Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (2024)

Regularly on best-of lists in the travel world, Savannah, Georgia attracts explorers of all kinds. Some want to get to know the city's rich history, others simply want to enjoy its stunning cobblestone squares lined with live oaks and Colonial and Victorian homes. Jessica Osborne and Melissa Taylor, co-owners of E Shaver Booksellers, describe Savannah as “mysterious, beautiful, eclectic, and just a little weird." Immersing yourself in the city's history, food, and culture is the ultimate travel goal.

While many locals, including Taylor and Osbourne, recommend visiting the coastal community for at least three nights, Savannah is one of those places travelers can return to again and again, experiencing something new on each trip. Whether you’re headed to the Hostess City for the first time or you simply can’t stay away for too long, you’ll want to check off at least a few of the 22 best things to do in Savannah, Georgia.

1. Stroll through the city’s parks and squares.

At 30 acres, Forsyth Park is the largest green space in Savannah’s Historic District, with ample room for walking, picnicking, and big events —if you're here in September, check out the annual Savannah Jazz Festival. Any time of year, stop by the famous fountain before making your way to Chippewa Square, where you’ll find the “Forrest Gump” bench.

2. Get your caffeine fix at The Coffee Fox.

Instead of your typical black coffee, opt for the signature horchata latte at The Coffee Fox to start your day. If you’re hungry, snag a kolache (a Czech pastry), or something off the all-day brunch menu at The Collins Quarter, just a five-minute walk away.

3. Enjoy a beach day on Tybee Island.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (1)

Tybee Island, one of the best beach towns in the South, is about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. BrandonCarter, executivechef and owner of Savannah restaurant Common Thread (more on it later) loves this easy excursion himself. “The drive out is great to help you decompress. Tybee has beach town vibes and great little shops. Don’t forget to hit Sea Wolf for strong drinks and tasty hot dogs,” he says.

4. Browse the shelves at E Shaver Booksellers.

You don’t need to be an avid reader to appreciate the charm of E Shaver Booksellers, an iconic bookstore on Bull Street. If you are a bibliophile, you’ll surely leave with a new novel or two in hand — and don’t forget to wave goodbye to the store’s several cats as you exit.

5. Load up on sweet treats at Back In The Day Bakery.

A midday pick-me-up is always a good idea, especially if you’re exploring the city by foot. Back in the Day Bakery, owned by Cheryl and Griffith Day, is just the ticket. A wildflower honey bun or a blueberry muffin will keep hunger at bay.

6. View the latest exhibitions at the SCAD Museum of Art.

Savannah hums with creativity, and a large part of that stems from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The SCAD Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum affiliated with the school, has a series of rotating contemporary art exhibitions on display throughout the year; see what’s on view here.

7. Venture down cobblestoned River Street.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (3)

Perry Lane Hotel’s Mandy Heldreth, a lifelong Savannah resident, says this famous riverfront path is a must-see when in town. “Take a walk down the cobblestones on River Street. The historic walkway takes you along the Savannah River, where you can see the cargo vessels continuing into the Port of Savannah.”

8. Visit the three Telfair Museums, the first public art museum in the South.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (4)

The oldest public art museum in the Southeastern United States, Telfair Museums is actually made up of three museums. Two are National Historic Landmark sites: the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. The Jepson Center for the Arts is the third structure, a modern one built in 2006 and home to an art collection that stretches from the 19th century to today. The best part? You only need one ticket for all three.

Related: 10 Best Places to Travel in January

9. Fill up on fresh seafood.

In a coastal city like Savannah, it’s no surprise that the seafood is wildly good. “There’s a walk-up fried fish place called Shabazz [with] a real sense of place. My order: fried whiting, fries, Shabazz juice, and a slice of 'Yusuf's World Famous Pie.' I love that place,” chef Carter said.

10. Sign up for a ghost or history tour.

Walking tours are a great way to get to know this destination. Patt Gunn, founder of Underground Tours of Savannah, often leads 90-minute historical treks in town, highlighting the journey of enslaved Africans brought to Savannah and sold in Johnson Square — an important part of the city’s past.

Whether you’d prefer to walk, bike, or catch a narrated ride on a boat or trolley, tour options abound —just pick the theme that best suits your interests. Check out Underground Tours of Savannah, Ghost City Tours (if you want a spookier take on Savannah), Architectural Savannah, Old Town Trolley Tours, and Savannah Riverboat Cruises, to name a few.

11. Immerse yourself in art, music, and shopping at City Market.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (5)

Savannah’s historic City Market once welcomed fishermen, farmers, and horse-drawn carriages on a daily basis. Today, the open-air market, which spans four blocks, is a hub for galleries, shops, restaurants, and the American Prohibition Museum, which even has an onsite speakeasy.

12. Escape the heat by visiting another city museum.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (6)

Savannah’s museum roster is vast and varied. In addition to the Telfair Museums, the SCAD Museum of Art, and the American Prohibition Museum, there’s the Savannah African Art Museum, the Mercer Williams House Museum, and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, named for the “father” of the Civil Rights Movement in Savannah and the 13th pastor of Savannah’s First African Baptist Church.

13. Sit down for a meal at The Olde Pink House.

Known and named for its pink hue, The Olde Pink House is a tourist favorite in Savannah. The menu is distinctly Southern —think fried green tomatoes and fried chicken — and it maintains a fabulous reputation throughout the city.

14. Pick up local produce at Forsyth Farmers’ Market.

If you’re in town on a Saturday, Taylor and Osbourne recommend “[starting] the morning with a walk around the farmers’ market at Forsyth Park.” Once you’ve made your selections, head down Bull Street toward Broughton Street to visit two of their favorite shops: The Paris Market and Terra Cotta.

15. Throw back a few oysters at Common Thread.

Named by Bon Appétit as one of the best new restaurants in 2022, Common Thread is an “ingredient and seasonally inspired restaurant concept” inside of a restored two-story home built in the 19th century. Chef Carter helms this beloved place, and his dynamic menu changes based on produce availability, but you can never go wrong with the oysters to start.For other meals nearby, Chef Carter recommends having a “light and flavorful” lunch at Wildflower Cafe on Telfair Square and a nightcap at Lone Wolf Lounge.

16. Stretch your legs in Bonaventure Cemetery.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (7)

Three miles from downtown is Bonaventure Cemetery, an azalea-filled resting place known for its role in John Berendt’s 1994 book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Osbourne’s pro-tip for visiting the 100-plus acres? “Bring bug spray.”

17. Cool off with some ice cream at Leopold’s.

Serving homemade ice cream since 1919, Leopold’s is a Savannah staple. When the Southern city’s temperatures reach the 90s, nothing takes the edge off quite like a scoop or two inside the famed ice cream parlor.

18. Saddle up to a different kind of bar at Savannah Bee Company's flagship store.

Opened in 2008, the Broughton Street location of Savannah Bee Company treats visitors to both a honey-tasting bar and a mead-tasting bar. It’s the perfect way to break up your day, and you can also pick up a souvenir from your travels.

19. Make a reservation at Chef Mashama Bailey's The Grey.

Chef Mashama Bailey is known throughout the culinary world; in 2019, she was awarded the title of Best Chef Southeast by the James Beard Foundation. In Savannah, her name is synonymous with her restaurant The Grey, which is set in an Art Deco building that was once a Greyhound station. According to Taylor, “You should absolutely eat at the bar in The Grey; the building restoration is a beautiful thing."

20. Have a rooftop drink at Perry Lane Hotel.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (8)

Peregrin at the Perry Lane Hotel grants visitors great views of the city, but they're particularly magical at sunset. The bar has signature co*cktails, zero-proof concoctions, and multiple frozé options, including rosé, aperol, lillet rouge, and lemon.

21. Visit the First African Baptist Church and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (9)

A National Historic Landmark, Savannah’s First African Baptist Church is said to be the “oldest continuous African-American congregation in America.” Tickets for tours can be purchased here. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist —about one mile away —is open for self-guided tours seven days a week, though hours vary.

22. Wait in line for a seat inside Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room.

If you want Southern comfort food, there’s one place to go, and that's Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room. “Lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ is totally worth waiting in line for,” says Taylor. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the lucky individuals inside are privy to a family-style meal of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, butter beans, okra and tomatoes, and other mouth-watering delights.

Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia (2024)

FAQs

How many days is enough for Savannah? ›

There's so much to do in the city that spending 3 days is recommended to get the full Savannah experience. From historic sites to restaurants and more, we've got you covered so you can start planning the best Savannah vacation.

What is Savannah, GA best known for? ›

Savannah is a long-standing city known throughout the country for its beautiful coastal landscapes, its well-preserved architecture and its rich, vibrant history. And while some tenets of Savannah's history are famous – like the life of Juliette Gordon Low and the famous Forrest Gump scene – others are lesser known.

What is the prettiest street to walk down in Savannah? ›

Jones Street. Often described as "The Prettiest Street in Savannah", Jones Street is renowned for its picturesque beauty and historic charm.

What are the famous steps in Savannah GA? ›

The Stone Stairs of Death (SSOD) is the perilous descending steps leading fearless adventurers from Bay Street to River Street. The daring journey down these 33 historic steps is a treacherous pathway that dates back centuries.

What is the best month to visit Savannah? ›

The best time to visit Savannah is from March to July when warm temperatures coax the tree leaves and azalea blooms out of hibernation. A cache of festivals also fill this high season, though because the weather is ideal, hotel rates may be on the pricey side.

What food is Savannah known for? ›

Our cuisine and spirits are world-famous and extremely diverse. Sink your teeth into extra-crispy fried chicken, authentic shrimp and grits, finger-licking-good barbecue and so much more.

What is better, Savannah or Charleston? ›

While both Charleston and Savannah are coastal locales, they have plenty of differences that set them apart. Savannah is more laid-back. Charleston's King St is now filled with national chain shops, but Savannah's Broughton St is still mostly local.

Why do tourists go to Savannah? ›

Amazing scenery, historic landmarks, fantastic food and that legendary Southern hospitality are just some of the many reasons to visit Savannah, Georgia. To explore Savannah is to witness the history of America.

Is Tybee Island worth visiting? ›

Best Reasons To Visit Tybee Island!

Tybee is also full of history, fun in the sun, beautiful beaches, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With nearly 3 miles of sandy beaches, Tybee Island is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, water sports, kayaking, and fishing. So, don't forget to pack a bottle of sunscreen!

Is it safe to walk downtown Savannah? ›

According to the latest crime statistics, the majority of crimes are car break-ins and petty theft. With that said, use common sense as you would anywhere else. Walking alone at night is usually fine, but if you're feeling nervous, opt for a taxi or pedicab.

What was the famous movie in Savannah Georgia? ›

Forrest Gump is arguably the most iconic movie filmed in Savannah, Georgia. Forrest Gump tells the story of one man's extraordinary life (Tom Hanks) and features pivotal historical events like the Vietnam War, the March on Washington, and more.

Which Savannah Square is Forrest Gump? ›

Forrest Gump made Chippewa Square famous with its bench scenes, where Forrest waited for the bus. They actually used at least four fiberglass benches while filming these scenes on the square. One of which was donated to the city and moved into the Savannah History Museum.

What is special about Savannah GA? ›

Savannah Facts. As the oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah has a long and colorful history chock-full of interesting characters and beautiful locales. From manicured parks and horse-drawn carriages to ornate antebellum architecture, it's no wonder Savannah is one of the most visited cities in the South.

How much time is needed in Savannah? ›

Three days is the perfect amount of time for Savannah, so I've carefully planned this three-day Savannah itinerary to make sure it's logical and well-timed and works perfectly. Savannah is a special place to me and I want you to love it as much as I do. It's truly the perfect quintessential Southern city.

How many days to visit Savannah and Charleston? ›

CHARLESTON – Similar to Savannah, I recommend setting aside at least two days to explore Charleston however, three days is ideal. The city is small but there is so much sightseeing to do in town from King Street and the beautiful churches in town to nearby plantations.

Is Savannah, GA worth visiting? ›

Savannah is a treasure trove of exciting and offbeat activities. From trolley tours and historic cemeteries to captivating museums, there's never a shortage of things to do. Just like the intriguing tales shared on our ghost tours, Savannah offers unusual experiences that you won't want to miss.

Do you need a car in Savannah, GA? ›

Encompassing 2.2 miles, the Savannah Historic District is compact and easy to navigate whether by foot or by wheel. To visit Savannah like a local, consider walking, bicycling or taking a pedicab around the district, which ranges from River to Gaston streets and East Broad Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 6451

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.