20 Things to Do in Savannah for the First-Timer

One of America’s oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many, including us. The streets present antebellum homes lined with lavish vegetation at every turn. With charming architecture and squares saturated in beauty, it is a walking town. It’s romantic, it’s enchanting, and it’s a must-experience.

So put your walking shoes on and let’s discover the best things to do in Savannah.

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

To make your first visit memorable, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Savannah!

1. Stroll through Every Historic Square

Savannah is home to 22 perfectly manicured squares, each one unique in its design.

Gigantic live oak trees aging gracefully provide shade to all who saunter below taking in the sights: honorary monuments, lovely homes, elegant gardens, and prominent fountains.

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

2. See the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Religious or not, the 19th-century cathedral should be on your list of things to see while in Savannah.

It is of Victorian Gothic design with stunning stained glass windows and impressive paintings.

Where: 222 E Harris Street

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

3. Get Down with Some Authentic Southern Cooking

From juicy fried chicken to creamy macaroni and cheese, there are many ways to feed your soul in Savannah.

Make sure to have lunch or dinner at one of the many places serving southern food: Mrs. Wilke’s Dining Room, Savannah Fried Chicken, or The Olde Pink House.

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

4. Visit Bonaventure Cemetery

As morbid as it may be we don’t care, a trip to Savannah must include a visit to Bonaventure Cemetery.

If possible, plan your trip around springtime when the azaleas are blooming. Not only is the cemetery rich in history as a former plantation and the final resting place of many local luminaries, but it is also one of America’s most beautiful cemeteries.

Where: 330 Bonaventure Road


One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

 

5. Take a Walk along the River with a Drink in Hand

There are only a handful of places in the United States where you can walk around with an open container of alcohol and Savannah joins New Orleans, Memphis, and Kansas City on the list.

Grab a drink from one of the many bars on River Street and soak up the fun of being able to legally do so.

Just stay anywhere from River Street to Jones Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to West Broad Street and you are good to go. Cheers!

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One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

6. Sample Tasty Local Treats

There are two local delights that are synonymous with Savannah: pecan pralines and specialty honey.

Stop in at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen and the Savannah Bee Company to sample the scrumptious sweet treats before you decide if they are worthy enough to bring home as a souvenir.

Where: Savannah’s Candy Kitchen – 225 East River Street, Savannah Bee Company – 1 West River Street

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

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7. Stop by an Infamous Murder Scene

If you were introduced to the idiosyncrasies of Savannah life by the novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, like many of us were, then you should stop to see the Mercer Williams House.

The story is based on the real events surrounding the murder of Danny Hansford who was killed in the stylish Italianate mansion.

Where: 429 Bull Street

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

8. Learn a Thing or Two at a Museum

Interested in the rich past of the city? Head over to the Savannah History Museum where you can start from the beginning in 1733 when Savannah was first founded.

Or maybe you are into art. The Telfair Museum is the oldest public art museum in the South with an extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century American and European work. You’ll also find the Bird Girl sculpture recognized from the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil book cover.

Where: Savannah History Museum – 303 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Telfair Museum – 207 W York Street

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9. Check out Factors Row

Cotton production and exportation were the lifeline of Savannah’s elite in the 19th century. Facing the city at the bluff level you’ll find Factors Walk and Factors Row, a line of red brick buildings connected with wrought iron walkways home to many businesses and restaurants often overlooked by tourists.

Where: Bay Street

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

10. Discover an Unforgettable Spectacle at Wormsloe Historic Site

The arched entrance to Wormsloe is a picturesque scene that will haunt your dreams. The avenue is free to walk or drive down, but the museum at the end charges a fee.

Explore the historic site or at least the breathtaking canopy drive of live oak trees, it is definitely worth the short side trip outside of downtown Savannah.

Where: 7601 Skidaway Road

OTHER FREE THINGS TO DO IN SAVANNAH GA

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

11. Spend the Day at the Beach

The barrier island of Tybee is another short drive from downtown that’s worth a visit. Beat the heat and humidity of the south by hitting the beach.

The sand is soft and the water is cool on the Georgia coast. If you like fresh seafood, stop at the very-touristy-yet-very-good Crab Shack on the way on or off the island.

Where: 40 Estill Hammock Road

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

 

Get Your Guide is a great company that offers discounted tours and attraction tickets. One of the most unique tours out of Savannah is the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour which is a seventy five minute trolley tour to all the spookiest locations in the city. Did you know Savannah is ranked as one of the most haunted cities in America? If you book through our site, at no additional cost to you, you’ll help us support the blog since we receive a small commission.

Other popular tours they offer:

12. Tybee Island Lighthouse

When on Tybee, make sure to visit Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse.

If you want a unique experience, join a sunrise or sunset tour for a climb to the top with spectacular views.

Where: 30 Meddin Drive

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

13. Wander Down Charming Jones Street

Located near the center of the Historic District, Jones Street will have you pulling up Redfin for quotes on your future home.

It is a magical street with major curb appeal lined with beautifully landscaped homes.

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

14. Relax at Savannah’s Most Recognizable Landmark

While making your way through the city, you’ll spot many prominent fountains, but the large white one surrounded by swaying Spanish moss at Forsyth Park is one you’ll never forget.

Take a walk along the oak tree-lined path to the north end of the park to get the full effect.

Where: Drayton St. & Gaston St.

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

15. Get a Scoop of Tutti Frutti at Leopold’s 

After eight decades, Leopold’s Ice Cream closed in 1969 but was rebooted in 2004 by the same family with the original equipment. 

The old fashioned parlor still whips up its ice cream fresh daily with the family secret recipe and technique. With an almost guaranteed line, it is obviously a popular spot among tourists and locals alike.

Where: 212 E. Broughton Street

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

16. Pair a Craft Beer with a Ghost Sighting

Moon River Brewing Company has been on shows such as Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures for its paranormal activity.

Before the Civil War, the building was a prominent hotel, then a makeshift hospital during numerous yellow fever outbreaks. Hundreds of people died in the building over the years, and it is said their ghosts still walk the halls. 

My guess is your chances are slim of a ghost sighting but it’s still an amusing possibility.

Where: 21 W. Bay Street

17. Lose the Map and Get Lost

I told you to get your walking shoes on! Put the map or phone away and just walk. One of the most romantic things to do in Savannah GA is to soak in the captivating atmosphere by losing yourself within its charming neighborhoods.

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

18. See where the Girl Scouts Began

The Juliette Gordon Low Historic District consists of Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace, the first Girl Scout Headquarters and the Andrew Low House and are open for general tours.

Her birthplace was designated as Savannah’s first registered National Historic Landmark in 1965 and is a pilgrimage for many girls and women.

Where: 10 E. Oglethorpe Avenue

THINGS TO DO IN SAVANNAH GA WITH KIDS

19. Go on a Ghost Tour or a Haunted Pub Crawl

Often considered one of the most haunted cities in America because it was built on top of a Native American burial ground, ghost tours are popular things to do in Savannah GA at night.

The entire city of Savannah sits directly above the dead. If that’s not spooky, I don’t know what is. You’ll hear stories of women being locked in bathrooms, curdling screams being heard in the streets, and unexplainable paranormal events.

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

20. Shop and Eat at the City Market

The four-block open air market has been open since the 1700s. It is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare between the Ellis and Franklin Squares.

Shop at the storefronts during the day and dine below the strung up lights at night. If you are looking for a snack, make sure to stop in Byrd’s Famous Cookies, open since 1924. 

Where: 219 W. Bryan Street

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

Savannah things to do: How many have you done? Or maybe you have more suggestions? Tell us in the comments below!

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One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do! A perfect guide for your first time visit.

One of America's oldest cities, Savannah tops the list as a favorite for many. To make your first visit memorable, we've put together a list of 20 Savannah things to do!

 

 

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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

17 Responses

  1. Patricia

    Savannah, with Charleston, are two of the cities I missed visited in the US. The history, the architecture, the food!. Now, with this list of things to do, I just need to pack and go!

    • Dang Travelers

      You do!! Both cities have a great vibe. I am eventually going to put together a cool road trip for the east coast so stay tuned!

  2. Kavita Favelle

    Savannah is such a beautiful city, I only spent a few hours there many years ago and would love to go back and see more of the historic districts, not to mention try more of the local regional cuisine. And the avenue of trees at Wormsloe is gorgeous!

  3. Amber Tatton

    The murder spot sounds like just an interesting place on your itinerary that may not be on everyone’s! The buildings look like a crazy mismatch of different ages and from different European influences.

  4. Danila Caputo

    Your pictures are gorgeous! To be honest we haven’t seen much of the East Coast but you made us want to reconsider for our next trip! Also the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist looks a bit like the one in Prague, don’t you think?

  5. Heather

    I was supposed to visit Savannah last December and our plans got changed. Glad I saw this list before I go because you have some things I didn’t have on my list such as the beautiful entranceway into Wormsloe and the Bonaventure Cemetery. It is beautiful and I don’t think that’s a morbid thing at all! I must say we do have some really good (albeit not healthy) food down here in the South!

  6. Theresa B.

    Your post and recommendations reiterate people’s fascination and love for Savannah. I’ve only visited Atlanta, but definitely enjoyed the Southern food. Pinning this for when we visit in the future because it’s definitely on my US Bucket List.

  7. YUKTI Agrawal

    You have listed all valid things to do when visiting Savannah. I loved the walk along river and visiting historic sites. Thanks for sharing a detailed article on things to do in Savannah.

  8. Nicola Hilditch-Short

    I never really knew much about Savannah to be honest but I just love these historical US towns and cities. I would love to visit somewhere like this that isn’t over saturated with tourism and so authentic. It reminds me very much of some small Australian towns.

  9. Anna

    I admit when I saw ‘savannah’ i thought this was going to be a blog post about Africa haha! Coming from England, I have never heard of Savannah in Georgia but it looks lovely and a little bit haunted?! I would love to visit Tybee to see the beach and the lighthouse. When I do get round to doing my epic US road trip I will have to add Savannah to the never ending list of places to see in the states!

  10. Lauren Pears

    Wow, your writing style really engaged me! So descriptive! To be honest, I’d never had any intention of visiting Savannah but it looks like there’s loads to do. The murder house looks particularly fun. And the fact you can drink in public is definitely an added bonus 😉

  11. Lydia

    Wow! Savannah indeed seems picturesque and worth visiting, David and Angela. Reading your post made me realize that I should add this place to my bucket list. How many days would be enough to see all the things there?

  12. Rhonda Albom

    Two more things to add to my list of things to do when we get to Savannah next month – ice cream and girl scouts. As a girl guide leader in New Zealand, seeing where it began for the girls in the states will be pretty cool. And great ice cream always calls to me.

    • Dang Travelers

      Oh yes, Savannah has it all! Seeing where it all started for someone with a background in Girl Scouts would definitely be of interest.

  13. Don Davies

    Awesome! This came in really timely and handy! I really needed ideas on what to do in Savannah this coming weekend! I also got some great recommendations from https://www.visitsavannah.com/events and now me and my girl are all set to have our trip there!

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