20 Best Things To Do In Savannah Georgia In 2024

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Soumya

Top Things to Do in Savannah GA

Tour a Plantation in Savannah, GA

The more I traveled in the Southern USA, the more I realized that the South’s history is inextricably linked with the history of plantations.

Once home to thousands of enslaved people, these agricultural settlements provide deep and not very rosy insights into the history and culture of the South.

Every country has history – good, bad, and ugly. The best way to deal with history is to learn from it and not repeat the same mistakes that our ancestors made.

Touring these historic plantations in Savannah and learning about the people who sustained these places, their relationships with the owners, and understanding the Gullah Geechee Culture that evolved in the plantations of the South is the best way to pay homage to these people.

There are two historic plantations near Savannah, Georgia – Wormsloe Plantation (15 mins from Savannah) and Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation (1 hour drive from Savannah).

Wormsloe Plantation

Wormsloe Plantation is a popular day trip from Savannah because it is super close to the city.

Once the colonial estate of a carpenter named Noble Jones, Wormsloe is more than 250 years old. The ruins of Jones’ tabby home are one of the oldest standing structures in Savannah and nearby.

A beautiful Avenue of Oaks, a mile-long boulevard lined with huge live oaks with sweeping branches covered all over with Spanish moss, leads you to the plantation. This creates a breathtaking archway over the road and gives you the feeling of getting into a moss-laden tunnel.

You can drive through Oak Avenue or walk to get to the ticket office. The site is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Once you get inside, you can see the ruins of the tabby fort. Not a lot remains of the ruins, and it is hard to make sense of the place unless you travel with a tour guide.

I cannot stress the importance of understanding the history of a place like Wormsloe in order to comprehend the history of slavery in the USA.

✦ Pro Tip: Want to learn more about the history of slavery? Join this Savannah Slavery to Freedom Guided History Tour.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

Another beautiful plantation near Savannah, the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, was once a rice-growing settlement dating to the early 19th century.

Here, you’ll find a beautiful oak avenue and a small museum that tells you the history of the place. The best part is that the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is a Savannah hidden gem and does not have the crowds that you’ll see elsewhere.

Tour One (or Many) of Savannah’s Historic Homes

The historic center of Savannah is chock full of historic homes. These homes are not just exquisite representations of Southern Antebellum architecture but also hold numerous historic tales waiting to be unraveled.

Most historic mansions in Savannah, GA date to the 19th century. It was in these homes that the wealthy citizens of Georgia lived and prospered. However, they also hold stories of enslaved workers who spent their lives in bondage here.

Visit a historic home in Savannah if you want to

• learn more about the history of slavery in Southern USA.
• appreciate the beauty of antebellum architecture
• tour the beautiful gardens

Some of the best historic homes in Savannah are the Davenport House, Andrew Low House, Mercer-Williams House, and the Scarbrough House.

If you have time for just one historic home tour, pick Owens Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a Regency-style mansion from 1819. Here you can explore the complicated, non-glossed relationship between slaves and their masters.

Savannah was also the birthplace of American Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low. She established the first Girl Scout troop here in 1912. You can tour Juliette’s birthplace, a National Landmark now, in downtown Savannah.

✦ Pro Tip: Want to see multiple historic homes in Savannah? Join this Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour.

Take Pictures Against Ivy-Covered Mansions

Even though Savannah is full of amazing photo ops, I think I was a little partial towards the beautiful ivy-covered mansions that line every other street in the historic downtown.

My favorite place to take pictures was Jones Street, the prettiest street in Savannah, GA.

Beautiful Greek revival houses draped with ivy and adorned with wrought-iron balconies play peek-a-boo with canopy oaks. Take a leisurely stroll through the street and keep the shutter buzzing.

Stroll through Savannah’s Public Squares

Wandering through the 22 public squares is one of the best things to do in Savannah, Georgia.

Charming, cool, and filled with Spanish moss-laden oaks, these tiny green patches not only provide you with a place to rest but also give you a sneak peek into Savannah’s history.

Most Savannah squares date to the 18th and 19th centuries. Originally there were 24 squares, but 22 remain today.

At Chippewa Square, you will find a statue of James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of the colony of Georgia. This is also the place where Tom Hank’s character waiting for the bus in the movie Forrest Gump.

Johnson Square (pictured above), dating to 1733, was the first Savannah Square ever.

The Ellis Square was once home to the Old City Market. Every square tells you a little about Savannah’s history. You can easily spend a day in Savannah exploring all of the city’s squares.

✦ Pro Tip: Visit multiple public squares on this Sightseeing & History Walking Tour of Savannah.

Visit Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park, dating back to 1840, is the prettiest spot in Savannah’s historic district. 

The iconic water fountain in the center of the park is one of the most photographed spots in all of Savannah. Come here early in the morning if you wish to avoid the crowds.

Take a stroll through those shaded trails, get a picnic lunch, or simply relax on the grass, appreciating the beauty around you.

Visit the Cathedral of St. John, The Baptist

The Cathedral of St. John, The Baptist, or the Savannah Cathedral, is one of the most stunning churches and one of Savannah’s prettiest historic sites. This is the oldest Catholic church in Georgia and is incredibly ornate and beautiful.

The interior is adorned with exquisite Austrian stained glass, smooth Italian marble, and opulent Persian rugs.

The French-Gothic exterior with pointy arches is also a pretty sight to behold. You can do a self-guided tour of the Savannah Cathedral for a small fee.

See a Hidden Garden in Savannah

Every spring, the Garden Club of Savannah organizes a tour of the hidden gardens of Savannah where you can venture beyond the closed gates and see the historic gardens in the Historic District.

The tours may include trolley rides, Southern tea, and guided architectural tours.

Since these tours happen only in the spring, they are highly coveted. Tickets sell out pretty fast, usually by mid-February. Be sure to book your tickets in advance here.

Eat Delicious Southern Food

If you are a fan of Southern food, then Savannah is the place to stuff yourself with it. I am a big fan of Low Country cuisine and absolutely loved the food in Savannah, Georgia.

If you are looking for an authentic low-country boil, then head to Savannah Seafood Shack. 

Try shrimp and grits (another Southern classic) at the Olde Pink House, an 18th-century mansion turned into a plush restaurant. Apart from great food, they have rustic furniture and crystal chandeliers.

Order a biscuit sandwich at Back in the Day Bakery (permanently closed) on Bull Street.

Or try crawfish beignets at Vic’s on the River.

For the best breakfast, head to Goose Feathers Cafe. Warm croissants, delicious sandwiches, and fresh pastries will be waiting for you.

You can also find pralines everywhere around the city. Savannah will spoil you for choices.

Taste Homemade Icecream at Leopold’s

One of the best foodie things to do in Savannah, Georgia, is to taste the homemade ice cream at Leopold’s.

Leopold’s Ice Cream is a little more than 100 years old. It was founded by three Greek brothers who moved to the US in 1919. They have been delighting their customers with frozen delights for over a century now.

Their ice cream sundaes are pretty famous, although I would happily settle for a scoop of the Original Tutti Frutti or the Butter Pecan.

Shop at Savannah City Market

Located in the historic center of Savannah, the City Market features attractive bistros and unique art galleries.

The market is also home to an Art Center where you will find art by local artists and can see some of them at work.

Tour Bonaventure Cemetery

Looking for Savannah historic sites with a bit of spook? Head to Bonaventure Cemetery.

Located just 4 miles from the city center, Bonaventure Cemetery is one of Savannah’s public cemeteries covering nearly 100 acres of land.

Come here to wander through the cemetery’s oak-lined trails, gaze at old tombs, and listen to all the spooky folklore that surrounds the place.

There are hundreds of graves at the Bonaventure Cemetery. One of the most visited ones is that of little Gracie Watson, a little girl who died shortly after being photographed in fine Easter clothes. The graves of Johnny Mercer, Conrad Aiken, and James Neill also lie here.

Visit the Colonial Park Cemetery

Savannah has a lot of cemeteries and therefore, a lot of paranormal activity – shhhh!

The Colonial Park Cemetery, in the city center, is the easiest one to get to. It is no longer a cemetery, though – it was changed to a city park in 1896.

You’ll see many stone markers here and several oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Kinda creepy if you come here at night.

Take a Spooky Paranormal Tour

I am not into paranormal tours. I get easily scared. Paranormal tours aren’t my thing.

Although I loved reading about all the haunted places in Savannah, I could not muster the courage to do one of these tours. With so many Spanish moss-laden trees in Savannah, I could literally see ghosts during the day!

However, of all the numerous things to do in Savannah at night, my friends claim that doing a paranormal tour is the most interesting.

Admire the Savannah River

Stroll down the cobbled lanes of River Street for a scenic view of the Savannah River. Learn a little about Savannah’s dark past and spot houses and warehouses that were used as holding pens for slaves.

Or hop on a ferry for a ride across the river. The Savannah Belles Ferry system provides free rides across the river between downtown and Hutchinson Island. 

It is interesting to note that the Savannah Ferry Fleet includes 4 vessels named after noteworthy women from Savannah – Juliette Gordon Low, Susie King Taylor, Florence Martus, and Mary Musgrove.

Head to Tybee Island

Located just 18 miles from the Savannah Historic District, Tybee Island is a perfectly beautiful island and one of the best-rated beaches in Georgia.

Head to Tybee Island from Savannah for a beach getaway. Lounge on the beach, walk on the pier, eat some seafood, visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, and enjoy a beautiful sunset on the island.

Rent a car and drive to Tybee Island from Savannah, or book yourself a Tybee Island Tour with Dolphin Cruise.

Enjoy Savannah’s Cultural Festivals

Every year, Savannah plays host to many beautiful festivals and events during spring and fall.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Savannah are huge and attract a lot of tourists.

The Sidewalk Arts Festival, organized by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) takes place in April. Participants create beautiful chalk masterpieces in Forsyth Park. You can see them for free.

The NOGS Tour of Private Homes and Gardens also happens in spring, usually in April.

The Savannah Jazz Festival happens in September. There’s a Savannah Christmas Market from mid-November to the 1st of January.

Practical Information for Visiting Savannah, GA

Best time to Visit Savannah, Georgia

The best time to visit Savannah, Georgia, is in spring and early summer, i.e., between March and July.

After that, it starts getting very hot and muggy. Plus, there are big crowds because of school vacations.

However, spring is also when a lot of spring festivals happen. So, the city is usually full of culture enthusiasts who love these festivals.

Fall is another great time to visit Savannah. You may not see the beautiful fall colors (because Savannah’s trees are mostly evergreen), but you will get to experience lots of exciting festivals, such as the Bacon Fest and the Craft Brew Fest.

Winter (between December and February) is the low season in Savannah. While it rarely snows in Savannah, evenings might be chilly. Hotels and tours are cheaper – be sure to get a deal on those.

Getting around Savannah, Georgia

The best way to get around Savannah is on foot. Walking through Savannah’s 22 beautiful squares is the perfect way to see this city.

If you get tired of walking, you can explore Savannah on a bike or segway.

Hop into one of the buses of Chatham Area Transit (CAT) that has 15 fixed bus routes in Savannah and Chatham County. It is inexpensive and convenient.

There is also a free shuttle service called the DOT that connects visitors with parking, attractions, shops, and hotels in downtown Savannah and the historic district.

If you are coming from the airport, you need to take a cab o.

If you’re planning to drive around, I recommend parking your car and exploring the historic district on foot. Download the ParkSavannah app for easy payments.

Planning to visit out-of-town plantations from Savannah such as the Wormsloe, you will need a taxi. Hail an Uber or a Lyft. Or rent your own car and make day trips near Savannah, GA.

Here’s a map of Savannah’s historic district for your reference.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Savannah, GA

Here are a few helpful tips (a mix of things that I did and did not do) that will make your trip to Savannah absolutely memorable.

• Get a Savannah Tour Pass if you want to visit a lot of attractions and do a decent number of tours. Saves you money.

• Read the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. You can also watch the movie. But the book gives you serious wanderlust for this southern city.

• Read our post on the Most Incredible Facts about Savannah, GA to enjoy your trip some more.

• Savannah is an extremely walkable city because it is flat and level. I would highly recommend exploring the city on foot. So, get a good pair of walking shoes with you.

• Get bug spray and sunscreen. Savannah can be sunny even during the shoulder months. And you might encounter bugs at the plantations and cemeteries.

Experience more of Savannah, Georgia Read our posts on Perfect Savannah Itineraries | From spending one busy day in Savannah to enjoying a Savannah trip of 3 days, our itineraries are definitely going to wow you. Historic Sites and Haunted Houses | From notable historic sites and scary haunted houses, there’s a lot to do in Savannah, GA. Visiting Wormsloe Plantation | Grab this guide for visiting Wormsloe Plantation from Savannah. Savannah on a Budget | Free things to do in Savannah, GA that will help you plan a budget-friendly trip.

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