What to do in Savannah
Savannah, Georgia is a southern city rich in history and culture, and perfectly suited for romantic getaways, family vacations and everything in between. Whether you want to explore the area’s historical past, roam the cobblestone streets looking for new culinary experiences, or simply experience life in the south, there’s something in Savannah for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best things to do while in Savannah.
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Explore Landmarks and Historic Sites
Savannah is home to some of the South’s most impressive colonial-era sites — regardless of the time of year, a visit to the city will provide you with abundant opportunities to get a glimpse of the past.
Start by touring some of the city’s thirty-two public squares, which have been preserved since the city’s founding in 1733. Many of these parks feature monuments or sites of historical and/or cultural importance, like the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist which dates back to 1799, Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump’s bench sits, and Wright Square, which was once the site of executions.
Otherwise, explore Colonial Park Cemetery, which contains graves from the city’s earliest days in the early 1700s, or Bonaventure Cemetery, one of the South’s most photogenic cemeteries thanks to its mature live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
If you’re looking for an educational experience, plan a visit to River Street Market located on Savannah’s riverfront and explore a variety of booths and craft vendors. The city has been instrumental in preserving its rich history and culture by preserving a portion of its original historical district — Old Town. Old Town is packed full of celebrated cultural landmarks, like The Pink House and the Pirate’s House, both of which have a unique and fascinating story to tell.
When you’re looking for some fresh air and want to escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown, take a drive to Wormsloe Plantation. The site is located just a few miles from downtown Savannah and features beautifully restored villas, lush gardens and plenty of trails to explore.
Sample the Regional Cuisine
No trip to Savannah would be complete without sampling some of the area’s delectable dishes. Head to The Olde Pink House for some authentic Southern-style fare cooked up by city natives. The restaurant is known for its refined atmosphere and specialty dishes like Low Country Shrimp & Grits and Georgia Mushroom Mornay. Best of all, the restaurant overlooks Reynolds Square, making it a great place to take in the sights while enjoying a delicious meal.
If you’re looking for something more casual, look no further than Crystal Beer Parlor — one of Savannah’s oldest restaurants. Here you can relax with a beer or cocktail on the outdoor patio and enjoy classic staples like Cajun meatloaf and hand-cut onion rings. For something even simpler, run by Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for some hearty home cooking. The restaurant is popular with both locals and visitors alike; it usually has long lines throughout lunch hours so make sure to arrive early!
Discover Outdoor Adventures
Savannah is renowned for its beautiful aquatic scenes and lush marshlands. Here you can find plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration — kayaking or fishing along the coastal wetlands; camping or swimming at Tybee Island; or just lounging on a beach chair at Tybee Island Beach — Savannah truly has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider doing a chartered fishing trip down on Isle of Hope. Fishing enthusiasts can bait their lines in the nearby river and have a chance at catching sharks, rays and plenty of other sea life.
Travel With Locals
If you want to learn more about Savannah’s unique culture, consider joining up with an experienced local guide for an unforgettable tour around town. There are plenty of companies offering interesting tours like Chippewa Square Segway Tour which takes you around town on a Segway; Tricentennial Trolley Tour which explores some of Savannah’s top historical landmarks such as the Pink House and more; or if you’re feeling daring, Savannah Elite Tour offers exciting behind-the-scenes Ghost Tours which explore hidden stories of haunted sites throughout town while keeping even the bravest entertained !
You can also embark on an educational journey around town that focuses on some of Savannah’s culinary delicacies — join Savannah Taste Experience for a tour that takes you around some of Savannah’s top restaurants for an inside look at their local specialties. Or if you’re into cigars, join Savannah Cigar Crawl Rogues Rascals and Heroes tour and get to try out some great cigars as you stroll around Savannah’s best bars and nightclubs.
No matter what you choose to do while in Savannah, what’s important is that you get out there, explore and enjoy all that this unique city has to offer!
