Savannah

What to Do in Savannah, GA

Do you want to be entertained, amazed, or scared? In Savannah, you can feel all those and more at your leisure.

Savannah, Georgia is one of the most visited cities in the state outside of Atlanta. Its rich history attracts civil war buffs, while the natural beauty draws in nature enthusiasts.

But truly, it’s the combination of everything that makes Savannah a different kind of tourist hotspot – and it’s one that can cater to crowds of all ages.

If you’re heading this way soon, check out some of the best things you can do to make your trip a truly memorable one.

#1 – Take a History Tour

History Tour in Savannah — _{Luckysavannah.com. (2023). Available at: https://www.luckysavannah.com/sites/default/files/images/Lucky-Savannah-Vacation-Rentals-Old-Town-Trolley-Tour.png}

Sightseeing and tours are among the top things to do in Savannah. Georgia was the 13^th established colony in America, thus, Savanna’s rich history dating back to 1733 is well worth exploring.

With its wide variety, most tourists can find a suitable tour for them. You can learn about the city’s past and present through tours focused on architecture, photography, visiting historic mansions, and muchmore.

#2 – Walk Along the River Street

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If you ever find yourself looking for things to do in Savannah for free, going on a stroll in the Waterfront district may just be right for you. Over there, you have the iconic River Street that stretches along the Savannah River.

It’s a very lively area that’s packed with galleries, eateries, bars, and souvenir shops. River Street is also a great place to do a pub crawl, listen to street musicians, or just watch the boats go by.

#3 – Visit Forsyth Park

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A stroll in this massive 30-acre park is easily one of the best things to do in Savannah. You can explore the park or just sit back and relax after a day of sightseeing.

You should also know that Forsyth Park is perhaps Savannah’s most iconic site.

The old Candler Oaktree, war memorials, and historical buildings are always popular with tourists. You can also enjoy moments of serenity in the Fragrant Garden that’s specially designed for the visually impaired.

Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to bring your phone or camera to take photos of nature at its finest.

#4 – Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

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You don’t have to be an architecture buff to appreciate this beautiful Gothic cathedral. But keep in mind that the building you see these days is not the original one.

Initially, French colonists built the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in the late 1700s to the early 1800s. But at the end of the 19^th century, the original building was demolished.

That rebuild made room for the large stone cathedral that we see today, which consists of gold-leaf designs, stained-glass windows, and a famous Italian marble altar. You can even compare it to many of the top European medieval churches.

#5 – A Trip to the Plantation

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How does a visit to the first Colonial estate in the area sound?

Know that Savannah is home to the Wormsloe State Historic Site. Here, you’ll get to see the oldest, and still standing, structure in Savannah.

But what’s even more impressive in a way is the road to the plantation. In fact, one of the best things to do in Savannah is a stroll on that road.

Why?

It’s a mile-long avenue that’s bordered by live oak trees covered in Spanish moss. The path to the ruins of Wormsloe offers probably the most iconic sight in Savannah, courtesy of its towering arch of oak trees.

When you reach the plantation, you can also check out the local museum and learn more about the founding of Georgia.

#6 – Try the Riverboat Cruise

If you don’t fancy walking or hopping on a bus, you have another option to go sightseeing in Savannah. A riverboat cruise is an excellent alternative.

Most cruises last well over 90 minutes and can also include a meal. You’ll even be able to book cruises with guides that can make your entire journey a narrated tour. To get the most out of this experience, try to book a ticket for a trip on a sunny day and ask for outdoor seating.

Exploring the riverboat itself can also be fun since you won’t find functioning models in many places these days.

#7 – Go From the Museum to the Pub

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A fantastic way to experience Savannah is the proverbial pub crawl. But if you want to have a different take on the usual pub crawl, make the dry museum your first stop.

The American Prohibition Museum is the first and only in the country that’s dedicated entirely to the Prohibition era. Learn about the history of the Prohibition in one hour and check out some of the memorabilia.

Travel back to the 1900s and learn about what steered American politics towards outlawing alcohol. Leaving the museum to start a pub crawl might give you a different appreciation for partying out in the open.

#8 – A Day Trip to Tybee Island

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Located 15 miles away from the Savannah city center, Tybee Island is another top local attraction. It boasts five miles of beachfront property and a famous lighthouse.

Also, on the island is where you’ll find the Marine Science Center. It’s a top attraction for kids and nature lovers alike.

If you want to enjoy great seafood, see some points of interest, and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, know that a trip to Tybee Island is one of the best things to do in Savannah.

#9 – The Fort Pulaski Monument

The Fort Pulaski Monument in Savannah — _{Cntraveler.com. (2023). Available at: https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5e7511351185400008f5b3af/16:9/w_2560,c_limit/GettyImages-687535502.jpg}

For all Civil War buffs, the Fort Pulaski National Monument is a must-see site. It’s most famously known as Robert E. Lee’s first assignment after graduating.

Although the West Point graduate eventually moved on to new duties, the structure remained with the Confederacy until 1862. Interestingly, once under Union control, the fort rapidly became a haven for enslaved people, many of whom were declared free in Savannah.

#10 – Meet the Local Ghosts

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It may sound funny, but ghost tours are among the most famous Savannah attractions. Lots of tourists flock to hear ghost stories, explore dark alleys, and get a good scare going if they can.

Some of the stories tie in with Savannah’s history. Others are perhaps less believable. Either way, ghost tours are highly popular in Savannah and even enthusiastically recommended by most tourists.

You can also check out the Bonaventure Cemetery. Aside from being a gorgeous site thanks to its architecture, design, and vegetation, it’s also a popular ghost-hunting spot during the night.

A Historical Gem Located Deep in the South

There are many things you can do in Savannah if you plan your trip well. Natural beauty aside, its historical significance, excellent food, and quirky activities can keep you entertained for days.

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Trip Ideas

Visiting the Oldest City in Georgia – The Top Tourist Spots in Savannah

You shouldn’t postpone your trip to Savannah. See a city packed with American history, great scenery, and tons of attractions.

Visiting one of the oldest cities in the south should be on anyone’s list of vacation ideas – whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or nature enthusiast. That’s because Savannah has a bit of everything for everyone.

The city is a piece of living history, but with all the modern amenities and premium facilities.

Check out some of the top tours, attractions, and tourist spots in Savannah:

1. Relax in Forsyth Park

Savannah-Forsyth-Park — Cdn-website.com. (2023). Available at: https://lirp.cdn-website.com/c5052eac/dms3rep/multi/opt/fp-640w.jpg_‌

This park is part of the Savannah Historic District and is recognized for its impressive scenery. And every Saturday, you can sample the local goods at the farmer’s market.

The 300-acre park offers lush landscapes, flowers, green trees, a fountain, and enough room for live concerts. It’s so picturesque that you can find pictures taken in this park all over the internet. But nothing compares to experiencing it in person.

2. A Ride Down the Historic Route

The trolley tours in Savannah are legendary. One ride covers 22 squares and lets you see some of the most important landmarks in the historic district. It’s a great choice if you’re not thinking of an extended stay but want to see as much of the city as you can.

Each tour runs about every 20 minutes, so it’s impossible to miss one. Even better, it’s a hop-on-hop-off tour. That means you can step off the ride and spend time at any hotspot on the line and hop on another trolley to continue your tour anytime.

3. Walk the Wormsloe Path

Visiting the Wormsloe Historic Site is another good idea. Before reaching the estate, you can travel on a path covered by suspended trees. It’s quite the artistic marvel in a natural site and simply breathtaking in the summer.

You can see Savanna’s oldest building that’s still standing at the site. Tours are available throughout the year and the locals even host memorable events there.

4. Visit the Museums

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If you’re a fan of old ships, the Sea Maritime Museum is the place to visit. The museum has a rich collection of ship memorabilia dating back to the 1700s. What’s interesting about this is that the museum opened only in 1966.

The Telfair Museum of Art is another top tourist attraction. This museum features 19^th century and 20^th century art collections of both European and American origins. It also has an impressive sculpture gallery. Even the building, the 200-year-old Neoclassical Regency mansion, teems with a rich history.

Located in the Tricentennial Park is the Georgia State Railroad Museum, another tourist hotspot.

Having multiple museums that are rich with history and unique collections on display, this city will meet all your need for history.

5. Admire the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

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Originally built in the 1870s, the cathedral saw many restorations over the years. The first rebuild was in 1899 and restoration work carried on up until the 1990s.

Its interior features marble floors, railings, and an altar weighing 9,000lbs that came all the way from Italy. The Renaissance murals and the Great Rose Window are breathtaking and any art lover would want to see them up close.

6. Learn More About the Girl Scouts

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The Girl Scouts of the USA has its origins in Savannah at the house of Juliette Gordon Low. Being an iconic organization, the founder’s home became one of the first national historic landmarks of the city.

It’s been restored to its original look in the 1880s and you can even see most of the original family furniture and memorabilia. Many of the items on display, including photographs, personal jewelry, and writings, are more personal in nature

The house isn’t a destination just for Girl Scout troops, but also for tourists of all ages. And the tour offers great insight into the Girl Scouts movement from its inception to modern times.

7. A Tour of Unfiltered History

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One of the most common things to do in Savannah is to visit historic landmarks just because there are so many of them. The Owens-Thomas House is a great example of a National Historic Landmark you’ll want to check out.

It commemorates the lives of 14 slaves that lived there, and it’s done in great detail. The tour helps one to understand the complex relationships of that time by putting things in perspective.

You can also visit the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. It’s in Franklin Square, inside the oldest African Baptist Church in Savannah. The exhibit features written stories and photographs, as well as lots of information that is not widely publicized.

8. Visit Georgia’s Oldest Still Standing Fort

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Old Fort Jackson is a brick fort and one of the few still standing in America. It got its name in 1812, during the war, and saw enough action during the Civil War. The Coastal Heritage Society manages the fort and sees to the continuous display of military history.

And, if you’re lucky, you might see some old cannon firing demonstrations. Talk about getting a bang for your buck while vacationing in Savannah.

9. Outdoor Activities in the Fort McAllister State Historic Park

Savannah-McAllister-State-Historic-Park — _{Fort McAllister Historic State Park. (2022, February 28). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_McAllister_Historic_State_Park}

Even if you’re not a Civil War buff or offended by anything related to the Confederacy, this park is still great to visit. Along with cannons and military memorabilia, the park features acres of natural beauty.

It’s a wonderful recreational spot right near the Great Ogeechee River south of Savannah. You can enjoy various activities, like hiking, fishing, and going on picnics, and you can even camp in certain spots.

10. Experience the Local Cuisine in Unique Locations

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If you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in Savannah, GA, you might want to try the Olde Pink House Restaurant. It’s a great restaurant and a city landmark.

You can eat inside the 1700s mansion and sample the fine dining menu. It’s so popular with both tourists and locals that it also has accommodations nearby to cater to guests who need them.

The Oldest City Is Still Bustling with Life

Savanna, GA, may be an old town, but it’s teeming with life. It has so many attractions for you to see for yourself – from old mansions and history-packed museums to fine dining and lush parks. Savannah really has it all.

That’s why it’s worth more than your average weekend trip.