Free Things To Do In Savannah Ga

Savannah is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Located along the coast of Georgia, it is known for its charming cobblestone streets, sprawling oak trees, and historic architecture. Savannah has a rich and diverse history, with many sites and attractions that are free to explore. In this guide, we’ll share the best free things to do in Savannah that will make your trip unforgettable.

History and Culture of Savannah

Savannah is a city steeped in history and culture. Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe as the first city in the new colony of Georgia, it quickly became an important port city for the American colonies. During the Civil War, it was occupied by Union troops under General William Tecumseh Sherman. The city was spared destruction, and its many historic buildings have been preserved.

Today, Savannah is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and friendly Southern hospitality. There are countless attractions and activities to explore, many of which are free.

River Street

River Street is one of the most popular attractions in Savannah. This historic waterfront street runs along the Savannah River and is lined with many shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, and more. River Street is a great place to take a stroll, grab a bite to eat, browse the shops, or just take in the views of the river.

At night, River Street comes alive with music and street performers. It’s a great place to catch some live entertainment or just people watch. River Street is also home to many of Savannah’s festivals and events, including St. Patrick’s Day, Fourth of July fireworks, and Mardi Gras.

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is one of Savannah’s most beloved parks. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The 30-acre park features lush gardens, winding paths, fountains, and monuments. It’s a great place to take a stroll or relax on one of the benches and enjoy the green views.

Forsyth Park also hosts many events throughout the year such as concerts, festivals, and art shows. During spring and summer, it’s a great spot to catch some live music or watch street performers. It’s also home to one of Savannah’s most famous landmarks: the iconic Forsyth Park fountain.

Free Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore Savannah is on foot. There are several free walking tours offered throughout the city that will take you around to some of the most famous sights. These tours will give you a unique perspective on the city and its history.

One of the most popular walking tours is the Savannah History Tour. This two-hour tour takes you through some of Savannah’s most historic neighborhoods and sites such as Franklin Square, Colonial Park Cemetery, Chippewa Square, and more. This tour offers a great way to learn about the city’s past while exploring some of its most beautiful sites.

Another popular tour is the Haunted Pub Crawl. This tour takes you around some of Savannah’s most haunted bars and pubs while telling tales of ghosts and other paranormal activity that have been reported in these locations over the years. This tour will give you a unique perspective on Savannah’s spooky side.

Famous Squares

Savannah is well known for its many squares that are scattered throughout the city. These squares have been around since the city’s founding in 1733, and each one has its own unique story and history. These squares are great spots to relax or people watch and enjoy the views of the city.

One of the most famous squares is Chippewa Square, which was made famous in Forrest Gump as the spot where Forrest famously sat on a bench and told his story to passersby. This square is also home to a statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah.

Another popular square is Ellis Square. This square is named after Henry Ellis, who served as governor of Georgia from 1790-1798. Ellis Square is home to several statues honoring Georgia’s past governors as well as a historic fountain that dates back to 1858.

Popular Tours

If you’d like to explore more of Savannah on your own or with a guide, there are many tours offered throughout the city. These tours are a great way to learn more about Savannah’s rich history and culture while exploring some of its most interesting sights.

One popular tour is a guided trolley tour of Savannah’s historic downtown district. This tour takes you around to some of Savannah’s most famous sites such as Forsyth Park, City Market, River Street, and more while learning about the city’s history from a knowledgeable guide. You can book this tour directly on Viator, where you can find many other great tours as well.

Another popular tour is a guided walking tour of Savannah’s famous squares such as Chippewa Square, Ellis Square, Johnson Square, and more. This tour takes you around to some of Savannah’s oldest squares while learning about their histories from a local guide who will give you an insider perspective on the city’s past. You can book this tour directly on GetYourGuide, where you can find many other great tours as well.

Conclusion

Savannah is an incredible city full of history and culture. There are countless sights and attractions to explore, many of which are free. From River Street to Forsyth Park to the city’s many historic squares, there’s something for everyone in Savannah. Whether you want to take a guided tour or explore on your own, there are plenty of free things to do in Savannah that will make your trip unforgettable.