MileHacker Logo
Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Georgia, USA

Iconic Landmarks

Savannah's most recognized sights combine historical significance with visual appeal. These landmarks form the city's identity.

Famous locations include Forsyth Park with its grand fountain, the lively River Street, City Market, the picturesque Bonaventure Cemetery, and the numerous historic squares.

Features

  • Forsyth Park: 30-acre public park with a grand fountain. Free to enter.
  • River Street: Historic cobblestone street along the Savannah River with panoramic views. Shops and restaurants vary hours.
  • City Market: Open-air market square with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Free to walk.
  • Bonaventure Cemetery: Picturesque Victorian-era cemetery with moss-draped oak trees and ornate monuments. Daily 8 AM - 5 PM.

Historic Squares Overview

Features of the Squares

  • Savannah’s urban plan contains 22 of the original 24 public squares.
  • Each square possesses its distinct character, often with monuments or fountains.
  • Surrounded by historic homes and churches.
  • They present green oases for relaxation.
  • Offer insights into the city's planned development.
  • Always open and free to explore.

Popular Squares

  • Chippewa Square: Where Forrest Gump's bench scene occurred (bench now in museum).
  • Madison Square: Known for its monuments and historic buildings.
  • Lafayette Square: Home to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
  • Washington Square: Features a monument to Nathanael Greene.

Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the unique history of each square. They are ideal for relaxing or enjoying a picnic.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Telfair Museums: Savannah’s oldest public art museum, with three distinct sites: Jepson Center (contemporary art), Telfair Academy (American/European art), and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters (antebellum life).
  • SCAD Museum of Art (MOA): Contemporary art museum housed in a restored railroad complex. Features rotating exhibitions and African American Art.
  • Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum: Showcases Savannah's deep connection to the sea with ship models and maritime artifacts.
  • Admission for these museums varies, generally $10-$25 for adults. Check specific hours before visiting.

Historical Sites

  • Mercer-Williams House Museum:

    1860s Italianate mansion famous from "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Offers guided tours on architecture and residents' lives. ($12.50 adult fee).

  • Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace:

    Childhood home of the Girl Scouts founder. Guided tours explore her life and the house's architecture ($15 adult fee).

  • First African Baptist Church:

    One of North America's oldest African American Baptist churches, with Underground Railroad history ($10-$15 tour fee).

  • Old Fort Jackson:

    Historic fort on Savannah River, Georgia's oldest brick fortification. Offers cannon demonstrations and river views ($10 adult fee).

  • Visiting Tips:

    Check websites or call ahead for current tour times and availability for all historical sites.

Natural Attractions & Hidden Gems

Beyond its urban charm, Savannah presents access to beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor spaces. For those seeking to explore beyond the main tourist circuit, several unique and less-visited spots exist.

Natural Attractions

  • Wormsloe Historic Site

    Famous for its majestic avenue lined with over 400 ancient, moss-draped live oak trees. Features tabby ruins of a former plantation. ($10 adult fee).

  • Skidaway Island State Park

    Offers trails through maritime forest and salt marsh. Excellent for birdwatching and hiking. ($5 park pass per vehicle).

  • Tybee Island Beaches

    Savannah's closest beach destination (20-30 min drive). Public beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Beach access is free, parking needs payment.

  • Wormsloe Tips

    Ideal for photography. Arrive early for fewer crowds. A peaceful place for a walk.

  • Skidaway Tips

    Trails are relatively flat and easy. Good for all skill levels. A nature center is available.

  • Tybee Island Tips

    Visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. Check tide charts for water activities.

Isle of Hope

Historic waterfront community south of Savannah. Known for beautiful homes, quiet streets, and a charming marina. Stroll Bluff Drive for scenic river views.

Savannah African Art Museum

Smaller museum dedicated to African art and culture (mainly West and Central Africa). Presents an educational experience distinct from other Savannah museums.

Ghost Coast Distillery

Savannah's first distillery since Prohibition. Offers tours to learn about distillation of spirits (whiskey, vodka, gin) and tastings. Presents a modern and engaging experience.

More Hidden Gems

Discover more unique, less-visited spots that present a different side of Savannah.

  • Starland District: A revitalized neighborhood with art galleries, vintage shops, independent boutiques, and diverse local cafes and restaurants.
  • Colonial Park Cemetery: Savannah's oldest public cemetery (dating to 1750), offers a personal look at early inhabitants and interesting epitaphs.
  • When visiting hidden gems, remember they may not have the same visitor services as major attractions. Verify hours and plan transportation.

Planning Your Sightseeing

Effective planning makes a sightseeing experience more rewarding.

To maximize your time, group attractions by location or theme. Use walking tours for the Historic District, and transportation for further sites.

Best Times to Visit

Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) feature pleasant weather, ideal for walking. These are peak seasons, with more visitors and higher prices.

Off-Peak Advantages

  • Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, but fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates.
  • Winter (December-February): Cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and festive decorations around holidays.
  • Early mornings or late afternoons are often less crowded at popular sites.

Transportation

The Historic District is very walkable. For longer distances, several transportation options are available.

Getting Around

  • Free DOT Express Shuttle: Circulates around the Historic District and to River Street.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber/Lyft are widely available.
  • Trolley Tours: Hop-on, hop-off tours offer transport between main attractions (e.g., Old Town Trolley, Ghost Tours).

Visitor Information

Visitor centers have maps, brochures, and knowledgeable staff. Public restrooms are available at parks and major attractions.

Practical Advice

  • Maps: Obtain a map from your accommodation or a visitor center.
  • Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
  • Weather: Be prepared for heat and humidity, especially in summer. Carry water and use sun protection.
  • Insect Repellent: Useful during warmer months, especially near marshy areas.

Ticketing and Passes

Some attractions offer combination tickets or city passes for multiple entries. Evaluate if these suit your itinerary.

Consideration for Passes

  • Savannah Tour Pass: A digital pass offering access to several popular tours and attractions.
  • City Passes: Often provide savings if you plan to visit multiple paid sites.
  • Pre-booking: For popular tours or attractions, pre-booking tickets can save time and confirm availability.

Guided Tours

Trolley Tours

  • A popular way to see the Historic District.
  • Hop-on, hop-off formats allow exploring at your own pace.
  • Narrated tours share historical facts and anecdotes.

Walking Tours

  • Specialized walking tours, including ghost tours and architectural tours.
  • Intimate experiences for closer inspection of streets and squares.
  • Local guides often possess deep knowledge of history and folklore.

Attraction Booking

For booking attraction tickets and tours, considering a trusted platform simplifies your planning.

Attraction Tickets

Book tickets for Savannah's main attractions, museums, and historical sites in advance to save time and verify availability.

Guided Tours

Secure spots on popular walking tours, trolley tours, or specialized historical tours to learn from local experts.

Pre-Booking Benefits

Pre-booking guarantees your place, especially during peak seasons or for tours with limited capacity.

Recommended Booking Platform

GetYourGuide for Attractions

A leading platform for booking tours, activities, and attraction tickets worldwide. Presents a wide selection for Savannah.

Explore Savannah Attractions on GetYourGuide

Benefits of Using GetYourGuide

User reviews assist in choosing the right experience. Mobile tickets offer convenience.

Browse All Tours & Activities

Historic District Walking Tours

Find numerous walking tours focused on history, architecture, or ghost stories.

Discover Walking Tours

Riverboat Cruises

Experience Savannah from the water with scenic riverboat cruises.

Book Riverboat Tours

Specialty Tours

Explore specific interests like culinary tours, private tours, or ghost hunting experiences.

View Specialty Tours

Planning Your Itinerary

A well-structured itinerary maximizes your experience in Savannah. Group attractions geographically to reduce travel time.

Suggested Groupings

  • Historic District: Focus on squares, historic homes, and museums within walking distance.
  • Riverfront Area: Combine River Street, City Market, and riverboat activities.
  • Out-of-District: Plan half-day trips to Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormsloe, or Tybee Island.

Flexibility & Spontaneity

While planning helps, allowing for spontaneity presents unexpected discoveries. Savannah is a city to be explored at leisure.

Embrace Discovery

  • Wander off the main tourist paths to find hidden alleys, charming cafes, or unique shops.
  • Attend a local event or festival if one is occurring during your visit.
  • Take breaks at the squares.
  • Read a book while enjoying the scenery.

Final Recommendation

Take your time, enjoy the Southern charm, and let the city's unique ambiance unfold before you.

Every corner has a story, and every experience makes for lasting memories.

More Experiences

Ghost & Haunted Tours

Savannah's haunted reputation makes ghost tours a signature experience. Explore paranormal legends and history.

Tour Types

  • Guided walking tours through historic streets and cemeteries.
  • Trolley tours for a broader view of haunted sites.
  • Some tours include exclusive access to haunted locations.

Historic Home Tours

Beyond major museums, many privately owned historic homes open their doors. These offer a personal glimpse into antebellum life.

Famous Homes

  • The Sorrel Weed House: Known for its architecture and alleged hauntings.
  • The Green-Meldrim House: General Sherman's headquarters during the Civil War.
  • Guides share family histories and local anecdotes.

Gullah Geechee Culture

Seek tours or resources highlighting the history and culture of the Gullah Geechee people.

Experiences

  • Visit the First African Baptist Church, a historical community hub.
  • Local guides specialize in African American history tours.
  • Gain an important perspective on Savannah’s past.

The Gullah Geechee culture significantly influenced the Lowcountry region's culinary and artistic traditions.

SCAD Art & Design

Explore the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) buildings, galleries, and shops scattered throughout the city.

Artistic Explorations

  • SCAD Museum of Art (MOA) showcases contemporary art.
  • Student-run shops like shopSCAD present unique art and design products.

SCAD's presence adds a , contemporary artistic dimension to Savannah's historic setting.

Cultural Performances

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

Entertainment Options

  • Theaters host plays, musicals, and concerts.
  • Cultural events and festivals often feature live music, dance, and traditional crafts.
  • Occasionally, local art studios offer workshops (e.g., painting, pottery).

These experiences connect you with the city's arts scene.

General Activity Planning

Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable walking shoes; the cobblestone streets and numerous squares mean a lot of walking. Consider options like Comfortable walking shoes on Amazon.

Hydration

Especially during warmer months, carrying plenty of water is a good strategy to stay hydrated while exploring.

Sun Protection

Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are highly advisable, specifically when spending extended time outdoors.

Important Reminders

Always verify operating hours and admission fees directly with the attractions, as these may change seasonally or for special events.