Savannah, Georgia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Savannah’s Historic District is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the U.S., spanning 2.5 square miles of cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture? This charming Southern city, with its 22 historic squares draped in Spanish moss, offers visitors a perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty that’s unlike anywhere else in America.

Planning Your Journey to Savannah

Savannah rewards those who plan ahead, especially during peak seasons when accommodations fill quickly. The city’s charm changes with each season – spring brings azaleas and dogwoods in full bloom, summer offers vibrant street life, fall delivers perfect temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter showcases festive decorations and holiday events.

For the best experience, consider spending at least three days exploring the Historic District before venturing to nearby attractions like Tybee Island. Many first-time visitors find themselves extending their stay after falling in love with Savannah’s relaxed pace and hidden charms.

Best Time to Visit Savannah

The ideal time to visit Savannah is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures perfect for walking tours, fewer crowds than summer, and either blooming flowers or beautiful fall colors.

Getting to Savannah

Savannah is easily accessible by air, car, and even train, making it a convenient destination for travelers from across the country.

By Air

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is located just 20 minutes from downtown and is served by major airlines including Delta, American, United, and JetBlue. Direct flights are available from many major U.S. cities.

By Car

Savannah is conveniently located just off I-95, making it an easy drive from many East Coast cities. From Atlanta, take I-75 South to Macon, then I-16 East directly to Savannah (about a 3.5-hour drive).

By Train

Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto line connects Savannah to cities along the East Coast, including New York, Washington D.C., and Miami. The historic Savannah station is located about 3 miles from the Historic District.

Getting Around Savannah

Savannah’s Historic District is perfectly designed for walking, with its grid layout and beautiful squares providing natural rest stops. However, there are several transportation options to help you explore efficiently.

Free DOT Shuttle

The Downtown Transportation (DOT) shuttle is a free service that runs throughout the Historic District. It operates Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with stops at major attractions, making it perfect for tired feet or hot days.

Trolley Tours

Hop-on/hop-off trolley tours are a popular way to see the city while learning about its history. These tours allow you to get on and off at various stops throughout the day, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Savannah Belles Ferry

This free ferry service connects the Historic District to Hutchinson Island across the Savannah River. It’s not only practical transportation but also offers great views of River Street and the city skyline.

Bikes and Scooters

Rental bikes and scooters are available throughout the city and provide a fun way to cover more ground than walking. The flat terrain makes Savannah ideal for cycling.

Rideshares and Taxis

Uber and Lyft operate throughout Savannah and are readily available. Traditional taxis can be found at hotel stands or called for pickup.

Where to Stay in Savannah

Savannah offers accommodations for every taste and budget, from luxury historic inns to modern hotels and vacation rentals. Where you stay can significantly enhance your Savannah experience.

Historic District

Staying in the Historic District puts you within walking distance of most attractions, restaurants, and shops. This area features historic inns, boutique hotels, and luxury properties like the Perry Lane Hotel and Hotel Bardo overlooking Forsyth Park.

River Street

The JW Marriott Plant Riverside District offers a unique stay in a converted power plant right on the river. This area provides easy access to riverfront dining and shopping, with spectacular views of passing cargo ships.

Starland District

For a more local experience, consider staying in the up-and-coming Starland District. This artsy neighborhood offers vacation rentals and smaller inns at lower prices than the Historic District, while still being within walking distance of many attractions.

Top Attractions in Savannah Georgia

Savannah’s charm lies in its perfectly preserved historic architecture, beautiful natural spaces, and rich cultural heritage. Here are the must-see attractions that should be on every visitor’s list.

Forsyth Park

This 30-acre park is Savannah’s largest and most famous green space, anchored by an iconic fountain that dates back to 1858. The park is perfect for picnics, people-watching, and Saturday morning farmers markets. The magnificent oak trees draped with Spanish moss create picture-perfect photo opportunities throughout the park.

Savannah Historic District & Squares

The Historic District features 22 beautiful squares, each with its own character and history. Don’t miss Chippewa Square (where the famous bench scenes from “Forrest Gump” were filmed), Madison Square with its stunning architecture, and Johnson Square, the city’s first planned square. Walking through these moss-draped squares feels like stepping back in time.

River Street

This cobblestone street along the Savannah River was once the hub of the cotton industry. Today, it’s lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries housed in converted cotton warehouses. Watch massive cargo ships pass by, sample pralines at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, or simply enjoy the river views from one of many waterfront restaurants.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Located just a few miles from downtown, this hauntingly beautiful cemetery gained fame through the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The 100+ acre cemetery features elaborate marble tombs, ornate sculptures, and magnificent oak trees draped with Spanish moss. The cemetery is free to visit and offers a peaceful setting for contemplation and photography.

Wormsloe Historic Site

The breathtaking oak-lined avenue at Wormsloe is one of Savannah’s most photographed locations. This former plantation features the longest oak avenue in the world, with over 400 live oak trees creating a stunning tunnel effect. Beyond the iconic entrance, you’ll find historic ruins and beautiful nature trails.

Historic Homes and Museums

Savannah’s well-preserved historic homes offer a glimpse into the city’s past and the lives of its wealthy residents during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

This National Historic Landmark is considered one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in America. The tour includes not only the elegant main house but also the preserved slave quarters, providing important context about the lives of both the wealthy owners and the enslaved people who made their lifestyle possible.

Mercer-Williams House

Made famous by “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” this elegant mansion was the scene of the shooting that inspired the book and movie. The house features an impressive collection of furniture and art from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Telfair Museums

Comprising three unique sites—the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House, and the contemporary Jepson Center—the Telfair Museums offer an impressive collection spanning 200 years of art and architecture. The Jepson Center features modern art exhibitions, while the Telfair Academy houses 19th-century European and American art.

Savannah’s Culinary Scene

Savannah has emerged as a culinary destination, offering everything from traditional Southern comfort food to innovative farm-to-table cuisine and international flavors.

Southern Classics

No visit to Savannah is complete without sampling traditional Southern dishes. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room offers family-style Southern cooking with fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. The Olde Pink House, set in an 18th-century mansion, serves refined Southern cuisine in an elegant setting. For the ultimate Southern breakfast, don’t miss Clary’s Cafe, featured in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

Innovative Dining

The Grey, housed in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, offers award-winning cuisine that blends Southern ingredients with global influences. Chef Mashama Bailey’s menu has earned national recognition, including a James Beard Award. Common Thread serves farm-to-table cuisine in a beautifully restored 19th-century home, with a menu that changes seasonally.

Sweet Treats

Leopold’s Ice Cream, founded in 1919, is a Savannah institution known for its handcrafted ice cream made from original family recipes. The line often stretches down the block, but the wait is worth it. For pralines and other Southern confections, visit Savannah’s Candy Kitchen on River Street for free samples and to watch candy being made.

Unique Experiences in Savannah

Beyond the standard tourist attractions, Savannah offers unique experiences that provide deeper insights into the city’s culture and character.

Ghost Tours

As one of America’s most haunted cities, Savannah offers numerous ghost tours ranging from family-friendly walking tours to more intense paranormal investigations. The Sorrel-Weed House offers after-hours paranormal experiences, while Genteel & Bard’s Dark History Tour combines historical facts with spine-tingling ghost stories.

Black History Tours

Explore Savannah’s African American history through specialized tours that highlight the contributions of Black Savannahians. Visit the First African Baptist Church, one of the oldest Black churches in North America, and learn about the Underground Railroad. The Pin Point Heritage Museum showcases the unique Gullah Geechee culture that developed in coastal communities.

Plant Riverside District

This recently developed entertainment area occupies a former power plant on the riverfront. The JW Marriott lobby features museum-quality exhibits including a 135-foot chrome dinosaur skeleton, geodes, and fossils. The district offers free concerts, numerous restaurants, and rooftop bars with spectacular river views.

Day Trips from Savannah

While Savannah offers plenty to keep you busy, several nearby destinations make for excellent day trips.

Tybee Island

Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island offers beautiful beaches, a historic lighthouse, and fresh seafood restaurants. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or kayaking through salt marshes. Don’t miss the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn about local marine life.

Hilton Head Island

About 45 minutes from Savannah, Hilton Head Island offers world-class golf courses, pristine beaches, and upscale shopping. The island is known for its eco-friendly development and abundant wildlife.

Beaufort, South Carolina

This charming coastal town is about an hour from Savannah and features beautiful antebellum homes, historic churches, and scenic waterfront views. Beaufort has served as the filming location for movies like “Forrest Gump” and “The Big Chill.”

Practical Tips for Visiting Savannah

Make the most of your Savannah trip with these helpful tips from locals and frequent visitors.

Free Things to Do in Savannah Georgia

Savannah offers many free activities that allow you to experience the city’s beauty and history without spending a dime.

Explore the Historic Squares

Savannah’s 22 squares are free public spaces perfect for relaxing, people-watching, and admiring historic monuments. Each square has its own character and history, with informative plaques that tell the story of the area.

Stroll Jones Street

Often called the prettiest street in Savannah, Jones Street features perfectly preserved historic homes, brick sidewalks, and a canopy of oak trees. It’s the ideal place for architecture enthusiasts and photographers.

Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

This stunning Gothic-Revival cathedral features breathtaking stained glass windows, intricate murals, and impressive architecture. While donations are appreciated, admission is free.

Watch Cargo Ships

Head to River Street to watch massive cargo ships navigate the Savannah River. These ships tower over the historic buildings along the riverfront, creating a fascinating contrast between old and new.

Savannah Belles Ferry

Take a free ferry ride across the Savannah River to Hutchinson Island. The short journey offers excellent views of River Street and the city skyline.

Ready to Experience Savannah?

From strolling under canopies of Spanish moss to savoring Southern cuisine on a historic riverfront, Savannah offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re fascinated by architecture, drawn to ghost stories, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway with Southern charm, Savannah delivers an unforgettable experience that will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even left.

Ready to stroll under Spanish moss and savor peach cobbler on a sunlit porch? Savannah’s timeless beauty awaits—start planning your escape today!