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Famous Landmarks in Savannah

Famous Landmarks in Savannah

Savannah Georgia, USA Travel Guide

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 splendid fountain, the lively River Street, Central Market, the scenic 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. Stores and eateries 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.
  • Open 24/7 and free to explore.

Popular Squares

  • Chippewa Square: Where Forrest Gump's bench scene occurred (bench now in museum).
  • Madison Square: Known for its historical landmarks 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 savoring 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 shows and African American Art.
  • Ships of the Sea Seafaring 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 particular times ahead of your visit.

Historical Sites

  • Mercer-Williams A Preserved home 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 views of the river ($10 adult fee).

  • Visiting Tips:

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

Natural Attractions & Hidden Gems

Beyond its city charm, Savannah has access to beautiful natural scenery 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 paths through maritime woods and salt marsh. Great for bird watching and hiking. ($5 park pass per vehicle).

  • Tybee Island Beaches

    Savannah's closest bevery destination (20-30 minute drive). Public beaches for swimming and getting a tan. Beach access is free, parking needs payment.

  • Wormsloe Tips

    Excellent for photo opportunities. Arrive early for fewer crowds. A peaceful place for a walk.

  • Skidaway Tips

    Trails are quite flat and easy. Good for every ability level. A wildlife 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 a museum that showcases African art and culture (mainly West and Central Africa). Has 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. Has a modern and engaging experience.

More Hidden Gems

Discover more unique, less-visited spots that present a different aspect 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 could be without 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 Old Town, 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 guests 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 joyful decorations around holidays.
  • Early mornings or late afternoons are often less crowded at popular sites.

Transportation

The Historical Quarter 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 travel 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 key attractions.

Practical Advice

  • Maps: Obtain a map from where you are staying or a visitor center.
  • Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
  • Weather: Be prepared for heat and humidity, especially in the summertime. 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 urban 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 in-demand tours or attractions, pre-booking tickets can save time and verify if it's available.

Guided Tours

Trolley Tours

  • A well-liked method to see the Old Town.
  • 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 streamlines your planning.

Attraction Tickets

Book tickets for Savannah'the key 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 heritage tours to be educated by local specialists.

Pre-Booking Benefits

Pre-booking guarantees your place, especially in the high season or for tours with limited capacity.

Recommended Booking Platform

GetYourGuide for Attractions

A leading service for booking tours, activities, and attraction tickets worldwide. Has 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 a boat with scenic riverboat cruises.

Book Riverboat Tours

Specialty Tours

Explore specific interests like culinary tours, custom 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, The Main market in the city, 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 has 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 special stores.
  • Attend a local event or festival if one is occurring during your visit.
  • Take breaks at the squares.
  • Read a book while enjoying the views.

Final Recommendation

Go at your own pace, 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 defining 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 excursions 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.

Outstanding Homes

  • The Sorrel Weed House: Known for its building design 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 Us 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 Gallery of Art (MOA) showcases contemporary art.
  • Student-run shops like shopSCAD present distinctive art and design products.

SCAD's presence gives 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.
  • Heritage events and festivals often have live music, dance, and traditional crafts.
  • Occasionally, local art studios offer workshops (e.g., painting, pottery).

These experiences put you in touch with the city's arts scene.

General Activity Planning

Comfortable Shoes

Have on comfortable shoes for walking; the cobblestone streets and numerous squares mean a lot of walking. Look at different choices 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, especially 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 particular occasions.
Famous Landmarks in Savannah. Attractions, Monuments, Sightseeing