22 BEST Things To Do In Savannah, GA – Must See Attractions!

Savannah Georgia is located in the southeastern United States and is a beautiful, historic city. With a population of over 140,000, it is the fifth-largest city in the state. Savannah is known for its Southern charm and hospitality, as well as its rich history.

There are many things to see and do in Savannah, from exploring the historic district to taking a stroll through one of the many parks. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. And of course, no visit to Savannah would be complete without trying some of the local seafood!

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Savannah has something for everyone. Come experience all that this charming city has to offer!

There are so many things to do in Savannah that it is easy for people to overlook some of the highlights. We know that Savannah has so many amazing things you can do, that it’s hard to narrow down your options. This list contains 22 must-see things in Savannah to help you plan your trip.

Georgia History

Savannah, with its nearly three hundred years of history, is the South’s most historical city. There are many historical sites you can’t miss. You’ll find history everywhere, from the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace that gave birth to Girl Scouts of the USA to the Congregation Mickve Israel.

Shop

Savannah is a great place to shop! You will find everything you need to make your Savannah memories, from fashion clothing to Savannah-made products. Shop at Bull Street’s unique shops or browse the famous storefronts of Broughton Street. You can also explore the Historic District beyond it and check out Starland District’s unique shops, as well as Moon River

Enjoy a Walk in the Park

Forsyth Park is the perfect place to have a picnic or run. Forsyth Park is a Savannah landmark that dates back to the 1840s. It covers 30 acres of Savannah’s Historic District. It is an iconic landmark that makes it a great backdrop for family photos or a proposal. Take a stroll through the park’s Fragrant Gardens, particularly in spring. For the ultimate park experience, make sure to grab a cup of coffee in the Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park before you go.

Discover the Arts

Savannah is home to the Southeast’s oldest museum of public art, and the college that nurtures the talent from its residents.
SCAD – There is never a shortage of artistic inspiration in the SCAD community. You can make time to see some of the most important art sites in our area. It is the city’s oldest brick structure. The museum features furnishings and other artifacts that give a glimpse into the past 1800s. The PinPoint Heritage Museum, located right next to the Moon River offers a glimpse into the Gullah–Geechee communities.

Telfair Academy

The Telfair Academy is a beautiful historic home that houses America’s oldest public art museum. It can be found just a few steps from Savannah’s waterfront. It was built in 1818 and has many statues, including those of Rembrandt, Raphael, and Rubens, scattered throughout its gardens.
The original Telfair family owned the house, which was then turned into an art museum. Fine family furniture and other period pieces are still displayed in the elegant rooms. The site has been designated a National Historic Landmark since 1976. It displays American and European art.

Colonial Park Cemetery

The Academy is located near Colonial Park Cemetery. This historic Revolutionary-era cemetery is one of the most well-preserved in the area. It was established in 1750 and served Savannah as Savannah’s principal public cemetery for just over 100 years before being made into a park.
You can visit the graves of Georgia’s first colonists as you wander through the vaults and weathered graves. Here are countless victims from the 1820 yellow-fever epidemic which ravaged Savannah, as well as prominent Georgian governors Archibald Bulloch (and Samuel Elbert).

Visit the Savannah Theatre

The Historic Savannah Theatre is located just a few blocks away from the cemeteries. It is one of the most historic and continuously operating theatres in America. It has been putting on thousands of performances, concerts, and stand-up comedy shows since 1818. The Historic Savannah Theatre is still an integral part of the city’s nightlife.
The theater was rebuilt in 1948 after a devastating fire. It now has an impressive Art Deco façade that contrasts beautifully with the old buildings on Chippewa Square. It has been a popular spot for a night out, thanks to the presence of many stars such as Oscar Wilde and Lillian Russell.

Temple of Mickve Israel

Mickve Israel Temple is listed as one of the oldest synagogues in America. It was established in 1735 by 42 Sephardic Jewish immigrants, who arrived in New York from London just a few years before. The congregation and community grew over the years and were eventually relocated to the current location in Monterey Square, California in 1878.
The building, now a National Historic Landmark, is an exceptional example of a Gothic-style Synagogue. Its tall central tower sits over beautiful facades and other striking features. Visitors can explore the beautiful, bright interior and visit the museum, which focuses on its congregation as well as the important role of early Jewish settlers in Savannah’s founding.

First African Baptist Church

The First African Baptist Church is another historic site of worship and is just a few steps from the waterfront. It is believed to be America’s oldest African American church. The first congregation was founded in 1773, and the church was built just a little over a century later.
Visitors can see the sanctuary’s fine details and the stained glass windows. They also have the opportunity to hear the story of how slaves and free African Americans built and carved their pews. It is now a National Historic Landmark. The First African Baptist Church was an important stop along the Underground Railroad. Runaway slaves used to hide under the floorboards of the sanctuary as they tried to get freedom.

Ghost tours available

Savannah’s rich and often macabre history includes war, crime, and mystery of every kind.
Many ghost stories were once told in the cobblestone streets and historical squares. Let your guide be your ghostly guide!
You can also visit the haunting Bonaventure Cemetery to get a better understanding of Savannah’s mysterious past.

Visit The Mercer House

The Mercer Williams House is a great place to see if you are an architect enthusiast. The construction of this home began in 1860. Construction was interrupted during the Civil War and completed in 1868.
Now, the home can be seen as a museum, with its original features such as moldings and windows, doorways, shutters, flooring, and an inner dome with stained glass.
James A. Williams’s private collections are featured in the house, including 18th, 19th, and 19th century Empire and Regency furniture, portraiture of Gilbert Stuart and Thomas Hudson from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, as well as a large collection of Chinese porcelain exports and other fascinating pieces from all over the globe.
These collections can be admired and the beauty of the house on guided tours. The tours are available every day, except Wednesdays. They cost $12 for adults and $8 for military and students. The tours run approximately every 40 minutes. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited.

Walk Tybee Island

While you are in Savannah, pack your swimsuit to head to Tybee Island Beach. Don’t forget to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Savannah. Tybee Island has five miles of gorgeous beaches, making it a great place to relax. You can reach it in 20 minutes from Savannah.
There are many small shops and restaurants that offer seafood, as well as cafes. The picturesque Tybee Beach Pier is located on the southern end of the island. It’s a great spot for stunning views and a day of fishing.
The Tybee Lighthouse, which was built in 1736, is located on the northern side of the island. Since 1736, it has been helping mariners safely enter the Savannah River. It also functions as a museum offering self-guided tours.

Take a cruise on the Savannah River

Riverboat cruises are one of Savannah’s most popular activities. This is a wonderful way to take in many sights on the river and also enjoy a variety of cruise options, including sunset cruises or lunch cruises, brunch cruises, dinner cruises, and Gospel cruises.
The riverboats will take you to exactly the spot where General Oglethorpe first arrived on the riverfront.
Prices vary based on the type of cruise and the meals served. However, they range from $25 to $65 per person and include a meal.

Enjoy the Nature Trails

Savannah’s nature trails are unlike any other. You should make time to enjoy the city’s beautiful natural surroundings when you are looking for activities in Savannah. Fort McAllister, which is located along the Ogeechee River banks, has 4.3 miles worth of historic mossy oaks. This trail is a mix of the past and the present that makes it memorable.
Skidaway Island State Park is another beautiful location with hiking, biking, camping and Ranger programs. It also offers picnic shelters and playgrounds.
McQueen’s Trail, which follows the Savannah River’s South Channel for 6 miles, is a great option if you like salty air. As it passes the Atlantic railroad, you’ll find a mixture of nature and history.

Old Savannah Trolley Tours

This trolley is a hop-on-hop-off hop-on-hop-off that takes you to the most popular spots in Savannah’s historical district.
If you are only in town for one day and need to see as many sights as possible, this is the best option.
It covers 22 squares and features some of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks like the Cathedral of St.
John the Baptist. Temple Mickve Israel. Juliette Gordon Low Home. Mansion of Forsythe Park. Mulberry Inn. Pirates House.
You can get off at any one of the 15 stops. They come every 15-20 minutes so you will always be able to find another trolley.

Take a look at the City Market

The City Market, located in Savannah’s heart, is just a short walk from all the sights. It has four blocks of open-air shopping.
You can also find many open-air performances in the square. It is a wonderful spot to just sit and watch people.
Keep in mind that there are a few bars at the market, so be prepared for some raucous evenings.
Visit the museum with your children if you are visiting them.

Cathedral of St John the Baptist

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist towers over Lafayette Square, the Historic District. Its Gothic towers will attract any architecture lover. It was built by French colonists who arrived in the region in 1799. The old cathedral was demolished to make way for the new, larger stone church that is now in place. You’ve probably seen it in photos. It has intricate gold-leaf patterns, an Italian marble altar and beautiful stained-glass windows.
Many tourists who visited this cathedral were amazed at its grandeur, and compared it with Europe’s medieval churches. You should take 10 to 15 minutes just to look around the beautiful interior, even if your intention is not to attend Mass. Recent visitors have said that attending Mass here is worthwhile, even if they aren’t Catholic. This is due to the wonderful atmosphere and talent of the choir. You are welcome to go on a self-guided tour of the cathedral. However, please be respectful that it is still a place of worship.

Wormsloe State Historic Site

Wormsloe State Historic Site ranks right up with River Street and Forsyth Park as Savannah’s must-see attractions. You’ve probably seen pictures of it, even if this is your first time seeing the site. The mile-long corridor leading to the plantation is lined by Spanish moss-covered live oak trees.
While most people visit this area for the photo-op, it is worth looking beyond. The Colonial estate of Noble Jones and Wormsloe are located here. They were the first settlers to Georgia from England in 1733. Jones employed a number of slaves to manage the property and plant crops such as cotton and grains. Wormsloe was also profitable in the 1750s. Visitors can also visit a museum that displays artifacts found at Wormsloe. They will also be able to watch a short film on the history of the area and Georgia’s founding. A trail along the Skidaway River that interprets nature is available, and costumed interpreters are on hand to demonstrate the skills and tools of Colonial Georgia.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

This 19th-century fort is named after Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski. It was built originally to protect Savannah against coastal threats. It is here that Robert E. Lee, a West Point graduate was assigned his first assignment. It was held by Confederate soldiers until it was surrendered by Union troops in 1862.
Fort Pulaski also served as a refuge for those who were enslaved under the Underground Railroad. Union Maj. Gen. David Hunter sent an April 1862 order declaring that all persons of color held by the enemies of America in Fort Pulaski or on Cockspur Island (Georgia) were hereby forfeited and declared free. Many enslaved persons arrived at Fort Pulaski, and after a short time, they were free to live on the Georgian coast. Others joined forces to create one of the Civil War’s first color troops divisions. Hunter’s orders led to the liberation of hundreds of slaves.
You can now see the massive ramparts and intimidating stone towers of Fort Knox, as well as drawbridges and moats. You can see how life was back then through frequent reenactments. You can enjoy your Pulaski fix at the Tybee Lighthouse, which is located about five miles from the Fort. Here you will find spectacular views and the opportunity to stroll the 5-mile long beach of the barrier island.

The Savannah African Art Museum teaches history

Savannah African Art Museum houses a more than 1000-piece collection from West and Central Africa. This museum displays a range of African artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries, including a number of spiritual and ceremonial items made out of metal, wood, and ceramics. The museum claims that its goal is to provide engaging experiences to educate and spark conversations about African art’s power, diversity, and spirituality. The collection is open for tours every day for 30 minutes. They usually last around an hour. You can either take a tour through the Central Africa or West Africa collections, or you could join the highlights tour that covers both. This is the best experience for new visitors.
Many Savannah visitors consider this museum to be a hidden treasure. They were also impressed by the wide range of art, from sculptures and textiles to masks. Many complimented the guides who were able to give insight into the history and significance of each piece.

Savannah Waterfront

One of the most popular tourist spots in Savannah is the waterfront. This is an ideal spot for people-watching and enjoying the beautiful Savannah River view. The Savannah waterfront is a great place to be entertained.
You can shop or eat at some of the Savannah attractions. There are many shops to browse, including Savannah’s Candy Kitchen and Exotic Cigars. Here are some top Georgia seafood restaurants. River House Seafood and The Shrimp Factory are just a few of the top places you can eat on the Savannah waterfront. Pearle’s Saltwater Grille is another great option. You should visit the many galleries along the waterfront if you are a lover of art. It might be worth planning a trip around events at the waterfront such as Oktoberfest. This is where you should go if your goal is to have an amazing time in Savannah.

Enjoy Savannah Food Tours

You might be astonished at the number of restaurants available in Savannah, Georgia.
Sometimes it can feel unfair that you have to pick one or the other. You should not worry about where to eat while in Savannah. Instead, take a Savannah Taste Experience food tour. These tours are hosted by Savannah Taste Experience and take you to a variety of restaurants that all share one thing: they are a culinary pleasure. You have two options. The “First Squares Food Tour” is the first and takes you to seven restaurants. You’ll find restaurants that are more out of the way on the second tour. No matter what tour you pick, you will be treated to great food. These tours can be as fun as they are delicious. These tours cost $56.95 for adults.

University of Georgia Aquarium

Nothing is better than seeing aquatic creatures in person. It’s possible to snorkel while in the city, but it is not common.
The University of Georgia Aquarium is a great place to see the sea life, and you can also learn a lot by visiting it. This aquarium houses more than 200 species of marine mammals, many of which can be found along the Georgia coast. You can see stingrays and sea turtles as well as diamondback terrapins. Visitors can touch some marine invertebrates from Georgia such as crabs and whelks through a touch tank.
A learning garden, with native animals and plants, is part of the aquarium campus. There’s also a nature trail running along the Skidaway River.
The UGA Aquarium is a great place for both adults and children. From Monday through Friday, the UGA Aquarium opens from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Prices for tickets vary.

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