The 7 Things You Have to See When You Visit Savannah, Georgia

What’s your next travel destination? If you’re planning to visit Savannah, Georgia, here are the sights you simply can’t miss.

Savannah, named after the nearby river, is an important industrial center in the state of Georgia. There’s something for everyone here – whether you visit for a summer vacation or a sightseeing tour.

Did you know that Savannah is also the oldest city in Georgia? This may be a good enough reason for those who are into history and tradition to pack your bags right away.

Discover for yourself all of the things to see in Savannah, Georgia.

1.   Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

• 

The most spectacular sight in Savannah is, without a doubt, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. You can choose to visit the cathedral by yourself or join a guided tour to learn more about it. And the entrance fee is only $2.

This cathedral is still located where it’s originally built back in 1876, after which a fire nearly destroyed it 22 years later. It’s restored two years after that and it’s now the symbol of faith in Savannah.

Once you set foot inside, you may agree that the St. John Cathedral of Savannah is one of the most impressive sights in the whole of the United States.

2.   Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is a one-of-a-kind oasis in Savannah. It’s named after John Forsyth, the governor of Georgia at the time of the expansion. And the park has a lot to offer visitors.

The park is a great place for picnics and spending quality time with your family. It contains two playgrounds, courts for multiple sports, and a café. If you’re visiting Savannah, Georgia at the right time, you can even attend the Savannah Jazz Festival.

The most popular spot for many is the Fountain at Forsyth Park, modeled after the Peruvian fountains of Cuzco.

Do check out the Farmer’s Market every Saturday and watch movies for free in the open space every other month.

3.    City Market

What’s the best way to get to know the authentic spirit of a city? By visiting its market.

Dating back to the 1700s, this market was a hot spot for trades, shopping, and meet-ups in town. It’s continued to stand tall despite the several tragedies that happened here and has even become a tourist attraction.

It’s a charming and lively place to grab a meal, whether seafood or just a slice of pizza. This is also where you’ll find souvenirs to take home. Handmade jewelry or art pieces by local artists, the choice is yours.

The City Market is the best place to celebrate anything in Savannah, especially if you’re visiting on a holiday weekend.

4.   The Historic Savannah Theater

The Historic Savannah Theater may be best-known for its annual Christmas show. But there’s always something exciting happening at the theater, one of the must-see places in Savannah, Georgia.

It’s more than 200 years old and it’s been operating continuously. The first show ever held here was a comedy that premiered in December 1818. The theater’s square has also become famous that some people now call it the epicenter of Savannah’s nightlife.

But the night shows aren’t the only things worth seeing. Right outside the theater is a bench where tourists flock to for photo-taking – it’s the bench that Forest Gump sat on!

5.    Old Fort Jackson Historic Site

Your sightseeing tour won’t be complete without a visit to the Old Fort Jackson. Built in 1808, it’s the oldest fort in Georgia and one of the most popular tourist locations in Savannah.

You can opt for a self-guided tour here but it’s better to hire a guide and hear all the stories involving the fort. It’s named after James Jackson, who fought in the Revolutionary War and went on to become the governor of Georgia.

Built using only earth, brick, and wood, the fort and Savannah withstood an attack from the mighty British Navy.

6.   Owens-Thomas House

If you have an hour or two to spare, this Regency-style mansion is worth visiting if you’re a fan of architecture. Built in the 19^th century, the Owens-Thomas House offers more than a stunning façade.

You can take a walk through its gardens and check out the slave quarters. While there, you can learn more about how the world looked at that time from the perspectives of both the rich and the poor.

The ticket to this mansion includes a visit to the Telfair Museum and the Fine Arts Museum. Although they’re not in the same location, they are also worthy of your time.

7. Oatland Island Wildlife Center

• 

Savannah is home to many species of animals and plants and the Oatland Island Wildlife Center is the place to learn about all about them. Only 15 minutes away, the wildlife resort is a treat to all animal lovers. The resort brings together an enjoyable nature walk and a stunning historical building.

Ensure that you have enough time to see everything since the visit is likely to last a good three hours.

From Historic Sites to Lively Nights

It’s not hard to plan out your whole day in this city. With so many things to see in Savannah, Georgia, you may want to organize your time to check out everything on your bucket list.

Savannah promises a lot and delivers on them. You can get your fair share of tradition, history, and culture from visiting sites of more than 200 years old. There are also plenty of parks and resorts for those seeking peace and quiet, too.

And if you’re ready to have fun when the night falls, head on over to the downtown. You’re bound to find a place that’s your cup of tea. Or, perhaps your fill of Savannah’s unique spirit.