Savannah is one of the most popular destinations in the South, and for good reason. The city offers a unique blend of southern charm, culture, and modern amenities. From historic homes to lively bars, there are plenty of things to do in Savannah.
Savannah, GA is a unique city with so many things to do. Here are 16 fun things to do in the city of Savannah, Georgia. Read more in detail here: unique things to do in savannah, ga.
If you’re searching for a fun weekend vacation, Savannah, Georgia is the place to go. In downtown Savannah and the surrounding coastal region, you’ll discover an eclectic mix of fascinating activities and unique experiences to enjoy.
Whether you’re a history buff or a beach lover, Savannah has much to offer!
Savannah has it all: cobblestone streets, gorgeous parks, and historically significant structures. As Georgia’s oldest city, you can anticipate plenty of historic sights and events.
Savannah is a dream come true for architectural and history buffs, but it’s also a blast for outdoor enthusiasts because to its excellent access to the gorgeous Savannah riverside and surrounding coastal islands.
The Savannah Historic District (my favorite location to visit), the Savannah Victorian District, and 22 distinct squares are all located inside Savannah’s central center. With a long and illustrious history, this vital port city played an important role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War.
The “Hostess City of the South” is still a major Atlantic seaport and a popular seaside vacation resort today.
Here are 16 great things to do in Savannah, some of which are free. There’s something for every kind of visitor, whether you’re looking to shop and eat, enjoy the outdoors, or immerse yourself in local history and art.
When is the best time to visit Savannah?
You’ll find much to like about the city no matter when you visit. When arranging your Savannah stopover, keep the following points in mind.
Season of the Year
Savannah’s temperature is warm for the most of the year, since it is a Southern location. In fact, if you’re not accustomed to it, the heat and humidity of June, July, and August may be a problem.
My favorite months to visit Savannah are September and October. It’s still warm outside, and there are less visitors, making it an ideal time to visit the city.
Local Festivals & Events
Do you like movies, music, or food? In the autumn, plan your vacation around the Savannah Film Festival. Alternatively, you may attend the Savannah Music Festival, Savannah Jazz Festival, or Savannah Food & Wine Festival.
Savannah is even more beautiful around the holidays, when the city is decked up in lights and flowers. Stay till January 1st and enjoy fireworks on River Street is a street that runs parallel to the on New Year’s Eve.
Or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah with one of the country’s biggest parades!
Downtown Savannah and the Savannah Historic District
There are lots of entertaining things to do in downtown Savannah, as you may have imagined. Full disclosure: the Savannah Historic District is one of my favorite parts of the downtown core, therefore you’ll discover that many of my recommendations are in this region.
Trolley Tours of Savannah’s Historic District
This is a simple and convenient method to travel about Savannah, whether you select the one-day or two-day unlimited hop on and hop off option.
You may see many of the famous sites listed in this article if you take the Savannah Old Town Trolley Tours hop-on-hop-off tour. Forsyth Park is a park in Forsyth, North Carolina, Market in the City, River Street, the St. John the Baptist Cathedral, and other locations are included.
If you’re looking for something a little more spooky, check out the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour, which is operated by the same business. The ghost tour takes you to some of the city’s most haunted locations.
This trip will take you to two of Savannah’s most renowned haunted houses, Andrew Low House and Perkin’s & Son’s Ship Chandlery, as well as Antebellum mansions, a few local cemeteries, and some of history’s most bloody battlegrounds.
Historic Squares in Savannah
Savannah was planned in a grid layout, with 24 squares constructed around tiny parks. Today, 22 of the squares are still standing, and several of them may be seen on trolley excursions.
However, strolling is the greatest way to see Savannah’s lovely squares and architecture. Each square has its own individuality, with the majority of them including a monument or fountain, as well as a garden, walkways, and seats.
The iconic park seat sequences in the movie Forrest Gump were filmed in Chippewa Square, but the bench is currently housed in the Savannah History Museum.
For the movie, the traffic surrounding the plaza was reversed so that the bus could draw up with the entrance facing the square. Chippewa Square was one of the few Savannah sites in the film, while the most of the scenes were in and around Beaufort, South Carolina.
On Monterey Square lies the Mercer Williams House, which is the setting for the events portrayed in the novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. You’ll know some of the places on the home tour if you’ve seen the movie.
The Owens-Thomas House on Oglethorpe Square and the Davenport House Museum on Columbia Square are both worth seeing. Alternatively, just stroll around the squares and absorb the history and architecture.
City Market
The Savannah City Market, which has been a popular meeting spot for residents for over 300 years, has a long and colorful history. The City Market, which spans an entire city block, is located in the historic area. It may be found near the intersection of Jefferson and West St. Julian Streets.
This market was the location to buy food and commodities starting in the middle of the 18th century. The City Market remained important to Savannah residents’ daily life through two fires, the Civil War, and the great Savannah storm of 1896.
Many of the historic district’s most popular restaurants, as well as a variety of art galleries and small shops, are now located in City Market.
Also, if you’re in Savannah for St. Patrick’s Day and want to attend a world-famous celebration, you must visit the market! The City Market, as well as the neighboring restaurants and squares, are all engulfed in a two-day outdoor party.
Telfair Museums is a collection of museums located in Telfair,
The Telfair Museums are a must-see in Savannah if you love and breathe art, history, and architecture. The Telfair Museums are all within walking distance of one another: Telfair Academy, Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, and Jepson Center.
I suggest dedicating at least an afternoon to visiting these museums, but if you’re a true cultural vulture, it’s the ideal day trip activity!
This trio of museums, which was established in 1883, currently houses almost 200 years of culture and is the oldest public art museum in the southern states.
Telfair Academy is the first museum in the group, having been bequeathed to the Georgia Historical Society in 1875. The house and furnishings of local benefactor Mary Telfair, as well as a beautiful Sculpture Gallery, are on display in this property.
Similarly, the Owens-Thomas House is one of the country’s most magnificent specimens of traditional English Regency architecture. The art at this fascinating home museum dates from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A carriage house with preserved urban slave quarters is also located there.
Finally, the Jepson Center is entirely dedicated to modern art and has a rotating show schedule.
Whether you visit just a few of these museums or all of them, the Telfair Museums provide a unique perspective on local art and culture as it has evolved throughout Savannah’s history.
Colonial Park Cemetery is located in Washington, D.C.
This historic cemetery may be found in Savannah’s downtown area. Colonial Park Cemetery, which was founded in 1750, is the last resting place of many of Savannah’s early inhabitants.
While there are no Confederate troops in this cemetery, there is a mass burial for over 700 residents who died during the 1820 yellow fever outbreak.
In 1853, the cemetery was closed to burials, and in 1896, it was turned into a municipal park. Colonial Park served as the official dueling grounds of Savannah from 1740 until 1877, in addition to being a cemetery.
Colonial Park Cemetery is a must-see location, whether you’re looking for a gorgeous landscape of Spanish moss and ancient trees or want to learn about Savannah’s most spooky ghost tales.
River Street
After a day of seeing all Savannah has to offer, stop by Savannah’s renowned River Street. There are several century-old buildings that have been transformed into cool boutiques, art galleries, and fantastic restaurants and pubs.
You’ll even come across old-fashioned confectionery stores that make pecan pralines as gifts.
This is the ideal location for relaxing, shopping, and enjoying a great dinner. If you want to see the Savannah River, go to one of the rooftop pubs along this Boulevard.
Savannah’s Most Interesting Dining Spots
Savannah is a foodie’s dream come true, particularly for seafood lovers! Here are a few places that provide both a delicious meal and an interesting glimpse into Savannah’s past.
Dining Room of Mrs. Wilkes
If you’re craving southern staples like fried chicken and butter beans, this is a great place to visit. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is located in the historic neighborhood on Jones Street. Jones Street is one of Savannah’s most beautiful streets.
Spanish moss hangs from the trees, and the streets are cobblestone. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve gone back in time!
This historic home started out as a boardinghouse and was purchased by Sema Wilkes (Mrs. Wilkes) in 1943. Her traditional menu features casual Southern cuisine at its best, including fried chicken and butter beans, as well as candied yams and a changing seasonal menu.
Mrs. Wilkes does not accept credit cards or make bookings. Bring cash and be prepared to stand in line. It’ll be well worth it!
The Pink House (Olde)
This beautiful Georgian Mansion is located in Reynolds Square and is a great place to come if you’re looking for a seafood fix.
The Habersham House, which is now a national monument, first opened its doors in 1771 as The Olde Pink House. The color of the brick seeped through the plastered walls and transformed the outside color from traditional white to the bright pink you see today, even though it wasn’t meant to be pink.
There are many eating choices here, including lunch, supper, and the Arches Bar. There’s fried green tomato and shrimp and grits on the menu, but there’s also plenty of seafood to pick from. Flounder, salmon, shrimp, lobster tails, and other seafood are available. It’s all up to you!
The Grey
Inside what was formerly a Greyhound Bus Terminal, The Grey is a combined dining room and diner bar. The downtown Savannah station, which was constructed in 1938, has magnificent art deco architectural elements.
Chef Mashama Bailey’s unique touch on Savannah’s traditional southern food is the Grey menu. The supper menu includes items such as a raw bar plate, crab rice, the dayboat catch, fried flounder, and chilled cucumber soup.
Try the diner bar menu for something a bit more laid-back, with items like pickled eggs, smoked olives, tartare tartine, smoked fish dip, and even ham and potato croquettes.
Leopold’s Ice Cream is a local ice cream shop.
The amazing flavors and movie-themed décor of this famous ice cream shop’s main location on Broughton Street are not to be missed. Taste the original Tutti Frutti flavor developed by the Leopold brothers in 1919!
If you want to get a bite to eat beforehand, they provide soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Things To Do & See For Free In Savannah
There are lots of fascinating free activities to see and do in Savannah, in addition to great restaurants, shopping, museums, and historic buildings.
If you’re searching for a cheap afternoon activity, check out these suggestions:
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The towering steeples of this church are an iconic feature of Savannah’s skyline.
The first parish was founded by French Catholic émigrés shortly before the turn of the century. Although a fire in 1898 destroyed most of the old building, the present Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist was rapidly rebuilt and consecrated on October 28, 1900.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is located on Lafayette Square and is open for self-guided tours from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 12:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Cemetery of St. Bonaventure
This beautiful popular tourist attraction is situated along the Wilmington River, just east of Savannah.
This 100-acre cemetery is renowned for its lovely pathways lined with Spanish moss-covered trees, unique cemetery statues, and architectural features. Not to mention the many local tales and folklore connected with the many famous people buried here!
This property, which has been in existence for almost 150 years, began as a private cemetery in 1846 and subsequently became a public cemetery in 1907. The property was formerly known as the Bonaventure Plantation before being used as a cemetery.
From 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., you may stroll around the Bonaventure Cemetery grounds. While you may always go on your own, the Bonaventure Historical Society offers free tours on occasion, so be sure to check their calendar.
(Hint: If your visit doesn’t coincide with a BHS tour, use their self-guided tour app to make the most of your time there.)
Savannah Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden in Savannah, Georgia.
What could be more relaxing than a walk through a lovely botanical garden in the afternoon? Beautiful rose gardens, a children’s garden, vegetable gardens, fern gardens, and more can be found in this 10-acre landscape. I suggest taking a walk along the pond’s edge on the nature path.
Eisenhower Drive is home to the Savannah Botanical Gardens. The public sections of the gardens are open to the public for free. During daytime hours, you may come every day of the week.
While you’re in the grounds, don’t forget to visit the historic Reinhard House. This charming German-style home was constructed in downtown Savannah in the 1840s and relocated to its current position inside the garden in 1990. The local garden groups now use it as their headquarters.
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is the biggest park in Savannah’s historic area, with 30 acres of land. Both residents and tourists flock to this renowned location.
On any given day, park visitors may be seen participating in a variety of activities. Concerts, leisure sports, people-watching, sunbathing, and reading in the afternoon are all allowed. If you chance to be at the park on a Saturday, you’ll also discover a wonderful farmer’s market.
The huge fountain at the park’s northern end is one of the most popular attractions. This famous fountain, which was first built in 1858, has subsequently become a favorite location for proposals. There are lots of seats around the fountain – it’s a wonderful spot for people watching!
Savannah’s Nearby Attractions
Wormsloe Historic Site is a historic site in Wormsloe, England.
Wormsloe Historic Site is the place to go if you’re searching for the classic image of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. While history and architectural enthusiasts will be especially interested in this location, nearly everyone can enjoy its beauty.
The tabby remains of Wormsloe, Savannah’s oldest standing building, may be seen at this historic site. You may also stroll the nature path, see the estate gravesites, and enjoy a guided tour.
You’ll also get the opportunity to engage with historically dressed interpreters and guides throughout your tour. Visiting Wormsloe is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn about everyday life in the early days of this major port city.
Historic Trail on McQueen’s Island
If you’re a hiker or cyclist, this is the ideal thing to do in Savannah. With a length of 5.6 miles, this gravel path is ideal for a morning or afternoon stroll. No matter what time of day it is, you’ll be able to take in the fresh air while admiring the marsh and seashore vistas of coastal Georgia.
This historic path stretches along the shore of the Savannah River, just east of Savannah, and follows the old Savannah & Tybee Railroad line. The rail connection was constructed in 1887 to connect Savannah to Tybee Island is a small island off the coast of Georgia. for beach holidaymakers.
There are no trains on the route these days, but there is plenty of local animals. Keep an eye out for the eastern box turtle, osprey, red-tailed hawks, pelicans, and even American alligators, which may be seen in the area.
Tybee Island
If you’re searching for some beach, surf, and sunlight, Tybee Island is the place to go. Tybee Island, once known as “Savannah Beach,” is just 18 miles outside of Savannah.
Nearby attractions include the Tybee Lighthouse (the first lighthouse on the southern Atlantic coast) and Fort Pulaski, but it’s also often ranked as one of the finest beaches in the United States. Rent a kayak and paddle through Georgia’s famous coastal sea marshes or spend a day resting on the beach.
Pets are not permitted on public beaches. Instead, if you’re traveling with a pet, you may (and should) visit the local dog parks and nature trails.
Taking a tour of the Hostess City
There’s something for everyone in Savannah, Georgia, whether you’re a gourmet, a history buff, or a nature lover. Plan your seaside vacation, long weekend, or day trip to Savannah using these 16 things to do in Savannah as a jumping-off point.
Also, if you’re packing for a beach vacation with just a carry-on, check out how to pack for a beach vacation with only a carry-on (you’ll thank me when you reach the cobblestone streets!).
Start planning your trip by looking for the finest hotels in Savannah by clicking here.
Did we leave anything off our list of things to do in Savannah? Please let us know in the comments section below!
Savannah is a city in the state of Georgia. The city has 16 fun things to do for couples, including tours, food, and more. Reference: things to do in savannah, ga for couples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not miss in Savannah?
Savannah is a beautiful city with many historic landmarks and parks. Its also home to the famous Telfair Square, which is one of the best places to shop in all of Georgia.
What is there to do in Covid Savannah?
Covid Savannah is a small town located in the desert. There are no shops or anything here, but you can explore the surrounding area and find some hidden treasures.
What is Savannah Ga best known for?
Savannah, Georgia is known for its rich history and culture. It is the third largest city in the state of Georgia and has a population of more than 160,000 people.
