Savannah, GA is a historic city with a lot to offer tourists. From its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture to its Southern hospitality, there is no shortage of things to do in Savannah. If you’re planning a trip to Savannah, be sure to add these 30 fun things to your itinerary! From touring the historic district to indulging in some of the best food in the South, you’re sure to have a memorable trip.
- Savannah history
- Best tours around Savannah, GA
- Best places to visit in Savannah
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Best fun things to do in Savannah
- Find Waving Girl at River Street Market Place
- Discover the Savannah African Art Museum
- See a play at the Savannah Theatre
- Wander through Broughton Street
- Watch the cannons fire at Old Fort Jackson
- Hands-on Cooking Classes
- Sit on Forrest Gump’s bench
- Go kayaking down Moon River
- Spot dolphins on Tybee Island
- Visit Fort Pulaski National Monument
- Watch a show at Lucas Theatre
- Observe wildlife at Oatland Island Wildlife Center
- Relax on beaches
- Conclusion
Savannah history
Located in Chatham County, Savannah is one of the oldest settlements in Georgia and America. Founded in the 1730s, the city is a port city. Thanks to the Savannah River that runs alongside it, it has become an important commercial center and has been strategically important during wars. One of the largest Atlantic ports, Savannah is the 5th largest city in Georgia after Atlanta, Auguta, Columbus and Macon.
Best tours around Savannah, GA
There are plenty of great tours to take in and around Savannah, GA. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Take a Savannah hop-on hop-off trolley tours
One of the best ways to see Savannah is by taking a Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour. These tours are great for getting an overview of the city and seeing some of the most popular landmarks.
Plus, you can hop off at any stop that interests you and explore further on your own. There are several tour companies that offer these tours, so be sure to do some research to find one that fits your needs.
Take a riverboat cruise
Take a riverboat cruise for a different perspective of Savannah. You can learn about the city’s history and see some of the landmarks from the water. There are several companies that offer cruises, so you can choose one that fits your schedule and interests.
Travel through time on a carriage tours
Experience the beauty and history of Savannah on a carriage tour! Tours depart from various locations throughout the city, and take you on a leisurely ride through the streets while your guide tells you all about the city’s rich past.
You’ll see some of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks, including Forsyth Park and the historic district, and learn all about the people and events that have shaped this unique city.
For a romantic way to see Savannah, take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city. You’ll get to see all the sights and sounds of this historic city while being serenaded by your driver.
Have scary time with Savannah walking ghost tours
Savannah is home to many ghosts, and you can take a walking tour to see some of the most popular haunts. The tour will take you to locations like the Sorrel-Weed House, which is said to be one of the most haunted houses in America.
You’ll also visit the Owens-Thomas House, where you can see the ghost of a little girl who died in a fire. You’ll hear stories of ghosts that are said to haunt the city, and you may even see one for yourself!
Eat with Savannah walking food tours
If you love good food, then you’ll love the Savannah Walking food tours. This tour takes you to some of the best restaurants in Savannah, where you can try a variety of local dishes. You’ll also get to learn about the history and culture of Savannah through the eyes of a local guide.
Savannah’s slavery trade past ve plantationse
For a taste of history, take a plantation tour in Savannah. You’ll learn about the city’s slave trade past, and see some of the beautiful plantations that once lined its streets.
Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Savannah, GA. The cemetery is located just outside of the city and is full of history and beautiful scenery. Visitors can take a tour of the cemetery to learn about its history and see the beautiful headstones and monuments.
The cemetery is also home to many famous people, including poet Conrad Aiken, author Flannery O’Connor, and musician John Coltrane. Tours of the cemetery are available daily and typically last about 1-2 hours. These tours are usually led by local historians or paranormal investigators, and they’re sure to be a spine-tingling experience.
Best places to visit in Savannah
There are so many great places to visit in Savannah, GA! Here are just a few of our favorites:
Walk through Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is one of the most popular attractions in Savannah, and for good reason! This 30-acre park is full of history, beauty, and plenty of things to do.
Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens or work up a sweat on the basketball courts, Forsyth Park has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the iconic fountain in the center of the park – it’s a must-see during your visit!
The University of Georgia Aquarium
The aquarium is home to over 4,000 animals from all over the world. Visitors can see sharks, rays, turtles, fish, and other marine life up close. The aquarium also has a touch tank where visitors can touch stingrays and other animals.
Savannah Waterfront
Situated on the banks of the Savannah River, the Waterfront offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
One of the most popular things to do at the Savannah Waterfront is to take a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk. This scenic path winds its way through the heart of the Waterfront district and offers stunning views of the river and skyline. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of places to stop and relax, including several parks and public art installations.
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, there are also several boat rental companies located along the riverwalk. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even take a dolphin tour!
Tour the Wormsloe Historic Site
The Wormsloe Historic Site is a beautiful place to tour while in Savannah, GA. The site includes the remains of the original Georgia colony, which was founded in 1733. Visitors can see the old Spanish fort, as well as the graves of some of the original colonists. The site also has a museum that tells the story of the Georgia colony and its founding.
Pirates’ House
Pirates’ House, one of the historical buildings you should see in the city, was built in 1753. It is the oldest surviving historical building in Georgia. Actually, the part facing the road is the old part, of course the interior has been restored. It is one of the popular touristic activities of the region, you can even see tour buses passing by here.
City Market
The City Market in Savannah is a great place to find souvenirs, local art, and delicious food. There are several vendors selling items ranging from jewelry to hand-painted pottery. You can also find fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as prepared foods like sandwiches and sweets.
See the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in Savannah, Georgia. Its stunning architecture and history make it a must-see for any visitor to the city.
The cathedral was built in the early 1800s and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the United States. It is also one of only a handful of Gothic Revival-style churches in America. The exterior of the cathedral is covered in beautiful white stucco and features two large towers.
Inside, the cathedral is just as stunning as its exterior. The main nave is lined with gorgeous stained glass windows and there is a massive pipe organ that dominates one side of the sanctuary. The altar is made of marble and features intricate carvings.
The Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House is one of the most iconic buildings in Savannah, GA. Built in 1816, this historic home is a stunning example of Regency architecture. Visitors can tour the house to learn about its fascinating history and see its beautiful interior. The Owens-Thomas House is definitely a must-see when visiting Savannah!
Visit the Andrew Low House
The house was built in 1849 by architect John S. Norris for Andrew Low, a wealthy cotton merchant, and his wife Margaret Kenyon Low. The house is a National Historic Landmark and has been restored to its original glory. Visitors can tour the house and learn about the lives of the Lows and their children.
Tybee Island
If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Savannah, head to Tybee Island! Just a short drive from the city, Tybee Island is a popular beach destination for locals and visitors alike. Visitors can enjoy the island’s many public beaches, fishing piers, and Fort Pulaski National Monument. There are also several great restaurants and cafes on the island, so you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying the beautiful views.
Best fun things to do in Savannah
Find Waving Girl at River Street Market Place
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to bring home from your trip to Savannah, GA, be sure to stop by the River Street Market Place. There you’ll find the Waving Girl statue, which has become an iconic symbol of the city. The Waving Girl is a bronze sculpture of a young girl waving goodbye to ships as they pass by on the river. Visitors can take photos with the statue or purchase prints and postcards from local artists.
Discover the Savannah African Art Museum
The Savannah African Art Museum is one of the most unique and interesting museums in the city. It is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of African art and culture, and features a wide variety of exhibitions and programs that showcase the diverse heritage of Africa.
Visitors to the museum can explore the different galleries that feature traditional and contemporary African art, learn about the history and culture of Africa through educational programs, or take part in hands-on workshops where they can create their own African art. The museum also has a shop where visitors can purchase authentic African artifacts, books, and jewelry.
See a play at the Savannah Theatre
There’s nothing quite like experiencing a live play, and the Savannah Theatre is the perfect place to do just that. This historic theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1818, making it the oldest continually operating theatre in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a comedy, musical, or drama, the Savannah Theatre has something for everyone.
Wander through Broughton Street
This historic street is lined with a variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to locally owned stores. You can easily spend an afternoon wandering up and down Broughton Street, popping in and out of the different shops. Be sure to keep an eye out for the iconic River Street trolley that runs through this area, it’s a great way to get around and see all the sights!
Watch the cannons fire at Old Fort Jackson
There’s something exhilarating about watching a cannon fire. At Old Fort Jackson, you can watch cannons being fired daily. The fort is located on the Savannah River, and was built in 1779 to protect the city from naval invasion. It’s a great way to experience a bit of history, and get a taste of what life was like during the Revolutionary War.
Hands-on Cooking Classes
If you’re looking to get your hands dirty in the kitchen, there are plenty of cooking classes available in Savannah. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, you’ll be able to find a class that suits your skill level.
In this classes, you’ll learn how to make some of the restaurant’s signature dishes, like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and peach cobbler. You’ll learn how to cook some of the region’s traditional dishes, like Charleston red rice and she-crab soup. For something a little bit different, you’ll not only learn how to make sushi rolls and nigiri, but you’ll also get to try your hand at making traditional Japanese sweets. You can try different trainings according to courses, classes.
Sit on Forrest Gump’s bench
The most popular places to visit in Savannah are its squares. There are 22 square squares in Savannah’s historic district. Every time you cross a street, a new square appears. Each of them is built like a separate square, large and small, and all of them are decorated with sculptures and information about different events or people in history.
Chippewa Square, one of these squares covered with a type of plant called Spanish Moss, is where the life story scenes of the movie Forest Gump starring Tom Hanks were filmed. In Savannah, you can visit the very bench that Forrest Gump sat on in the iconic movie.
Go kayaking down Moon River
Kayaking down Moon River is one of the most fun things to do in Savannah, GA. The scenery is beautiful and the experience is unforgettable. Moon River is a great place to kayak because it is calm and peaceful. There are also many places to stop and explore along the way.
Spot dolphins on Tybee Island
There’s nothing quite like spotting a dolphin in the wild. And, lucky for you, Tybee Island is one of the best places in the world to do just that. Every year, hundreds of dolphins make their way up and down the coast of Georgia and can often be seen playing and swimming just offshore.
Visit Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument is a must-see for history buffs visiting Savannah. The fort was built in the early 1800s to protect the city from naval attack, and played a key role in the Civil War. Today, visitors can tour the fort, learn about its history, and watch reenactments of historic battles.
Watch a show at Lucas Theatre
There is no better way to experience the culture of Savannah than by attending a show at the historic Lucas Theatre. This theatre has been entertaining locals and visitors alike since it first opened its doors in 1921. Today, the Lucas Theatre continues to showcase a variety of different performing arts, including music, dance, theatre, and more. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find a show at the Lucas Theatre that you will enjoy.
Observe wildlife at Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Oatland Island Wildlife Center is a great place to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. There are many different species of animals that call Oatland home, including alligators, bobcats, eagles, and otters.
The best time to observe the wildlife is during the day when they are most active. The center has several viewing areas where you can get up close to the animals and see them in their natural environment.
Relax on beaches
When you think of Savannah, GA, one of the first things that comes to mind is the city’s gorgeous beaches. And for good reason -Savannah’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the country!
Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, take a dip in the ocean, or explore the coastline, there’s a beach in Savannah that’s perfect for you. One of the best things about Savannah’s beaches is that they’re never too crowded. you’ll always be able to find your perfect spot.
Conclusion
Being one of the oldest places in Georgia, it is a very popular tourist destination. It is also possible to walk around the historic city on foot, so make sure you have shoes on your feet and water in your bag in hot weather. Visit the Savannah Visitors Center for information and a map before you start your trip.
