The 8 must-see attractions in Savannah

Founded in 1733 along the Savannah River, Georgia’s oldest city and first capital has captivated visitors for nearly 300 years with its enchanting Spanish moss-draped trees. As one of the largest ports in the nation, it has earned the nickname the 'Hostess City' thanks to its friendly residents.

Savannah is best enjoyed on foot and boasts a warm climate for much of the year. The city hosts a vibrant array of annual events, including the lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations (one of the largest in the nation), New Year’s Eve festivities, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, and the Savannah Jazz Festival, making it an ideal destination for a quick weekend escape at any time of year.

No matter if it's your first visit or your fiftieth, these iconic Savannah experiences are sure to delight.

1. Discover the Historic District’s most iconic locations

Visiting Savannah’s magnificent house museums is a major attraction, largely thanks to a group of dedicated women in the 1950s who established the Historic Savannah Foundation to preserve these valuable homes from demolition. To date, they have successfully saved over 400 buildings, starting with the Davenport House.

Each historic home presents unique stories and significance. The Juliette Gordon Low House was once the home of the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, while the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home is where the acclaimed author spent her early years (and was famously rescued by Hollywood director Jerry Bruckheimer!).

The Mercer-Williams House is primarily recognized as the setting for the real-life events surrounding Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, a novel by John Berendt that centers on a murder case involving a member of Savannah's elite. Some of the homes can be explored through combination tickets.

2. Discover where Savannah celebrates along the Riverfront

A distinctive aspect of Savannah is that its waterfront lies along the Savannah River instead of the ocean. This nearly one-mile cobblestone area, once a warehouse district, is now a vibrant spot filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s an open container district, allowing you to stroll with a drink in hand, provided it’s in a 16-ounce plastic cup and within the historic district limits.

The liveliest time to visit is during St. Patrick’s Day, Savannah’s most significant annual celebration, when the river turns green and revelers don various shades of the color. Throughout the rest of the year, you can expect to see large container ships navigating their way to the ocean, as Savannah is one of the busiest ports in the country. To experience the river firsthand, hop aboard the traditional paddle boat stationed here for a cruise.

Detour: Significant developments have taken place on both sides of the Riverfront, particularly in the Plant Riverside District, a repurposed power plant that has transformed into a vast complex featuring various restaurants, the JW Marriott hotel (home to a remarkable collection of fossils and minerals), and shopping opportunities. Across the river, the Thompson Savannah marks the brand's debut in Georgia, with both hotels offering rooftop bars for breathtaking views of Savannah’s famed sunsets.

3. Indulge in the distinctive cuisine of Coastal Georgia

Like many southern cities, Savannah is renowned for its culinary delights. While you'll find classic favorites like fried chicken and barbecue, the city's cuisine is also enriched by its coastal location and the influences of the Gullah and Geechee people—descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the US.

Commonly enjoyed dishes feature seafood and local vegetables. If it's your first visit, don't miss trying two signature rice dishes: Savannah red rice and country captain. Savannah red rice combines pork and rice simmered in chicken broth with the essential trio of celery, onion, and pepper. Country captain resembles a chicken curry. For a taste of local beverages, try the Chatham Artillery Punch, a potent concoction of cognac, rum, champagne, and bourbon, said to have originated here.

Planning tip: Some of the top spots to savor these dishes include Sisters of the New South, The Grey—frequently recognized as Savannah's finest restaurant—and 2 Chefs Gullah Geechee Soul Food. Be sure to make reservations when possible.

4. Discover the city’s haunted history

With its rich history, Savannah is filled with ghost stories, best experienced on one of the ghost tours that operate through the historic district most nights. These tours vary in their content, with some suitable for families and others intended for adults only, focusing on eerie tales and dark history. There’s even a tour that takes adventurous visitors around in a hearse!

You’ll find numerous cemeteries in the area, but none is more famous than Bonaventure, located just a short drive from downtown. Established as a burial site in 1846 on former plantation land, this sprawling Victorian cemetery, which spans over 100 acres, is renowned for the graves of songwriter Johnny Mercer and Poet Laureate Conrad Aiken, as well as soldiers from the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Keep in mind it’s an active cemetery, so approach your visit with respect.

Colonial Park Cemetery is another essential stop, founded in 1750 and home to over 9,000 graves. It ceased burials within a decade and was transformed into a city park. Here, you can seek out the graves of notable figures such as Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the painter Edward Malbone.

For those with a taste for the unusual, the Graveface Museum on Factors Walk, overlooking River Street, is worth a visit. It boasts an extensive collection of artifacts from sideshows, cult leaders, serial killers, and medical curiosities. Your admission also grants access to the museum’s arcade, featuring classic pinball and video games.

5. Revisit your favorite films and TV shows

The breathtaking landscapes of Savannah have made numerous appearances on both film and television, allowing you to recreate your favorite moments if you know where to go. Many visitors search for the Forrest Gump bench in Chippewa Square, where iconic storytelling scenes were shot, but it’s actually located at the Savannah History Museum.

The renowned “Bird Girl” statue, which adorned the cover of the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, became a popular attraction for tourists and has since been relocated to the Telfair Academy.

The Civil War film Glory transformed River Street into antebellum Boston and utilized the Georgia Railroad Museum as army barracks. Tybee Island has also been featured in several films, including The Last Song and Baywatch.

6. Relax beneath the oaks in the public squares and parks

What makes Savannah unique is its grid layout featuring public squares interspersed throughout the city. There are 22 parks, each boasting its own story and characteristics. For instance, Franklin Square is named after statesman Benjamin Franklin and once housed the city’s water tower. Johnson Square features a monument dedicated to Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene, while Wright Square honors Yamacraw chief Tomochichi with its own monument.

Planning tip: Regardless of which square you visit, it's an ideal place to have a picnic or immerse yourself in a good book, possibly by a local author. Forsyth Park hosts a weekly farmers market where you can grab pastries and coffee. On other days, consider grabbing takeout from Zunzi’s, Collins Quarter, or “Fancy Parker’s,” a trendy gas station downtown famed for its fried chicken.

7. Browse the city's boutiques for unique souvenirs

Broughton Street is the ultimate destination for retail therapy, yet you'll discover fantastic locally-owned shops throughout the city. At Chocolat by Adam Turoni, indulge in beautifully crafted sweets, while The Paris Market features exquisite European antiques and gifts, complete with a cozy cafe for your caffeine fix.

Find your copy of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (or any book that piques your interest) at local favorites The Book Lady and E. Shaver Booksellers, two beloved shops in town. Explore City Market for a variety of goods, including bath products, jewelry, art, and sweetgrass baskets. At Starland Strange and Bazaar, enjoy browsing through stickers and clothing, then treat yourself to ice cream from their counter.

8. Explore the barrier islands and coastal areas

Take a day trip to discover the stunning coastline of the area. Tybee Island is a favored destination for beachgoers, boasting three miles of sandy shore and numerous public access points. The island is famous for its iconic lighthouse, vibrant art galleries, and quirky restaurants like The Crab Shack, a seafood eatery nestled among the trees.

Located on Cockspur Island, Fort Pulaski National Monument is a coastal fort built after the War of 1812. Even if history isn't your passion, the sprawling 200-acre grounds are perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. From here, you can also catch a glimpse of the now water-surrounded Cockspur Island Lighthouse.

The stunning Avenue of Oaks at Wormsloe Historic Site on the Isle of Hope draws many visitors, but the site offers much more to explore. Enjoy an onsite museum and trails that lead to the remains of a former plantation home made from tabby, a unique material crafted from crushed shells.

Detour: A worthwhile follow-up is a visit to the Pin Point Heritage Museum, which shares the rich history of the local Gullah-Geechee community in a repurposed oyster processing plant. Many of the ancestors of the Pin Point residents worked in the seafood industry.