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Things To Do In Savannah
Savannah Georgia is one of those places that have kept the old aesthetic of the south alive even now. This quaint little town is a major tourist hotspot and it is not hard to understand why. Great for families and kids, this town has a unique charm to it and as such it is best for a wholesome vacation.
When one thinks of Savannah, they think of moss laden oaks and cobblestones, but the clever eye will find that there is so much more to the city than this. Savannah is a city that will make you return to it year after year.
There are some well known locations in Savannah such as Forsyth Park and Tybee island that should definitely be on your list of the best things to do in Savannah. Keep reading this article to find out more attractions that you definitely should see.
Forsyth Park
Starting with the most famous, Forsyth Park is located in the historic district and is home to 30 acres of foliage and flowers. This place really spices up the Historic District and is known to be a top destination for tourists and locals alike.
Forsyth Park is the place for a number of events, such as open air concerts and a regularly set up farmers market. The place is really gorgeous and as such Forsyth Park is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
With fountains, trees and lust greenery dotted with flowers, Forsyth Park is one of the best things in the city of Savannah. While you tour the Historic District, be sure to come and visit Forsyth park and trust us you will not be disappointed.
Wormsloe Historic Site
Find Spanish moss on oak trees hanging above a beautiful piece of road. This is a historic site that contains an avenue with oaks and Spanish Moss and it leads to the ruins of Wormsloe which the oldest colonial estate in Savannah Ga.
While you are here you might find some costumed reenactors and the best thing to visit here is the museum. The site also features a nature trail that runs around the grounds of the site.
There are ruins, marshes and beautiful tree filled locations to explore while you are here. Be sure to check out the colonial artifacts when you are at the museum to make you visit to the Wormsloe Historic Site complete.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Get a taste of the southern gothic when you are here at the historic Bonaventure Cemetery. This place is known to be among the most beautiful cemeteries not only in the United States, but the entire world.
As such, it is a place that you absolutely must visit. Visiting the Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the best free things to do in Savannah Ga. There are guided tours to help you get around the 100 acre area of the cemetery and if you want to get around by yourself, you can do that too. The free guided tour for the Bonaventure Cemetery happens on the second Sunday of each month.
Old Fort Jackson Historic Site
Built in 1808, the Old Fort Jackson is the oldest brick building in the area of Savannah Georgia. It is a major tourist attraction, with over 50000 tourists visiting the historic site every year.
A Georgian governor who is known to have freed Savanna from British occupation, it has been one of the strongest and secure locations of the United States during a time. Over the years, there were many changes made to the building until 1812. It still maintains the same feel and view as it did then.
You can enjoy guided tours and breathtaking views of the nearby Savannah River from the top of this attraction. If you are lucky with your timing, you might be able to see the cannons going off!
The Olde Pink House Restaurant
Olde Pink house combined a ghostly background with the ambiance and setting of the 18th century. This fine dining place is super classy and serves impeccable southern cuisine.
The pink house has been built in the style of 19th century architecture and maintains that look by its aesthetic. There are chandeliers and a dining room with a fireplace. Enjoy a great meal and listen to stories about the ghosts that haunt this place.
The Mercer-Williams House
Once the home of the lyricist Johnny Mercer, this historic place is also known to be the home of Jim Williams. This person was the only man to be tried four times for the same crime. This house is the location of a murder which was made famous by the novelist John Berendt.
This place is therefore on the top spots of the list of literature lovers. While you can’t visit the murder site but you can survey the rest of the place that still houses memorabilia from the 1700s.
The Andrew Low House
Another one of the many historic homes in Savannah is the Andrew Low House. Dating back to 1848, the house has been built in the Italianate style. This was the opulent house of Juliette Gordon Low and was purchased by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Georgia.
It was opened for public view around 75 years ago and since then has been a major attraction for the city of Savannah.Georgia has been full of such homes and they have been major tourist spots to see since long.
The Savannah Waterfront
The Savannah river features scenic views to see and a waterfront to top it all off. River street was earlier a warehouse street for the cotton industry. For a time, River Street was abandoned due to a yellow fever epidemic and it was not until the 60s that it was rediscovered.
As of now, the Savannah river waterfront is beautiful street with cobblestones and many stores to see and discover. This place has a lot to offer and see, from restaurants, art galleries, bars and more.
The Cathedral Of St John The Baptist
This building is a really famous attraction that you must see while you are here in Savanna Georgia. One of the top things to do, the Cathedral of St John the Baptist has been called the most impressive building in Savannah. You can admire the impeccable architecture of the cathedral with its spires and stained glass windows.
There are many tours available to visit St John and most of them run from Monday to Saturday. Pay $2 and enjoy one of the greatest experiences you will have. The cathedral was built in 1876 and while a fire destroyed most of it, it has been rebuilt in the same style and many features such as the stained glass windows have been preserved.
This historic cathedral remains open to thousands of tourists every year. You must make a visit here while you are in Savannah Georgia.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
Enjoy ice cream after a long day of sightseeing around Savannah. This hotspot is beloved by locals and tourists alike. It has been serving delicious ice cream in the city for a while now: since 1919.
Hollywood producer Stratton Leopold was the founder of this little eatery. Enjoy the deliciousness of old recipes and while you will always find a line at Leopold’s, it is definitely worth it. Try their signature tutti fruitt flavor while you are here.
Tricentennial Park
A really great place for kids, the Tricentennial Park has a lot to offer. Enjoy a beautiful green playground and some lovely sights to see. There are three museums here at the park which are the Savannah History Museum and Battlefield Memorial Park, the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Savannah Children’s Museum.
These places make Tricentennial Park one of the greatest and most informative places in the city of Savannah Ga and it is one location that you must try and visit.
Hearse Ghost Tours
One of the most hot things to do in Savannah Georgia is taking time to sign up for the Hearse Ghost Tours. This tour uses a real hearse to take you to a tour around the city.
It gives you a lot of information regarding the ghostly incidents that are quite well known in Savannah. They will pick you from your hotel and take you around the city, letting you in on the city’s history with a dark twist. This tour is not for the faint hearted.
The University Of Georgia Aquarium
Make your way to Skidaway Island and find the marine education center. This center is known to exhibit the marine life found nearby Savannah Georgia. Apart from fishes and other marine species, the center also has exhibits on other animals.
Find exhibits on Wooly Mammoths and mastodons that walked this area a long time ago. This is one of the really great things to do in Savannah Ga and you absolutely must find time to visit this center.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
This attraction features a museum especially made for girls, as Juliette Gordon Low was the woman who founded the American girl scouts in 1912. She was born right here, and this house is now owned by the Girl Scouts of the USA.
This place is a really great stop for your touring party and there are tours available for the museum of Girl Scouts all week except Sunday.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Located between Savannah and Tybee Island, the Fort Pulaski was built in the 19th century and is very well known to be a major fall for the confederate army during the Civil war. The union army took over this fort from the Confederates and this victory was instrumental in winning the war.
While the monument in itself is a rather great location, with lots of things to do and see, you can also find the North Pier Trail. This trail traverses the original area of the fort and is one of the many trails here.
There is also a lighthouse, bike paths and more to find here. Be sure to have your camera ready so that you can click some good pictures to take home.
The Historic Savannah Theater
This is the oldest theatre in the United States and has been running since 1818. Savannah is a city that is filled with a lot of historic attractions that range from homes, forts, churches and also theaters.
Enjoy great nightlife while touring and enjoying a show at the theater. Bring your camera to photograph the bench that lies outside of the theater. What’s special about this bench is that this the famous bench from the movie Forrest Gump.
The Historic Savannah Theater lies on the Chippewa square and due to the theater, the place has become a major entertainment district of the city.
Telfair Museum Of Art
This is the oldest art museum in the entire south. The mansion that houses the Telfair Museum of Art was designed by an English architect and completed in 1819. The Telfair family remained in the mansion till 1875 and the last member of the family left the place to the Georgia Historical Society.
Over the years, the Telfair Museum of Art saw many reconstructions and its grand opening was a major event, with Jefferson Davis in attendance. The museum in itself is a rather nice place.
It features impressionist paintings and paintings from other cultural movements. There are over 80 paintings here by Kahlil Gibran, making it the largest public collection of paintings.
City Market
Enjoy open shopping at the City Market, a place that lies in the center of the city of Savannah. From here, all things of the city are easily accessible, from the historic homes to park areas and museums.
You can enjoy open air concerts in the square and there are even centers for shopping, dining and more at the city market. There are a number of bars in the area so mark this place for your evening party time.
Find art galleries here for those of you who are into arts and culture. This place is really great for kids and you can have them enjoy the open air and sit on benches as you go around shopping.
Old Savannah Trolley Tours
This trolley runs across the town around the historic district of Savannah. Using this mode of transport will have you quickly go through all the sights the city of Savannah has to offer. Some of the most interesting and famous landmarks of Savannah are covered by this 22 square area trolley.
The trolley has over 15 stops and you can hop off and on any time, with a number of these trolleys always finding you in the city. The most you will need to wait for the trolley is around 15 to 20 minutes.
Our suggestion, take the trolley, de board at John the Baptist and take some time to hang around. By the time you are done, another trolley will be waiting and you can hop aboard again and try some new place, lets say some park?
What Is Savannah Best Known For?
Savannah is one of the oldest and most culturally significant cities in the United States. It has had a vibrant history which is reflected in its historic sites and architecture. The city was a Christmas gift to President Lincoln in the civil war.
The city of Atlanta was completely destroyed during the Civil war but the general couldn’t get himself to destroy the beautiful city that was Savannah. So he gifted it to Lincoln for Christmas. Savannah is best known for its beautiful beaches and historic architecture.
The city has had a deep history with civil rights and was the first area to emancipate ex slaves (the emancipation was revoked however but it led to the ultimate presidential emancipation proclamation).
The city is also known to be the inspiration for the novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and evil. There are many locations in the city that have been made famous by this novel such as the Bonaventure Cemetery and the Johnny Mercer house.
There are outdoor trails that let you delve into nature and museums in the city which are windows to history.
Mostly, Savannah is a place that is deeply entrenched in history. Most of the attractions in the city are old buildings that have been there since the 18th and 19th centuries.
From museums, mansions, restaurants and more, you are bound to find in all thing Savannah a touch of history and culture. All in all, Savannah is a town that is one of the best tourist spots in the country.
Is Savannah Or Charleston Better?
Savannah is often compared to Charleston by travelers, with questions such as which of them is the better place to visit. Both these coastal cities are home to some of the best beaches all around. Both of them are family friendly locations and boast a lot of things to do.
These early American cities have both tried to preserve the early architecture they had and therefore both of them are historic cities that have kept their culture alive.
It would be hard to tell you which of these two cities is better, there can be made no such comparison. However, what we can do is bring to you some aspects of both these cities so you can see and decide for yourself which one is better for you.
Both Savannah and Charleston have a number of art galleries and locations dedicated to the arts. Be it the Savannah College of Art and Design or Charleston’s Gibbes Museum of Art.
Savannah has the Tybee Island beach and Charleston has the Isle of Palms. There are a number of locations outside these both cities which make for great day trips. A few examples are Hilton Head and Beaufort (Charleston) and Jekyll Island and Brunswick (Savannah).
While you are here in Charleston or Savannah, you will be able to enjoy the best in food, parks and nightlife. There are many shopping options in both places such as King Street in Charleston and Broughton Street in Savannah.
The cities of Savannah and Charleston are both designed in a way that you can get to see and do things around the city on foot. The attractions to look out for are clustered together, and you can walk the cities leaving your car behind.
While we can’t tell you which of these cities is better for a tourist, we can say with absolute certainty that whichever city you decide to go to, it will charm you with its impeccable attractions and more. Do let us know about your trip to either Charleston or Savannah in the comments below.
We hope you enjoyed our article on the best things to do in Savannah. We have tried to cover as many Savannah attractions as we possibly can. Let us know in the comments if you think we have missed anything of note.
Also let us know about how your trip to Savannah went and if this article helped you with it. In this time of the COVID 19 epidemic, you should take care to be mindful of all the travel advisories and personal hygiene and safety regulations in order to be safe as you travel.
COVID is a very contagious disease so it is imperative to take care of yourself as you travel. Regardless, it shouldn’t affect your travel so much if you are mindful of what to do and not do. Be safe and have a good trip!
Please also read about the things to do in Kauai.
