20 Best & Fun Things To Do in Savannah, GA

Savannah, Georgia, is a city where time seems to stand still among moss-draped oak trees and cobblestone streets. Founded in 1733, this enchanting Southern gem captivates visitors with its antebellum architecture, historic squares, and hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. From the iconic fountains of Forsyth Park to the mysterious allure of Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah offers an intoxicating blend of history, culture, and coastal charm.

Whether you’re a history buff fascinated by Civil War stories, a foodie seeking authentic Southern cuisine, or simply someone who appreciates architectural beauty, Savannah has something magical waiting for you. This comprehensive guide covers the city’s must-see historic sites, world-class museums, scenic parks, exciting tours, vibrant nightlife, and hidden gems that make Savannah one of America’s most beloved destinations.

Things To Do in Savannah, GA

1. Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist stands as a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, with twin spires reaching 207 feet into the Savannah sky. Completed in 1896, this stunning cathedral features intricate stained glass windows imported from Austria, hand-carved altars, and soaring vaulted ceilings that create an awe-inspiring sacred space.

The cathedral’s exterior showcases detailed stonework and flying buttresses that demonstrate the finest craftsmanship of the late 19th century.Interior highlights include the magnificent main altar, ornate side chapels, and beautiful religious artwork that spans centuries of Catholic tradition.

The cathedral offers free admission with donations welcomed, making it accessible to all visitors regardless of religious affiliation. Regular guided tours provide fascinating details about the construction, artistic elements, and the cathedral’s role in Savannah’s spiritual and cultural life throughout its history.

Address: 222 E Harris St, Savannah, GA 31401

2. Take a Stroll Down River Street

River Street offers one of Savannah’s most atmospheric experiences, where centuries-old cobblestones meet the flowing Savannah River. This bustling waterfront district was once the city’s cotton exchange, and today the historic buildings house an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and galleries.�

The street’s uneven cobblestones, originally used as ballast in ships, add authentic character to every step of your journey.

The elevated boardwalk provides stunning river views and perfect vantage points for watching massive cargo ships navigate the busy waterway.�

Street performers often entertain crowds with music and local folklore, while horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past carrying tourists on romantic rides. As evening approaches, River Street transforms into a lively entertainment district with riverside dining and bars offering craft cocktails with panoramic water views.

Address: River St, Savannah, GA 31401

3. Visit Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery transcends the typical graveyard experience, offering visitors a hauntingly beautiful journey through Savannah’s past. Made famous by John Berendt’s “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” this Victorian cemetery features elaborate sculptures, ornate mausoleums, and ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The artistic craftsmanship of the monuments tells stories of Savannah’s most prominent families and their legacies.

Walking through the cemetery’s winding paths feels like exploring an outdoor museum, where each turn reveals new architectural marvels and touching memorials. The peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by the gentle rustle of moss-laden branches, creates a contemplative space perfect for photography and quiet reflection. Many visitors come specifically to find the grave sites mentioned in famous literature, while others simply appreciate the serene beauty of this historic resting place.

Address: 330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA 31404

4. Tour the Historic District

Savannah’s Historic District represents one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States, encompassing 2.5 square miles of perfectly preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. The district features 24 meticulously planned squares, each with its own unique character, fountains, monuments, and surrounding historic buildings.

General James Oglethorpe’s original city plan remains intact, creating an organized grid system that makes exploration both easy and rewarding.

Southern Gothic mansions line the streets, showcasing architectural styles from Federal and Georgian to Victorian and Gothic Revival. Historic churches, including the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, punctuate the landscape with their soaring spires and intricate facades. Self-guided walking tours allow you to explore at your own pace, while guided tours provide fascinating historical context about the families, events, and architectural significance that shaped this remarkable district.

Address: Centered around Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

5. Take a Ghost Tour at Night

Savannah’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities makes ghost tours an essential nighttime activity. The city’s dark history, including yellow fever epidemics, Civil War battles, and centuries of human drama, has left behind countless tales of supernatural encounters. Professional guides lead groups through dimly lit squares and historic buildings, sharing spine-chilling stories backed by historical research and local legends.

These tours combine entertainment with education, offering insights into Savannah’s past while exploring locations where paranormal activity has been reported for generations. Walking tours allow for intimate group experiences through narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards, while trolley tours cover more ground and include stops at multiple haunted locations. Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, the atmospheric setting of moss-draped squares under moonlight creates an unforgettable evening adventure.

Address: Various operators (e.g., Ghost City Tours – 412 Whitaker St, Savannah, GA 31401)

6. Walk Through Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park stands as Savannah’s crown jewel, spanning 30 acres of beautifully manicured grounds in the heart of the Historic District. The park’s iconic white fountain, built in 1858, serves as the perfect backdrop for countless photos and has become synonymous with Savannah’s romantic charm. Towering live oak trees create natural canopies throughout the park, offering shade for leisurely walks along winding pathways.

The park comes alive with community activities throughout the week, including a popular Saturday farmers market where you can sample local produce and artisanal goods. Pack a picnic and settle on the expansive green lawns, or take advantage of the playground and sports facilities. The park’s southern end features beautiful gardens and historic monuments, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration.

Address: 2 W Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401

7. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Museum of Art

The SCAD Museum of Art represents one of the most significant contemporary art venues in the Southeast, housed in a beautifully restored 1853 railway depot. The museum’s collection spans from traditional to cutting-edge contemporary works, featuring pieces by renowned artists as well as exceptional work from SCAD students and faculty. The building itself is an architectural marvel, seamlessly blending historic preservation with modern museum design and state-of-the-art exhibition spaces.

Rotating exhibitions ensure that each visit offers new discoveries, from interactive digital installations to traditional paintings and sculptures. The museum regularly hosts prestigious traveling exhibitions from major international institutions, placing Savannah on the global art scene. Educational programs, artist talks, and workshops provide deeper engagement opportunities, while the museum shop offers unique art-inspired gifts and publications that you won’t find anywhere else.

Address: 601 Turner Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401

8. Take a Savannah Riverboat Cruise

Savannah Riverboat cruises offer a unique perspective on the city’s history and natural beauty from the tranquil waters of the Savannah River.These authentic paddlewheel riverboats provide narrated tours that highlight the port city’s maritime heritage, including stories of cotton trade, Civil War naval battles, and the evolution of Savannah’s bustling harbor. Day cruises allow you to appreciate the city’s skyline and historic waterfront architecture from an entirely different vantage point.

Evening dinner cruises combine sightseeing with fine dining, featuring regional cuisine while the sun sets over the river. The boats’ classic design and comfortable seating create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for couples or families looking to unwind while learning about Savannah’s past.

Special themed cruises throughout the year include holiday celebrations, live music performances, and seasonal events that add extra entertainment value to the scenic river experience.

Address: 9 E River St, Savannah, GA 31401

9. Dine at The Olde Pink House

The Olde Pink House represents the pinnacle of Savannah’s fine dining scene, housed in a stunning 18th-century Georgian mansion that exudes Old World elegance. Built in 1771, this historic building has served various roles throughout Savannah’s history, from private residence to bank headquarters, before becoming one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.

The distinctive pink exterior and candlelit interior create an intimate atmosphere that transports diners back to colonial times.The menu showcases elevated Southern cuisine with dishes like pecan-crusted grouper, crispy scored flounder, and their famous black bean soup served in a puff pastry bowl.

Each dining room features original architectural details including heart pine floors, exposed brick walls, and working fireplaces that enhance the historic ambiance. Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity, and the basement tavern offers a more casual atmosphere with live piano music and an impressive wine selection.

Address: 23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401

10. Visit Wormsloe Historic Site

Wormsloe Historic Site offers one of Georgia’s most photographed and romantically beautiful experiences through its iconic avenue of live oaks. This 1.5-mile entrance drive, lined with approximately 400 ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creates a natural cathedral that has captivated visitors for generations.

The site preserves the colonial estate of Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s original settlers, and provides insight into 18th-century plantation life and early Georgia history.

The property features the ruins of the original fortified house, a small museum with artifacts and exhibits about colonial life, and nature trails that wind through maritime forest and salt marsh ecosystems.

Archaeological remains include tabby ruins (a concrete made from oyster shells) that demonstrate early building techniques used by Georgia’s first colonists. The site’s natural beauty makes it popular for photography, especially during golden hour when sunlight filters through the moss-draped canopy creating magical lighting effects.

Address: 7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA 31406

11. Stop at Leopold’s Ice Cream

Leopold’s Ice Cream has been a Savannah institution since 1919, when three brothers from Greece opened their original soda fountain and ice cream parlor. The current location on Broughton Street maintains the vintage charm of the original shop with its restored 1940s interior, complete with original marble soda fountain, tin ceiling, and checkered tile floors. The family recipes, passed down through four generations, create unique flavors that you won’t find in any other ice cream shop.

The menu features over 30 flavors made fresh daily, including signature creations like Tutti Frutti, Lemon Custard, and seasonal specialties that celebrate local ingredients. The shop’s old-fashioned atmosphere extends to traditional ice cream sodas, sundaes, and banana splits served in vintage glassware. Leopold’s has become so synonymous with Savannah that many visitors consider it an essential stop, and the shop ships their famous ice cream nationwide for those who want to take home a taste of Savannah.

Address: 212 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401

12. Tour the Mercer-Williams House Museum

The Mercer-Williams House Museum gained international fame as the setting for John Berendt’s bestselling book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and the subsequent Clint Eastwood film adaptation. Built in the 1860s for General Hugh Mercer, great-grandfather of songwriter Johnny Mercer, this Italianate mansion showcases some of Savannah’s finest interior design and architectural details. The house museum displays an impressive collection of antiques, artwork, and decorative arts that span several centuries.

Guided tours provide fascinating insights into both the house’s architectural significance and its role in Savannah’s cultural history, including stories about the famous Christmas party that became central to the book’s plot.�

The carefully restored interiors feature period furnishings, fine art collections, and ornate plasterwork that demonstrate the lifestyle of Savannah’s wealthy merchant class. The museum shop offers books, gifts, and memorabilia related to both the house’s history and its literary fame.

Address: 429 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

13. Enjoy Shopping on Broughton Street

Broughton Street serves as Savannah’s premier shopping destination, stretching for several blocks through the heart of the Historic District with a perfect blend of national retailers, local boutiques, and unique specialty shops.�

This pedestrian-friendly street has been beautifully restored to its early 20th-century glory, complete with period streetlights, brick sidewalks, and historic storefronts that create a charming shopping atmosphere. The street successfully combines modern retail needs with historic preservation, making shopping here a cultural experience.

Local boutiques offer everything from handcrafted jewelry and local artwork to vintage clothing and home décor items that reflect Savannah’s unique style. Bookstores feature extensive collections of Southern literature and local history, while galleries showcase works by regional artists inspired by Savannah’s beauty. The street also includes several cafes and restaurants where shoppers can take breaks and enjoy refreshments while people-watching from sidewalk tables under the shade of live oak trees.

Address: Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401

14. Visit the Telfair Museums

The Telfair Museums comprise three distinct locations that together form the South’s oldest art museum, offering comprehensive collections that span American and European art, decorative arts, and Savannah’s social history. The Telfair Academy, housed in a Regency-style mansion designed by William Jay, features 19th and 20th-century American and European art in period room settings. The Jepson Center showcases contemporary art and interactive galleries in a modern building that seamlessly integrates with the historic district’s architecture.

The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters provides an unflinching look at antebellum life from multiple perspectives, including the experiences of enslaved people who lived and worked on the property. This National Historic Landmark features original furnishings, decorative arts, and one of the most intact urban slave quarters in the South. Combined tickets allow visitors to explore all three museums, creating a comprehensive cultural experience that illuminates different aspects of Savannah’s artistic and social development over more than two centuries.

Address: 121 Barnard St, Savannah, GA 31401

15. Relax at Tybee Island

Tybee Island offers the perfect beach escape just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, where wide sandy beaches meet the Atlantic Ocean in a laid-back coastal atmosphere. The island features five miles of beautiful beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing, with both crowded areas near the pier and quieter stretches for those seeking solitude.

The historic Tybee Island Light Station, built in 1773, provides panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding salt marshes from its 154-foot tower.Dolphin tours departing from the island offer excellent opportunities to spot bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, while kayak rentals allow for peaceful exploration of the island’s tidal creeks and marshlands.

The town center features casual seafood restaurants, beach bars, and shops selling everything from swimwear to local artwork. Tybee Island’s relaxed vibe provides the perfect counterbalance to Savannah’s historic intensity, making it an ideal day trip for beach lovers and families.

Address: Tybee Island, GA (20 minutes from downtown)

16. Walk Through Colonial Park Cemetery

Colonial Park Cemetery represents Savannah’s oldest burial ground, established in 1750 and serving as the final resting place for many of the city’s earliest residents, including Revolutionary War heroes and yellow fever epidemic victims. The cemetery’s weathered headstones and above-ground vaults tell compelling stories of Savannah’s colonial and early American periods, with inscriptions that provide intimate glimpses into 18th and 19th-century life. Spanish moss draping from ancient live oaks creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that attracts both history enthusiasts and photographers.

Walking paths wind through the six-acre cemetery, passing notable graves including those of Button Gwinnett (signer of the Declaration of Independence) and Nathanael Greene (Revolutionary War general). The cemetery played a significant role during the Civil War when Union forces camped here, and evidence of that occupation can still be seen in damaged monuments and altered grave markers. Free self-guided tours allow visitors to explore at their own pace, while informational plaques provide historical context about the people and events that shaped early Savannah.

Address: 200 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401

17. Enjoy Cocktails at Artillery Bar

Artillery Bar occupies a magnificently restored 1897 armory building, creating one of Savannah’s most atmospheric and sophisticated drinking establishments. The venue’s soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls, and original architectural details provide a dramatic backdrop for expertly crafted cocktails that rival those found in major metropolitan cities. The skilled bartenders take pride in using premium spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh ingredients to create both classic cocktails and innovative seasonal creations.

The bar’s interior design seamlessly blends historic preservation with modern luxury, featuring comfortable seating areas, ambient lighting, and military-inspired décor that pays homage to the building’s original purpose. The extensive cocktail menu includes drinks inspired by Savannah’s history and local ingredients, while an impressive selection of wines and craft beers caters to all preferences. The upscale atmosphere makes Artillery Bar perfect for romantic dates, special celebrations, or sophisticated evenings out in one of Savannah’s most historically significant buildings.

Address: 307 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

18. Check Out City Market

City Market encompasses four blocks of restored 19th-century buildings that now house an vibrant open-air marketplace filled with art galleries, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. This pedestrian-friendly area captures the essence of Savannah’s creative spirit, where local artists display their work alongside shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage clothing.

The cobblestone courtyards and historic buildings create an authentic atmosphere that makes shopping and dining here feel like stepping back in time.Live entertainment occurs regularly throughout the market, from street musicians and local bands to special events and festivals that celebrate Savannah’s cultural diversity.

Art galleries feature works by regional artists inspired by Savannah’s beauty, while studios allow visitors to watch artisans at work creating pottery, paintings, and other crafts. The variety of restaurants and bars ensures that visitors can spend entire evenings here, moving from dinner to drinks to late-night entertainment all within the same historic complex.

Address: 219 W Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401

19. Take a Carriage Ride Around the Squares

Horse-drawn carriage tours offer one of Savannah’s most romantic and leisurely ways to explore the Historic District’s 24 beautiful squares and surrounding architecture. These narrated tours combine the charm of clip-clopping horses with informative commentary about Savannah’s history, architecture, and famous residents.

The slow pace allows for excellent photography opportunities and intimate conversations while professional guides share fascinating stories about the buildings, monuments, and events that shaped each neighborhood.

Daytime tours provide excellent opportunities to appreciate architectural details and garden landscapes, while evening tours create magical experiences under the soft glow of historic streetlights and Spanish moss silhouettes. Many companies offer different tour lengths and routes, allowing visitors to choose experiences that match their interests and schedules. The carriages themselves add to the authentic experience, often featuring period-appropriate designs and comfortable seating that makes the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

Address: Departs from 1 W Liberty St, Savannah, GA 31401

20. Explore Skidaway Island State Park

Skidaway Island State Park offers a pristine natural escape just minutes from downtown Savannah, where hiking trails wind through maritime forest and along salt marsh edges that teem with wildlife. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with herons, egrets, and other coastal species frequently spotted along the waterways. Well-maintained trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, all offering beautiful views of Georgia’s coastal landscape and opportunities to observe native plants and animals in their natural habitats.

The park features full camping facilities for those wanting to extend their stay, along with picnic areas perfect for family gatherings and day trips. Educational programs and guided nature walks help visitors understand the complex relationships between maritime forests, salt marshes, and the creatures that call these environments home. The park’s visitor center offers exhibits about local ecology and history, while the observation tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to spot dolphins playing in nearby waters.

Address: 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411

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Conclusion

Savannah captivates visitors with its unique blend of history, culture, and coastal charm. The city’s Historic District, with its magnificent architecture and moss-draped squares, offers a journey through time. From world-class museums to the natural beauty of nearby Tybee Island beaches, Savannah provides a wide array of experiences that appeal to every type of traveler.

This enchanting city balances historical preservation with modern amenities, ensuring its authentic character remains intact. Savannah’s unique atmosphere, where every street has a story to tell, invites you to explore its elegant, eccentric, and sometimes spooky corners. A visit here promises new discoveries and lasting memories, whether you’re enjoying a historic tour, a culinary adventure, or a stunning sunset over the river.