of the Congaree “Mosquito Meter.” This is not a thing. Well, I mean it exists, but the Park doesn’t use it as a daily indicator of mosquito levels. It’s completely unscientific, and they’ve even described it as a prop for photos. The important takeaway here is that you should be aware of the mosquitoes before you visit. 

Hiking Congaree National Park is easy and enjoyable.

The most popular walk or hike in Congaree is probably the Boardwalk Trail. The boardwalk path makes the 2.6-mile loop trail accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Other easy hikes include Bluff Trail, Sims Trail, Bates Ferry Trail, Longleaf Trail, and Spur Trail. 

Where to stay in Savannah 

There are an overwhelming number of great places to stay in Savannah, Georgia. Here are a few popular and top-rated options to help you narrow down your search: 

Eliza Thompson House :  Historic inn just a few blocks from Forsyth Park and its famous fountain.   Book today .   

Marriott Savannah Riverfront :  We love this location at the end of historic River Street. It’s just steps from the famous Waving Girl statue, and you can get a room with a view of the Savannah River.   Book your stay today .   

Holiday Inn Express Savannah – Historic District :  Affordable and comfortable rooms in the heart of the historic district and just steps from Vic’s on the River, one of our top Savannah restaurant recommendations.   Book your room today .   

Need more help planning your Savannah trip? Check out our list of essential travel planning resources.  

Final thoughts on the best day trips from Savannah 

Although there is so much to see and do in Savannah, there are also a ton of great things to do around Savannah. From historical sites to great beaches and even some great cities, you certainly will find a great day trip on this list that will make a perfect addition to your Savannah itinerary. 

More articles to help you plan your trip to Savannah 

• The perfect Savannah weekend itinerary  
• How to pack your day bag 
• Savannah vs Charleston: Which should you visit? 
• Romantic getaways in the South that couples love  
• Explore the “Old South” with this Southeast road trip itinerary  

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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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!

Savannah   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Chris Moore - Exploring Light Photography | Getty Images

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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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.

Savannah Bucket List: 50 Fun Things To Do in Georgia’s Historic City

Savannah in a gem of a place that many of us would overlook—but, no one should! The coastal city in Georgia is fringed by the Savannah River, and presents a charming blend of the past and the modern world. There are impeccable gardens and parks lined with humongous oak trees covered in Spanish moss, cobblestoned pathways dotted with horse-drawn carts, elegant buildings and mansions designed in the Southern Antebellum architectural style. Let’s not forget the quaint historic district and squares, with the best bed & breakfasts.

There are also endless fun things to do in Savannah—from top attractions to delicious restaurants (you must try the family-style southern food at Mrs. Wilkes !) to interesting historic tours. And this list of activities will make you want to move this GA town  up a spot on your bucket list .

Savannah, Ga: Fun Attractions & the Best Things to Do in Georgia’s Top City

What to see + do, 1. get bug soap.

First things first. As soon as you arrive to Savannah head over to Nourish Bath Products and purchase a bar of Don’t Bug Me  soap, especially if you are there in the humidity of the summer. You can thank me later.

This adorable bath shop was started by a serious crafter and her daughter. Thirteen years and three retails stores later they have created a success. I walked away with three of the best bars of soap; the Hippie Chick, Vanilla Raspberry and Apparition Ale (made with the local beer).

2. Orient Yourself With the City on a Trolly

Take a historic ‘hop on/off” trolley tour with Old Savannah Tours  to get yourself familiar with this beautiful city. There are 16 stops to explore, but even if you don’t get off at any of them it will only take ninety minutes roundtrip. Time well spent. And a sk for Angel, she will put the most hilarious spin on history.

You can easily book a seat for the Hop-On, Hop-Off Historic Savannah Full-Day Trolly Tour in advance.

3. Tour The Davenport House

The Davenport House is a red-bricked Museum, constructed around 1820, that sits on the Northern side of Columbia square and is a representation of what skilled carpentry was like back during that time. And today it’s recognized for it’s preservation and gives you a peak into how life may have been many years ago. 

4. Enjoy a Beach Day on Tybee Island

Plan a short and sweet getaway to the barrier island near Savannah which is renowned for its sun-kissed beaches, vividly painted townhouses, and cordial locals. The island is only a 30-minutes’ drive from downtown Savannah. Tybee is actually a group of beaches such as South Beach, Mid Beach, North Beach, Savannah River Beach, and Back River Beach. Each beach has its own unique features and offers different sorts of activities perfect for kids, teens or adults!

There is much more to Tybee Island than sandy shores and beachy attractions. Pay a visit to Fort Pulaski National Monument, a nineteenth century masonry fortification, and observe how the city withstood a siege during a Civil War. Next on your list should be the Tybee Island Lighthouse; one of the seven Colonial-era lighthouses that is Georgia’s tallest and oldest. Climb to the top and take in the enchanting views of the Atlantic Ocean and Savannah River. Once you are done with the land, take a boat tour to traverse the Tybee’s back river, channels, and tidal marshes. During the trip, try your hand at fishing and have a fun time spotting dolphin.

5. Visit The Savannah and African Art Museum

Experience the deep African heritage, which has been preserved for more than two centuries in the Savannah African Art Museum . The collection has over 1,000 pieces representing 22 African countries.

6. Drive Under the Moss Covered Oaks

Seeing the Spanish moss hanging from the oak trees is one of the best things to do in Savannah, and one of the top ways to experience it is by going to the Wormsloe Historic Site , the tabby ruins of a fortified colonial estate. The driveway to these ruins is a one and a half mile avenue sheltered by these impressive trees.

Jim Liestman

7. take a riverboat cruise.

When you are in Savannah, don’t miss out on the chance to experience the dazzling waterfront from the water on a scenic boat cruise. From a sun-drenched brunch cruise to a dinner voyage kissed with moonlight, this is a unique way to experience the city’s rich history and scenic river.

8. Visit Fort Pulaski National Monument

The Pulaski National Monument is a masonry fortification that dates back to the 19th century. During the Civil War it was the location of an artillery battle, one of the first ones to use rifles. You can take a peak into past lives by touring the fortress, but there’s more than just the historical significance. There is also 5000 acres of saltwater marsh and many miles of hiking trails.

9. Relax at Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is an iconic attraction in the historic district of Savannah, and an absolute must-see when visiting the city! Spanning 30 acres, it’s the largest public park in Savannah (and the oldest too!). Upon first arriving, it will be hard to take your eyes off the Spanish moss filled oak trees, but when you do you will in awe of the neatly manicured lawns and the beautiful water fountain that sits as the centerpiece of it all. Take a leisurely stroll, relax on one of the benches or pack a picnic, pop a squat and enjoy a peaceful meal amongst the hovering Oaks and Spanish moss.

10. Kayak the Skidaway Narrows

Skidaway Narrows is an intercoastal waterway situated within Skidaway Island State Park and this is where you can embark upon a fun kayaking journey. Paddle along the waterway and you will find yourself in a winding canal branching into several forested brooks. During the tour, not only do you have a chance to spot dolphins swimming alongside, but it is also the perfect place for bird watching. You might find yourself mingling with some of the southern bird species, like like Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Egrets and Pelicans

11. Tour The Sorrel Weed House

The Sorrel Weed House has been documented as one of the most visited haunted places in America. Having been constructed in 1840, this house displays the well intricate neoclassical Greek architecture of that time. What things to do at the Sorrel Weed House? You can take a history tour, a ghost tour, or even join in a paranormal investigation event.

12. Visit All the Historic Squares

The 22 historic squares in Savannah and communal mini-parks that are scattered throughout the historic downtown. They offer a little peace, serenity and greenery in the middle of streets lined with businesses and historic homes. They all have their own charm, but one of the most famous is Chippewa Square where the bench scene in the Forest Gump movie was filmed. If you would like to preserve your “square visiting” memory head over to  One Fish Two Fish who sells different scented candles to represent each square.

The Old Savannah Historic Walking Tour will make a stop to many of the historic squares, and give you a little history too.

13. Visit The First African Baptist Church

Said to be the very first black Baptist congregation in North America, the First African Baptist Church is located in Franklin Square in Savannah. It was founded by Reverend George Leile in 1773 as a sanctuary for runaway slaves and worshippers. Reverend George was himself a slave who drove a carriage until he was freed for his loyalty. With the Civil War raging on, many slaves were forced to use the church as a hideout. Today, the church houses a museum with artifacts and memorabilia dating back to the 18th century.

14. Stroll Along River Street

With over 70 shops, boutiques and restaurants, plus waterfront views, it’s easy to spend an afternoon on River Street. Take a stroll just to admire the river view or to be immersed in the former cotton warehouses, and don’t forget to pick up a souvenir to bring back home or a gift for someone special. For more to do, see  The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Savannah’s River Street

15. Stroll Down the Most Beautiful Street in North America

Jones Street was voted one of the most beautiful in North America by Southern Living. And it is, so don’t miss taking a stroll along this quaint tree lined road. Bonus: Mrs. Wilkes Boarding Room restaurant is also located nearby. So, gorge on some of the best Southern food first, then walk it off in beautiful style.

16. SEE THE SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM

Built in 1819, the Sea Maritime Museum is found in the Scarborough House and tells the tales of the nautical history of Savannah’s natives during the Atlantic trade. One of the biggest draws to this museum is the multiple galleries of ship models that include colonial vessels, ironclads, steamers and modern navy ships.

17. Get a Taste of France

If you must escape from the Southern lifestyle for a nanosecond, go to The Paris Market to get a taste of France. There you will be engulfed in two-stories of charming French home goods and unforgettable treasures. I can guarantee that you will wish your suitcase was bigger!

18. Immerse Yourself in the History at Fort McAllister State Park

Situated on the coast of the Ogeechee River about 10 miles away from Savannah, you will find Fort McAllister State Park . This park is surrounded by towering evergreen oaks with Spanish moss (of course!), and a large saltwater wetland. It is not only the perfect spot for scenic hiking, picnics, and camping, it is also one of the best places to get a some historical insight. The park is home to Fort McAllister, a Confederate earthwork fortification that was built to protect Savannah from attacks during the American Civil Work. Visitors can see the relics of the war such as cannons, a hot shot furnace, barracks, and palisades. There is also a museum within the parks that has a number of Civil War memorabilia, videos, and a souvenir shop.

19. Get Inside a Novelists Mind

The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home is a museum dedicated to this acclaimed novelist who wrote The Violent Bear it Away , among several other books. Why would going to this writers home be on your things to do in Savannah bucket list? Because it is a unique look into the mind of an interesting girl. For example, when she was young she would write reviews of the children’s books she read, leaving notes on the pages. Needless to say, she was a bit opinionated.

20. Take a Ghost Tour

Savannah happens to be one of the most ghost-plagued cities in America! Paranormal activities are so common here that locals take it quite lightly. In Savannah, you will be surprised to find a number of haunted sights ranging from graveyards to local pubs. Popular ghostly sites include the rum cellar at The Pirate’s House where you might have an encounter with spirits, the Gothic-style Bonaventure Cemetery where you can take among the tombstones, Sorrel-Weed House, and Madison Square.

If these places are too spooky to navigate on your own (and you want to learn some of the history) then take a tour. There are plenty of ghost tours, but these are two of the top ones:

• Savannah: 2-Hour Paranormal Mystery Tour with Psychic
• Savannah: Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour

21. Buy Original Art and Support an Art Student

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is arguably one of the top art and design universities in the country and they have a gift shop in town, shopSCAD. The students and faculty showcase their work in this trendy boutique-style shop. I walked away with a unique lucky penny necklace.

22. See a Show at the Historic Savannah Theater

The Historic Savannah Theater is one of America’s oldest theaters that is still operating. It opened way back in 1818, and since then it has been hosting live performances and movie shows. Since then the theater has been undergone several renovations, due to fires, and now has an art deco style. Over the years they have featured a plethora of renowned performers including Ty Cobb, Oscar Wilde, Edwin Booth,  E. H. Sothern, and Julia Marlowe. If you wish to watch a dazzling performance in the theater, you can book or purchase tickets to the show through their website .

23. Take a Ghost Tour in a Hearse

Just because a simple ghost tour wouldn’t be creepy enough, take one where you will be riding in a hearse. The Hearse Ghost Tour of Savannah will tell you tales while touring the city in what once was a real hearse.

Don’t want to ride in a hearse? Then take the Ghosts and Graveyards of Savannah trolley tour instead.

24. See a Drag Show

Lady Chablis is a famous drag queen entertainer who was featured in director Clint Eastwood’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and also an episode of Bizarre Foods. Before she passed on, she would perform on the stage of  Club One . Though she is no longer with us, the drag show still lives on—don’t miss it!

25. Spend the Afternoon at The Owens-Thomas House

Prepare yourself to get soaked in the past and experience the untold stories by spending an idyllic afternoon at the Owens-Thomas House . The Regency-style mansion was built in 1819, and features sprawling gardens, slave quarters and a carriage house. The historic house museum gives you an insight to Savannah’s dark history. Through exploring the humbling slave quarters and period rooms filled with historic pictures, interactive exhibits, and artifacts, you can witness the complex and tumultuous lives of the slaves and owners who lived here 200 years ago.

26. Visit the Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetary is the most famous and hauntingly beautiful cemetery with incredible statues, impressive tombs and interesting residents. Having been constructed in the 1800s, this cemetery has elaborate burial vaults that are still intact despite being 150 years old. And there are plenty of ways for you to explore it—you can take a mysterious after-hours walking tour or for something more unique, Segway of Savannah will take you there in style, with limited walking.

27. See the  Forrest Gump Bench

The beauty of Savannah is extremely underrated, but many film directors have used the city as a backdrop. One of the movies is none other than ‘Forest Gump’. Do you remember the scenes where Gump is contently sitting on a bench narrating his life to random people? What if I tell you that you can actually check out the very same bench? After the movie was critically acclaimed, the movie prop became a sort of treasured pop-cultural collectible. While in the movie, the bench was placed in Chippewa Square (a popular spot for photographers), it has now been moved to the Savannah History Museum .

28. Explore The Colonial Park Cemetery

Dating back to 1936, the Colonial Park Cemetery has served as the eternal home to at least 900 people for almost a century. If you are looking forward to a ghost-haunting historical tour, then this is the place for you. Legend has it that the ghost of Rene Asche Rondalier, who was a seven-foot-tall 15-year-old boy burned to death in 1800, still roams around this cemetery up to date. He was convicted of the murder of a young child who was found in the Warren square with her neck broken.

Tours that will take you there are the Colonial Park Cemetery Guided Tour and the Haunted History and Ghosts Walking Tour .

29. Take in the Beauty of St. John Cathedral

View the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist from the inside and the out. There are no words to describe how beautiful the architecture, stained glass work and exquisite carvings are.

Note: the Hop-on Hop-off trolly will take you there!

30. SIP, SHOP & STROLL ON BROUGHTON STREET

Savannah allows to-go cup cocktails on the streets, as long as they are under 16 ounces (one more reason to love this city!). Ask your bartender to make your drink a take-out and spend the afternoon sipping while shopping the trendy boutiques on Broughton Street.

31. TOUR OLD FORT JACKSON

Situated on the Savannah River,  Fort James Jackson  is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest known standing brick fort in Georgia. It was built in the year of 1808 and houses a variety of military artifacts of the Civil War. You can explore the medical room, kitchen, workshop, and other rooms filled with memorabilia that give you a glimpse of a life of a soldier. The highlight of the tour is most definitely the cannon firing programs every day that take place at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Moreover, there are several fun-filled interactive programs for adults, kids, and families.

32. TAKE A PEDICAB

After your sipping & shopping, let someone else do the driving. You will see Pedicabs throughout historic Savannah, mostly near River Street. Hop on, and they will bicycle you to your destination.  The fee is up to you to decide, though they say the average is $8-$12.

33. SHOP AT SAVANNAH CITY MARKET

Having been plagued by a colossal hurricane in 1896 and almost destroyed by two massive fires, the  Savannah City Market  is a must-visit. It’s a place where you can indulge in the delectable southern food (including the famous pecan pie), visit art galleries splurge on elegant handmade jewelry pieces for mementoes and souvenirs.

34. VISIT THE ANDREW LOW HOUSE

Located near the Cathedral Basilica of St John the Baptist, the  Andrew Low House  oozes luxury and comfort with the high-end materials accentuating its elaborate design. It is famous for Ghost tours. It’s alleged that the ghost of Robert E. Lee, a friend to Andrew low, still looms around the house, evidenced by sightings of a moving rocking chair in an upstairs room. Also, people who have toured this house say that the butler’s footsteps can be heard clearly during nighttime. 

WHERE + WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

35. drink absinthe at a speakeasy.

Mata Hari is a sexy speakeasy that only allows entry with a key, and if you read my post about drinking absinthe at this secret speakeasy you will get some tips on how to get one. Once inside order an absinthe done the traditional way, by melting a sugar cube into the liquor and diluting with water.

36. Find Your Favorite Brew at World of Beer

Whether you want to satisfy your beer thirst or just your curiosity, at World of Beer they got you covered with at least 500 different beers, from at least 40 different countries!

37. Sample the Local Craft Beer

Brewpubs, breweries, beer bars… You name it. When it comes to craft beer, Savannah utilizes the highest quality ingredients. Some of the places that stand out include The Distillery where you must also try out Al Capone turkey sandwich, Southbound Brewing Company for awesome drinks and company and don’t forget to check out the excellent selection of craft beer at Habersham Beverage.

38. Take a Southern Food Cooking Class

Embrace the rich cultural diversity of the South and enroll in a cooking class for a more hands-on Southern food experience. From shrimp and grits to succotash, at Classes by Kesslar you will learn how to make the famous southern staples with the 5 stars rated Top Chef Darin while visiting the eccentric Savannah city.

39. Do a Honey Tasting

Savannah Bee Company is a shop where they are taking their passion for honeybees and redefining honey with beauty products and specialty blends. It’s fun to peruse the store, but you can also get a taste of their deliciousness at their honey bar. Need I say more? Not really, but if your you need more, read about my honey tasting experience at Savannah Bee .

40. Eat at the The Olde Pink House Restaurant

The Olde Pink House Restaurant is nestled within the heart of historic Savannah. Set up in an 18th century mansion, the restaurant has a casual setup with just the right dose of sophistication. Here you can indulge in home-cooked low-country cuisine and traditional Southern fare prepared with the best and fresh ingredients. The restaurant has private dining rooms if you wish to relax and dine in utmost privacy. Don’t miss the yummy chicken pot and make sure to check out the piano bar in the basement after you are with the dinner.

41. Eat at The Grey

Located in a restored 1938 Greyhound Bus Terminal, The Grey restaurant is both subtle and impeccable in its unique art deco style and southern food. 

42. Eat Traditional Southern Cooking Served Family-Style

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room , a former boardinghouse, has been serving homestyle Southern cooking in a family-style setting for 68 years. I think they know what they are doing. My memorable dining experience at Mrs. Wilkes included 22 Southern specialties, all of which I fit onto one plate!

43. Take a Food Tour

In Savannah, you must devour the scrumptious Southern food like a local, and you can do that by joining a culinary tour that also offers a glimpse into the city’s culture. It is a great way to get a sampling of a little bit of everything! There’s plenty to choose from, and here are some of the top Southern-style tours that will have you eating everything from barbecue to dessert:

• Savannah: Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour
• Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour
• Savannah: 3-Hour First Squares Food Tour
• Southern Flavors Savannah Dessert Tour

44. Eat Tutti Frutti Ice Cream

Leopolds is a legendary ice cream shop that claims to be the creators of the Tutti Frutti flavor. They started their recipe in 1919 and can’t find any record of Tutti Frutti prior. It is a unique flavor that tastes like a frozen fruit cake, but better! If fruit cake is not your thing, try the Guinness float made with Guinness ice cream.

45. Drink a Horchata Latte at the Coffee Fox

The Coffee Fox is an award winning, craft coffee house in downtown Savannah where you must have a Horchata latte. It’s like a Mexican mocha—sweet, creamy, and nutty.

46. Partake in an Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea should not only be reserved for a trip to Britain, the South are masters at it too. You can have a little “tea party” at The Tea Room , complete with some delectable tiny finger sandwiches. Bonus. I can vouch for the Emperors Bride blend! It is the most popular brew with pineapple chunks, citrus peels and thistle petals.

47. Try the PB&J Chicken Wings at Treylor Park

PB&J Chicken Wings? Really? Yes Really! The crispy fried wings are tossed in a peanut/pecan butter and peach jelly sauce. Treylor Park certainly knows how to play with the ingredients! How about following your wings up with some fried Oreos for dessert? The menu is divided into five categories; brunch, lunch, shares, entrees, and desserts, and each dish stays true to the restaurants trailer park theme (with a little touch of luxury).

48. Try a Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Many Southern restaurants will feature a pimento sandwich , but maybe not as good as at Gryphon . It is a bonus that is is right across the street from shopSCAD and also supports the students of the Savannah Art & Design Institute. That is probably why their food is so pretty.

49. Eat the Conquistador at Zunzi’s

Zunzi’s is a globally inspired sandwich shop that delivers hearty flavors. It’s top menu item, The Conquistador, has been featured by outlets like the Travel Channel and People.com, and for good reason. Firstly, it is HUGE – good enough for two adults. Secondly, it is filled to the brim with juicy and tender chicken pieces, plus it has provolone cheese and is slathered with Zunzi’s special sauces.

50. Get a Fun & Unique Martini

Jens & Friends is a dive bar with dozens of creative martinis to choose from, and they come with edible accessories. My table sipped on the Rice Krispie Treat and the Moon Pie Martini.

Want to make your own martinis? Check out this 101 Martinis Recipe Book .

51. Visit the Birthplace of the Girl Scouts Founder

Savannah is home to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace , the founder of the Girl Scouts.  You can learn about her life at the ‘home museum’ and if you plan your visit during cookie season,  buy a box…or two…from the troops out front.  Who doesn’t like to indulge in an entire box of yummy Samoas or Thin Mints? Can’t Wait? Buy Girl Scout Cookies Now .

52. EAT ADVENTUROUS CUISINE

If you are an adventurous eater like me and like to try  weird foods from around the world , then get your fill on exotic meats at  Alligator Soul . Depending on the night, you may be able to munch on elk, bison yak, ostrich and even alligator tempura!

WHERE TO STAY

53. sleep at a historic inn with a ghost story.

Staying at a historic inn  with a ghost story shouldn’t be too difficult considering Savannah is the most haunted place in the country. I stayed at the former Dresser Palmer House, home to Ghost Madeline, a sweet female child who leaves pennies for the guests. Though it has since closed, there are plenty of other inns with interesting stories too. Some of the top are  The Marshall House ,  The Gastonian  or  Eliza Thompson House .

Savannah might be a small city, but it full of rich culture and fantastic things to do. I suggest you try to explore the city by foot, so you don’t miss any of the nooks & crannies.

What things to do are on your Savannah Bucket List?

Essential Tips for Visiting Savannah, Georgia Getting There: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. You can easily check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner , which also has the option to choose ‘cheapest month’ as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. From the airport to the city center, you can take a shuttle, Uber or Lyft, or take a taxi. You can also board Savannah’s Airport Bus (The 100X Airport Express) to Downtown Savannah, which costs $5 each way or $8 round trip. Where to Stay in Savannah: It’s best to stay near the city center, public transportation or the area that you will be spending the most time in. The Thunderbird Inn (moderate) is a great choice that is a 5 minute walk to Savannah’s historic Downtown District. For something in the heart of the Downtown District, try The Marshall House, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection (moderate) . For something on the less expensive side, try the Comfort Suites Gateway , or Stay Alfred at Drayton Tower , located in the heart of Savannah . For a less expensive option in Savannah’s Midtown, try the Courtyard by Marriott Savannah Midtown . For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the Perry Lane Hotel . Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com . If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.  Getting Around: Driving in Savannah can be a bit of a challenge and parking fees can be expensive, but if you choose to rent a car, RentalCars.com has great deals. If you are not renting a car, there are plenty of options. Taxis, Lyft and Uber are available all over the city, plus most of the top attractions can be accessed with the Hop-On Hop-Off Historic Trolley . Savannah also has a free bus and ferry around the Historic District. Savannah’s public transit service, the Chatham Area Transit (CAT), provides services around Savannah and its suburbs. City Transportation Passes: Day passes for Savannah’s public transit (CAT) can be purchased for $3 per day, which allows unlimited travel on the day of activation. Just notify your driver that you want a day pass instead of a single ticket before purchasing. Best Tours in Savannah : You can find some of the top tours at Get Your Guide or Viator , and here are some of the top ones: Savannah: Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour Savannah Riverboat Cruise Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery with Shannon Scott This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

More About Georgia

Drink Absinthe at a Secret Savannah Speakeasy Climb the St. Simons Lighthouse in Georgia Take a Beach Bike Ride on St. Simons Island in Georgia Drink Moonshine at a Southern Low Country Boil Have a Shark Encounter While Shrimping in Georgia Attend A Honey Tasting in Savannah, Georgia Sleep in a Haunted House in Savannah Eat Pimento Cheese Sandwich in Savannah

200 thoughts on “Savannah Bucket List: 50 Fun Things To Do in Georgia’s Historic City”

Savannah is a beautiful town! Paula Dean's place is there, which has great southern food as well. Lovely town and definitely worth a weekend visit!

I did make it to Paula Deens store, but didn’t have the chance to eat at Lady & Sons. Next time :)

Annette you have the best bucket list recommendations. I love your article! Thank you for taking the time to write this and also sharing it with us all.

Her food is trash that comes from a can. And belongs in a trash can. She is a racist pig. What a poor diplomat for savannah.

U r a piece of SHIT and sounds brain dead to me. 100% fabulous place to eat A must eat if around Savannah

No really, he is right. She sucks big time! I met her while I lived there and she is awful!!! I am so sick of her being synonymous with Savannah.

You don’t sound very nice, yourself.

Rob, you are an idiot. That was a long time ago. Get a grip and move on. YOU sound like a liberal racist yourself. I would gather that you are not from the south and don’t realize that is how the people spoke. Now the blacks call other blacks the “N” word every day and that’s ok? Before you go trashing on a traditional southern woman, go take a hard look at yourself, you hateful individual.

You make it seem like it is OK for a Caucasoid to call a negroid a n bomb. Well its not cool at all. Is it OK to call a Hispanic a beaner or a White guy Saltine cracker. Paula Dean is an albino racist piece of shit.

You all need to get a grip on this race calling. History lesson, white people you’re not from here at all, you all from European countries and came and stole the Indians land. 70% of black people are of Indian decent. I’m am black and more American than you write people. You all feel inferior to other minorities especially black people because you stole people from Africa and bright them him to build America for you. But black people are the ones that made America who it is today. By way of medicine, space travel, architecture, farming, and everything you touch. White people had to enslave black people because you fear us and our intelligence. You broke most black people down and now you get the society that we are in. White people you ate the real thieves of America. The only way to break a powerful people were to treat them like trash and now you’re mad and upset to what you all created. You treating black people the way you have is the biggest sin known to man and you all still won’t say you’re sorry. Government assistance wasn’t created for black people because they raised their own crops and cattle, this was created for you white people so you wouldn’t have to feel the same or appear the same as the black community. This happened in the great depression, but now that sine black people are on assistance is a problem, but there wasn’t an issue when you all needed it. So what is good for the goose isn’t good for the gander. People need to wake up and know that we are all God’s people and he created is to love one another and care for one another but hate had set in your souls and minds and at judgement day you all have to be accountable for your own sins.

You are right god created us to love one another But the part that we would be judged because of what was done before any of us were born…. I do not understand White/ Indian / Italian

Wrong, the African people sold their own people into slavery, they weren’t stolen!

Welcome to the real world ‘Truthbetold. War has been going on for thousands of years, the strong prevail, and write the history books. The American Indian actually crossed the land bridge thousands of years ago from Europe, and conquered the original original Americans, all confirmed via DNA. They in turn were conquered by later Europeans, starting in the 15th century….where do you think the American Indians got their horses from? Stolen from the Spaniards. Privileged white males? All depends on those in control, In the 16th century, the Irish, due to the potato famine, were valued at a dollar, black slaves were worth double at $2. Indentured servitude as you correctly point out. The indentured made a choice, serve for slave wages or starve to death. Later, they made better choices. Now we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Should there be future renumeration for the Irish from the USA government due to their indentured servitude in the 16th century? If the Africans get it, why not the Irish? Does black and white matter?

This nation was founded on ‘might makes right’, and that was the accepted way back then. Unions were formed to equal out the renumeration of the working class, no more kids and folk working on Sundays , and Henry Ford, at $5 per day, really opened the doors. Life is one of choices, good and bad, smart and dumb ones, the smarter gain and earn more as a result…that is the reality of life….. A smart one was Jobs, dropped out of college, invented the Apple and iPhone, now we can’t live without a smart phone ……and he deserves outlandish wealth for taking the huge risk to develop and market it…..some have failed….remember the Blackberry, the Nokia, the first cell phone, the Nokia is now no more….the result of poor choices, and no $$$. What is the goal of any business? To make money. The owners take the risk, and deserve the fruits of their labor. Apple pays it’s people a fair wage. So does Walmart and Amazon. If workers don’t agree, they have the choice to go elsewhere.

You talk About love and spew hate everybody is God’s child but the way you talk to your superior nobody superior black light any color get a grip

these post look extremely old…but never to old to respond to Paula Dean’s place… It is and was great! Great food and atmosphAnd hey truthbetold person…get over yourself you are not a victum and you are damn sure not a genius.. This is not about race its about food. Its a review of a place, not a voting booth

Do you not realize that what happened, happened a long time ago and she apoigized. Maybe think before you let words fall out your mouth

A gun was pointed at her head during a bank robbery by a black man more than 30 years ago. She told the truth in court that she may have used the “N” word when she was upset after th incident. Most of us would have said more than that.

tell us how you really feel, geese

I agree the food was a let down totally.

ROB, YOUR MOM SHOULD HAVE TAUGHT YOU: IF YOU CAN’T SAY SOMETHING NICE, SAY NOTHING AT ALL.

Angry much?

Try Mrs. Wilkes. It’s where the locals go, and is ten times better too!

There is a time and place to view your negative thoughts. I do not believe this is the format to discuss Paula Dean and all the hateful comments both ways should be removed. They do not speak kindly of any of the race’s that live and cherish this unique and quaint town. Many places are mentioned on this site and they are all unique. It depends on what you are looking for home cooking Great seafood. It;s all here in the heart of our City. Not all people judge so harshly, there is allot of people that feel that you without sin cast the first stone. BY the sounds of some of these folks you can tell they have sinned the very sins they now judge other for. So learn to be tolerant and show it and others may learn from you. Use your word for kindness, or you are just as bad.

It’s very interesting to me that Paula Dean, who said something 35 years ago, cannot escape her past, but, today people are allowed to bash conservatives and God and feel that that is their right. Isaiah, the prophet, said “Woe to them who call good evil and evil good.” That is where we are in our society, sadly. But, this is about Savannah and the food there. If we boycott every establishment which doesn’t espouse our beliefs, there will be nothing left. Move on and let’s all mind our own business and try to be better today than we were yesterday and rise above all of this terrible divisive talk. We live in the UNITED states of American and we should try to live by that title.

I’m super excited to take my first trip to Savannah the weekend of the 19th and 20th of December and I’m looking forward to eating at the Lady and Son’s. Funny how everyone wants to throw out the racist card, when in reality they should be more focused on the fact that she publicly apologized for her wrong doings. Let us be more like God and forgive and stop pointing fingers!!! I agree with the Southern Lady if we pick apart everything and everybody we might as well stay at home. That is no way to live!

I have done most of them – Savannah is my favorite home away from home.

If you go, be sure to stay in the Historic District (my wife and I love Kehoe House). The Squares, shopping, River, libations, restaurants are all within walking distance. Park the car and forget about it until you are ready to head out to Tybee for a day at the beach or to eat at the North Beach Grill or Crab Shack. If you are a history buff, there is plenty to see – lots of majestic homes to tour (Owens-Thomas is one of my favorites), as well as forts Jackson, Pulaski and McAllister. For ghosts, I recommend a walking tour. There are a few tour companies, and they all seem to do a pretty good job. The Blue Orb tour at midnight is really fun. I know I might sound like some kind of Visitor's Center troll – not true. I have just been visiting Savannah and Tybee since childhood, and really love the area.

GREAT suggestions! Lucky you for having such a lovely home away from home. I do love that Savannah is a “walking” town, that way you don’t miss anything!

Have you ever ventured past the Historic District into the rest of the city?

Great post and great suggestions! I'll keep them on my bucket list for my trip to Savannah ;)

Perfect! After you visit Savannah let me know if there should have been something else on the list :)

Anyone try the Pirate House? Great place & food excellent. Missed it on last trip to Savannah. Too many things to do & not enough for all. Just a great southern city with soon much history. There are several books of the area & well worth the read.

Pirate House is a very good dining experience..Every trip we end up back there..Try the Pecan crusted fried chicken..its Awesome ! Prices are friendly and atmosphere is charmingly warm.

The Crystal Beer Palace is a fantastic place. My husband and I ate there when we went to Savannah last year. Fantastic atmosphere, very charming, delicious food and glorious drinks!

I also like to get a slice from Vinnie Van Go Go's on Bryan St. It's a cash only place and worth every penny! Or a sweet treat from Back in the Day Bakery.

Nothing better than a good slice!

VVGG is a must! Always our first evening meal in town. Also, if you can catch them open, Walls' Barbecue is really good. If you Google it, you will see stuff about it closing,but it was open again back in May 2010 when I last went there. It is not too far off Columbia square on York Lane. Follow your nose!   Other fun things to do – see a show by SCAD; go to a Sand Gnats game; take the obligatory Harbor Cruise; do not miss Savannah Candy Kitchen; drop by Wet Willies; hang out at the River and listen to the Trumpet Man….

#25 Drive under the Oaks:  I've seen those Spanish Moss trees in FL.  They're beautiful. That street, that photo = stunning.  I'd love to take a stroll or slow drive along that road. #24: I've been indulging in way too much exotic meat lately, so, I'm trying to go mostly vegan for at least the next week and ideally longer, wanna be good to my body, but wow, what a selection at that place. If I ever get there, I will have to try whatever they have on offer that night, unless I get more sensible and decide to go exclusively veg by then, slim chance since it hasn't happened yet.  My adventurous eating mentality trumps the side of the mental make up that doesn't like the idea of murdering mammals and feeding my body with unhealthy flesh. 

It’s hard for me to stay away from meat, especially a juicy burger. But, sometimes I will give my body a break and eat vegetarian. I haven’t tried the whole ‘vegan’ thing yet, but it’s on the list :)

PERFECT timing Annette. I'm going to Savannah in November and just starting my planning! You've got me plenty excited for all the eating I'm going to do. 

You will have to let me know if you find any other gems. Have fun, it’s such a charming city.

Advice if you are going to Mrs. Wilkes: Skip breakfast! Get there around 10:30 or so, and you will likely be in the first group, if not first in line. Cash only!   The Pirates House – kind of corny, but good food and fun. I recommend the Chatham Artillery Punch.

That’s a good tip about skipping breakfast before heading to Mrs. Wilkes. I wish I would have ;)

I've so enjoyed the posts on Savannah! Such a unique city, I really need to make getting there a priority. 

Savannah is such a unique city that I hope you make it to one day!

I live in Georgia for 13 years… and I am embarrassed to say I still haven’t been in Savannah. May be this year. Thanks for the tips, Annette! Very helpful.

Hope you make it to Savannah, it’s such a charming city!

i’M so excited to going to Savannah in 3 weeks! I remembered you had posted this list, and I’m using several of your tips!! It’ll be a quick trip on our way to Disney, but I have always dreamed of visiting Savannah….it just seems to be a place unlike any other…

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LIST!!!

Have a wonderful time! I truly loved Savannah and its Southern hospitality!

We went to Wormsloe today and loved it. So beautiful! We suggest walking the road under the oaks, rather than driving. It’s so peaceful, and nature is a gift that a car seems to hide.

Thank you for the great suggestion! That does seem like a more memorable experience.

One of the most interesting historic sites in Savannah is Congregation Mickve Israel which is the third oldest Jewish congregation in colonial America. They give wonderful guided tours Monday thru Friday. A must experience.

My fiance and I are considering Savannah for our honeymoon in July 2014. Reading this makes me REALLY want to visit. What are the best hotels or B&B to stay at?

I truly had a lovely time in Savannah and really enjoyed the southern hospitality! I only slept at one B&B, the Dresser Palmer House and it was awesome. I did have the opportunity to visit 3 others that seemed equally as wonderful. You can read about them here: https://bucketlistjourney.net/southern-hospitality-and-ghosts-at-savannah-inns/ Congrats on your upcoming nuptials!!

How far is Tybee Island from Savannah? My fiancé and I are also considering SavannH for our honeymoon!!

Tybee Island is really close to Savannah, about 20 miles away. Savannah would be a lovely honeymoon location!

20 minutes rather.

River street is a neat place to visit too (be careful on the cobblestones!) at the south end is the echo circle (not sure the technical name of it, but if you stand in the middle, you can hear echos of your voice). There are tons of festivals that go on all over Savannah! Greek, Asian, jazz, music, movies… The SCAD sidewalk arts festival is the last weekend in April and a sure favorite of my family!! Forsyth park has a farmers market on Saturdays. The first Saturday of the month, River Street is filled with vendors of food and fun wares! There are also free feet rides across the river to the international trade and convention center. Whew! That’s a lot, but only the beginning!

WOW! It sounds like I need to come back for one of the many festivals. I would have loved to have been there for the SCAD sidewalk arts festival!

I love all of your suggestions!! I live in Savannah and have been here all my life(40 years)! Born and raised. Even as a local I never get tired of it. I’m blessed to be able to live in such a wonderful place. I live on Wilmington Island, one of the barrier islands of Savannah. It’s about 15 minutes east of downtown Savannah and about 10 minutes from Tybee. Anyway, glad you enjoyed your stay here. I hope others will as well!!

By the way, if you ever return, Green Truck Pub has the BEST burgers in town!! All natural and local.

I can’t pass up a good burger! I’ll try it next time I am in town :)

I live here in Savannah and have all my life. You have a good list going there. Will say this much… Anyone coming here, make SURE you go to Mrs. Wilkes. Above all, my favorite here. Savannah has tons of great places to eat, but that one is the best. But you didn’t mention St. Patrick’s Day at all. It’s the craziest celebration of it’s kind. Our version of Mardi Gras crammed into one day. But be beware – it’s a huge party, and if that’s not your style, stay away the 17th of March (and the weekend before!).

That sounds like one heck of a party!

Visiting Savannah for the first time in a few weeks, and so glad to stumble across this list! I am now VERY excited to visit! Thanks for all of the great info!

I hope you have an AMAZING time and eat a pimento cheese sandwich for me!

I can’t believe you left off Johnny Harris! I grew up in Statesboro and that was our favorite destination (a long time ago).

Sounds like I may need to have a Savannah Bucket List #2 :)

Make sure to take in a performance by Savannah’s premiere theater company, The Collective Face Theatre Ensemble. Coming up: FOOL FOR LOVE by Sam Shepard, weekends March 7 – 23, 2014.

This is my hometown, currently living in wv. Wormsloe pretty much sums up what i miss about good ol sav ga

Annette, glad you enjoyed your visit to my hometown. I lived in ATL from 1977 to 1997, traveled to many places, domestic and foreign, during that time. I always enjoyed coming home. I’m back now. I would recommend using the Visit Savannah facebook site, the Savannah Visitors Center site, City of Savannah – just google. You’ll find many B&B’s and small local hotels that offer great packages that include tours, meals, entertainment, etc. It costs more to stay downtown but if you don’t mind taking the bus or the hotel/motel shuttles from the Southside you’ll still have a great time. I would not go to any chain restaurant since SAV has wonderful local restaurants (some of those are ‘local chains’. Remember, the restaurants in SAV survive with the support of the locals.

Many thanks for the suggestions!

Sweet melissas for pizza. B Mathews for brunch or lunch (reservations recommended for weekends). Green truck pub had amazing burgers and a fantastic craft beer selection.

I need to come back to try all of these!!

So glad the article didn’t mention Paula Deen. So many better places to eat – The Pink House is my fave.

I am sorry I missed out on eating at The Pink House, the menu looks delish!

Savannah is one of my favorite towns, anywhere in the US. Quaint and sophisticated, smart and dreamy. Take a tour of the open canvas of SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) and watch the river turn green for St. Patrick’s Day. Lady Chablis, of course. If you want a primer, watch Clint Eastwood’s “Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil”. OR, read the book. If you want a sleepy Southern town, this isn’t it. Have a great visit! And come back again!

The river is always green, we do not dye it. The Victorian District is beautiful. Ardsley Park is also lovely, Daffin Park off of Victory Drive..there is much more to do than just the Historic District. Buy local art, not just SCAD art. There are thousands of local artists that were actually born here. FIND A LOCAL to give you a tour not some lying tour guide. No the Forsyth Fountain was not purchased through the Sears catalog. That bench from Forest Gump was only put there for the movie! Stay out of Park and Tree’s flower beds! These folks work to hard to have people trampling through their beds looking for a nonexistent bench! Seek out locals and I mean those born here. Those are the most interesting tour guides!

have a shot with Tony at the Jinx

Track down Darin Sehnert (formerly of 700 Kitchen Cooking School) and beg, borrow or steal to take a cooking class!

I have lived in Savannah most of my life, and I have done just about everything on the list and the things suggested by others. That being said, I would caution the couple marrying in July to think carefully about a honeymoon here. The average temperature hovers around 100 degrees with a heat index of 110-115. The humidity is at 100% so you walk around feeling as if you are wearing a wet towel.

If the heat isn’t an issue, I say come on down, we’d love to have you, but I think full disclosure is important. It gets HOT, ya’ll!

I have lived in Savannah my whole life,and this is a very good list. There are many great restaurants in Savannah mentioned in the list and comments, but I would add one called The Sapphire Grill. Their wine cellar has a private table for two that is perfect for romantic occasions like anniversaries or proposals. Ask for the room when you make your reservation. Other spots I’d add include Elizabeth’s on 37th and Leocci’ s Trattoria. And of course have a PBR tall boy and throw some darts at the greatest dive bar, Pinky Masters (Pinkies)

Now you have me thinking about creating a Bucket List of Romantic Things to do in Savannah!

I grew up in Savannah and have kept close connections and regular visits with family and friends through the years. I enjoyed your list. Wormsloe is sometimes missed, but shouldn’t be. Mrs. Wilkes a definite must. I agree with other comments of those who have been to Johnny Harris. It is a fun place for Barbeque and dinning room in my earlier years was a place we went to dance. I have many found memories of Johnny Harris on Victory drive. I also enjoy a cocktail by the fireplace in the basement bar of the Pink House, with piano in the background. The Greek festival is wonderful as is the Art Festival in April. The Green Meldrim House is a wonderful treasure and should be visited if you can. It is presently the Parish House of St. Johns Episcopal Church. The reredos of St. Johns is an incredible work as is the Gothic Revival Church. By all means walk, and walk slowly as much as possible.

Love your advice to walk and walk slowly! I don’t think I ever walked as much as when I was in Savannah and am so grateful that I did, because the streets are incredibly beautiful.

I am Georgia born & raised and Savannah is my favorite place! But if you are not from the South, beware of July honeymoons – can be 100+ with extreme humidity and tons of our “beloved” gnats! Savannah is too special to have an unexpected experience with the heat with no warning. Mrs. Wilkes is a MUST! The squares are wonderful to explore. Many old homes, River Street, City Market, fresh seafood as well as Southern home-cooking! A carriage ride is really special. A trip in the spring adds beautiful azaleas! Been visiting Savannah all my life and it never gets old.

We lived in the Savannah area for a short while (husband’s job) and I never got tired of site seeing and eating at all the wonderful places. The first time I road down the historical streets and by the 22 squares, I felt like I had lived there many years ago in another life as a Southern Bell. It felt like home. I just absolutely love Savannah and the history. It’s amazing how the homes, churches and other buildings were built so many years ago and how well they have remained. Even the buildings and coble stone streets on the river that were built by the pirates have stood the test of time. Each time we go, I see something I missed on all the other trips. If you’ve never been, you must go.

Gotta go into the candy stores for free samples of the pralines. Then before you leave Savannah, go back and buy some!

You need to add: shrimp n grits at the Cotton Exchange Tavern on Riverwalk. Mac n cheese at what used to be called Avia Hotel on Ellis square.

I live in Columbia SC & have been to Savannah several times but in reading this great bucket list & comments it really makes me want to go back. Great post & comment’s!! Mike Sanford

Bull St, which runs from downtown, is blocked temporarily by Forsyth and then continues is one of my favorites… particularly below Forsyth, where every Saturday a Farmers’s Mkt occurs, then Brighter Day Grocery, Sentient Bean, Le Chai-galerie du vin, the American Legion (great local hangout bar and beautiful ball room upstairs, Betty Bomber’s (classic diner style fare) and Local 11Ten (fine dining) are all in one historic building on Park and Bull. Then, if you continue south you’ll come to Butterhead Green’s (eclectic sandwiches and salads) and Foxy Loxy coffee. A little off the tourist path but a great area to explore. As someone who hope to move their business out of their kitchen and into a small space near our beautiful downtown area, I appreciate your focus away from the t-shirt shops of River and Bay streets.

Like the suggestions, but I think you should include night drifting through the bars, to listen to all the great musicians in Savannah!

That sounds like a perfect night!

Mrs Wilkes is older and better than Paula’s. Kevin Barry’s Pub on River St has great food and wonderful live music, especially if Harry O’Donoghue is playing.

Moved to Savannah from Florida in May of 2013. There is no southern hospitality here at all. It is affectionately known as ” backwardsvillee”. That being said & since I can`t leave, highly suggest that your tour River street, hang out & enjoy the different sights & restaurants. Forsyth is known for its trees & saturday farmer markets. Have a picnic, be nice to the homeless there, lots of weddings all the time. Back to the restaurants, Molly McGee, & a pizza place in the Market. While your In the Market go see Brian Ma Greggor, an artist who does beautful work in a beautiful & interesting process. The dancing waters there are better than Forsyth & its great to watch the kids playing in them. Have not been to Paula Deens. The Pirate House was great the first couple of times, don`t care for it anymore & yes it is truly haunted. Took a ghost tour & out tour guide was scared of ghosts. We enjoyed ourselves much better just visiting.

Since Savannah has such a storied history, do you have any antiquing recommendations?

Unfortunately, I have not done any antiquing in Savannah. Hopefully someone else will read your comment and have a suggestion for you.

Hi, we are coming there for a couple of nights July 4th to the 6th on our way to Hilton Head Island, SC. We are staying at the Azalea Inn and Gardens…do you have any feedback on that Inn? It seems to get great reviews on Trip Advisor, but I’m wondering if you can walk to the River Street area. If not, can you recommend an Inn/B & B in that area that is nice? Price isn’t an issue. Many Thanks!

Though I did not stay at the Azaela Inn, I did do a tour of it and it was truly lovely. The innkeeper at the time (I believe it’s the same one) was an absolute blast. It’s is a little bit of a walk to the River Street area (maybe a mile or so), but I did it and it was so nice walking through the neighborhoods and the squares on the way. The Zeigler House is a bit closer to the river and it’s amazing! I stayed at the Dresser Palmer House and I definitely recommend that one too. If you walk to the river you can always catch a pedi-cab back to the inn.

We are visiting now and my absolute favorite thing to do is walk the town at night. Don’t forget a trip through the cemetery during the day. We had dinner at 17 Hundred 90 and LOVED it! Awesome food and service, super cozy atmosphere. Pirates House lunch buffet tomorrow!

Sounds like you are having fun!! Please share how you liked your Pirates House lunch buffet :)

We are visiting for the 4th of July. What time do you have to get in line to get in Mrs. Wilkes? Thanks.

They open at 11:00am, so if you’d like to be seated in the first round I’d recommend getting there about an hour ahead of time.

Anyone know if there is any stores that have REAL Authentic Amish goods. There is a peanut butter they make that I refer to as Amish crack cause once you have some on English muffins you can’t stop. Am going to Savannah next week so am looking.

Thanks for some great suggestions here. I really appreciate the fact that you took time to make suggestions that will fit into anyone’s budget. My wife and I will be going in a month and we look forward to checking out some of the hotspots you mentioned. Thanks again.

Have a fabulous time and let me know if find some new Bucket List worthy things to do in Savannah :)

We are coming to Savannah the first week of October and would like to know a good place to stay that close enough for walking in the Historic District but not too expensive. We are in our 70’s and 80’s and still walk well but give out Easley. I have some lower back pain and have to rest and then get up and go again.

Take a historic walking tour with Savannah Belle Tours. We have taken quite a few and she is the best, plus she has a Groupon for 2 for $17! Worth it!!!

You will be considered a cheap-ass if you pay a Pedicab driver a lousy $9.00 to cart your fat ass around in that type of heat.

Savannah is my favorite Southern city. After I read some of Eugenia Price’s early books, my husband and I made several trips to the Savannah area, so when I began writing my own novel, I chose it for the setting. Springtime in Savannah is a double novel, with one story merged into another. We continue to visit Savannah, and love to come in January. The weather is perfect. We stayed at the new Bluegreen timeshare on Ellis Square, and enjoy walking everywhere. Of course, we love touring old homes and taking lots of photos. Thank you for your warm Southern hospitality. See you next year and read my 400-page, contemporary Christian novel. Goggle preview has 77 free pages.

Just been reading some of your suggestions in preparation for a trip in October. Dying to surprise my wife with a visit to the House of Mata Hari. Do you think the concierge desk at the Hyatt (where I’m staying for a conference) could find us a key?

I can’t really say for certain, but I’d definitely give it a shot. Maybe give concierge a call before you arrive and let us all know how it turns out!

It looks like you squeezed a lot in considering you had a wedding to attend!

What can I do in the month of december.

Hi Ruby, Check out Painting With a Twist in Savannah if its not too late. Its new, different, and a ton of fun! It is a BYOB art studio. But if you don’t drink then that is ok too! An instructor takes you step by step through a painting in 2-3 hours and you get to leave with your masterpiece.

OK….so I have parents that moved to Savannah on Skidaway Island about 4 years ago. They are in their late 60’s…….and have ridden their bikes all over, poked around there and there and absolutely love the city. They are snowbirds – Connecticut in the summers.

Looking to get my mother a gift for her birthday of something either from Savannah or to do in Savannah. Any ideas? Not sure what she has or has not really done yet…so I realize I am going in blind……..

Hi Russell, Check out Painting With a Twist in Savannah! Its new, different, and a ton of fun! It is a BYOB art studio. But if they don’t drink then that is ok too! An instructor takes you step by step through a painting in 2-3 hours and you get to leave with your masterpiece. Its designed as a fun night out and it makes for a great gift for someone.

Hey Russell, I think Groupon or Living Social has a deal right now on the Savannah Riverboat Cruise. It is a neat riverboat that departs from River Street. They have different cruises, some with dinner. They have a bar on board. It might be something they would enjoy if they haven’t been.

Definitely, if at all possible, do not plan a trip to Savannah during the months of June – August… unless you just really enjoy the extreme heat and humidity, it can be very miserable if you’re not used to it. That being said, Spring and Fall are the absolute best times to visit, especially if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing on foot! Something to keep in mind, also, is that the first Saturday of every month there is arts & crafts festival on River Street. Some weekends it’s a whole weekend long festival. To the person who asked about what to do in December… the first Saturday night has a great lighted Christmas parade, that weekend has a weekend long festival on the river. There is also a great gingerbread house contest and they all get put on display at the Westin… not sure when that starts but if you Google it I’m sure there will be plenty of info online.

Hey Annette! Thank you so much for this post on Savannah:) I’m planning to take the kids to the down south and this list definitely helped me. I had a question..how do I follow your blog? Thanks again for your post

You can receive blog post updates and a monthly newsletter by signing up on my email list which is located in the righthand sidebar of the blog: https://bucketlistjourney.net Just fill in your name and email address :)

If you are lucky… You can meet Jerry. Ask around…

Quick tip: D. Luxe closed a few months ago. But the Savannah Square candle line is still being made and can be found at One Fish Two Fish!! They are amazing quality candles and have such interesting stories attached to the scent of each square!

Some of these are over rated, particularly leopards which is no better than breyers ice cream from the store.

Really. Is there anything to do in Savannah that isn’t shallow? Or have I come to the wrong blog?

It is Leopold’s, not Leopards. You cannot by Leopold’s flavors at the grocery store, nor can you buy Breyers so freshly made. The menu changes monthly. Rose Petal ice cream is one of my favorites. This is a guide for people visiting Savannah, and Leopold’s offers a bit of history as well as confections and sandwiches. If you can handle the long lines that frequently form outside of the store, it is well worth the wait.

Planning a trip feb2-8. Want a carriage ride, suggestions ?

You have a wonderful BUCKET LIST! Savannah was my home for 10 great years and it is a beautiful place!! You could add PINKY MASTERS where we started on St. Patrick’s Day. Another institution is JohnnyHarris Restaurant and the Sand Gnats Ball Park!!!! Thanks for letting me reminisce!!

Thanks for the insider suggestions! You were lucky to have lived there for 10 years :)

Obviously written by someone who does not live in Savannah. Half the stuff on this list are tourist traps. Wanna know the best way to spend your time in Savannah? Find a local and follow them around.

It may be difficult for someone on short vacation to find a local to follow for a few days. But, if you have any other suggestions of the “non-tourist trap” things to do while visiting Savannah please share, I am sure everyone reading would be interested in them.

I just moved my family to the Savannah area, and I have not had much time to explore. I am thankful that someone else has taken the time to research places/things to do and make a list. This way there was less work for me. You gave me a cheat sheet in a way! Sure the list may include touristy places, but I hate to be the bearer of bad news… Savannah is known to make money from visitors. It’s marketed as a tourist’s destination place. I’m happy to put revenue back into my local economy. I am even happier some very nice people are giving me pointers as to what is out there. As previously stated, I am new to the area and haven’t gone out exploring. However, I’m not mindless; I will judge places for myself. I am glad I now have suggestions to at least start somewhere. So, thank you… to everyone who gave a suggestion.

How exciting to be living in a new city where there is so much exploring to do! I’m sure all the readers would love to hear what you find in your Savannah adventures, so if you remember come back and leave some new ideas in the comments :)

Check out my long post for suggestions. Take a tour of the Coastal Botanical Gardens on US 17 for free. Take the kids to Fort Jackson by Tybee and Fort Mcallister in Richmond Hill. (Small parking fees for those, and admission cost to help with upkeep at Ft. McAllister.) There is a small aquarium center and trails to walk at the Skidaway Island aquarium for minimal admission cost. My son and I love it there. Welcome to the area!

In addition to riding a Segway through Bonaventure Cemetary, I always enjoy bouncing on a pogo stick on top of a Civil War soldier’s grave. So much fun!

Go to McDonough’s! It is the best karaoke in town and a wonderful atmosphere to boot! Also a fun place to catch celebrities during the film festival. I have met -to name a few- Stan Lee, Norman Reedus, Nina Dobrev, Richard Speighter (from Supernatural), Justin Long, there!!!

Zunzi’s is a must. It boasts South African cuisine and has two locations in the heart of downtown. One has live entertainment using instruments that I’d never seen until it opened. It’s Godfather sandwich is mouthwatering and will feed two. If you want to see a veritable museum of newspaper clippings and old photographs related to our local history before dining on a variety of dishes from the region (I love the shrimp po boy with fried green tomatoes) then you should visit the Crystal Beer Parlor. This restaurant/bar has served Savannians since 1933, and is a local favorite. It is not far from Mrs. Wilkes’ and is open much later. It is family friendly, too. Don’t forget Tybee Island and the lighthouse. If you have someone to watch the kids, go on a pub crawl/ ghost tour. There are several to choose from. Now, if you do have the kids with you, you should visit the Jepson center with two stories of interactive exhibits for children. Phase one of Savannah’s Children museum is an innovative reclamation of historical train repair facilities. It has two stories of mazes, slides, giant checkerboards, etc., and is adjacent to the Georgia State Railroad Museum. There you can tour a variety of antique train cars and learn the history of the railroad from early in Savannah’s history. They also have a huge room full of model trains to delight the train enthusiasts in your midst. City Market is the location of Vinnies, as well as dozens of art galleries. I moved here in 2000, and have happily made it my home. The summer humidity and gnats aside, I love it. It is also a pivotal spot on civil rights history, civil war history, Revolutionary War and colonial history…..Ha! I guess I could write my own top 25. I suggest a visit between October through December or in the weeks just after St. Patrick’s Day through Memorial Day for the most ideal temps. It is definitely a place to put on your travel bucket list!

Grabbing a footlong slice of pizza from sweet Melissa’s should definetly be on the list I’m in savannah twice a year and always do. The whe in the wall looks run down but ver surprisingly good food. Right scross the street from that paula deen lady I’ve never seen her on tv but tried the restaurant wasn’t impressed. Went to a place called sisters of the south not in the historic distric but best southern food I ever had

Quick question about Mata Hari. Even if my husband and I don’t stay at any of the mentioned places, could we still stop one or all of them and ask for a key?

I’m not sure if they would be receptive to that, maybe give them a call first? You may also find some helpful hints by reading the comments of this post https://bucketlistjourney.net/drinking-absinthe-at-a-secret-savannah-speakeasy/

We went there for 5 days.our 1st day we ate there it was amazing fresh food,and the best fried chicken ever,and was so inexpensive for what you get.. I Dont know about all of these other comments, its obvious they are not from the south… I’ll recommend this restaurant to everyone I meet…..oh and I must add’ the servers and everyone that works there was amazing.

Just got back from our mini vaca to Savannah! We nearly did everything on this list and had the best time!! We can’t wait to go back. Thanks for the suggestions. Love your blog and will be checking back often to read up on your latest adventures :)

Happy to hear that you had an incredible time!! Did you make it to the secret speakeasy? Because if you did I am sure all the readers would love to hear how you got a key :)

We did make it there!! The doorman opened the door and asked if we were here for the burlesque show.. And our response was..”Of course we are!!” So that’s how we luckily got in without a key. Such an awesome experience!!

Savannah, Georgia the oldest city in Georgia – this definitely is a place that I want to visit. My brother has moved to Charleston last year with his family and I will go to visit him and my nephews very soon. When I go there it will be for a month or more so I can see all the wonderful things in the state of Georgia! Since my brother has moved I am dreaming of going to Savannah! Thanks for the wonderful post! I would love to visit and see all these wonderful places! Greets!

Thanks for sharing useful post with us.I also Was planning to visiT Attractions in Georgia with my family, I think it was an awesome place for vacations with family.

Such a Great Information ,Thanks for sharing with us.I also Was planning to visit and doing Amazing Things to do in Georgia with my family, I think it was an awesome place for vacations.

Gryphon does not serve pimento grilled cheese :( B. Matthews has a fried green tomato and pimento cheese BLT that was really good!

First thing to do will be to go by the old home stead and see the house my children grew up in. (Near Boniventure cemetery naturally!!) After that, visit Fam and friends. From there, who knows!!!

Planning a trip with my best friend in April, and cant wait to try some of your great suggestions! Thank you!

Have a great time!!! It is a wonderful city…and let me know if you find something new to add to the list :)

I’ve been to Savannah many times visiting my father’s family. Even though they’ve passed and interred at Bonaventure, I still love to travel to this beautiful city with my sister and family at least once a year. We just recently visited St. John (never paid attention to it before now!)- beautiful church!! I wanted to revisit Wormsloe last summer- saw on website that they charge $10.00 a person! Beyond that beautiful drive, there is nothing else to see- no historic homes, etc. – just an educational center.

Known for its rich flora Savannah, Georgia during the humid summer months supports a diverse wildlife population. Savannah prides itself on historic preservation. This means that if a house is in the Historic district, chances are — surprise! — it’s a historic house, complete with lanterns on the front porch as well as old ironing boards in the kitchen that inevitably have a ghost behind them.

Firstly, I’m glad this list didn’t mention Paula Deens restaurant. Having lived in Savannah my entire life, I’ve learnt that only tourists eat there and that the quality of the food has gone way down. Paula never even visits the restaurant nowadays.

Leopolds is overly expensive and not that great. I prefer Breyers.

You should try Bakers Pride bakery on Derenne. It’s the best bakery in the southeast United States. They cater to a ton of local businesses and restaurants, but I’d recommend going to the source for the delectable deliciousness.

Also, look up geocaching..

Me and my girlfriends are gonna do Savanah because of Paula Dean ….. It will be up to our intentions not anybody”s to see how our trip turns out… If, it is bad might because of someone not something! Besides I wouln’t really care to go otherwise! USE TO BE A STINKY LITTLE TOWN

thank you thank you this is a great list! i am doing a day trip from Atlanta saturday and cant wait to check some of these place out!

Have fun and drink a glass of sweet tea for me :)

Hi Annette, on my way to Savannah and thought I would take a look and see what you had listed. I’m hitting up most of them. Looks like it’ll be a fun trip!

I saw that you were going and I am jealous!! Have so much fun, post lots of pictures and let me know if you find something new to add to this list :)

Great bucket list,but,questas born and raised there,I have a couple of additional points ,you may want to add them.Johnnie Harris Bar b que,on Victory.Wilson’s Seafood in Wilmington.The Brass Rail out on Tybee. And Fort Pulaski,Fort Scriven.Take a side trip to Dafuski Island,or St Helens.

Great! Thanks for the suggestions.

Thank you for the insight! We will be traveling to Savannah in July and cannot wait! We are staying at the Hamilton Turner Inn for for a few days then we are heading to Tybee Island for a few days. I can’t thank folks like you enough for all the pointers to help us plan our stay.

I hope you have an AMAZING trip!

Tonight we’re taking an overnight flight from Los Angeles and tomorrow we will be in Savannah — our first time. We rented an SUV so we can visit the wildlife refuges, drive the coast and see some outlying areas. We’re staying at the Dresser Palmer House in the Johnny Mercer Suite for eight days. I hope that will allow us to meander and see all these wonderful recommendations without killing our legs and feet. We’ve also taken note of suggestions from commenters. If you like we’ll post a report when we get back. I’m so excited about this trip. My husband retired today and I can’t think of a better way to exit one world and enter another than to immediately fly across the country to someplace that will be new and exotic to us.

I’m excited for you, what a way to go into retirement!! Have a wonderful time. I’m sure everyone who reads the comments would love a report when you get back, so if you have time that would be great!!

Have chiggers bothered anyone and where do you have to beware of ?

I completed 11 of 25. Thanks so much! Possibly 1 more before night out

11 of 25!! That’s great! I hope you had an amazing time doing them too!

We just went there yesterday. Forget about anything if you don’t get there before 10:00 am, because there is no where to park, and that was on a Tuesday! Tried to park at one of the squares, but it’s 30 min parking. Went to the underground garage, no places left. When we went to exit, I told the gal at the window they were full, and she refused to look at me. Crap trolley guide drove right past Paula Deen’s restaurant, and didn’t even mention it. When I asked why he didn’t mention it, he said “Hey, she makes seven figures a year serving her style of food.” I guess that meant she wasn’t worth mentioning? I thought it was a total bust. Our family gave it a “3.”

I and a business partner recently formed a tour company called Black Betty’s Tours and we have begun a tour entitled Piracy and Privateers. On our excursion, we venture down River Street and throughout the historic district, exploring the town’s nautical and dueling history. I see that you visited Savannah quite some time ago. However, I just wanted to introduce this new company to you given your interest in fun and interesting activities. If you ever find yourself in Savannah again, I encourage you to let us know and perhaps see about joining us for a tour! We have a website (blackbettystours.com) and facebook page.

Just came back from Savannah after attending a meeting. We went to Girabaldis, The Grey, Vic’s on the River, Pearl’s Saltwater Grille and The Olde Pink House. All were fantastic but for very different reasons and different types of cuisine. I also went to the beach at Hilton Head as the Savannah Westin has a reciprocal agreement with Westin Hilton Head to use their private beach. It was awesome. We also walked a bit after dinner and visited the local shops…my favorite Savannah Bee Company! Great city and can’t wait to go back!

Sounds like you have an AMAZING time!

Hello, could anyone recommend me vegetarian places to eat in Savannah? Thanks!

Just FYI for anyone reading the comments, Johnny Harris closed permanently several months ago.

Here is a history lesson for all of the people who think that whites were the only people to own black sves. Do your homework!!! The first slaves were owned by southern blacks. get a grip and learn your history lessons.

At the risk of starting another upset. Slavery was far more complex than people want to believe. You are right rosemarie, African Americans were in fact often owned by there own race in the beginning. They were also captured and sold by African warring tribes. There was also white slavery where in people white people where forced into slavery for various reasons. Some of them mere children that were stole for the purpose, some of them ” Indentured Servants ” which was in fact it’s own form of slavery. That being said any form of slavery in any time period in any place is wrong. I would like to point out that we should not delude ourselves into believing slavery has ended. Human trafficking is still alive and well in the U.S. as much as it is in other countries.

As a Savannah resident I have to say this, politics aside I think Lady and Sons restaurant is overpriced and the food isn’t very good. Having eaten there the food does in fact taste canned. I would much rather eat at Mrs. Wilkes or Southern Sisters. That is purely based on their food. Thank you for listening.

We are visiting next week and are sad to hear that the best BBQ place in town (Johnny Harris) is now closed – does anyone have any ideas on what we can replace it with? Current plans are to go to Misses Wilkes, Mata Hari’s, Pinky Masters, walk Jones Street and then druve under the gorgeous trees enroute to Wormsloe, the Crystal Beer Garden for the fried green tomato Poboys, catch some karaoke at McDonoughs………..etc but I was really really hoping for some wonderful southern ribs….drat!

Hi, my bf is from Savannah but I have never visited yet. I was interested what kind of place he grew up in, but to be honest I was not so excited to go there. But thanks to your article, now I’m very excited and I can’t wait to visit there!! Thank you for your amazing article :)

So happy to hear that this article made you excited to visit. It’s a really neat city and I hope you have an amazing time!

The bottom line about Paula Dean’s place is this If you are a healthy eater and enjoy being fit and taking care of your health, Steer clear of anything with her name on it. I have gone there and it is not food for someone who enjoys being healthy and having a healthy lifestyle. The point about Paula is she was diabetic long before she announced it and still continued to promote her atrocious caloric, heavy laden carb CRAP. The majority of america is over weight so I am sure the majority of people think her food is the bomb. VERY UNFORTUNATE for them. But you can’t influence a person to be healthy when they have no interest in bettering themselves.

We are taking a trip to Savannah March 25, 2017 for a few days then on to Charleston for a few more days. Need suggestions on things we MUST see and where we MUST eat. Also, some references on where to stay. Never have been there and we have no idea what the MUST are. Thanks in advance for the information.

Just an update on #16: Unfortunately, Lady Chablis passed away of pneumonia on September 8, 2016.

My girlfriend and I just happened to be visiting Savannah a few days later on the 10th of September. The club had In Memoriam posters hanging outside. People seemed pretty sad about it. We had never heard of Lady Chablis before then, as we had never read “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” or seen the movie. We were compelled to watch it when we got back home and enjoyed Lady Chablis’s wonderful performance -unique and interesting person to say the least. R.I.P. The Grand Empress of Savannah

Oh no!! Thank you for the update.

Besides all the racism from both parties I do believe that it’s a good place to visit, there is a lot history in that city and I am heading there this coming Friday, I will find out what to do when I get there.

Pushing the comments aside, Paula’s restaurant was so disappointing. I was looking forward to having that delicious cooking, but alas, it did not live up to the hype. Thank goodness my mother taught how to cook. It is because of her that I have extremely high standards for southern cooking, and she is also the reason why I currently fix more salads so that I can keep my husband from getting fat.

Bonaventure Cemetery is a must see when you go to Savannah. If you don’t want to pay for the expensive tour you can buy the book Remember Me Within the Walls of Bonaventure by Vera Turner. It’s a very good read! https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Me-Within-Bonaventure-Cemetery/dp/0615669573

I liked the post… I’ve been thinking about going for a walk in Savannah!. One of the things I like most about this region is the rich places to ride and entertainment and besides these buildings and houses reminds me of many movies… really is a wonderful place to visit the promenade.

Such an amazing and historical US city – excellent tips as well, I can’t wait to go back.

Those moss-covered oaks look surreal

Hey Annette! Thanks for this post on Savannah. Planning to go here this year.. will definitely check some of these places out!

Great! I hope you have a great time!

wow! I’m very interest Drive Under the Moss Covered Oaks. It’s beautiful, It’s like a moss covering the trunk, just like in horror movies, thinking of the way to hell, it’s really unique, but I do not know if they are always mossy like this or just for a while. certain time. What season should you go to this year?

Opened in 2014, Sly’s has become a major food hub for students, tourists, and locals alike. Focused on quality food at a good price that appeals to the growing market, Sly’s took a different approach to the burger industry. Take your favorites, make them smaller, and have them all. Boy, oh boy, the city of Savannah fell in love, and love spreads everywhere.

I’ve never been to Savannah but it looks like an amazing place to visit!

You have described the place amazingly well. I have never been to Savannah but i sure will love to explore this beautiful place. Amazing post.

Love this post so much and has me so excited to visit! Can you tell me where the pin photo is? It looks gorgeous and I would love to explore it while I’m in Savannah. Thank you!

There are a few photos in the pins and they are from Forsyth Park, Tybee Island and Wormsloe Historic Site.

Thanks for sharing useful post

The article has extremely quality content, I appreciate it, your article will surely bring a lot of useful knowledge to everyone. respect you

Awesome Post! Now I have an idea on what things to do on my next vacation over there! Savannah Georgia is really the best! Thanks for sharing this video! I really miss the place specially Downtown! I’m already looking at visitsavannah.com to really find good accommodations and great places to visit there!

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55 Best Things to Do in Savannah, GA (+ Food Tips!)

Savannah is one of our favorite cities in the USA, one that we’ll keep returning to for years and decades to come–and with so many incredible things to do in Savannah, GA, is it any wonder?

It’s not just that there is so much to do, though: Savannah has a vibe all its own.

With a combination of 18th-century city planning, stunning historic architecture, and a modern twist injected by local artists  (the Savannah College of Art and Design offers some of the best art and design studies in the country), Savannah is a delightful combination of traditional and innovative.

Savannah is a quintessential southern city–or even more specifically, a quintessential Lowcountry city.

And, if you’re looking to get a taste of this very complicated and unique portion of the USA, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve visited Savannah many times over, on mother-daughter weekend getaways and weeklong stays with my husband Jeremy (and now our dog Ranger) alike.

Looking for the best things to do in Savannah, Georgia?

Here’s what you can’t miss!

Table of Contents

Overwhelmed By 50+ Things to Do in Savannah?

The best things to do in savannah, ga, where to stay in savannah, what to eat in savannah (quick guide), getting around when visiting savannah, the best time to visit savannah, ga.

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This Savannah blog post is something of a behemoth, and it has grown and been extensively edited over the years as I’ve returned to the city again and again.

If you’re looking for something more compact to plan a short trip, I highly recommend checking out our suggested Savannah weekend itinerary or guide to spending one day in Savannah .

We also have several other blog posts on Savannah broken down by topic, including a round-up of the best coffee shops , the best day trips , and the best photo spots in the city!

And, of course, most importantly–a full food and restaurant guide to Savannah that’s far more extensive than what you’ll find here.

I’ll link to the relevant guides where it makes sense throughout this post, but if you’re looking for more detailed guides or our coverage of the south as a whole, be sure to use the search bar in the top right of the screen (or on mobile, the search bar found in the menu bar).

For a full Savannah bucket list that will keep you busy for ages, though–this is the right place to be!

Wander the 22 town squares.

Savannah is still home to 22 of its original 24 town squares, and they dot the historic center of the city.

Idyllic, beautiful, and full of gigantic oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, the squares are a welcome break from the oppressive southern heat during the summer and a delightful place to rest your feet and enjoy some people-watching at any time of the year.

It’s impossible to choose a favorite, but Chippewa Square (where the Forrest Gump bench scenes were filmed!), Lafayette Square, and Monterey Square are all near the top of our list.

Dine in style at some of the best restaurants in Savannah.

You can throw a stone in any direction and hit a place for a great meal in Savannah–from coffee shops to fine dining to barbeque joints, Savannah is all about the delicious Lowcountry food.

Make sure to save room on your list of things to do in Savannah for at least one gut-busting, multi-course, indulgent meal, though–it’s a Savannah experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

We have a more detailed guide to Savannah restaurants here , but if you’re looking for a classic Savannah restaurant, here are a few options that will be sure to impress.

Elizabeth on 37th

If you’re a seafood lover, Elizabeth on 37th is the fine-dining restaurant in Savannah for you.

Everything from the setting in the mansion the restaurant is housed in to the local seafood specialties that the menu is made up of will have you begging to come back.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

Mrs. Wilkes is one of the most iconic restaurants in Savannah and is unique among these listed for serving all-you-can-eat, family-style meals.

Line up early (people often start lining up hours before the doors open for lunch at 11:00 AM), and then sit down to enjoy a delicious meal with several new friends.

You’ll pay your flat fee on your way out the door, $30/person, cash or check only.

Alligator Soul

Adventurous eaters need to be sure to add a meal at Alligator Soul to their list of things to do in Savannah!

With meats like ostrich, kangaroo, antelope, and (obviously) alligator available, you are guaranteed to find unique flavors on your plate.

For those less adventurous with their meals, don’t worry–there’s a broad selection of more typical meat and seafood offerings on the menu as well.

The Olde Pink House

Want to dine in an 18th-century ballroom under a crystal chandelier?

Head to the Olde Pink House for classic southern food with a modern twist, in one of my favorite settings in the city.

Be sure to order their Food Network-featured BLT salad with fried green tomatoes!

It easily makes the list of the most memorable dishes I have ever eaten.

Take a food tour.

Is restaurant sampling not enough for you?

Consider jumping on a food tour to learn all about food traditions in the Lowcountry… complete with enough tasty food to leave you stuffed for hours, of course!

This popular food tour is a great introduction to both Savannah’s food scene and the city itself!

Tour a house museum (or four).

Savannah’s house museums are a staple of tourism in the city, and to be as small as it is, the city boasts an unusual number of them–nearly 20 in all!

Some are home to museums featuring art other than the house, some are the homes of other businesses, and some are open to visitors interested in learning some of the history of Savannah and its residents.

Most of the homes date to the early-to-mid 19th century and almost exclusively were built by Savannah’s elite residents of their day.

Not sure where to start?

Here are a few of the most popular house museums in Savannah .

Mercer-Williams House

If you only want to add one house museum to your list of things to do in Savannah, the Mercer-Williams house is a great choice!

Arguably the most famous house in Savannah due to its prominence in the book ( and movie ) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the Mercer-Williams house was the site of the 1981 death of Danny Hansford as covered in the book.

As the last owner of the home before it was turned into a museum, Jim Williams’ (the accused culprit in question) touch and eclectic style is found throughout the house.

What isn’t found in the house, though, is the scandalous story: the Mercer-Williams House is currently owned by the sister of Jim Williams, and as a result the tours focus more on the house itself.

Also: if you haven’t read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , you definitely should before visiting Savannah!

If you’re a big fan of the book, you can even add a Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil themed tour to your list of things to do in Savannah!

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

Owned by the Owens family for more than 100 years, this early-19th century home takes up a full city block and was donated to the Telfair Academy in 1951.

The home once operated as a lodging house that saw its share of interesting guests, including Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette.

Today, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters has dedicated itself to showing the honest history of the property, including highlighting the extreme amount of forced labor from enslaved people that brought these Antebellum mansions their luster.

Davenport House

Furnished and decorated in the style of 1820s Savannah, the Davenport House serves as a look back to how the rich elites lived in Savannah in the early 19th century.

The Davenport House also holds the distinction of being the first classic Savannah home saved from demolition by what would become the Historic Savannah Foundation.

After being saved in the 1950s, the mansion was later restored and opened to the public as a museum, kicking off what would become Savannah’s tradition of house museums.

Sorrel-Weed House

Considered to be one of the most haunted properties in Savannah, the Sorrel-Weed House is a magnet for those with a curiosity about the paranormal, from local ghost tours to paranormal TV shows!

Though you can take a typical daytime tour that will cover the history of the house as well as a bit about its legends, if you’d like a truly spooky experience, ghost tours are held at night in the Sorrel-Weed house.

Visit City Market.

Boasting candy shops, cookie stores, and ice cream shops (noticing a theme?) along with boutiques, art galleries for every taste, restaurants, and sometimes live music, City Market is a must-see in Savannah.

A couple of centuries ago, City Market was more need-focused, a place for locals to shop for groceries and other necessities.

Today, it is a fun place to indulge, relax, and a great starting point for seeing the sights in Savannah!

Be sure to stop into the Savannah Candy Kitchen while you’re there–if they’re busy making fresh pralines (and they normally are), you’ll often be offered a delicious sample that is still warm!

Indulge your sweet tooth at Leopold’s Ice Cream.

Nearly 100 years old and rightfully known for selling some of the tastiest ice cream in Savannah, no list of things to do in Savannah would be complete without a mention of Leopold’s Ice Cream !

Consider trying their signature Tutti Frutti (classic, but not for me) or Butter Pecan (absolutely delicious) flavors.

Or, try one of the dozens of other flavors available, ranging from the familiar to the downright inventive.

Go antiquing.

With dozens of shops to choose from, Savannah is an excellent city to try hunting for some delightful antiques.

Unfortunately, I personally confirmed with the proprietor that the incredible 4-story antique shop where I took the below photo, Alex Raskin Antiques, is now permanently closed.

It’s sad to say goodbye to a Savannah icon, however, the good news is that there are still plenty of remarkable antique shops to explore in the city!

Tour some beautiful houses of worship.

Like the rest of the architecture in the city, Savannah’s houses of worship tend toward the grand and beautiful.

If you’re looking for a few of the best ones to put on your list of things to do in Savannah, be sure to keep these three in mind!

First African Baptist Church

Thought to be the oldest African-American congregation in the USA, the First African Baptist Church was founded in 1773, and a full century later, the building was completed and opened its doors to worshippers.

Notably, the First African Baptist Church was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and while for obvious reasons no records were kept of how many formerly enslaved people passed through, the church was clearly set up to support high numbers.

When visiting, you can see holes in the floor that were cut to allow the former slaves hiding underground to breathe.

The entrance to the hiding place is thought to be through a tunnel, and it has not been located to this day.

When planning what to do in Savannah, bear in mind that the First African Baptist Church only allows tours at specific times–check the schedule here .

It’s worth the effort, though–the tour is truly phenomenal.

Congregation Mickve Israel

In 1733, 42 Jews arrived from England with very little to their names to found Congregation Mickve Israel–the third-oldest Jewish congregation in the USA.

The congregation has thrived and grown over the centuries in Savannah, and you can still view the 15th-century deerskin Torah that originally crossed the ocean in the 18th century in the Synagogue’s museum.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The oldest Catholic church in Georgia is ornate and beautiful, boasting stained glass hailing from Austrian Tyrol.

The interior is exquisite (it’s one of the prettiest churches we’ve seen in the USA) and well worth a peek inside!

Check out the birthplace of the Girl Scouts.

Though it is technically one of Savannah’s house museums, as a former (I guess technically lifelong?) Girl Scout, I think that the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace deserves a special mention.

Juliette Gordon Low (nicknamed “Daisy”, a name that I’m sure will be familiar to any Girl Scout)  founded the Girl Scouts as a widow in Savannah in 1912.

Clearly, the program was a huge success, and the Girl Scouts organization bought the founder’s birthplace in the 1950s.

Today, Girls Scouts visit from all over the country to learn the history of the founder and the Scouts, though you certainly don’t have to be a Girl Scout to appreciate Daisy’s story!

As a bonus, if you visit during Girl Scout cookie season in the spring, you’re almost guaranteed to find a troop outside willing to sell you as many boxes as you can carry.

Wander through Bonaventure Cemetery.

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the USA or even the world, Bonaventure Cemetery is located on what used to be a plantation south of Savannah.

Giant oak trees, beautiful Spanish moss, and incredibly intricate graves all contribute to Bonaventure’s hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

I recommend visiting Bonaventure toward the end of your trip to Savannah because there are enough notable burials here that you’ll find yourself recognizing plenty of names from various house tours, history tours, and even ghost tours (including the burial place of who is arguably Savannah’s most famous ghost, Little Gracie Watkins).

Want to know exactly what you’re looking at? Consider taking a walking tour of Bonaventure Cemetery !

… And also Colonial Park Cemetery.

Dating back to 1750, Colonial Park Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Savannah and is most notable for being the final resting place of 700 people who fell victim to the yellow fever epidemic of 1820, who was buried in the cemetery together in a mass grave.

Unlike Bonaventure Cemetery, which requires a drive from the historic district to reach, Colonial Park Cemetery is located within the historic center, near Chippewa Square.

The cemetery is also–like many places in Savannah–reported to be quite haunted.

Take a ghost tour.

If there’s one thing Savannah does well, it’s ghost tours.

Want a light-hearted ride in a hearse? They’ve got that.

A grisly late-night tour where drinking is recommended and kids are best left at home? Yep, got that too.

Horse and carriage ghost tour? Check. Paranormal activity tour? Check.

Whatever flavor of ghost tour is for you, and whether you’re a true believer or a die-hard skeptic like me, ghost tours in Savannah are a great way to get to know the legends of the city, and I highly recommend one!

If you want a solid, not-too-corny, not-too-gory Savannah ghost tour, check out this trolley ghost tour !

Meander down Jones Street.

Often called the prettiest street in America (and certainly one of the prettiest streets in Savannah ), Jones Street is a feast for the eyes–all brick mansions, wrought-iron gates, and oak trees.

Be sure to add a stroll down this iconic street to your list of places to visit in Savannah, and be prepared to stay longer than you expected.

No matter how many times I visit Savannah, no trip there will be complete without a couple of strolls down Jones Street!

Pay a visit to the Wormsloe Plantation’s tunnel of trees.

Owned by the same family since the 1730s, the Wormsloe Plantation (also known as the Wormsloe Historic Site, though in my opinion that buries the lede a bit) is best known for its mile-long driveway of oak trees that have been carefully pruned over the decades into a stunning tunnel of trees (complete with plenty of Spanish moss, of course).

The driveway is absolutely gorgeous, even featuring in several movies, and it alone is enough of a reason to head to Wormsloe Plantation from the center of Savannah.

Keep in mind that the tour beyond that point leaves something to be desired: the information severely glosses over the history of slave labor on the property.

A visit here also doesn’t include a tour of the home, and the tour tends to focus more on the property’s natural landscape and movie appearances.

The property’s main home is still privately owned and occupied by the descendants of Noble Jones, who was the first Georgian owner of the property.

Last we heard, you can still visit the driveway without booking a tour of the property, which is what we’d recommend if you’d like to add this beautiful spot to your list of places to see in Savannah.

Check out Savannah’s speakeasy.

Curious about the prohibition era in the USA, or just want to grab a drink at Savannah’s speakeasy?

Right in City Market, you’ll find Savannah’s popular American Prohibition Museum, which makes for a fun afternoon of combining history with pleasure (in other words, partaking in one of the Hostess City’s specialties.

Grab tickets to the American Prohibition Museum today!

Go shopping on Broughton Street.

From delightful boutiques (including The Paris Market!) to national stores to Savannah’s most famous ice cream shop (looking at you, Leopold’s), there’s no better place in Savannah for a stroll and some shopping than fashionable Broughton Street.

If you’re looking for a classy southern souvenir from Savannah, this is the street for you.

Go see The Book Lady.

I love funky, independent bookstores that ooze intellectual curiosity and coziness and comfort and that yummy old book smell out of every corner. The more cluttered and the more haphazardly the books are stored, the better. 

The Book Lady fits these tastes, with a bonus.

This adorable bookstore, overflowing with literature and comfortable places to sit and enjoy it, is also home to Cassidy the “shop dog”: a shaggy, friendly mess of a baby that was more than happy to receive my enthusiastic pets and hang out with us–at least until the shopkeeper came back around the corner when she went back to sticking to him like glue.

The sound of her claws going tap-tap-tap on the aged hardwood floors while I flipped through travelogues from the mid-20th-century was one of the highlights of my day when we visited.

If you’re a fellow bookworm, The Book Lady belongs on your list of the best things to do in Savannah!

Head to the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

If you’re a fan of ships, seafaring, and maritime history, this is the museum for you!

Composed of nine galleries displaying ship models, the ships were primarily commissioned by the museum for the express purpose of telling the story of Savannah’s relationship with the water around it.

Hit the water on a riverboat cruise.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening complete with dinner or a quick spin on the water, consider adding a riverboat cruise to your list of things to do in Savannah to ensure you get the best views of River Street while you’re there!

Depending on which tour you book, there are sunset and even dinner cruise options to choose from.

Book your riverboat cruise in Savannah today!

Take a day trip to Tybee Island.

A mere 18 miles from the historic center of Savannah sits a whole different kind of southern experience: Tybee Island .

Also known as “Savannah’s Beach”, Tybee Island is an easy day trip and a great excuse to climb a historic lighthouse and enjoy a day of sun, sand, and seafood!

Tybee is a small barrier island, and while you could easily spend a whole vacation here, you can also see its highlights in a short amount of time if you set your mind to it.

… And stop at Fort Pulaski on your way.

Built in the mid-19th century, you’ll find Fort Pulaski on your way between Savannah and Tybee Island, and it’s well worth a stop for any history buff.

The fort has seen exactly one battle in its life, which took place between Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War.

The fort later became a stop on the Underground Railroad, and at one point also served as a military and political prison.

Stroll through Forsyth Park.

Forsyth Park, with its stunning fountain and hundreds of oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, is easily one of the most recognizable features of Savannah.

No trip to Savannah would be complete without a stroll through Forsyth!

Be sure to stop by the iconic Forsyth Park Fountain, which is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Hostess City.

If the weather is beautiful during your visit to Savannah, you might even consider bringing a picnic out to Forsyth Park–it’s an excellent place to kick back and relax with a delicious meal.

Alternatively, you can head to The Collins Quarter for an incredible brunch and/or cup of coffee–this wildly popular Savannah staple opened a location right inside the park a few years back.

Soothe your sore feet on a Trolley Tour.

Want to avoid some of the long-distance walks in Savannah while having a comfortable place to hear the history of the city?

Consider adding a Trolley Tour to your list of things to do in Savannah!

Trolley Tours are essentially hop on/hop off bus tours–they work the same way, taking you around to all of Savannah’s major sites–but have far prettier exteriors.

We’re not typically hop on/hop off tour people, but some of the distances you cover in Savannah can be long, and if you happen to be visiting during the heat of the summer, the air-conditioned Trolley Tour will likely seem like it’s worth every penny.

Check prices & book your Savannah Trolley Tour today!

Snap photos at Rainbow Row.

Okay, these wooden homes with adorable shutters are a bit more subtle of a rainbow than the famous Rainbow Row in Charleston .

… But they’re still gorgeous and worth adding to your list of Savannah attractions to visit!

Pay a visit to the Telfair Museum of Art.

Housed in a mansion-turned-academy-turned-museum, the Telfair Museum’s art collection is beautiful–and the setting is one you won’t forget anytime soon.

As a bonus, entrance to this museum is included with a tour of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, so if you visit one, it’s definitely worth checking out the other.

Slowly make your way down River Street.

Savannah’s River Street (which, unsurprisingly, hugs the river) was once a place of cotton warehouses and cargo boats.

Today, however, it’s a place of delicious restaurants, great antique shops, and boutiques of all kinds.

While you’re visiting Savannah, be sure to save time for ambling slowly down River Street, admiring the views as you go.

See a show at the Historic Savannah Theatre.

The USA’s oldest continually operating theatre sits in Chippewa Square, Savannah–and you sure can’t miss it!

The art deco facade doesn’t exactly blend in (it was added in the mid-20th century), but it does add a bit of snazzy personality to the square.

Shows play year-round, so if you’re a theatre lover, check ticket availability when you’re deciding what to do in Savannah!

Learn a bit of American History at the Old Fort Jackson Historic Site.

The east coast of the USA is dotted with brick forts, and Savannah is no exception.

The Old Fort Jackson Historic Site is the oldest brick fort in Georgia and was active during two notable American wars–the War of 1812 and the Civil War, when it was used as a headquarters for the Confederacy as they attempted to defend the Savannah River.

History aside, the ocean views aren’t bad, either!

Take a brewery tour at the Coastal Empire Beer Company.

Is there a city in the USA left without at least one of its own microbreweries?

If so, it’s not Savannah!

The Coastal Empire Beer Company has several year-round beers to choose from, along with seasonal brews.

Say hello to France at The Paris Market.

We already mentioned Broughton Street above, but the popular Paris Market is definitely worth an extra mention!

For a bit of variety in your plan for what to do in Savannah, consider adding a stop to The Paris Market in between all the places focused on southern culture.

As the name suggests, this boutique is primarily (though not exclusively) focused on Parisian and French goods, from furniture to soaps, and is definitely memorable enough to warrant a stop while in Savannah.

Once you finish browsing, consider sitting down in their small cafe for a coffee and a macaron (or two).

Tour Flannery O’Connor’s childhood home.

Flannery O’Connor is a celebrated Southern Gothic writer, known for her impressive short stories and fascinating imagination.

If you’re a lover of Southern Gothic literature, or even just curious about it, take a peek inside her mind and history with a visit to her childhood home in Savannah!

Support a local artist at shopSCAD.

Want to bring home a piece of original art from Savannah?

Selected students, alumni, and staff of the acclaimed Savannah College of Art and Design have their work displayed and available for sale at shopSCAD , a retail store in the heart of Savannah.

See a drag show.

If you’ve read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil  (and if you haven’t, get on that before visiting Savannah!), you know that the drag performances by Lady Chablis at Club One played a role in the book (and of course the movie, where she played herself).

Though Lady Chablis has since passed away, Club One lives on, and other queens regularly take the stage!

Indulge in a honey tasting.

Ever attended a honey tasting?

It might sound a little sticky (and it is!), but it’s amazing how different and delicious different kinds of honey can taste–and at Savannah Bee Company, they are very passionate about it.

In addition to delicious honey samples, you can also taste the Savannah Bee Company’s mead when you visit!

Not only are the owners of the Savannah Bee Company passionate about honey, but they’re also passionate about beekeeping in general.

This local, Savannah-based company has now grown to include stores in several US states!

Check out the Forrest Gump Bench.

There are two ways to enjoy the Forrest Gump Bench in Savannah: to see the place where it sat for filming in the movie or to go see the bench itself.

Personally, I’m partial to the former: Chippewa Square in the center of the historic district, facing the Historic Savannah Theatre, is where Tom Hanks et al. filmed the scenes.

Even without the movie history, the square is still beautiful, and visiting it is worth adding to your list of things to do in Savannah.

The bench/movie prop itself currently calls the Savannah History Museum home, and you can see it there.

Also–if you haven’t seen Forrest Gump before, watch it before heading to Savannah!

Not only because of the fact that the iconic “life is like a box of chocolates” moment was filmed in town, but because the movie is amazing and well worth your time.

There’s only one place to consider staying when in Savannah: in the historic district (or at least as close to it as you can get).

Forget downtown–it’s a lovely place, but miles away from the tourist attractions that will fill up your 3 days in Savannah. Stick with the historic district, and you’ll be able to walk to most of the best things to do in Savannah!

From a haunted bed and breakfast to a modern hotel, here are some highly recommended places to stay in Savannah.

Unlike some of our city guides, these Savannah hotels are a bit closer in price than you might think!

Savannah has a shortage of extreme budget properties like hostels, but historical bed and breakfasts can be an excellent value for the experience you receive.

We’ve also included a stunning apartment rental that we’ve personally stayed in and can highly recommend!

Best Western Savannah Historic District  — If you’re looking to stick to a budget during your weekend in Savannah while still being in a walkable area, the Best Western Savannah Historic District is the perfect spot for you!

Featuring parking onsite, an included breakfast, and easy access by foot to all the historic district highlights, we were completely satisfied with our stay in this hotel and would be happy to stay again if we were looking for something with a similar budget!

Check rates & book your way at Best Western Historic District!

The Marshall House  — Located on trendy Broughton Street (and dangerously close to Leopold’s Ice Cream), the gorgeous Marshall House is a fantastic option for those looking to stay in a historical inn in Savannah while sticking to a reasonable budget.

Featuring a popular included breakfast, a fantastic location in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, and phenomenal reviews, you can’t go wrong with a stay at The Marshall House!

Check rates & book your stay at The Marshall House!

Foley House Inn  — Easily my favorite place that I’ve stayed in Savannah, the Foley House Inn is absolutely beautiful inside and out, and has a perfect location right on Chippewa Square.

The included breakfast is delicious (as are the included afternoon treats–don’t miss the lemon pound cake!), the service excellent, and the decor absolutely gorgeous.

Though there isn’t parking onsite, street parking is plentiful and easy to find.

I’d be thrilled to stay here again–even if it is potentially haunted (the Foley House Inn is featured in many of Savannah’s ghost tours!).

Check rates & book your stay at the Foley House Inn!

Apartment Rental

Bird Baldwin Parlor  — Housed in the historic Bird Baldwin House (built in 1838), this apartment is both absolutely beautiful and incredibly well-located.

Located on Liberty Street just steps away from Pulaski Square and Savannah Coffee Roasters, you can’t ask for a better location in a Savannah apartment.

The apartment has a full kitchen–perfect for cooking or, let’s be honest, leftovers–and onsite, off-street parking, a huge convenience in the historic center.

There is some street noise from Liberty Street, but we didn’t find it too bothersome and would love to stay here again!

If the parlor is booked, the Bird Baldwin House does also have several other beautiful spaces available, including the  Magnolia Suite ,  Forsyth Suite , and  Twelve Oaks , among others, but be sure to check the inclusions–not all of them have kitchens.

Check rates & book your stay at Bird Baldwin Parlor!

I legitimately had to stop myself from turning this section into a 3,000-word diatribe on southern cuisine (I saved that for this guide to the best food in Savannah instead!).

But seriously y’all, Lowcountry food is some of the best in the world.

It’s in the running for our favorite cuisine ever, and after visiting 50+ countries and living abroad, we don’t say that lightly.

Here are a few dishes that should head right to the top of your list when eating in Savannah, with absolutely no illusion of being unbiased: these are some of my favorites.

If you’re a foodie at heart, I strongly suggest jumping on a food tour while in Savannah to ensure that you sample the best food that the Lowcountry has to offer!

This food tour is a great introduction to the food scene in Savannah!

Pimento Cheese

Practically the first thing I do when we go home to visit my mom in North Carolina is throw pimento cheese into the grocery cart (and if I were more inclined to cook these days, I would make my own)–it’s one of my favorites tastes of the south!

Made of sharp cheddar cheese, mayo, and pimentos, pimento cheese is rich and creamy.

It’s excellent in a grilled cheese sandwich… or with fried green tomatoes… or on crackers… or with a spoon.

Buttermilk Biscuits & Gravy

Buttermilk biscuits are one of the tastiest things in the world–add a great gravy, and they get even better!

Whether you try them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack (or all of the above), be sure not to leave Savannah without trying some classic biscuits and gravy.

Peach Cobbler

If you’re lucky enough to be in Georgia during peach season, rejoice and immediately resolve to eat some form of peaches every. single. day.

Even if you’re traveling outside the harvest season, though, you’ll find that southern cooks are excellent canners and that peach cobbler is a must-have at any time of year.

Rich and delicious (isn’t that how it usually goes in the south?), pecan pie is made up of a smooth, sugary filling topped with pecans, all served in a warm, flaky crust.

It’s one of my favorite southern desserts–you can add ice cream to the top, but personally, I prefer a simple whipped cream or even nothing at all.

Fried Chicken

If there’s one thing that we’ve learned from all of our travels, it’s that there is no such thing as a country without fried chicken.

But… I’m still partial to the stuff from the south.

Juicy on the inside, spicy on the outside, and well-battered, southern fried chicken is something truly special.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Everyone has heard of the movie , but fried green tomatoes are a real and delicious southern food!

Macaroni and Cheese

True southern macaroni and cheese is an incredible treat.

Think noodles saturated with heavy, thick, delicious cheese and cream, baked and possibly topped with breadcrumbs.

Don’t leave Savannah without trying at least one serving!

This is the only food on here that isn’t a personal favorite of mine (what can I say, I prefer hash browns), but if you’ve never tried grits, you definitely need to add tasting them to your list of things to do in Savannah!

Order them with shrimp or simply as a side with breakfast–both are extremely popular.

Tasty nuts coated in and stuck together with a sugar syrup (and sometimes cream): say hello to pralines, one of the most popular desserts in the south.

You’ll find these all over Savannah (they’re also very popular in New Orleans ), so be sure to pick up several from a candy store and give them a try!

If you stay in or near the historic district, Savannah is a surprisingly walkable city!

The historic center, complete with its squares, is made for wandering around on foot, and we spend most of our time in Savannah doing just that (all the better to ensure maximum hunger when it’s time to indulge in heavy southern cuisine for dinner).

There are a few exceptions–if you don’t want to book a tour, you’ll need a car to access Tybee Island , Bonaventure Cemetery, Fort Pulaski, and the Wormsloe Plantation, among some others.

Parking in the historic center can be very difficult/expensive as you get closer to City Market and River Street, so we recommend leaving your car near your hotel for most of the time you are sightseeing.

For those who would like to limit their walking a bit more, Savannah’s Hop On/Hop Off Old Town Trolley tour  is the perfect solution and an easy way to get around during your 3 days in Savannah.

Grab tickets  for Savannah’s hop on/hop off trolley tour today!

Personally, I would never turn down a trip to Savannah, so if you only have one time available, go whenever it is!

If you have more flexibility on your dates, though, here’s what we suggest: avoid the worst heat of the summer in July and August, and unless you’re coming for the raucous party, avoid the week of St. Patrick’s Day as well (Savannah throws the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the USA, right behind NYC ).

Savannah summers are intense and very humid, and they tend to start early and stick around for a long time.

Late March, April, and May are excellent months to visit Savannah, as the flowers will bloom and the heat will (hopefully) not have set in yet. 

September through November are also popular, though depending on the year it can be getting chilly by the end of November.

That being said, virtually all of the best things to do in Savannah, GA, are year-round activities–and the city is beautiful every month of the year.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

29 thoughts on “55 Best Things to Do in Savannah, GA (+ Food Tips!)”

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I’m LITERALLY on the road driving to Savannah as I read this!!! Yours is the best post I’ve yet to come across for things to do, sadly, well only be there for a day! Found some great stuff in here!

Aw, that’s so good to hear!! We love Savannah, truly–hope you have a marvelous time! 🙂

I wish I could have squeezed in Savannah on my US roadtrip last time. It was on my radar especially because, like you said, of its antebellum beauty and artistic flair. And I’d totally wanna dine in an 18th-century ballroom under a crystal chandelier. Just pinned the post!

Haha, right? I would love Savannah for the ambiance alone. Hopefully you get a chance to visit one day!

I love the Cobblestone Haunted Pub crawl! It’s so fun and has some of the best tour guides of the companies in Savannah.

Good to know! 🙂

Thanks for the wonderful tips. Came to Savannah on a whim to use paid vacation time. Fell in love immediately! You guys have the best objective, comprehensive guide I’ve found on line. Much appreciated!

Thanks so much, Travis! Comments like this make our day. 🙂 So glad you’re enjoying Savannah–it’s one of our favorites. Enjoy all that tasty food for us!

This post was such a wonderful find, we’re planning our first extended trip to Savannah and I got so many ideas from your site! I can tell how much you love this beautiful city. I have read good things about the restaurants you recommended, but seeing a real couple recommend them, rather than just a tourist website, makes me excited to try them! And tips on the best area to stay in are so helpful. I’m very excited to visit Congregation Mickve Israel and go on a tour there, and hear more about the journey of their historic Torah scrolls. I just wanted to share that Shabbat is a weekly service, rather than annual 🙂 Thank you again for this amazing post, and safe travels!

Thanks so much, Leah! We absolutely adore Savannah and hope that you guys have the most wonderful time! If you end up at the Olde Pink House for a meal, definitely order the BLT salad! It’s one of the most memorable dishes I’ve had in the last few years.

Might need to update my wording on the Torah scrolls, you’re right–what I intended to say was that once a year, they use them in the weekly Shabbat service (understandable they wouldn’t want to use them every week, as they’ve got to be very fragile at this point!), but I’m honestly having trouble confirming that information online right now. May need to do a bit more fact-checking the next time we visit Savannah… which will hopefully be soon!

So sad to see we didn’t make your list. Please stop by the next time you’re downtown Savannah and let us wow you too! Betsy Books on Bay

We’ll definitely make a note to drop by next time–we can never have too many bookstores in our lives! 🙂

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Great article. Thank you so much!

Thanks so much, Molly! Hope you had a great time in Savannah.

Went through the sorrel weed house on your rec and the curator said it’s the Owen’s Thomas house with an oval library. Not theirs. Just an fyi

Interesting, thanks for letting me know, Nicole! I must confess the last time I was in either house was 2010, so it has been a while… went to Mercer-Williams more recently. I guess my online fact-checking led me astray on this one!

Thanks so much, Kate! It is definitely a good list for the savannah trip! I love the Olde Pink House restaurants because of their BLT salad! I cannot forget how it tastes and so far the best for me.

I love that salad so much! We’re always dreaming of our next Savannah trip.

Really appreciate you sharing this! Now I have some fine ideas on what me and my girlfriend will do on our Staycation at Savannah next week! I think a trip Downtown is a great idea on our first night there!

Is there a food tour that’s for celiacs? I need recommendations for gluten-free downtown and on Tybee. Thank -You

Hi Mary Beth! Honestly, I’m not sure. I doubt there’s a whole food tour that is typically gluten-free, though some may be willing to accommodate your needs. In your case, it’s best to reach out to companies directly.

I just came back from Savannah. I would not suggest this city for anyone with a handicap. The streets are old, uneven and not easy to walk. The hope on/off was great. The 90 minute river cruise was a waste of time and money. Drinks and food could only be ordered on top level which could not be reached if handicapped. Only saw cranes along the shoreline. Dont take this cruise.

The link to the weekend itinerary does not work. Would you please send me a new link that works

Thank you Alecia

Huh, that’s odd! I’ll take a look. 🙂

Here’s the link: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-savannah-itinerary-weekend/

The next time you are in Savannah, you should check out Smithereens, downtown’s premier smash room where you can relieve stress and have fun by smashing breakable objects. It is a true Savannah experience in a historic building with local art on the walls.

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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

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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.

8 things to know before visiting Savannah

Aug 16, 2023 • 6 min read

Make your Savannah vacation the best it can be with our insider tips © Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

The Savannah  of years past conjures up images of high society and tradition, with grand homes and dramatic oak trees like those featured in the famous book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .

But these days, it’s a welcoming and eclectic place where you’ll find locals, art students and visitors all enjoying the same spaces. The city draws in history lovers to admire the carefully preserved historic homes and museums, and foodies for the restaurant scene influenced by a wide variety of cultures. It’s easy to get around and relatively safe, making it a popular escape for many travelers.

Here’s what you need to know about the Hostess City before you go.

1. Spend at least three days in Savannah

If it’s your first time visiting, you’ll need to spend at least three days in Savannah to even scratch the surface. Most travelers choose the weekend, arriving mid-day on Friday. This is a great time to get your bearings and explore without an agenda. Saturday is when you’ll see most of the attractions and museums . Don’t expect many places to be open on Sunday until late, so get one last meal in before hitting the road.

If you have longer to spend in Savannah, plan on exploring beyond the historic district – spend some time in the Starland District, Tybee Island and the Isle of Hope.

2. Use rideshare apps from the airport to maximize time

If you’re arriving by plane, it will be at Savannah/Hilton-Head International Airport, which serves the coastal areas in both Georgia and South Carolina. Depending on what time you land, it should take anywhere from 20-40 minutes to get to the heart of downtown, varying wildly based on traffic.

Rideshare companies are available, including Lyft and Uber. You can pick them up from the north entrance of baggage claim. Taxis can also be hailed from outside of the airport.

The city’s local bus system, Chatham Area Transit or CAT, also stops at the airport on the West Chatham Route 3. It’s not the fastest option, but definitely the cheapest, with rates starting at $1.50 per ride.

3. You probably don’t need a car to get around Savannah

Just about every car rental company has a presence in Savannah, but for the most part, you won’t need your own vehicle to get around the city. Savannah’s historic district is walkable, with most destinations no more than a 15-20 minute stroll through the tree-lined squares. Having a car can be a hassle, especially when it comes to finding metered parking spots or decks.

The DOT bus is a free shuttle that visits all of the city’s top landmarks, including the Downtown Loop from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the Eastern Wharf and the Forsyth Loop, which goes from Johnson Square to Victory Drive. The Savannah Belles ferry is also free, with a triangular route to the Westin hotel across the river, City Hall Landing at the eastern side of River Street, and the Waving Girl statue on the east side of River Street. If you want to go further, the Token Transit app is an easy way to purchase a ticket in advance. All you have to do is show it to the driver when you board.

The only exception is if you want to visit Tybee Island and the outer areas of the city. In that case, renting a car for a day might be prudent as it can take around 25 minutes to get there, and the island is big enough that you’ll want a way to get around. Just keep in mind that in many places, including the beach access points, you’ll have to pay to park.

4. Reservations are essential for the best restaurants

There are plenty of great restaurants in Savannah, including award-winners from celebrity chefs, but you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to go – especially during high season and events like St. Patrick’s Day or SCAD graduation.

The Grey , Husk and Common Thread are among the most sought-after tables that you can book in advance online. There’s also greater availability at more casual restaurants, which you can make a reservation for if you’re traveling with a group. Alternatively, go during happy hour or sit at the bar.

5. Yes, you can walk around Savannah with alcohol (with exceptions)

Visitors to Savannah tend to be surprised that the city’s alcohol laws that allow you to legally take your drink with you, but there are exceptions to this rule. First and foremost, the drinking age in the United States is 21, which is absolutely enforced in Savannah. You must have a legal ID that is up-to-date, including a driver’s license or passport.

The open container policy applies to the historic district , from River Street to Jones Street. You can only carry a drink in a plastic 16-ounce cup or can, so ask for a “go cup” from a bar. You can only have one drink at a time, and you can’t have a drink in a motor vehicle. If you don’t follow the rules, you may get arrested!

6. The best neighborhood to stay in depends on what you’re interested in

River Street and the historic district are the most popular places to stay, especially for first-time visitors. There’s been a recent hotel boom, including the openings of the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District and the Thompson Savannah . But things can get rowdy on weekends and the incoming ships sound their horns at all hours – if sleep is what you’re after, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Ellis Square and Madison Square areas are a nice alternative because you can still walk to River Street, as well as the most beautiful areas in Savannah. The DeSoto Hotel and the Andaz Savannah are well-located with great amenities.

7. Pack light layers to handle the heat

While you might expect Savannah to be a very dressy city, most places you go will actually be casual. The only dress codes are in fine dining restaurants, but otherwise, comfort is key. Light colors and layers are best, especially during the summer months when the humidity is in full force.

Comfortable shoes are also important, especially if you’re walking all over town. Bringing a hand fan can help you cool off if you’re waiting in line to get into restaurants like Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House or just relaxing in one of the squares.

8. Savannah is a safe city

For the most part, Savannah is safer than other major cities. According to the latest crime statistics , the majority of crimes are car break-ins and petty theft. With that said, use common sense as you would anywhere else.

Walking alone at night is usually fine, but if you’re feeling nervous, opt for a taxi or pedicab . Drink responsibly and watch where you walk, especially on River Street, where the uneven bricks make it easy to trip. During the day, drink plenty of water to avoid overheating.

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Where are the cicadas? Use this interactive map to find Brood XIX, Brood XIII in 2024

In a few weeks, over a dozen states will be abuzz as trillions of periodical cicadas will emerge from their yearslong underground stay.

Broods XIX and XIII will emerge in a combined 17 states, mostly in the Midwest and Southeast, in a rare, double brood event . These two broods last emerged together 221 years ago, and after this year are not predicted to do so again until 2245.

Once conditions are right, the two broods will emerge in massive numbers to feed, make noise, mate and die. Here's what to know about where to find the 13-year Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII.

2024 double cicada broods: Check out where Broods XIII, XIX will emerge

The two cicada broods will emerge in a combined 17 states across the Southeast and Midwest, with an overlap in parts of Illinois and Iowa. They will emerge once soil eight inches underground reaches 64 degrees, expected to begin in mid-May and lasting through late June.

The two broods last emerged together in 1803 , when Thomas Jefferson was president.

What is a periodical cicada?

Both the 13-year Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII are periodical cicadas, which emerge every 13 or 17 years across North America. They differ from annual cicadas, which emerge every year.

You may remember the last periodical brood to emerge in huge numbers: the 17-year Brood X that was found in 2021 throughout the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard.

Annual cicadas, which are dark green to black with green wing veins, are  typically larger than periodical cicadas , which are recognizable for their red eyes, red legs and red wing veins, according to North Carolina State University Extension.

Periodical cicadas emerge earlier, usually in mid-to-late May as opposed to annual cicadas in July and August. According to North Carolina State University Extension, annual cicadas begin mating, " singing conspicuously " and lying eggs about two weeks after they emerge. Their first nymphs will fall to the ground and begin feeding on roots under the soil, and fully-developed nymphs will emerge two years later and molt into adults.

Above ground, periodical cicadas have a similar life cycle, appear in much larger numbers and are much louder. At the end of their season, the next generation of nymphs move underground and remain for either 13 or 17 years.