Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Savannah, GA

  • Published 2022/10/01

Savannah is a historic city with a rich culture and deep roots.

It’s a city that is full of Southern charm and hospitality.

Founded in 1733, Savannah was the first capital of Georgia and played an essential role in the development of the American South.

Today, it is known for its beautiful architecture, lively music scene, and delicious food.

This historic city has plenty of things to enjoy, from touring beautiful architecture to exploring its various tourist attractions.

Here are the best things to do in Savannah, Georgia:

Take a Stroll through Forsyth Park

Scenic view of Forsyth Park

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Located on West Gaston Street, Forsyth Park is popular among locals and tourists.

The beautiful park is home to 30 acres of lush greenery, walking trails, and a beautiful fountain.

Visitors can also stroll through the park’s historic district, which is lined with stately oak trees and antebellum mansions.

Sculptures on Forsyth Park's fountain

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Several pathways wind through the park, so visitors can choose the route best suits their needs.

Forsyth Park is also home to a playground, a basketball court, and several sculptures and fountains.

Paved trail at Forsyth Park

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Tour the Historic Savannah Theatre

Exterior of Savannah Theatre

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The historic Savannah Theatre, located on Bull Street, opened its doors in 1818.

It was initially built as a playhouse and has been through several renovations over the years.

Today, the theater offers a variety of shows and events for visitors to enjoy, including musicals, plays, and concerts.

View of Savannah Theatre at night

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The Savannah Theatre also offers tours that provide insight into its rich history.

Some of the tour’s highlights include learning about the theater’s many famous performers and discovering the secrets behind its stage productions.

See a Concert at the Johnny Mercer Theatre

The Johnny Mercer Theatre is a popular concert venue on West Oglethorpe Avenue.

It’s named after Johnny Mercer, a singer and songwriter born in Savannah.

The theater hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.

The Johnny Mercer Theatre is the perfect place to see a concert if you’re looking for an intimate setting and excellent acoustics.

It’s small enough that every seat in the house is a good one, while still large enough to accommodate a full orchestra.

Since the theater is named after Johnny Mercer, you can bet that there’s always a great selection of music.

So whether you’re a fan of classical music or rock ‘n’ roll, you’re sure to find a concert at the Johnny Mercer Theatre that you’ll enjoy.

Browse the Shops on River Street

Shops along River Street

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Savannah’s River Street is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

The street is lined with historic warehouses converted into shops, restaurants, and bars.

Visitors can also take a riverboat cruise or go on a carriage ride along River Street.

Candy store at River Street

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The warehouses that line River Street have been converted into shops, so visitors can find everything from souvenirs to clothes to jewelry.

There are also several restaurants and bars, so visitors can enjoy a bite to eat or a drink while they explore the street.

Crab house at River Street

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Sample the Local Cuisine at The Lady & Sons

Exterior of The Lady & Sons

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Situated along West Congress Street, The Lady & Sons is a restaurant owned by celebrity chef Paula Deen.

It offers a taste of southern hospitality with its menu of traditional dishes.

Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens.

The Lady & Sons also offers a variety of desserts, including peach cobbler and banana pudding.

Building sign of The Lady & Sons

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It’s open for lunch and dinner and offers a buffet-style meal.

The Lady & Sons is a must-try for any visitor to Savannah who wants to experience authentic Southern cuisine.

Visitors can also take cooking classes at the restaurant to learn how to make some of their favorite dishes.

Relive the Past at Savannah History Museum

Nestled on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Savannah History Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Savannah’s history.

It’s home to some fascinating exhibits that tell the city’s story from its founding in 1733 to the present day.

Some of the museum’s displays include a replica of the first steam locomotive to run in the south, an exhibit on the history of piracy in coastal Georgia, and an exhibit on the Civil War.

You can also stroll around Battlefield Memorial Park, a memorial park just across the street from Savannah History Museum.

The park is home to several memorials commemorating the battles fought in Savannah during the Civil War.

Some of the monuments in the park include those dedicated to Confederate, Union, and African-American soldiers who died at Savannah.

Walk or Take a Carriage Ride through the Savannah Historic District

Carriage ride at Savannah Historic District

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The Savannah Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District that’s one of the largest in the United States.

It can be toured on foot or by carriage ride.

The district covers 2.5 square miles, so visitors can choose the route that best suits their needs.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at Savannah Historic District

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They can either take guided tours of the district or explore it independently.

The Savannah Historic District features several historic buildings, including the Georgia State Capitol, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and the Owens-Thomas House.

Owens-Thomas House at Savannah Historic District

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Take a Riverboat Cruise on the Savannah River

Riverboat cruise ship docked at Savannah River

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A riverboat cruise on the Savannah River is a great way to see some of the city’s most popular attractions from a different perspective.

Riverboat cruises offer views of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Fort Jackson, and beautiful scenery along the riverbanks.

While enjoying a view of the riverbanks, visitors can also listen to a narration about Savannah’s history.

The waters of Savannah River

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Some other things visitors can do while on a riverboat cruise include enjoying the views of the city’s skyline and listening to some live music.

The riverboat cruises offer live entertainment, so visitors can enjoy some music while they explore the city.

Discover Civil Rights History at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum

Located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in civil rights history.

The museum tells the story of Savannah’s role in the civil rights movement, from the early days of the NAACP to the desegregation of the city’s schools.

Visitors can see original artifacts, documents, photographs, and interactive exhibits that bring history to life.

The museum also has a research center where scholars can access archival records.

Whether you’re a civil rights scholar or just curious about Savannah’s history, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum is worth a visit.

Visit the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters

Exterior of the Owens-Thomas House

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The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters is a historic house museum on Abercorn Street that tells the story of slavery in the antebellum south.

One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the reconstructed slave quarters, which feature several interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what life was like for slaves in Savannah.

The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters houses a Costume Gallery featuring costumes from period plays and movies.

Interior of the Owens-Thomas House

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Meanwhile, the Children’s Gallery is designed for kids ages six to 12 and includes interactive exhibits and games.

There’s also the Art Gallery, which showcases paintings, sculptures, and other art from the antebellum south.

Slave quarters in Owens-Thomas House

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Go Birdwatching and Discover Southern History at the Wormsloe State Historic Site

Scenic view of Wormsloe State Historic Site

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Located on Skidaway Road, the Wormsloe State Historic Site is one of Georgia’s most famous birdwatching spots.

This historic plantation on the outskirts of Savannah is home to various birds, including woodpeckers, chickadees, bluebirds, and cardinals.

The best time to go birdwatching at Wormsloe is spring, when the birds are most active.

The Wormsloe State Historic Site was established in 1736 by Noble Jones, one of the founders of the colony of Georgia.

Entryway of Wormsloe State Historic Site

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It’s home to several historic buildings, including the main house, a smokehouse, and a slave cabin.

The plantation also features several gardens and acres of forest.

The most popular attraction at the Wormsloe State Historic Site is the mile-long avenue of live oak trees planted by Noble Jones in 1736.

The avenue of live oak trees is the oldest landscaped feature in Georgia.

A house at Wormsloe State Historic Site

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Attend a Play at the Savannah Repertory Theatre

If you’re in the mood for some live entertainment, check out the Savannah Repertory Theatre.

The company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality theatre to the people of Savannah and the surrounding area.

This professional theater company produces a variety of plays throughout the year, so there’s bound to be something that interests you.

Plus, it’s always great to support local businesses.

The Savannah Repertory Theatre also offers acting classes and workshops for adults and children.

Watch the Ships Come in at the Port of Savannah

Aerial view of the Port of Savannah

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Savannah is a beautiful city with a lot to offer.

One of its best features is the port, where you can watch the ships come in.

It’s a great place to relax and take in the scenery.

The Port of Savannah is also a great place to learn about Savannah’s history.

Savannah was one of the busiest ports in the world during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Carriage ship leaving Port of Savannah

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Ships from all over the world came here to trade goods.

Today, the port is still busy, but it’s not quite as hectic as it once was.

You can still see some old warehouses and docks used by shipbuilders and traders.

If you’re interested in the city’s maritime history, the Port of Savannah is worth a visit.

A ship entering Port of Savannah

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Explore Historic Railroad History at the Georgia State Railroad Museum

Exterior of the Georgia State Railroad Museum

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Georgia State Railroad Museum is located in the Historic District of Savannah and offers tours of its facilities.

It tells the story of Savannah’s role in the development of railroads in the United States.

Georgia State Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the history of railroads in the United States.

Steam locomotive at Georgia State Railroad Museum

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It has various exhibits that tell the story of how railroads changed the country.

Visitors can see restored locomotives and cars from different eras in American history—and best of all, they can take a ride on a real train!

So if you’re interested in American history or want to have some fun, visit Georgia State Railroad Museum.

Locomotive at Georgia State Railroad Museum

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Other Things to Do Nearby

See Savannah’s Coastal Waters and Explore the Coastal Heritage Society on Tybee Island

Tybee Island is located 25 minutes from Savannah.

It features miles of sandy beaches, restaurants, and shops selling beachwear and souvenirs.

The Coastal Heritage Society on Savannah’s Tybee Island is a museum that tells the story of the people and cultures who have lived in coastal Georgia for centuries.

The museum features exhibits allowing visitors to learn about the history and culture of coastal Georgia.

Some of the displays at the museum include a replica of a Native American village, an exhibit on the history of piracy in coastal Georgia, and an exhibit on the Civil War.

The Coastal Heritage Society Museum on Tybee Island is an excellent place for visitors who want to learn more about the history and culture of coastal Georgia.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a city with plenty of things to see and experience, Savannah is the place for you.

Whether you’re interested in history and culture or want to enjoy the beauty of this historic city, you’re sure to enjoy the best things to do in Savannah, Georgia.

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