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Activities & Experiences

Activities & Experiences

Georgia, USA

Outdoor Adventures

Savannah and its surrounding areas present opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, especially for those appreciative of natural beauty and active pursuits.

Water & Wildlife Activities

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Explore the serene Lowcountry marshes. Outfitters near Savannah and Tybee Island present rentals and guided tours. See dolphins, marsh birds, and manatees.

Dolphin Tours

Boat tours from Tybee Island to spot wild dolphins. Eco-friendly tours focus on observing without disturbing.

Fishing Charters

Deep-sea or inshore fishing trips from coastal marinas. Catches include redfish, trout, and flounder.

Land-Based Exploration

  • Cycling: Rent bicycles and explore the Historic District. Tybee Island has paved bike paths for relaxed rides.
  • Hiking: Skidaway Island State Park offers flat trails through maritime forest and salt marsh. Wormsloe Historic Site has trails past tabby ruins.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Spot various bird species, turtles, and alligators (from a safe distance) in parks and marshy areas.
  • Outdoor Activity Tips: Carry water, use sun protection, and apply insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.

GetYourGuide Experiences

  • Find a wide range of activities in Savannah.
  • Book online for convenience.
  • Read reviews from other travelers.
  • Mobile tickets frequently available.

Featured Adventures

  • Savannah Dolphin & History Cruise.
  • Tybee Island Kayak Eco-Tours.
  • Historic District Bicycle Rentals.
  • Skidaway Island State Park Guided Hikes.

Booking Your Adventure

Safety First

Always heed local warnings and guidelines, especially concerning wildlife and water safety. Verify weather conditions before outdoor activities.

Cultural Immersion

Savannah's culture is rich and diverse. Opportunities exist to explore its history and local artistic expressions.

Haunted History

  • Ghost Tours: Savannah is renowned for ghost stories. Numerous companies offer walking or trolley tours exploring paranormal legends.
  • Highly recommended: Consider a Savannah Ghost and Gravestones Tour for a comprehensive, entertaining experience.
  • Historic Home Tours: Many privately owned historic homes open for tours, presenting a personal glimpse into antebellum life.
  • Guides frequently share family histories and local anecdotes.

Arts & Traditions

Gullah Geechee Experiences

Seek tours or resources highlighting the history and culture of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans.

SCAD Exploration

Explore Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) buildings, galleries, and shops for unique art and design products.

Cultural Performances

Check local listings for performances at venues like the Lucas Theatre for the Arts or the Savannah Theatre.

Theater & Live Shows

Attend a musical or play at the Historic Savannah Theatre or catch a larger performance at the Savannah Civic Center.

Art Workshops

Inquire with local art organizations or hotels about workshops in painting, pottery, or Southern cooking.

Language Immersion

While English is spoken, engaging with the local Southern dialect and phrases presents a subtle form of cultural immersion.

Relaxation & Wellness

Savannah presents opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst your explorations. Take time to unwind and recharge.

Mind & Body Relaxation

  • Spa and Wellness Centers: Many luxury hotels present full-service spas. Independent spas throughout the city also exist.
  • Beach Access: Spend a relaxing day at Tybee Island’s beaches for a calming escape from city life.
  • Yoga and Meditation: Several yoga studios in and around the Historic District offer drop-in classes.
  • Traditional Healing Practices: Independent practitioners may offer services like acupuncture or holistic therapies.

Green Spaces for Calm

Parks and Gardens

Forsyth Park presents a tranquil environment for a leisurely walk, reading, or simply sitting on a bench.

Historic Squares

The city's numerous squares offer peaceful oases for quiet contemplation amidst urban exploration.

Riverfront Strolls

A peaceful walk along the Savannah River can be a relaxing end to a day of sightseeing.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Many bars and restaurants on River Street and City Market feature live music, ranging from blues to jazz. Check the Lucas Theatre for larger concerts.

Theater & Performances

The Historic Savannah Theatre offers live musical performances. The Savannah Civic Center hosts larger touring shows.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

River Street and City Market have concentrations of lively bars. Savannah's open-container law permits "to-go" cups for alcoholic beverages in the Historic District.

Shopping & Markets

Savannah presents a diverse shopping landscape, from traditional markets to unique boutiques and artisan crafts. Finding souvenirs or something special is simple.

Local Shopping

  • Traditional Markets: City Market (open-air, souvenirs, local art) and Forsyth Park Farmers Market (Saturdays, local produce, artisan products).
  • Artisan Workshops and Crafts: Thriving arts community influenced by SCAD. Independent galleries and studios present unique, handcrafted items.
  • Luxury & Boutique Shopping: Broughton Street presents national retailers and local boutiques. River Street offers souvenir shops.
  • Ethical Shopping: Support local, independent businesses to directly benefit the Savannah economy. Look for authentically made local items.

Souvenir Recommendations

Sweet Treats

Pralines (local sweet treat) from River Street Sweets or Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. Sweet Tea Mixes to take home.

Local Creations

Southern Cookbooks, local art (paintings, prints, crafts), or Savannah-themed apparel.

Ghost Tour Memorabilia

T-shirts, books, or trinkets related to Savannah’s haunted history.

Shipping Options

Major parcel services (UPS, FedEx, USPS) are available for shipping large or numerous items home.

Customs Information

For international visitors, awareness of home country customs regulations for value and type of goods is advised. Keep receipts.

Shopping Tip

If you find something unique, consider buying it locally rather than waiting. Unique artisan items may not be available elsewhere.

Further Shopping Exploration

Specific Shopping Areas
  • City Market: Focus on local arts, crafts, and quirky gifts.
  • Broughton Street: Mix of national brands and local boutiques for fashion and home goods.
  • River Street: mainly souvenirs and sweet shops (pralines!).
Art & Collectibles
  • Antique Stores: Numerous options, especially outside the core Historic District.
  • Art Galleries: SCAD-related galleries and independent spaces showcase diverse artistic styles.
  • Handcrafted Items: Look for pottery, jewelry, and textiles made by local artisans.

Final Shopping Advice

Shopping in Savannah is an experience in itself. Take your time, discover unique treasures, and enjoy the charm of local commerce.

Activity Planning Summary

Top Activity Categories

  • Outdoor Adventures: Explore the Lowcountry with kayaking, dolphin tours, or cycling.
  • Cultural Immersion: Engage with history via ghost tours, historic home visits, or Gullah Geechee experiences.
  • Relaxation & Wellness: Unwind at spas, on Tybee Island beaches, or in tranquil city parks.
  • Entertainment & Nightlife: Enjoy live music, theater, and lively bars on River Street.

Strategic Planning Points

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for Savannah’s streets and extensive walking tours.
  • Be mindful of the weather; hydration and sun protection are advisable, especially in warmer months.
  • Consider pre-booking popular tours and experiences, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
  • Explore booking platforms like GetYourGuide for a comprehensive range of activities and easy booking.