Best Things to do in Savannah for a Memorable Trip

Savannah is one of the most beautiful and charming cities in the USA. It has a small town vibe, filled with history, and is incredibly walkable. But most importantly, there are tons of fun things to do in Savannah. 

As the “Hostess City of the South”, Savannah is well known for its hospitality and southern charm. You will find manicured parks and large oak trees covered in Spanish moss that provide a much needed respite from the sun. Grand antebellum homes, cobbled streets, steepled cathedrals, and horse drawn carriages.  Delectable food, beautiful waterfront views, and sunsets that will melt your worries away.

Regardless if you are traveling solo, or looking for a romantic getaway for you and your partner.  Or traveling with children or on a friends/adult only getaway. You will have no problem finding things to do in Savannah. Actually, the only issue you will have is deciding what to do and what you will regrettably need to leave for your next visit. 

Therefore, in order to help you decide, I put a list together of all my favorite things to do in Savannah including memorable experiences that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.

Best Things to do in Savannah for a Memorable Trip

As I stated in the introduction there really is a huge variety of things to do in Savannah. Mentioning them all would make this list way to long.   Therefore, I tried hard to select my favorites including tours, history, shopping, food, and even some activities slightly outside Savannah for a well-rounded list. I hope that this will help you tailor your own itinerary to your liking so you can have a memorable visit to Savannah. 

1. Take a Walking Tour of the City

I am a big fan of guided walking tours. I try to do one in each city I visit and try to do it on the day we arrive. This way I can become familiar with the layout of the city and get insight from a local on all the best things to do in town.  Moreover, in a city like Savannah, which is so full of history, having a guided tour brings all the history to life.

You will have many options when it comes to a walking tour of Savannah. However, in my opinion Savannah Dan is the way to go because he makes your visit to Savannah a memorable one. 

I liked his tour so much I have done it twice and I believe this is one of the best things to do in Savannah.  He is passionate about the city and its history, and makes the tour fun. Even my two girls enjoyed his tour, and that in itself is a big endorsement. 

During the 2-hour leisurely walk, he covers over 300 years of Savannah history. Shares many secrets, confirms or dispels rumors and myths, and makes history fun while walking through 5 – 7 squares.  Cost: $25 a person

Another company I have used in the past for walking tours is Free Tours by Foot this is a pay what you want tour and they are usually good. I have done their tours in New Orleans, New York and London and been satisfied with all of them. 

2. Hop on Board a Trolley

If you rather sit instead of walk for your city introduction, then I suggest you hop on board one of the trolley tours of Savannah. 

Several companies operate these tours but two popular ones are Old Town Trolley & Old Savannah Tours.  They are about 90 minutes if you go through the entire loop without getting off. Additionally, they provide a narrated history as they go along. 

You can usually purchase a 1 day or multiple day ticket where you can hop on and hop off at 15 or 16 different stops throughout the city. Our family did this when we spent 24 hrs in St. Augustine and really enjoyed the experience.

3. Stroll Through the 22 Savannah Squares

One of my favorite things about Savannah is the beautiful squares you will find all around the city.  Full of huge oak trees draped in moss, they are little oasis providing much needed shade. 

Surrounding each square, you will find beautiful homes, cute shops and restaurants. In addition, many of them feature fountains, sculptures or memorials.

Originally 24 squares, there are now 22 still in existence and visiting each one is a must when in Savannah. Each square has its own personality and it’s fun to explore them and see if you can figure out which is your favorite.   

4. Cool Down With the Best Ice Cream in Town

After spending some time walking in the Savannah heat you will want to cool down with an ice cold treat.  Named one of the Top 10 ice cream parlors in the world, there is no better place for ice cream in Savannah than Leopold’s.  They feature a large variety of original finger-licking flavors and some creative seasonal flavors. A few Originals not to be missed are:

• Tutti Frutti:  rum ice cream with candied fruit and roasted pecans.
• Savannah Socialite: milk and dark chocolate ice cream swirled with bourbon infused caramel and roasted pecans. 
• Rum Bisque: rum ice cream with house baked almond macaroons.

Check out their website to see when seasonal flavors like Japanese cherry blossom, Lavender, Rose Petal Cream, Grapefruit Sorbet, Habanero Sugar and more are available.

Leopold’s is an institution in Savannah and there is usually a long line to get your treat.  I recommend going on a weekday right when they open to avoid the longer lines. 

Pro tip: If you do Savannah Dan’s walking tour you should be ending your tour nearby and right around opening time.  Making it the perfect thing to do right after.

5. Learn From the Past by Visiting a Historic Home/Museum

Savannah is incredibly historic and filled with beautiful restored homes. Don’t just admire the exterior, pick one or two and take a tour of the inside.

Not only are the tours a great way to stay cool, but learning the history, which unfortunately is sad and dark, is important. Most of these homes once housed enslaved workers, and touring the home will show you their story as well as the story of the wealthy who owned the home.

With that said, not all the historic home tours are created equal. Some highlight the people, some highlight architecture, and some will be much better than others. Here are my top picks:

– The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters:  If you only have time for one, then you should not miss this one. The museum is incredibly respectful to the enslaved, highly informative, and honest about what life was actually like.  Bonus your entry to The Owens-Thomas House will include passes for Telfair Academy and the Jepson Center. This tour is a must and one of the best things to do in Savannah. For more info on all 3 including hours and cost click here. 

– Davenport Museum: Located near Owens-Thomas house, the Davenport Museum is very first home ever preserved and restored by the Savannah Historic Foundation. A tour of this home will share that history and focuses on the architecture and home itself rather than the lives of the enslaved and people who lived in the home.

– Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace: Calling all girl scouts!!!  Juliette Gordon Low was the founder of the Girl Scouts and the townhouse, which was built in 1821, is the first National Historic Landmark in Savannah and is open for tours. You can check out the website for more info about visiting. 

 -Mercer Williams House this is arguably the most famous house in Savannah as it is the sight of the murder of Danny Hansford. And if you do not know what I am talking about then you need to read or watch Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The Mercer Williams House is a must visit when in Savannah. 

6. Meet the Resident Ghosts

Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the USA.  And considering its history, I am not surprised. For starters, it is built on top of Native American burial ground. The slave trade, the yellow fever epidemics, and all the death these brought is also a contributor. So for a memorable experience one of the best things you can do in Savannah is learn the stories and legends of the city. And you can do that several ways:

Go on a Ghost Tour

Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the USA and they embrace this. Which means you can experience the paranormal in many different ways. Even if you are a non believer you will find a ghost tour that will make your visit to Savannah a memorable one.  

For example, you can take a hearse tour, a walking tour, or a carriage tour; they have tours well suited for children and some with booze just for the adults. Whatever flavor ghost tour you like Savannah has it.

I recommend checking Groupon or similar discount sites to see if one is available there. 

Even if you do not believe in the paranormal, a ghost tour is one of the most fun things to do in Savannah. You will be spooked a little and learn all the cool stories and legends of the city. It definitely makes for fun night out. 

Visit a Cemetery

Another great way to meet the resident ghosts is to visit or tour one of Savannah’s cemeteries. My recommendations would be either Bonaventure Cemetery or Colonial Park Cemetery.

 – Bonaventure Cemetery: Located about 20 minute drive from the Historic District in Savannah. The easiest way to get there is by car. This is one of Savannah’s most visited places and it is easy to see why. The cemetery is quite large and picturesque with beautiful oak trees and flowers that bloom in spring and summer.  You can drive through parts of it and then see the rest on foot using a self-guided tour or by signing up with one of the many tour companies for a guided tour.

I cannot personally recommend a guided tour because I have not done one yet. However, a good friend told me that the Segway tour is lots of fun.  If it is in your budget, I definitely think it would make for a memorable experience in Savannah. Cost $75 a person

If you are looking for a more traditional tour then Shannon Scott Tours has great reviews. Cost $25 a person for group day tour

For a FREE tour, the Bonaventure Historical Society offers one once a month. Here is a calendar and more details for the free guided tour.

– Colonial Park Cemetery: Unlike Bonaventure cemetery, you won’t need a car to visit Colonial Park Cemetery.  It is located near Chippewa Square in the historic district. It has served as Savannah’s cemetery for over a century and has over 9000 graves.

If you like haunted cities and ghost tours then you will also love this guide to Haunted New Orleans 

7. Stroll Along the Savannah River

There is something for everyone in Savannah’s Riverstreet. Century old buildings which were once cotton warehouses (although its also believed they held slaves), converted to antique shops, boutiques, galleries, pubs, restaurants, nightspots, and hotels. Some of my favorites here include:

• Watching how they make candy at River Street Sweets. They also give out samples and we usually buy pralines to take home. Plus the smell of fudge inside the store is simply irresistible.
• Sampling honey at the Savannah Bee Company. My favorite is the lavender honey, which I use in my homemade lattes.  They also do a mead tasting which I have not tried yet, but it sure sounds like fun.
• Having a cup of coffee or tea at Café M.  To be fair everything there is great.  It’s a beautiful Parisian style café and is a perfect spot for breakfast or brunch.
• Walking by the river and checking out the monuments like the African American Monument or the World War II Monument. Other noteworthy historical sites include the Waving Girl Statue and the Olympic Cauldron.
• Watching the sunset. Along the river is the best place in Savannah to watch the sun set.  A few places offer drinks with a view. A favorite is Top Deck – the rooftop level of Cotton Sail Hotel.  Or grab a drink to go from Wet Willie’s and find a spot along the river to watch the sun go down.

Insider Tip – make sure to have flats. The cobbled streets, and the steep and narrow staircases are not high-heel friendly.

8. Get on the Water

A fun way to see the city is from the river. Floating down the Savannah River takes you back to a time when river travel was a prestigious activity.  At least this is how it feels aboard the Georgia Queen.  This 45 min ride will provide a narrated tour by the captain where you will learn about the history of river commerce. 

Savannah Riverboat Cruises has a variety of tours to choose from. Sightseeing harbor cruise, dinner cruise, and sunset cruise. I personally would skip the buffet as I think you have much better food options along the river or elsewhere in Savannah.

If you want to save some cash and still get a view of the city from the river, then jump on the FREE water taxi/ferry.  The Savannah Belles Ferry system provides free passage across the Savannah River between downtown’s riverwalk and Hutchinson Island.   For more information including Ferry Landing Locations and hours check out the Savannah Belles Ferry website.

9. Shop Till You Drop

One of my favorite things to do in Savannah is peruse all the cute shops and pickup a few souvenirs.  I tend to take home consumables but on occasion find a treasure that simply must go home with me. There are so many amazing shops and boutiques in Savannah, that you can make an entire afternoon of just stopping in different places.  Some of the best areas in Savannah to shop are Broughton Street, Bull Street and Whittaker Street.  Many also pick up souvenirs in City Market or Riverstreet but they feel more touristy to me. Some of my favorite shops:

Alex Ruskin for Great Antiques

If you like antiques then so not miss this shop. It is a huge, 4-story mansion filled with antiques in every room. Savannah has tons on antique shops but this is the king of them all. 

Chocolat by Adam Turoni for a Decadent Treat

This is a high-end chocolate shop – so expect to pay a hefty price for each piece. Every decadent and handcrafted piece is artfully displayed. And the store decore is as much of a masterpiece as the chocolate itself. Adam Turoni is the creator of the beautiful truffles and his philosophy about chocolate is to tell a story through flavors.

They have two locations in Savannah “The Library” on Bull Street, which displays their chocolates inside book cases and looks like a library. And the “Chocolate Dinning Room” which is their flagship store on Broughton Street. 

E. Shaver Booksellers and The Book Lady for the Best Books in Town 

I love books and bookstores and these two have to be the most charming ones I have been to.  E. Shaver Bookseller, which is located next to Madison Square, has 12 rooms of new books to explore, they have old maps and a few hard to find selections. You might also get a chance to hang with their resident cat. Additionally, they were voted the South’s Best Bookstore in 2020 by readers of Southern Living Magazine. 

The Book Lady is Savannah’s only full service bookstore offering a range of new and used books as well as rare and out-of-print editions. This was one of my favorite finds on my last visit. It is cozy, with lots of places to curl up and read. Every inch is packed with books and finding that special one is like a treasure hunt. This place is like an adventure and I could have spent all day browsing through the stacks. 

P.S. The Book Lady is right next door to Satchel which is a great shop for bags and purses

Nourish for an Incredible Selection of Natural Bath Products  

Great selection of handmade natural bath products. They feature soaps, body sprays, scrubs and lotions, all without any artificial ingredients.  And I just love how you can test some of their products and that everything smells so amazing. For one of the best things to do in Savannah make sure to shop at Nourish. 

One Fish Two Fish for Whimsical Gifts 

Located on the corner of Jones and Whitaker street, One Fish Two Fish is an anchor store in the design district.  I simply love the name, and just like Dr. Seuss, this boutique is unique, eclectic and whimsical. You will find everything from colorful goods, books, interior design pieces, jewelry, gifts and even furniture and antiques.  This store makes shopping a fun experience in savannah. 

Paris Market for Chic Locally Sourced Products With a Side of Coffee

Part shop and part café I was charmed by the Paris Market.  Loved their curated collection of antiques, gifts, books, jewelry and more.  And their lavender latte and selection of macaroons are to die for. This was one of my favorite things to do in Savannah and I actually went here twice once to the shop and once to get coffee and macaroons. 

Pelinda Lavender for High Quality Lavender Products

I have always been a fan of lavender.   I love the way it smells. It instantly makes me happy and relaxed.  So when I encountered Pelinda Lavender while strolling down Broughton street I knew I had to go inside. It took all of 2 seconds to fall in love.  The smell, the colors and the high quality products where all just perfect.  Moreover, the customer service was the epitome of southern hospitality. 

Red Clover and Harper for Unique Women’s Clothing and Accessories

Artfully curated selection of womens clothing, accessories and gifts.  Red Clover was voted in 2018 as the Best Affordable Boutique in Savannah. Both have a fun and chic atmosphere with great looks for the stylish, adventurous, down to earth and confident woman. 

Savannah Bee Company for Everything Honey

I cannot leave Savannah without visiting this store. I love honey and I love that the Savannah Bee Company not only lets you sample a bunch of amazing honey but they are dedicated to educating people about the importance of bees to our ecosystem and planet.  They sell so many types of honey, raw, whipped, with honeycomb, flavored. As well as beauty and lifestyle products with honey in them.  This last time I was there they even had mead tasting. 

The Spice and Tea Exchange For Fresh Tea and Spices

The perfect place for tea and spice lovers.  I could not help but pick up a few varieties of tea and specialty flavored sugar. It is always fun to try a few samples and discover new flavors to love. How can you not love a place that has the following mission: “Creating & sharing the experience of a more flavorful life,” and striving to provide guests with quality products and flavorful memories!

10. Indulge in the Flavors of Savannah at one of These Great Savannah Restaurants

Leave your diet behind and indulge in all the incredible food this city has to offer. First, let me tell you that the food scene in Savannah is diverse, so there is definitely something for everyone here.  Of course you will have plenty of opportunity to indulge in butter rich southern food. But the city also has influences from all over the world including French, Italian, Asian and more. So foodies rejoice, because there is enough variety that you can dedicate your entire trip just to food.  

So if you are looking at where to eat in Savannah, here are some of the best restaurants in Savannah to have a meal:

The Ordinary Pub for Elevated Pub Fare

This place is anything but ordinary. It is upscale pub fare and a must if visiting Savannah.  For this extraordinary culinary experience you will need to descend into the basement. Here you will find cozy booths, a warm atmosphere, unique stained glass windows, and friendly service.

Some of the dishes we tried and loved were the Loaded Pub Fries, Pork Belly Donut Sliders, Low Country Mac and Cheese and the Short Rib and Grits. Each of these dishes was finger licking good and oh so satisfying. For one of the Best Restaurants in Savannah, don’t miss eating at The Ordinary Pub. 

The Ordinary Pub / 217 1/2 West Broughton St. / (912) 238-5130 / website 

Collins Quarter for the Best Brunch in Savannah

This place is a feast for your eyes and your palette.  Everything here is beautiful and tasty. The only downfall is deciding what to order.  So come hungry, and come with friends, and get a few different dishes on the menu.

I personally loved eating brunch here and I think it is one of the best brunch spots in Savannah.  I do recommend making reservations especially if you are planning brunch on a weekend as its a popular spot and gets very busy. 

A few favorite dishes: The Avocado Smash, Short Rib Hash, Swine Time Beni and The Bananas Foster French Toast.  Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their signature beverages like the Spiced Lavender Mocha or Iced Mint Julep. 

They have two locations. One in Downtown Savannah and one in Forsyth Park.

Collins Quarter / 151 Bull St or Forsyth Park / (912) 777-4147 / website 

Little Duck Dinner for Laid Back Lunch With Lots of Variety

I admit what first attracted me to this place was the cool vintage chic diner look. But in the end it was the food that won me over. This is probably the best restaurant in Savannah for lunch.

On their website they describe themselves as “Southern charm meets modern retro eatery” and this is spot on.

They have an incredible varied menu and I admit I wanted to try it all.  However, I wound up ordering the absolutely delectable “Quacko Tacos”. BBQ duck, lettuce, avocado, pickled carrots, daikon, sriracha mayo & cilantro.  An explosion of flavor that made me dance with joy. And it paired nicely with the Strawberry Lychee Bellini. 

Little Duck Dinner / 150 W Saint Julian St / (912) 235-6773 / website

Bull Street Tacos for the Best Tacos in Town

This taco shop is outside of downtown in an area called The Starland District. Not only is it cute but it has the best tacos in Savannah. They even have a great vegetarian option with a red chile tempura cauliflower taco. I am not a vegetarian but  I simply fell in love with this taco and the incredible combo of crunch and flavor. 

bull Street Tacos / 1608 Bull Street / (912) 349-6931 / website

The Grey for Unique Setting

A converted greyhound bus with a cool old meets new aesthetic. This restaurant has won many awards for its food. If you want to eat here then I highly recommend a reservation. 

The Grey / 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd / (912) 662-5999 / website

The Old Pink House for Upscale Dinning 

If you are looking for a date night or special occasion restaurant this is the one. The restaurant is inside an old 18th century mansion and serves high end low country cuisine. Be prepared for a hefty price but it is a romantic setting and wonderful food.  

My husband and I ate here when we visited Savannah for an anniversary celebration weekend and were not disappointed.  I can still remember how amazing the corn bread biscuits were – so light and fluffy and buttery with a melt in your mouth satisfying taste. Other traditional options include shrimp and grits, fried chicken, crab cakes and the flounder.

Olde Pink House / 23 Abercorn St. /  (912) 232-4286 / website

The Fox and Fig Café for Vegan Fare

This is one I did not get to try. I do not usually recommend places I have not tried yet, however a few local foodie friends highly recommended it so I have put it on my list with an expectation to try it on my next trip.   It is plant based so perfect for vegans and vegetarians. Although I hear it is so flavorful non vegans will enjoy the meal as well. I am looking forward to trying their food on a subsequent visit to Savannah. 

Fox & Fig / 321 Habersham St. / (912) 297-6759 / website

CO for Budget South East Asian Dishes

I am not usually a fan of chain restaurants but CO is worth the mention.  They have locations in Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh and Savannah. And for full disclosure, I did not eat at the Savannah location. I ate at the one in Charleston.  However, the food was amazing so I had to share in the event you want something different while in Savannah.

They offer a modern take on traditional South East Asian Cuisine and I am totally down for that. The word “CO” in Vietnamese means feast and this will be a feast to remember.

A few dishes we tried and loved: Pork Belly Buns, Curry Laksa, Bahn Mi, and Papaya Salad.  And the best part is that it is a tasty and affordable meal.  Oh and they have Glutten Free and Vegan options!!

Some More Restaurant Alternatives

Two places I loved more for their rooftop bar than their food were The Grove and Sorry Charlies Oyster Bar.  Not that the food was bad because it was not.  However, the rooftop really sells it for me. 

We had a great filling breakfast at Maple Street Buiscuit Company. It is another chain but the biscuits are to die for.

If you are looking for something sweet we enjoyed fantastic dessert at Lulus Chocolate Bar. Their triple mousse tower was incredible and I hear they make a mean chocolate martini. 

I have also eaten at a few “fine dinning” options like Vics on the River, and Elizabeth on 37th over the years.  They are good options but I personally preferred the Olde Pink House.  

I really wanted to try Broughton Common and The Fitzroy but both were closed when we were there. Will need to try these next time. Others on my list to try are Cotton & Rye, Husk, and Aligator Soul.  Also highly recommended by local friends is The Wyld Dock Bar but you will need a car to get there. 

P.S.: If you are visiting Savannah during the week then make sure to check with each restaurant as some don’t open daily. 

Go on a Food Tour

Another great way to enjoy a the taste of Savannah is to go on a food tour. If you do not know where to start then you cannot go wrong with this popular food tour. It will give you both an introduction to Savannah and a taste of the best food all in one 3 hour tour. 

One of my friends and fellow bloggers Marty and Michelle from That Texas Couple, highly recommend it – you can read about their experience here.  And although I did not get the chance to do the tour myself, I trust their opinion and know they would not recommend a bad tour.  Plus, I ate at a few of the restaurants the tour goes to and loved them.

11. Do Some Day Drinking 

We have talked about all the wonderful food options in Savannah and how perfect the city is for foodies.  But the food scene is not the only thing popping in Savannah.

If you want to get your drinks at a cool bar then I recommend The Artillery. Otherwise most of the restaurants I mentioned above will have great drinks to go with the food. Plus Savannah has an open container law so you can take your drink to go while strolling though town.  However, if looking for something a bit different, then here are some options outside of ordering a drink at a restaurant/bar:

Go to Brewery or Distillery Tour

Savannah is becoming quite the brew city with a few breweries and distilleries popping up.  Some of them provide tours to go along with the tastings.  Here are a few to consider:

• Ghost Coast Distillery: they have a free 40 min tour and have several different spirits including bourbon, vodka, gin and rum. 
• Coastal Empire Beer: unpretentious and laid back.
• Moon River Brewing Company: Restaurant and brewery experience housed in an old haunted hotel. 
• Southbound Brewing Company: This is a place that not only serves great beer, but is also a local spot for live music, community events and even yoga.  
• Service Brewing Company: Veteran owned and operated and using local ingredients and it is pet friendly. 
• Two Tides Brewing Company: small batch and handcrafted beers. 

Please check on each website to see if they are currently open and what their hours are.

Relax and Have a ‘Cuppa  in one of the Best Coffee Shops in Savannah

Not all the day drinking needs to include alcohol.  And Savannah is a city you do not want to rush.  Take some time and sit down in one of the many coffee shops and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.  These are great places to rest your feet from all the walking. Pick a spot inside to cool off or a shaded spot outside to people watch. 

–   Savannah Coffee Roasters: They probably had my favorite cup of coffee – non pretentious latte but brewed to perfection with no burnt aftertaste.  They roast their own beans and have done so for over 100 years.

–   The Coffee Fox: A chic coffee shop with lots of coffee options (drip, nitro, cold brew, pour over, espresso….). Not only does it taste good but they will make it look good. I really enjoyed their Horchata Late and their Mexican Mocha. You can order online to go. 

–   The Gallery Espresso: Love this location. Sitting outside is perfect for people watching.  The inside has mismatched furniture including some sofas and local art displayed on the walls. Huge selection of tea which you can have hot or iced and they will refill at a discount. 

–   Cafe M: French bakery and super cute spot for brunch. Its a great place to pick up an iced coffee or iced tea to take on the go while you walk around the riverfront. 

–   Paris Market: Part shop and part cafe.  Their Lavender latte and macaroons are to die for. 

–   Mirabelle: Right across the street from St. Johns Cathedral. The sea salt mocha is delicious and you must get one of their Liege waffles. Next time I am in town I want to try either the Cafe Miel (Espresso, Whipped Cinnamon Honey, Vanilla Steamed Milk, Dust of Nutmeg) or the Unicorns Mane (Espresso, Steamed Milk, Cardamom Syrup, Rose Water)- both on their specialty menu. 

–   Bitty and Beau’s Coffee: I actually did not get to try their coffee but I love their concept. The shop is run by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and I hear the coffee is pretty darn good. Must try it next time!

I love finding independent coffee shops when I travel and I hope you get to enjoy at least one great cup of coffee and/or tea when you visit Savannah.

And if you like coffee and find yourself in South Florida here is a list of The Best Coffee Shops in Fort Lauderdale. 

12. Go to the Park – Forsyth Park

The one thing you see in almost everyones pictures of Savannah is the fountain at Forsyth Park. This park is a great little oasis in the city and a wonderful place to take an early morning walk, and snap a few photos before the crowds roll in.

We have also enjoyed outdoor concerts here. I have seen people bring their dogs, and seen families enjoying picnics. They have an outdoor playground for the littles. And the neighborhood and area surrounding the park is wonderful to walk around and take in the cool architecture.  Do not miss a walk down Jones Street (near the park) it has some of the best architecture around and its a fun spot for pictures. 

Now for a few fun facts:

• The fountain is over 160 years old (erected in 1858)
• Forsyth Park was designed after the French ideal of having a central public garden, with the fountain as the gardens centerpiece. Funny enough the fountain is NOT in the center of the park. 
• Although quite beautiful, the fountain is not unique. It was ordered by catalogue.  And you can find similar fountains in Peru, France and New York. 

13. Tour a house of worship

Whether or not you go to church visiting one of the many houses of worship is a must while in Savannah. Here are a few notable ones you should consider:

–   The Cathedral of St. John The Baptist: worth a visit for the architecture alone – its simply a gorgeous church. This is the oldest Catholic church in Georgia. Striking steeples, intricate artwork including gorgeous stained glass you will think you are in Europe. 

–   First African Baptist Church:  established by George Leile, a slave whose master allowed him to preach to other slaves, this church is the first of its kind in North America. And it is the first brick building in Georgia to be owned by African Americans. Please keep in mind that the First African Baptist Church only allows tours at specific times–check the schedule here. 

–   Congregation Mickve Israel:  This is the 3^rd oldest Jewish congregation in the USA. You can find on display the 15^th century deerskin Torah that originally crossed the ocean in 1733 with the first 42 Jews that arrived from England. 

14. Check out the Forest Gump Bench

Do you ever travel and look for places that you saw in the movies? Many film directors have used Savannah as a backdrop in film scenes. One of the movies I remember most that had scenes filmed in Savannah is none other than Forest Gump.

P.S.: If you have not seen this movie then watch it before you go to Savannah. 

There is that classic scene where Forest sits on a bench and talks about his life with random people. Well that was filmed in Savannah and you can actually visit the exact spot – although you cannot sit on the bench.  Fun fact is the bench was actually a prop and in the movie it was located on Chippewa Square.  However it has been removed and is now housed in the Savannah History Museum.

If you want to see more movie spots in Savannah and the surrounding area here are a few put together by Visit Savannah.

15. Step Outside Savannah & Take a Day Trip

I will probably write a full blog post on all the cool day trips you can do from Savannah. But for now if you are in town for more than 2 days or if this is a return visit to Savannah and you want to venture further afield then these are my recommendations:

Have a Beach Day

When you are considering things to do in Savannah heading out to Tybee is a must.  You can spend a full day or more in this quaint beach town.  

Some of my favorite things to do in Tybee are going to the Tybee Lighthouse which is Georgias oldest and tallest lighthouse. And walking along the beach and the Tybee Pier.  

On your way in or out of Tybee you can also visit Fort Pulaski National Monument – where the Union Army forced the Confederate garrison inside to surrender during the American Civil War.

Another stop we always do if heading to Tybee is The Crab Shack. They have the most outrageous seafood platers and the kids love watching the gators in the gator lagoon.  

Walk Under the Oaks at Wormsloe Plantation 

Only a 15 min drive from Savannah this beautiful spot is worth a visit. Here you will find majestic live oaks with sweeping branches draped in moss. The branches create a spectacular mile-long canopy shaped in arch over the road. It is quite a spectacular sight and I guarantee you will be making plenty of stops for pictures along the way. 

The tunnel of trees lead to the tabby ruins of the 18th century estate of Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s earliest settlers. You can walk the the paths that run along the edge of the forest and take in the beautiful views of the Isle of Hope. 

I recommend arriving at opening time or perhaps late in the day to avoid the crowds and the heat. 

Visit Beaufort and Old Sheldon Church Ruins

This small coastal town is actually in South Carolina not Georgia.  However it is only 1 hr away from Savannah and therefore makes for a great day trip.  

Beaufort is known for its antebellum mansions, especially in the downtown historic district. It also has a beautiful waterfront with shops and restaurants and incredible views.  But my favorite thing to do was visiting the Old Sheldon Church Ruins. 

The Old Sheldon Church Ruins is a historic site located in northern Beaufort County. It is one of the first churches built in temple form in the United States and has a tumultuous past.

Its first service was in 1757 and the church was set on fire in 1779 during the Revolutionary War by British troops led by General Augustine Prevost. Some walls remained intact and it was rebuilt between 1825 and 1826. And subsequently in 1865, near the end of the Civil War, it was burned for a second time by General Sherman’s troops as part of his “March to the Sea” campaign. 

 While some of the walls still refused to fall, the church was not repaired again and the ruins remain in this peaceful setting so we can still visualize the grandeur of pre-revolutionary church. It is an extremely picturesque site, great for pictures and some even chose to get married here. Definitely worth a visit.   

A few other things you can do in Beaufort:

• Take a walk on Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
• Visit Penn Center
• Check out Beaufort History Museum
• Tour Paris Island
• Attend a festival like The Fall Festival of Homes and Gardens or The Beaufort Shrimp Festival

Where to Stay in Savannah

Deciding where to stay in Savannah is hard. But in the end I think it will depend on the type of experience you are looking for and of course your budget. 

If you are a first time visitor to Savannah I recommend staying in the Historic District. It is the most convenient as you will have easy access to all the things to do in Savannah.

The area has many options, from family friendly hotels, luxury boutique hotels, haunted hotels, historic inns, airbnb properties and charming bed and breakfasts. 

Bed and Breakfasts and Historic Inn’s in Savannah 

If you are looking to get away with your significan other then a Bed and Breakfast is a great  option.  Most of the B&Bs will be in the Victorian District. They are a bit further away from downtown and the river but are in beautiful neighborhoods that are quiet.  

Most of the B&Bs will have free parking which is great if you have a car with you as parking downtown can be expensive. And of course a wonderful breakfast is included and usually they have afternoon Hors d’oeuvres and wine served in the parlor.

I have personally stayed at The Gastonian for a romantic long weekend and had a fabulous experience.  It is a four diamond award winning B&B and voted by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top 50 B&Bs in the world. It is part of the Historic Inns of Savannah which is a collection of 6 Historic Boutique Hotels and B&Bs.

Their other properties are: The Marshall House, Olde Harbor Inn, Eliza Thompson House, East Bay Inn, and The Kehoe House. 

 

Hotels in Savannah

Hotels are a great option for families and for those looking to redeem points or free nights.  Every major Chain will have properties in Savannah so you are sure to find one that fits your budget or that has a room to book on points.

We have personally stayed as a family in the Springhill Suites by Marriott downtown, great location, Breakfast was included and the room was spacious.  They also have a self park lot around the corner “Robinson Parking Garage” which is significantly less expensive than the hotel parking.

I have also stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Historic District with a nice rooftop pool, convenient location and budget friendly.  If you prefer Hilton properties then The Hampton Inn and Suites downtown also has a great rooftop pool with stunning views.

And one of my favorite chains Hyatt has two great options with the Hyatt Regency by the River and Andaz which is chic and sophisticated. 

AirBnB and Other Rentals  

Savannah has some amazing AirBnB properties so if you are looking for more space or pet friendly places this is a great option.  I have not personally stayed in an Airbnb in Savannah yet but have friends who have.

My friend Andele had a great experience at this AirBnB property.

“Jackie’s place is lovely!! Everything you need and more to feel comfortable and at home in the beautiful historic Savannah. We really loved the location as well…close walk to everywhere we wanted to go. We were actually surprised at how quiet it was, considering the location” – Andele

If it is your first time using AirBnB you can get a $35 discount by using this link 

Another place to find rentals for Savannah is Lucky Rentals. I have not personally used them but my friend Tisha has and raves about them. They seem to have beautiful properties, some with lower fees than AirBnB and great reviews.

My friend stayed at this property right above the famous restaurant Mrs. Wilkes.  They have 3 separate apartments at this beautiful Jones Street Location (Wilkes House, Wilkes Pied-A-Terre, and Wilkes Three).  All three look amazing. 

Pin Now to Read Again Later – Best Things to do in Savannah

 

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