If you are looking for great things to do in Savannah, GA, then you are in the right place!
Savannah! Even the name rolls off your tongue with a southern drawl. The quintessential city of the south, Savannah is a true gem.
Given all of the great things to do in Savannah, GA, it is no wonder that Savannah consistently makes the list of best cities in the United States.
Savannah, Georgia, is one of the prettiest, most elegant towns we have visited in this great county of ours.
Combine this beauty with the historical sites, great food, and southern hospitality of Savannah, GA, and you have the makings for a fabulous vacation.
Growing up in what we like to call the “true south” (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, etc), we know a thing or two about Southern food and Southern hospitality.
One of the facts about Texas that I love to share with people is that Texans are genuinely nice and know how to treat people.
I must admit that I was excited to experience the region that most people consider ‘the south’; you know, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Alabama.
Believe me when I tell you that Savannah, Georgia, did not disappoint.
I mean, one of the facts about Savannah is that it is the oldest city in Georgia, so of course, we will love it!
What we found here were thick Southern accents (very different from our Texas accents), great Southern comfort food (similar to ours in Texas), an intriguing history (including the Civil War and the Underground Railroad), great art galleries, and genuine Southern hospitality (just like home).
Although we flew to Savannah, GA, I could definitely see this great city on a Southern USA road trip as well!
No matter how you get here, I think Savannah, Georgia will win your heart!
*This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you. That Texas Couple is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Marty and I were guests of Savannah Taste Experience, Old Town Trolley Tours, and the Prohibition Museum. But no matter what, you know that we give honest reviews and all opinions are our own!
Let’s Connect on Social Media!
When to Visit Savannah
In researching when to visit Savannah, GA, Marty and I found that everyone’s favorite time seemed to be spring from March-June.
During the spring, Savannah has warm temperatures, and the city seems to be filled with blooming flowers, especially azaleas.
It is also during the spring that the city comes alive with festivals.
This causes spring to be Savannah’s high season meaning higher hotel prices and more crowds.
The second favorite time to visit Savannah, Georgia, seemed to be the fall, mid-September to mid-November.
The temperatures are nice and mild (low to mid-70s), and the city isn’t overly crowded during the fall.
This is actually the time that Marty and I chose to visit, and we can attest that this is true!
Personally, I would avoid the summer months July-September, just because of the heat.
This Texas Couple is certainly used to heat, but I can imagine that Savannah is much more humid than we are in Dallas-Ft. Worth.
If the summer is the only time you have available to go, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the heat and plan to spend some of your time indoors or in the water.
Where to Stay in Savannah
When deciding where to stay in Savannah, we vote unanimously for the Savannah historic district.
Sure, it is a little more expensive, but you will save time and money on transportation costs since most of the things to do in Savannah are in the historic district.
There are so many choices in the historic district you are sure to find the perfect place to suit your needs and taste.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a chain hotel, the perfect bed and breakfast, or a whole apartment; the historic district has you covered.
During our visit, we chose to stay in an Airbnb. We found the perfect one-bedroom apartment on Jones Street for our stay.
Our apartment had so much character and charm, with its exposed brick walls and wrought iron entry gate, it was such a lovely representation of Savannah’s charms.
Of course, there are several top-rated hotels in Savannah’s historic district for you to consider as well.
The Marshall House was built in 1851 and is now a beautiful hotel.
Another great option is Hamilton-Turner Inn which is located in the heart of the historic district on Lafayette Square.
The Eliza Thompson House is an adults-only romantic bed and breakfast that might just be perfect for your trip.
If you are looking for a more traditional hotel experience, then consider the Homewood Suites in the Historic District or Marriott Savannah Riverfront.
The Homewood Suites and the Marriott are great choices if you are visiting Savannah with kids!
Getting Around Savannah
If you have taken our advice and are staying in or near the Savannah historic district, then you will find that historic Savannah is easily walkable.
The majority of the items that we have included on our list of things to do in Savannah, Georgia, can be easily accessed by wandering around the city (which we highly recommend doing).
You will find that parking in the historic district can be challenging, so we recommend leaving your car (if you have one) at the hotel for the majority of your stay.
If you flew into Savannah, then you don’t really need a rental car.
The exceptions to this are if you plan to visit Tybee Island or the other couple of attractions that are further out of town.
If this is the case, then you could rent a car for those days or book a guided tour to take you to these attractions.
If you do find yourself needing a different mode of transportation than your two feet, then we recommend using Savannah’s free DOT Shuttle.
Marty and I found the shuttle to be very useful during our time in Savannah and used it for several days to escape the rain.
The shuttle has several stops throughout the historic district and is free to use!
Visit their website to find stops and route information.
Things to do in Savannah, GA
Tour Pass Savannah
If you are really wanting to explore Savannah, Georgia, then you might want to consider buying the Tour Pass Savannah.
This pass includes admission to over 30 of historic Savannah’s most popular attractions, historic sites, art galleries, and top tours, allowing you to save some money during your vacation.
The pass includes skip-the-line privileges and can be presented on your mobile phone, making it easy and convenient!
This is one of the best things to add to your itinerary no matter how many days in Savannah you are spending.
Discover the Squares
The city of Savannah, Georgia, was laid out around four open squares surrounded by four residential blocks and four civic blocks when the city was first designed in 1733.
This is just one of the many interesting facts about Savannah.
As Savannah grew, the concept of developing the city around these squares continued and resulted in Savannah having 24 historic squares.
While two of those squares were lost to city development, Savannah retains 22 of these original squares, and they are well worth a visit.
We found the squares of Savannah to be like little mini-parks in the city.
Every square we visited contained towering oak trees covered in Spanish moss, making them a great place to take a break from the Georgia heat.
Each seemed to have their own “personality” as well, making them unique in their own right.
The history associated with the squares and their surrounding neighborhoods is fascinating, and can learn about it on a Savannah walking tour.
Honestly, the walking tour was one of the best things we did to learn about the history of Savannah.
Eat Your Heart Out on a Savannah Food Tour
They say that food is the way to a man’s heart.
While I don’t know for sure about that, I do know that it is a surefire way to learn so much about the region that you are visiting.
Some of our fondest travel memories revolve around the food we experienced in that region.
Marty and I still talk about the gelato we ate in Italy and the fresh croissants that we bought each morning in France, and just thinking of beignets takes me right back to New Orleans.
Food is such a wonderful part of our lives, and our travel experiences, and a food tour is a great way introduction to the food and culture of a region.
We had the opportunity to be guests of the Savannah Taste Experience during our time in Savannah so we can tell you from personal experience-book this tour!
Savannah Taste Experience introduced us to many of historic Savannah’s best restaurants and cafes.
I’m talking amazing shrimp and grits from 22 Squares, savory pies from Pie Society, a pork belly donut slider from The Ordinary Pub, and authentic Irish food from Molly McPherson’s Irish Pub.
That wasn’t all, though; we also sampled a piece of the ‘best sandwich in Savannah’ with ‘shit yeah’ sauce from Zunzie’s before ending on a sweet note at Savannah Bee Company.
Trust me when I tell you that this Savannah food tour has you eating so much food!
So, wear your stretchy pants and be ready to indulge in great Savannah, Georgia cuisine.
Hands down, this was one of the best things we did in Savannah.
Get to Know the Town on a Savannah Trolley Tour
You can’t beat a good history tour when exploring a new city.
If you’ve been reading our blog for a while, then you know Marty loves a good hop-on, hop-off tour to get acclimated to a city.
I mean, we have taken them in London, Paris, and Dublin, just to name a few places, so of course, we might as well add Savannah, Georgia to that list.
Marty and I jumped on a tour with Old Town Trolley Tours on one rainy day in historic Savannah and loved it.
Not only do they take you around to all of the major historic sites in the city, but you get to learn some great facts about Savannah’s history along the way.
Of course, we also enjoyed the fact that we could hop off at any attraction we wanted.
We recommend booking with Old Town Trolley Tours when visiting Savannah, Georgia.
Get Scared on a Savannah Ghost Tour
Savannah definitely isn’t short on ghosts, which means it also has numerous ghost tours to choose from as well.
We saw ghost tours in hearses, walking ghost tours, pub crawl ghost tours, and even a horse and carriage ghost tour.
If there is a ghost tour you want, chances are Savannah probably has it.
Marty and I opted for a trolley ghost tour through Old Town Trolley Tours and had a great time.
After boarding our “ghost trolley” for the evening, we were whisked away into the night.
We drove through Savannah’s streets, hearing all about the ghostly hauntings surrounding us before making our way to the Andrew Lowe House for our ghostly tour.
Once inside, our guide led us through the house, telling us all about the history and hauntings that take place there. It was truly a fun adventure.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a true believer or a true skeptic (like me); ghost tours are a fun way to experience a different side of the city’s history and a fun way to make new friends.
I highly recommend you take one!
Explore River Street
Once home to cotton warehouses and cargo boats, and almost eliminated due to yellow fever, River Street holds many secrets to Savannah’s past.
Walking down Savannah’s 200-year-old cobblestone streets is a treat in itself today.
Stroll along, admiring the Savannah River views while popping into the many storefronts that line River Street.
Take note of the historic architecture of the buildings and notice the historical monuments that line the Savannah River paying tribute to Savannah’s past.
River Street is also a great place to grab a bite to eat while visiting Savannah, Georgia.
We enjoyed visiting Huey’s on the River and sinking our teeth into a delicious muffuletta sandwich. Huey’s made us feel like we were back in New Orleans.
Don’t leave without trying their praline-topped beignets!
River Street Sweets
No visit to Savannah is complete without heading to River Street Sweets.
One of the best things to try here is their pralines.
Be sure to enter through the right-hand door to get a sample of their world-famous pralines.
These pralines are the best that we have ever put in our mouths!
They are so sweet and buttery with an amazingly creamy texture and loaded with fresh pecans.
Delicious! Marty and I loved them so much that we purchased pralines three different times during our stay in Savannah.
If pralines don’t appeal to you, then don’t fret. River Street Sweets has plenty of other delicious sweets to choose from.
City Market
A visit to City Market is necessary on your visit to Savannah, Georgia.
What is City Market?
City Market is an area brimming with restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops just waiting for you to come and explore.
We found the City Market area to be a great place to just hang out and relax.
Forsyth Park
A trip to Savannah, Georgia, would not be complete without a visit to Forsyth Park.
Forsyth Park contains the stunning fountain pictured above, which is probably one of the most recognizable features in Savannah.
In addition to this beautiful fountain, Forsyth Park also provides beautiful green space perfect for an afternoon picnic or game of frisbee.
Combine that with all the gorgeous oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and you will probably fall in love with Forsyth Park.
Forsyth Park gets busy as the day progresses, so if you want to do a photoshoot here, then plan to get to Forsyth Park early!
While here, take a walk down Bull Street. Bull Street is one of the most important streets in Savannah, as Bull Street is home to many of Savannah’s government buildings and beautiful homes.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
While researching Savannah, I was surprised to see an ice cream shop appear repeatedly on everyone’s list. Being a lover of ice cream, I certainly was not mad about this.
Actually, the opposite; I was intrigued.
What is so special about this ice cream?
Research revealed that Leopold’s has been a Savannah staple for over 100 years.
Not only that, but it is said that Leopold’s invented the flavor Tutti Frutti.
Well, hearing all of this meant that I absolutely had to taste Leopold’s for myself.
I can tell you that after taking my first bite of their delicious buttered pecan ice cream, I instantly understood why Leopold’s is on everyone’s list of things to do in Savanah, GA.
Learn About Cluskey Vaults
We stumbled upon Cluskey Vaults as we went to the riverfront one day.
As I glanced down the cobblestone alley, I noticed some arched openings in the wall.
Pulling Marty along, we quickly learned that we were at the sight of Cluskey Vaults.
Architect, Charles Cluskey, completed the “vaults” in 1842.
They carried with them a lot of intrigue and mystery until recent archaeological digs revealed that they were used as storage units and possibly stores, not as holding areas for slaves as was once assumed.
Viewing the vaults will only take a few moments but should definitely be on your list of things to do in Savannah.
Check Out Factors Walk
While visiting the Cluskey Vaults, take a loop up and check out Factors Walk.
The footbridges you see connecting the buildings to the bluff are called Factors Walk.
These buildings were used to house men who would bale, factor, and sell cotton.
Those men, called factors, would use these walkways to go from the waterfront warehouses to places in the city to buy and sell cotton.
Today, the walkways allow locals and tourists to visit the shops and restaurants housed on the “backside” of these historic buildings.
Taste Some Honey
I had no idea what to expect when we walked into Savannah Bee Company.
I knew they would have honey, but I did not realize there were so many variations.
They have whipped honey, raw honey, Tupelo honey, and so much more!
After doing a fun tasting of their delicious honey, be sure and check out their other great products or continue your tasting in the back of the store with a mead tasting!
The mead was one of the best things in the store, for sure.
Don’t overlook it!
Take a Stroll Down the Prettiest Street in America
According to Southern Living Magazine, the prettiest street in America is in Savannah, Georgia.
I have to admit, I might agree with them.
Marty and I had the luxury of renting an Airbnb on Jones Street, so we strolled down it daily during our stay.
The beautiful historic homes on Jones Street peek out between the gorgeous oak trees dripping in Spanish moss that canopy over Jones Street.
One look and it is easy to see why this street earned its title.
Visit the Telfair Art Museum
Located in the historic area of Savannah, the Telfair Art Museum is a great addition to your list of things to do in Savannah, Georgia.
Founded through the estate of Mary Telfair, the Telfair Museum was the first public art museum in the southern United States.
Located in the Telfair Mansion, the museum houses a collection of over 4,500 art pieces. This is one of the great Savannah art galleries.
Wander Through a Cemetery
Believe it or not, Savannah’s cemeteries are some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Of course, part of this popularity can be attributed to the movie The Garden of Good and Evil.
The other part of their popularity is the many ghost tours that flock to the cemeteries to share stories of the deceased with interested participants.
Marty and I enjoy visiting cemeteries not only in their historical aspect but also in the peace and solitude that you can sometimes find in the midst of a busy city.
Adding a cemetery tour to your list of things to do in Savannah, Georgia, is a great way to learn more about Savannah’s history.
One of the most famous of Savannah’s cemeteries is Bonaventure Cemetery.
Bonaventure Cemetery became famous when featured in the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Bonaventure Cemetery was originally a private cemetery and is noted for its beautiful sculptures and tree-lined roadways.
Today people love to tour Bonaventure Cemetery to hear the stories and be in the beautiful space.
There are guided tours of Bonaventure Cemetery offered to visitors.
We recommend taking the Bonaventure After Hours tour if you are interested in the spooky side of the cemetery.
For those more interested in visiting the cemetery during the day, consider this private tour instead.
Explore History at Fort Pulaski
Located on Cockspur Island between Savannah and Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski is a must-see for those who love American history.
The port, constructed in the early 1800s, was originally designed to protect the port of Savannah.
Since then, it has played a major role in many historical events throughout America’s history, including the Civil War and serving as the final stop on the Underground Railroad.
Today visitors can visit the fort to learn all about its historical significance.
Indulge in a Wine Tasting
Of course, a wine tasting will be on my list of things to do in Savannah.
While I know you can taste wine at different places throughout the city, I wanted to give a special shout-out to The Georgia Tasting Room in City Market.
Their cute little chalkboard sign out front announcing “6 tastings for $3” immediately grabbed my attention.
I could not believe that they were offering a tasting for such a reasonable price.
So, why not?
I absolutely loved this little shop.
Not only did I get to taste great wines from Georgia, but I also purchased a delicious wine slushie that I could walk around town with.
Yes, you read that correctly; you can get your drink to go in Savannah.
Strolling around the historic drink with a beverage of your choice in your hand is completely legal.
The peach moonshine and sangria slushies were among the best things I have ever tasted!
Shop on Broughton Street
For those of you that love to shop ‘til you drop, then be sure that you head to Broughton Street during your visit to Savannah, Georgia.
Set amidst and inside the historic building on Broughton Street, you will find everything your heart could desire in a shopping experience, including everything from antique stores to boutique clothing shops.
Explore the Prohibition Museum
Did you know America’s only Prohibition Museum is in Savannah, GA? It’s true!
Right in the heart of City Market, you will find this little museum gem.
From the moment you enter, you know that you are in for a treat when you are greeted by costumed interpreters ready to introduce you to the era of prohibition in America!
Since reading The Great Gatsby in high school, I have been obsessed with this era in history.
I could imagine being a flapper girl, sneaking into all the speakeasy joints, and partying the night away!
Sorry, I digress!
Back to the Prohibition Museum.
Visitors are treated to a great display of artifacts, including photos, newspaper articles, and various vessels for hiding your liquor as they make their way through the museum galleries.
The museum also boasts the largest display of moonshine in the United States.
The best part of the museum is the speakeasy bar you wind up in toward the end of your tour.
Take time to enjoy a cocktail; they are fabulous!
Visit Wormsloe Historic Site
If you are looking for that perfect tree-covered road for your Instagram photo, you will probably want to add Wormsloe Historic Site to your list of things to do in Savannah, Georgia.
Wormsloe was the estate of Noble Jones, who arrived in Georgia in 1733 with the first group of settlers from England.
After Jones’ death, his descendants sustained Wormsloe until recent years when the state of Georgia purchased it.
A visit to Wormsloe today allows visitors to see the picturesque oak-lined road leading up to the old home site.
In addition, there are often costumed interpreters on hand to explain the site’s history.
You can also visit the museum with artifacts found at the Wormsloe site. We recommend this tour if you are interested in visiting Wormsloe.
Tour a Historic Home
Savannah is home to some beautiful historic homes, and there is no better way to get in touch with Savannah’s heritage than to tour these historic treasures.
The Mercer-Williams House, circa 1860, had its construction interrupted by the Civil War.
After completion in 1868, the home stood in its original state until 1969, when it underwent a 2-year restoration.
Today, visitors can enjoy viewing Williams’ private furniture collection and art displayed throughout the home.
The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters are another historic Savannah home.
Built in 1819, this home allows visitors to glimpse the lives of the homeowners and the enslaved who lived and worked on the site over 200 years ago.
The Sorrel Weed House is notorious for being the most haunted place in Savannah.
This home, which is 16,000 square feet, is also one of the largest houses in Savannah.
You have an option if you want to tour this home.
You can visit during the day and participate in a historical tour or come at night and be a part of the Haunted Savannah Ghost tour here every evening.
A fun fact about this house is that the opening scene from Forrest Gump (where the feather floats through the sky) was filmed from the rooftop.
Tour a Historic Church
Savannah is home to many churches and houses of worship, some of which carry a lot of historical importance.
Here are a couple to add to your Savannah list of things to do.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is the oldest Catholic church in Georgia.
This beautiful church is not only gorgeous on the outside, but the inside will take your breath away.
The cathedral’s interior mimics so many of the churches we saw in Europe.
Lined with ornate murals, beautiful architecture, and impeccable stained glass, this church is definitely worth a visit while you are in Savannah.
For a true taste of history, visit The First African Baptist Church.
This church is considered the oldest African-American congregation in the United States.
Its historical significance as a stop on the Underground Railroad brings tourists from far and wide to tour and learn all about this fabulous church.
Visiting this historic church is one of the best things you can do in Savannah.
Take a Riverboat Cruise
A Riverboat Cruise on the Savannah River is a great way to see Savannah through a different lens.
Visitors can choose from many cruise options, from a historical tour to a complete evening with dinner and dancing on the Savannah River.
Whichever you choose, a riverboat cruise is a great addition to your list of things to do in Savannah.
Take a Day Trip
If you have several days in Savannah and want to explore the surrounding area further, consider taking a day trip.
Tybee Island is a favorite for locals as it is close to historic Savannah and allows you to enjoy a day at the beach without wandering too far from town.
Tybee Island is just 20 minutes from Savannah, making it perfect for a quick escape from the city.
Tybee Island has so much to keep you busy, or you can relax the day away.
You can venture farther away and head to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina if you’re inclined. Hilton Head has great beaches, golf courses, fun museums, art galleries, and restaurants to explore.
A day trip to the beach is one of the best things to add to your Savannah itinerary!
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Savannah
Savannah is truly such a gorgeous town.
Whether you love history, art, food, or culture, you will surely find several things to do in Savannah that appeal to you.
We certainly did!
Comment below and tell us what we missed or what you enjoyed doing most during your time in historic Savannah.
Happy Travels, my friends!! May love and travel always go hand and hand with you!
Like this post? Please Pin It or share to your favorite social media!
You Might Also Like:
50 Free Things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth
Don Davies
Monday 6th of December 2021
Awesome! Savannah just has so much to offer if you ask me! I've really been looking for things to do in Savannah this weekend and my kids are already asking me where we will go! This guide will really help me and I'm really excited!
thattexascouple
Wednesday 8th of December 2021
Glad to hear that you found our guide useful. Thanks for checking it out!
Sharyn
Sunday 24th of October 2021
Lots of great things to do on this list. I think I would enjoy the wine tasting and honey eating the most!
thattexascouple
Sunday 24th of October 2021
Oh yes, Savannah is full of great places and the wine and honey were amazing!
Linnea Jordan
Saturday 23rd of October 2021
Love this post! I would also recommend the Paris Market in Savannah and the Pink House for dinner/drinks
thattexascouple
Sunday 24th of October 2021
Thank you for those recommendations, Linnea. We did visit the Paris Market, but did not make it to the Pink House...maybe next time!
Susanna
Saturday 23rd of October 2021
What a robust list of things to do in Savannah! Of course, I love a good wine tasting, but I think the best part looks like just walking around and taking in all the statues, architecture, and beautiful trees! Thanks for sharing
thattexascouple
Sunday 24th of October 2021
Savannah really is a beautiful city. We loved just walking around and exploring it! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
simplyjolayne
Saturday 23rd of October 2021
Love the idea of visiting in the Spring or Fall when the color on the trees has got to be amazing. Pretty sure I couldn't handle the heat or the humidity in the summer months either.
thattexascouple
Sunday 24th of October 2021
Yes, Savannah was gorgeous when we visited in the fall.