Savannah offers a wide range of fun things to do for every type of traveler. History buffs, foodies and architect lovers will all find plenty of entertainment.
No matter when you go, you’ll want to start here planning your trip with this Savannah, Georgia Overview. 3 days is what we recommend as the sweet spot for a trip to Savannah so we’ve put together a customizable itinerary – How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Savannah.
According to the 2022 census Savannah was home to just over 148,000 people. For a town of its size you will be completely amazed at all of the fun to be had in Georgia’s oldest city. Historic sites are on practically every corner just waiting to be explored. There are breweries, rooftop bars, a world class art school and so much more.
Join us as we guide you through the best things to do in Savannah and then we invite you to search out even more interesting and unique spots. Comment on this article to share with other readers and we’ll all find more fun in Savannah!
While you’re in Savannah… Tybee Island Tour from Savannah: 3 Ways to See the Island A. Tour and Dolphin Cruise B. Beach Day: All details handled for you C. Savannah Historic District + Tybee Private Tour.
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Tour Savannah’s Historic District
Covering just over 2 square miles exploring the historic district is no doubt the number one fun thing to do. The historic Landmark District of Savannah actually includes the Victorian District as well as other neighborhoods, each with its own rich history. Most of the tours you’ll find are in historic Savannah from River Street to Forsyth Park.
When we first get to any city new to us or even one we haven’t been to in a long time, we like to start with an organized tour to get a lay of the land. The hop-on hop-off old town trolley tours is one of the best ways to save your feet and help you cover more territory, but Savannah is definitely a walkable city. Bike tours are a great way to see a lot too, and we’ve included those as well.
No matter which tour you choose, you’ll travel the cobblestone streets to see the most popular sites in the city, from the Cathedral Basilica of St. John to Forsyth Park (the largest park in the city) and famous historic homes like the Owens-Thomas House, Mercer Williams House, and the home of Juliette Gordon Low.
After you take the official tour you can use Savannah’s Free DOT Shuttle Bus system if you need to save wear and tear on your feet or go longer distances than you want to walk.
Below are a few of our favorite ways to tour the Savannah historic district.
Take a Riverboat Cruise
Savannah riverboat cruises are on the paddle-wheel riverboats, the Georgia Queen and the Savannah River Queen. Both offer climate controlled areas and an open air deck.
You’ll be able to choose from a variety of cruises including brunch, lunch, sunset and dinner cruises as well as sightseeing, gospel and holiday cruises.
This is a great option for seeing historic Savannah from a different perspective – the water.
Want to visit Savannah but also keep an eye on your spending? You need read How to Visit Savannah on a Budget.
Bar hop the Rooftop Bars
This is just a guess but we think it’s entirely possible that Savannah has more rooftop bars per capita than any city in the U.S. Some have riverfront views so you can watch the barges and riverboats and some have city views, but they’re all fun!
These are our picks for the best rooftop bars in Savannah and it includes spots like Peregrin above the Perry Lane Hotel, but we’re always open to hearing your favorites. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook when you’ve made your choice!
Join the Facebook group Coastal Georgia Foodies! It’s where everyone with an interest in Coastal Georgia food can share their favorite places to eat, food events, resources for buying local and restaurant news.
Tour the historic cemeteries
Does touring a cemetery sound like fun to you? If that’s your idea of a rip roaring good time Savannah is the place for you.
Colonial Park Cemetery is 6 acres in the heart of the historic district. The graves date back to 1750 and the most recent ones are from 1853.
Bonaventure Cemetery is out from town on the banks of the Wilmington River. You’ll need to either drive or take an Uber or other car service to get there from the historic district. Alternatively you can set up a tour of the cemetery that includes transportation from your downtown hotel. Links to Bonaventure tours with and without transportation are included below.
Bonaventure is a captivatingly beautiful place with roadways lined with Spanish moss-draped oaks, the historical graves of many famous and not-so-famous people, and amazing statuary. It’s an active cemetery with burials taking place often, so please be respectful of that.
Visit Savannah’s Breweries
Savannah is a hub for craft breweries and they make it easy to visit a few with the open container laws within the historic district. There is quite a variety and many have their own food trucks or regular food truck visitors so you can grab a bite too.
Here is where you’ll find the details on the best breweries in Savannah. If you find a new one to add to the list, let us know.
Shop Paris Market and more on Broughton Street
Broughton Street is the main shopping district of downtown Savannah, and Paris Market is our very favorite spot on the street.
Per their own website “Paris Market is a vision of intriguing and unforgettable treasures...” It’s ever-changing so you’ll want to stop in anytime you visit Savannah.
Insider tip: Don’t miss downstairs at The Paris Market! You could find yourself wanting to stay for hours.
Visit Forsyth Park
Many visitors to this historic city visit Forsyth Park for just a photo op at the iconic fountain, but there is so much more! There are 30 acres in all with artists lining the walkways, basketball and tennis courts, green space just for lounging, two children’s playgrounds, and even a fragrant garden designed just for the blind.
Forsyth Park hosts the Saturday open air market as well as many events throughout the year. Keep up with them all on the Savannah events calendar.
Head to “Savannah’s Beach”
The closest beach to Savannah is on Tybee Island and it takes about 30 minutes to drive there. History buffs will love stopping by Fort Pulaski National Monument on the way to or from Tybee Island, too! All of the best Savannah Area Beaches can be found here.
For more details on this quirky little beachside town read up on the Best Breakfast Spots on Tybee, the Tybee Campground Guide, the Best Restaurants at Tybee Island and even how to take an adventure to Little Tybee Island
Visit SCAD
The Savannah College of Art and Design is laid out in the typical fashion of an urban college with the buildings housing its campus being spread throughout downtown Savannah. The museum is open to the public and is considered a showplace of contemporary art and design. The exhibits rotate quarterly and include the work of internationally known artists as well as those considered “up and coming”.
ShopSCAD is located on Bull Street and per the school’s website “is a one-stop resource for these works created and designed by Savannah College of Art and Design students, alumni and faculty.”
Seek out Savannah’s dark side
If you’re a fan of the paranormal Savannah is the city for you! Often called the “most haunted city in America” the reports of sightings and the number of buildings said to be haunted will blow your mind! An Uber driver recently told us “you know… the whole city is actually haunted”.
If this is your idea of fun, the first thing you’ll want to do is make reservations at a haunted hotel or a bed and breakfast. Here you’ll find the full list of the Most Haunted Places to Stay in Savannah.
After that, plan a ghost tour so you don’t miss any of the spine-tingling ghost stories. Don’t miss the haunted pub crawls where you’ll get to check out bars with storied pasts like Planters Tavern in the lower level of the Olde Pink House Restaurant.
Book your Savannah Ghost Tours here.
If you’re visiting Savanah during October, you’ll find 4 super scary haunted houses and haunted forests that you won’t want to miss. Check out all the information on Savannah haunted houses in the article.
See all of Savannah’s squares
Put on your walking shoes, grab your map and set out to see all 22 of the historic squares in Savannah. They’re each unique and beautiful in their own right. You won’t want to stop at just seeing the most famous one, which is Chippewa Square. Most people have heard of it because of the bus stop scenes from the movie Forrest Gump.
Take your camera (or phone) and appreciate each square on its own.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Located just five miles from the the historic district Oatland is a great place to take the kids, but the grownups will like it too! There are more than 150 species of animals represented and all are in natural habitats viewed from a trail that winds through forests and marsh.
This is the answer to your search for “Savannah Ga Zoos” but it’s really so much better than a traditional zoo. Refer to this article for more details on Oatland Island Wildlife Center.
Wormsloe State Historic Site
A breathtakingly beautiful oak lined avenue leads to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe. This is the oldest standing structure in Savannah. There is a museum, nature trails, gravesites and much more during events held here throughout the year.
Wormsloe is one of the most popular places for weddings in Savannah. After your visit, you’ll know why.
Stroll down the “prettiest street in Savannah”
Lined with historic homes and paved with old bricks, Jones street is said to be the prettiest street in Savannah. It is pretty special – we agree with that. But, with so many beautiful streets in this city it’s hard to choose just one.
Currently planning a trip? Here are some helpful resources:
- Find the best hotel options here.
- Book the cheapest flight here.
- Find tons of tours and activities here.
- Book your rental car here.
Before you go
Be sure to check out all of the articles on Savannah and the surrounding area of Coastal Georgia and subscribe here for monthly updates on events and openings.
- Giving Back: Voluntourism on the Georgia Coast
- Savannah in April: Festivals, Experiences and Local Favorites
- Savannah in May
- Savannah in June
- Savannah in July
- Savannah in August
- Savannah in September
- The Best Burgers in Savannah
- Are there any zoos in Savannah, GA?
- Planning the Ultimate Savannah Bachelorette Weekend
- Little Tybee Island, Ga: A Coastal Georgia Adventure
- Darien Ga Restaurants
- Emma’s Driftwood Farm: A Corporate Retreat and Event Venue
- When is the Best Time to Visit Savannah?
- Blessing of the Fleet (tip: there’s one held each year very near to Savannah)
- Savannah at Christmas
- Top 8 Savannah Tours
- St. Simons Island Day Trip from Savannah: A Local’s Guide
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