14 FUN THINGS TO DO IN SAVANNAH
Fall in love with the charm and southern hospitality of Savannah, Georgia. If you’ve always wanted to explore an iconic southern American city, you need to visit Savannah. It’s my new favorite city in the South, and if you haven’t been yet – you’re in for a treat! Here are 14 fun things you must do on your first visit to Savannah.
1. Wander through Forsyth Park
A stroll through Forsyth Park is the perfect way to start your day in Savannah. Forsyth Park has a stunning fountain in the middle of the square that was actually modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Forsyth Park has a majestic feeling about it that makes it irresistibly romantic. We saw a wedding setting up here and another couple get engaged all in the 20 minutes we were at Forsyth Park!
2. Hop on a Trolley Tour
If you’re like me, and you want to see as much as possible on a trip, consider taking a trolley tour. It’s a great option to see more of the city in an efficient amount of time.
Both Old Town Trolley Tours and Old Savannah Tours have trolley tours that share stories of Savannah’s historic sites. The trolley’s have 15 different stops and you can hop off the trolley whenever you want to do some more exploring.
3. Go Antiquing
If you’ve never been antiquing before there’s no better place than Savannah to start. Savannah has an appreciation for all things historical, and they love retaining and refurbishing their history. Savannah alone has over 20 antique stores for every style and taste. My two antique store recommendations are Alex Raskin’s Antiques and Wright Square Vintage & Retro Mall.
1. Alex Raskin’s Antiques
Picture an unrestored antebellum mansion with one-of-a-kind international antiques from around the world – that’s Alex Raskin’s Antiques. The oldest piece is from the 1500s, and the newest is from 1967. Alex Raskin’s Antiques is a bit of a secret spot in Savannah that can’t be missed if you want to see some truly unique antiques in a beautiful historic mansion.
2. Wright Square Vintage & Retro Mall
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to bring back home, you’ll find it at Wright Square Vintage & Retro Mall. I loved this store because they have price ranges for all budgets. I picked up a vintage camera for just $40 that I love!
4. See a Stunning Cathedral
One glimpse of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Europe. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Savannah with towering spires and over 80 stained glass windows.
The exterior is stunning, but if you’re looking to visit inside the church, is open for visitors Monday-Saturday – 9:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M and 12:45 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
5. Explore Bonaventure Cemetery
When the words “death” and “beautiful” are used in the same sentence, chances are likely you’re describing the Bonaventure Cemetery. I know it’s a bit strange to have a cemetery on the list of “fun things to do”, but it’s truly one of the most hauntingly beautiful experiences in Savannah.
Bonaventure was previously a plantation and became a cemetery in 1846. Because of its beauty, locals used it as a park for Sunday strolls and picnics. Today it’s still free to wander through the cemetery, or you can reserve a tour to learn the history and mystery behind Bonaventure here.
Bonaventure Cemetery’s tourism grew with the popularity of the bestselling novel, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The statue featured on the cover of the book, known as Bird Girl, was originally from the cemetery, but later it moved to a local museum.
6. Walk Under a Canopy Spanish Moss
Wormsloe Historic Site has a paved avenue lined with oak trees covered in Spanish moss. When the sunlight hits the Spanish moss just right you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
The pathway leads up to a colonial estate. I’ll be honest and admit to you that I didn’t drive up to the estate because we were limited on time. However, we did still pay the required entrance fee of $10 per person to snap photos of the oak tree-lined avenue.
Admission is required even if you just want to take photos of the avenue because of the high maintenance cost it requires to keep this area looking as beautiful as it does.
7. Try a Homemade Praline
A praline is to Savannah as beignets are to New Orleans. You can’t leave without trying one! I loved the hand-dipped pralines at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen along the riverfront. I got lucky and had one fresh out of the oven while it was still warm and chewy.
8. Explore the Beautiful Homes
Savannah has some of the oldest homes in the country, dating as far back as the mid 1700’s. Part of the fun of Savannah is just to wander around the Historic District and see these homes for yourself. If you visit during Halloween or Christmas, they’ll be decked out in holiday-themed decor too! My top three homes you must see are below with their exact locations.
1. Gingerbread House
This stunning house is one of the best examples of Steamboat Gothic architecture in America – too bad it’s not edible! If you’re planning a wedding anytime soon, the Gingerbread House is one of Savannah’s most sought-out wedding venues.
Location | 1921 Bull Street Savannah, GA
2. Magnolia Hall
This beautiful three-story mansion looks as though it is straight out of the cover of the October edition of Southern Living.
Location | 507 Whitaker St, Savannah, GA
3. Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row in Savannah is a collection of charming pastel-colored row homes with Victorian-era architecture. Charleston is famous for its Rainbow Row, but in my opinion, this one in Savannah is much more charming!
Location | 508 E Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401
9. Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour
Find out why Savannah continues to be called “America’s Most Haunted City”. Even if you’re a skeptic of ghost tours, they’re still a fun way to hear about the stories of Savannah.
I would not recommend the Ghost tour we took. It was unorganized and did not live up to its promise on its website. Instead, I would encourage you to look into booking these ghost tours other travel bloggers have recommended.
Genteel & Bard – Ghost Encounter Tour
10. Watch the Sunset at a Rooftop Bar
There’s something so fun about rooftop bars. You see the city in a new way (literally) and it’s a relaxing way to end a busy day of sightseeing. ! Here are my top three recommendations for the best rooftop bars in Savannah.
1. The Grove
I loved The Grove for their fun summer drinks. They have popsicles in glasses of prosecco and a massive 162 oz. Moscow Mule – both are very insta-worthy!
2. Peregrin Savannah
The Peregrin is my favorite rooftop for a chic and trendy atmosphere with a beautiful view of the Savannah cityscape during sunset. This rooftop bar has so many little charming details – like the astroturf where you can play a game of bocce ball.
3. Rocks on the Roof
This rooftop has great views of the Savannah River with a cozy fire pit and live music. It’s fun to watch the barges float in and out of the harbor. Rocks on the Roof has specialty cocktails and creative tapas dishes, such as crab cake hush puppies.
11. Sail on a Riverboat Cruise
For a relaxing introduction to Savannah, you can book tickets during sunset on the Georgia Queen riverboat. I loved the classic look of the three-story replica riverboat decked out in American flags.
Once you’re on board, the captain will give a brief history of Savannah and its ports as you sail along. You can find more information about Savannah Riverboat Cruises and the Georgia Queen here.
12. Thin Mints or Samoas?
Any other former Girl Scouts out there? *Raises hands* A popular stop is visiting the founder of the Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low’s, birth house and learning how the global Girl Scout movement was founded. The Birthplace celebrates Juliette’s remarkable legacy of the Girl Scouts that still lives on today.
Here’s a story the tour guides might not tell you is that the house is rumored to be haunted! Staff members and guests have reported hearing the sounds of footsteps and the apparition of Nelly Gordon, Juliette’s mother. Nelly is often seen peering out a window, sitting at the dining room table in her robe, or heard softly playing the piano.
13. Dinner with a Side of History
The Olde Pink House is my #1 restaurant recommendation for Savannah! It serves upscale Southern dishes in a Colonial-era house that’s of course – pink! A fun little fact – the restaurant wasn’t intended to be pink when it was first built in 1771, but the red brick bled through the white plaster that covered it.
I’d recommend booking a table for your first night in Savannah, or your last night if you want to end your trip on a high note.
What to Drink? Order the Pink Lady, the restaurant’s signature cocktail, made with sweet lemonade with raspberry-infused vodka.
What to Eat? I first heard about the Olde Pink House from a Food Network special that spotlighted their “BLT” Salad with fried green tomatoes and the Low Country She Crab Soup. Both were absolutely delicious! If you’ve never had true southern fried green tomatoes, you need to try them here!
14. Ice Cream at Leopold’s
This isn’t just the best ice cream in Savannah, Leopold’s is seriously some of the best ice cream in America! Its decor is reminiscent of a classic ice cream parlor which makes it all the more charming. The popular flavors here are their tutti frutti, chocolate chewies & cream, and Savannah socialite.
Photo-Worthy Spots in Savannah
Thunderbird Inn
This classic roadside motel that’s right off the exit to downtown Savannah is the unofficial landmark that welcomes everyone to Savannah. The Thunderbird Inn’s bright colors and the vintage sign is the perfect photo spot. Around the corner of the Inn you’ll see a painted “Welcome to Savannah” mural. You can’t miss it!
Cocktails at the Little Duck Diner
Looking for a restaurant that’s all it’s quacked up to be? I was all about the vintage chic vibes of the Little Duck Diner. The diner is retro-inspired from floor to ceiling and serves diner classics with a modern twist.
What to Drink? For drinks that are too ducking cute, you need to order the Hari Kari bloody mary or the lavender bubble bath bellini. Both drinks come with a rubber duck floating on top. My choice is the lavender bubble bath bellini. The foam at the top of this drink makes for the perfect photo.
What to Eat? I loved the diversity of the menu here with everything from omelets to grilled cheeses. I had the Norwegian smoked salmon grilled cheese with a cup of tomato soup – so good!
Where to Shop in Savannah
With so many charming boutiques, you’ll have fun in Savannah if you love to shop. My top three recommendations of unique stores in Savannah are Satchel, The Paris Marketplace, and the Savannah Bee Company.
Savannah Bee Company
The Savannah Bee Company offers specialty honey and beauty products made with beeswax to naturally cleanse and hydrate your skin. Part of the company’s mission is to educate consumers about the importance of beekeeping and restore the honeybee populations worldwide.
Satchel
Satchel is a custom handbag and leather goods boutique founded by a graduate of SCAD (Savannah College for Art and Design). They have high-end leather accessories that range from travel bags, handbags, wallets, cuffs, and tassels. Guests have the option to design their own custom leather bag inside the store – so unique and fun!
The Paris Market
The Paris Market in downtown Savannah is a slice of Paris in the South. The inventory is constantly changing to promise that no visit will ever be the same. Some of my favorite things were their collections of perfume, mugs, Christmas ornaments, lavender, and homemade soaps.
Don’t miss the chic cafe inside the market that serves coffee, espresso drinks, wine, champagne, and macarons. You can sip and shop inside the store, or have a seat at one of the marble bistro tables.
Where to Eat in Savannah
Collins Quarter
This is the best place to go for brunch in Savannah. The Collins Quarter has all your brunch favorites like avocado toast, eggs Benedict, and brioche French toast. Don’t miss their signature latte, a spiced lavender mocha.
Reservations are hard to come by, but drop your name on their waiting list and use the spare time to go sightseeing around the neighborhood.
The Grey
One of the most unique dining experiences is The Grey. Formerly, a Greyhound bus terminal that was restored to its original charm The Grey is now one of the most popular restaurants in Savannah. Reservations are hard to come by, but at 5:00 p.m. they open the restaurant to walk-ins before reservations begin at 6:00 p.m.
Mrs. Wilkies Dining Room
Family-owned since 1943, Mrs. Wilkies serves all-you-can-eat southern comfort food, family-style at tables of 10-12 people. No reservations allowed. They’re only open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays. You would need to arrive at least 30 minutes before they open to avoid an even longer line later in the day. Mrs. Wilkie’s fried chicken is a local favorite!
Where to Stay in Savannah
Ballastone Inn
The Ballastone Inn Bed and Breakfast in Savannah is a five-star rated hotel in Savannah’s Historic District. Don’t miss the antique hotel bar and the complimentary port and sherry for guests at the end of the day.
Perry Lane Hotel
If a modern take on luxury with a trendy vibe is more your style, check out the Perry Lane Hotel. Their rooftop bar, Peregrin, has craft cocktails with gorgeous views of the city. The Perry Lane Hotel is part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection of boutique hotels (if you’re looking to cash in any Marriott Bonvoy points you’ve been saving up)!
Kehoe HouseThe Kehoe House B&B is adult-only and is my pick if you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway in Savannah. Unique perks are the homemade cookies, nightly turn-down service, and complimentary afternoon tea and pastries.
Savannah Travel Tips
When to Visit Savannah
Savannah is best enjoyed outside! The summer months are notoriously very hot and humid. I would recommend visiting in the spring (March-May) when the flowers are blooming, or fall (late September-early November) for cooler weather.
How Long to Stay in Savannah
If you’re looking to just stay in Savannah, I would recommend three full days to really soak up the history and charm of this city without feeling rushed. However, if you want to explore more outside of Savannah, I would recommend adding on two more days. You can at least spend a full day, exploring the surrounding, area, or stay a night in Hilton Head alone.
Should I Rent a Car in Savannah?
Savannah is a very walkable city if you’re traveling with smaller groups, I would still consider renting a car if you want to take any day trips, or if you’re staying outside of the city. Parking downtown was very reasonable in price (we didn’t pay more than $5 per day), and you can find a list of all the garages and their rates here.
If you’re visiting on a cool day, Savannah is very bike-friendly! This city actually has designated bike lanes! One of the larger companies you can rent bikes from is Savannah on Wheels.
Best Day Trips Outside of Savannah
Tybee Island
The quaint lighthouse on Tybee Island caught my eye, and I knew I had to visit. It’s Georgia’s tallest and most active lighthouse. You need to pay an admission fee of $10 per person, and from there it’s 178 steps to the top!
A popular stop for lunch in Tybee is The Original Crab Shack. This is the place to go if you want to experience a Low Country Boil with potatoes, corn, and spicy sausage with peel-and-eat shrimp-messy but delicious!
Hilton Head Island
For an easy-going atmosphere – look no further than Hilton Head Island (HHI). It’s the perfect place for families or couples. HHI also has many of the top beaches and golf courses in the U.S. It’s the perfect place to rent bikes with over 19 miles of densely-packed sandy beaches that you can bike on! Sea Pines is one of the prettiest communities to bike along, and if you’re only spending one day here, I would recommend spending most of your time in Sea Pines.
Stop for lunch at the Salty Dog that’s beloved by locals and tourists. It’s an island staple, and you can’t come to HHI without at least having a drink here. They’re known for their steamed shrimp and frozen drinks. When the weather’s nice, they have outdoor live country music. Country music and a frozen cocktail are some of my personal favorite ways to end a day.
Final Thoughts on Savannah
Travel to Savannah if you’re eager to see a city that has equal parts Southern hospitality, architectural charm, and culinary delights. No matter what you end up doing, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable trip exploring this gem of the south!
Loved this post. Also, I have to say, your images are super pretty and so well edited!
Thanks, Nessica! That means a lot!
I haven’t made it to Savannah yet but it looks like there are a lot of fun things to do there! I would love to go antiquing in different shops – lots of great finds to be had!
Savannah is lovely, great ideas! It’s been a long time since I’ve visited, but would love to go back.
I’ve only been to Savanah once and it was while running from a hurricane! I’ve always wanted to go back. Pinning for when COVID is under control and we can travel safely again!!!
You’ll love it when you go back!
This is such a great list. We spent a week in Savannah last year and absolutely loved it. It is such a charming city!
Such a great guide, Linnea! Savannah has been on my list for so long, so I am definitely keeping this handy for the future. Amazing pics by the way!
Thanks Elena! You’ll love it!
Savannah sounds like so much fun. Looks like lots of good food and drinks. Plus ghost tour sounds interesting
Oh wow I bet the view from the top of the lighthouse is amazing!
I love Savannah and now I want to go back!
I’ve heard so many good things about Savannah. Since it’s difficult to travel internationally now, I’m listing up some USA destinations. This guide is very enticing. 🙂
You definitely need to! Let me know if you have any questions!
I was literally in Savannah this time last year. It’s such a lovely city and I did a lot of the things you mention in this article such as eating at Olde Pink House, Collins Quarter, Leopold’s, The Grey, etc. I also didn’t know that Savannah had a Rainbow Row like Charleston. I hope to go back one day and see more! 🙂
So jealous you were able to eat the Grey! It’s a great city!
You visited so many of my favorite spots! I love Alex Raskin Antiques (the building and the treasures inside). Little Duck Diner and The Collins Quarter are my hangouts, too. Loved seeing your pics 🙂
Like you I fell in love with Savannah upon visiting. We only spend half a day in Savannah, so I will have to return and do a lot of the things listed here.
Definitely worth a trip back! So glad you enjoyed it too!
It’s been so long since I’ve been to Savannah. I definitely would love to go back, and try out these recommendations. My favorite city in the south so far is definitely Austin, TX.
I love ATX too! You need to go back to Savannah!
I have not been to Savannah but have wanted to for so long! I love that this guide goes over so many different things to do. I’m excited to use this when I plan a trip!
LOVE this! I grew up about an hour away from Savannah and I love going back to visit any chance I get. You listed a ton of great places and things to check out!
Ok first, your blog is well designed and easy to follow!! Secondly- planning a trip in October based solely on this information (even shared it with my people and said this is where we should go!) and I am so excited about it!! Can’t wait to swap stories!!
That means so much Sarah! Thank you so much for reading and feel free to reach out with any questions!
Love this post! I always love antiquing in new places. Cannot wait to visit Savannah!
You would love it then! When you go let me know if you have any other questions!
This is so helpful! I’m hoping to visit Savannah this summer, and this post has so much amazing information. It looks like such an instagramable city! Leopold’s Ice Cream also looks so, so good!
It’s super IG-friendly! I miss Leopold’s all the time!
This is such a detailed guide! Ive always wanted to go to Savannah around halloween for a ghost tour! Hope I can make it this year 🙂
It’s supposed to be such a great city for Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day too!
You make me want to visit Savannah even more. I went there once in the early 2000 and only for a short visit. We were visiting from HHI. I remember we took the trolley tour. So much more to visit and a day is not enough.
I love HHI! Definitely worth a trip back! So much has changed!
Savannah looks so amazing with a calmness sense!!
I couldn’t agree more! It’s had such a relaxing atmosphere!
Gosh i love your photos! They’re so prettyy!!! (YOU’RE So pretty!)
You’re so sweet! This made my day. Thank you! The city is so fun to photograph!
I love Savannah SO MUCH! You definitely named some things I haven’t done yet though giving me the itch to go back! I absolutely loved The Olde Pink House, one of my favorite experiences there. I didn’t know Savannah had it’s own Rainbow Row! So cute!
I’ve been to Savannah twice and love it. You have given me additional places to see on future visits. Love your dresses. Makes me want to buy some.
Savannah and Charleston, SC are my favorite “Southern Charm” cities. The places, the people, and the food… amazing. I just keep going back! And now I need to try Little Duck Diner… Thanks for the tip!
I will be in Savannah this summer! Not ideal time of year, but I’ll have this guide!
Ugh you made me want to go so bad! I looove those homes, seriously, can I move into Rainbow Row? Great guide, will come in handy once I get to travel to the US again.
Lovely blog, lovely photos, so informative! Will definitely have to hang onto this post for if I ever visit Savannah! and the pralines look yum!
Savannah is one of my favorite cities! Actually prefer it to Charleston these days, so much more rich culture.
I looove your photos on this post! And that popsicle processco is calling my name. Thanks for the great tips. Pinned for a future trip!
I love Savannah and there is so much to do there, I definitely need to go back again to see more!
The Savannah Candy Kitchen is the absolute best, so many amazing tips in your article! It looks like you had an amazing trip!
So many great places to go in Savannah! And so many lovely pictures. I love the idea of the tram in order to see everything, sometimes walking can be a bit too slow
Savannah is a must visit . Such a great guide and pictures. I cant wait to visit . I would love to try a praline . I would love to take a trolley tour as well. Definitely adding to my list of places to visit .
This looks so romantic, and that homemade praline has got my mouth watering! Looks like a great mix of architecture, history and food so my kind of place
I’m obsessed with Savannah! We visited last fall, and I’m dying to go back. This is a great guide. We loved doing a ghost tour, dining at The Olde Pink House, wandering through Forsyth Park, and getting ice cream at Leopold’s. I love your photos, too!
Great post! I actually have friends who went to school in Savannah and I’ve been wanting to visit ever since. It sounds like it would be such a fun trip!
My daughter has been begging me for blue macaroons. Guess to Georgia we go.
I recently used this post for my trip to Savannah and your recommendations did not disappoint. Extremely helpful guide and helped me plan most of my trip! It was one of my favorite places I have ever visited!
This made my day! Thanks so much, Kerry! I’m so glad you had such a great time.
I added all your recommended places to my list of things to do in savannah ga. We will be there by next year and started searching through https://www.visitsavannah.com/things-to-do for some updates. I hope all will be well now compared to last year. I am excited to go back and have another Leopold’s ice cream while strolling around the city.
I might be going back too! It’s such a great city!
Really love this blog and thank you so much for sharing! I’ve been really looking for things to do in Savannah this weekend and this list really helped me out! I already checked onhttps://www.visitsavannah.com/eventss for other stuff to do and hotels to stay at and I’m super excited!
It makes me eager to return to Savannah throughout my getaway. The exquisite meal complements the majesty of the location. I ate at several places, one of which I recently discovered at https://www.visitsavannah.com/list/these-5-savannah-restaurants-are-worth-traveling.
I’ll need to go back and try some of those spots!
This amazing list of things to do in Savannah GA neatly summarizes all you can do while there! Years ago, before this blog, I visited https://visittybee.com/list/must-do-tybee-island-activities-first-time-visitors for their list, which is fairly similar to these, so reading this was like going down memory lane!
I’d go there for the Gingerbread House alone! 😍
Thanks for sharing yet another great post – I love discovering US through your lens!
Aww thanks! I agree the gingerbread house is so unique!
Savannah is just so beautiful! Those beautiful trees, the gorgeous buildings and the mouth watering food! I can totally see why you loved it so much, and now you’ve left me craving praline!
I have to admit, I thought those riverboats were historical! It is pretty amazing to see you can still ride on them!
It’s definitely giving me French vibes!
Looks like you had a lovely trip!
OK, you’ve sold me! It sounds like an amazing place to visit for a long weekend. It’s on my list for a September/October trip.
Yes! You’ll love it!
I have to admit, I had no idea Savannah was THIS beautiful. I feel like I could spend a few days here just taking a bunch of aesthetic photos for instagram!
I loved visiting Savannah. We only had an afternoon for exploring Savannah, but I fell in love with the city. A trolley tour is a perfect way to see the city.