15 Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia

Come for the charming squares, stay for the ghost stories, and accidentally fall in love with Savannah.

Wander the streets of Savannah, Georgia, where majestic oak trees, historic squares, and elegant architecture create an atmosphere that is hard to resist. The city is known not only for its fascinating history and unmistakable Southern charm but also for the sheer number of things visitors can see and do. Take a stroll through the historic districts, visit iconic landmarks, explore beautiful parks, and hunt for a few ghost stories after dark. From admiring graceful mansions to wandering moss-draped cemeteries, Savannah offers something for almost every type of traveler. With so many attractions packed into one charming city, choosing where to start can be a challenge. We’ve got you covered with these handpicked things to do in Savannah, Georgia.

Forsyth Park is one of Savannah’s best-known public spaces and covers 30 acres in the Historic District. The park’s most recognizable feature is the famous white Forsyth Fountain, installed in 1858. As you wander through the park, you’ll also find historic monuments, walking paths, sports courts, open green spaces, and the Fragrant Garden for the blind. The park is a great place to slow down, grab a coffee, and watch Savannah go about its day.

Its central location also makes it convenient for exploring nearby landmarks, including the Mercer-Williams House Museum and Sorrel-Weed House. On Saturday mornings, the southern end of Forsyth Park becomes particularly lively with the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, where local vendors sell food, drinks, and other goods.

A history tour is one of the easiest ways to learn about the people, events, architecture, and legends that shaped Savannah. Different tours cater to different interests, including historic architecture, photography, famous landmarks, cemeteries, and, of course, ghosts.

Walking tours through the Historic District and Bonaventure Cemetery are popular options, while trolley tours offer a more relaxed way to cover the city’s historic sites. Companies such as Old Savannah Tours and Old Town Trolley provide sightseeing tours around Savannah.

And then there are the ghost tours. Savannah has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in the United States, so nighttime tours are a fun choice for travelers who enjoy their history with a little spooky storytelling on the side.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is one of Savannah’s most impressive landmarks, standing beside Lafayette Square. The congregation dates back to the late 18th century, while the present cathedral was built in the late 19th century.

Step inside and you’ll find an elaborate interior featuring Italian marble, detailed artwork, ornate stained-glass windows, and soaring architectural details reminiscent of European cathedrals. Even visitors who aren’t particularly interested in religious architecture will find plenty to admire here.

Covering more than 100 acres, Bonaventure Cemetery creates a striking scene of historic tombs, elaborate monuments, winding paths, and oak trees draped in Spanish moss. It is located east of Savannah and is known for its atmospheric setting as much as its history.

Among the people buried in the cemetery are Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Conrad Aiken and Savannah-born songwriter Johnny Mercer. Close by, Greenwich Cemetery has a connection to Danny Hansford, whose death became intertwined with the events portrayed in John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Walking through Bonaventure reveals memorials spanning generations of Savannah’s history. Guided tours are available for visitors who want more context about the people, families, and stories connected to the cemetery.

River Street, stretching along the Savannah River, offers one of the city’s most enjoyable waterfront experiences. The historic cobblestone street is lined with former cotton warehouses that have been transformed into shops, galleries, restaurants, pubs, and other businesses.

Take a leisurely walk along the riverfront, browse the shops, watch the ships pass by, or simply find a spot to enjoy the views. In the evening, the area becomes livelier as restaurants and bars fill up and local entertainment adds to the atmosphere. It’s an easy place to explore without a strict itinerary—which is sometimes the best kind of itinerary.

The Old Sorrel-Weed House is an impressive Greek Revival mansion that combines Savannah architecture with a fascinating history and plenty of ghost stories. Built around 1840 for merchant Francis Sorrel, the house later became associated with General Moxley Sorrel, who spent part of his childhood there before serving during the Civil War.

The mansion has also attracted attention because of its connections to popular culture and paranormal investigations. It appeared in the film Forrest Gump and has long been associated with stories of unexplained activity.

Visitors can choose from history and architecture tours, ghost tours, and paranormal investigations. Daytime tours focus more on the property’s history and architecture, while evening experiences lean into its famously spooky reputation.

The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters offers an important look at the stark contrast between wealthy households and the lives of enslaved people in 19th-century Savannah. Built in the early 19th century, the house was later owned by George Welshman Owens, a wealthy lawyer, politician, and planter.

Today, the property operates as a historic house museum. Visitors can explore elegant rooms featuring period furnishings, architectural details, and decorative elements while also seeing the preserved spaces associated with the enslaved people who lived and worked there.

The museum does more than showcase a beautiful historic home; it examines the complicated social and economic realities behind it. Exhibits and guided tours help visitors understand the experiences of the people who occupied the property, making it an important stop for anyone interested in Savannah’s history.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is an impressive example of 19th-century military engineering. Located between Savannah and Tybee Island, the fort features massive brick walls, defensive structures, a moat, and historic grounds.

Visitors can explore the preserved fortifications and learn about the fort’s role during the Civil War, including the 1862 Battle of Fort Pulaski. Ranger programs and exhibits provide additional insight into the site’s military history.

After exploring the fort, you can continue toward Tybee Island for a change of scenery. The combination makes Fort Pulaski an easy addition to a day exploring Savannah’s coastal surroundings.

Located about 18 miles from Savannah, Tybee Island is a popular coastal escape known for its sandy beaches, historic lighthouse, and laid-back atmosphere. The island offers several ways to enjoy the coast, whether you want to relax on the beach, explore local attractions, or get out on the water.

History buffs can visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, while those interested in marine life can check out the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Seafood restaurants around the island also make it a tempting stop for lunch or dinner.

For a more adventurous experience, visitors can take a boat trip toward Little Tybee Island for opportunities such as birdwatching and beachcombing. With its mix of nature, history, and seaside activities, Tybee Island is easily one of the most enjoyable Savannah, Georgia attractions.

Located near Chippewa Square, the historic Savannah Theatre is one of the city’s best-known entertainment venues. The theatre has a long history dating back to the early 19th century and has hosted numerous performances over the years.

The building’s lobby features historical photographs, artifacts, and newspaper clippings that offer a glimpse into its theatrical past. Today, visitors can attend live productions, musical performances, comedy shows, and seasonal events.

The theatre’s beautifully restored interior is an attraction in itself, while its Christmas performances have become a popular seasonal tradition. Check the current schedule before visiting, as performances and events vary throughout the year.

The Savannah African Art Museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the artistic traditions and cultural heritage of West and Central Africa. Its collection includes more than 1,000 objects, including masks, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and ceremonial and everyday objects.

Guided tours provide additional context about the history, meanings, traditions, and beliefs associated with the pieces on display. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, with guided tours available during visiting hours.

Located outside Savannah’s Historic District, the museum provides a quieter cultural experience away from some of the city’s more crowded attractions. It’s a worthwhile stop for travelers who want to add something different to their Savannah itinerary.

Wormsloe State Historic Site features one of Savannah’s most recognizable scenes: a beautiful avenue lined with towering live oaks and Spanish moss. The dramatic entrance leads toward the tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the former colonial estate of Noble Jones.

Jones arrived in Georgia in 1733 with James Oglethorpe and the first group of settlers from England. Today, the site preserves the ruins, museum exhibits, nature trails, and other features connected to the colonial history of the area.

Visitors can explore the seven-mile interpretive nature trail, learn about colonial life through historical programs, and visit the museum. Shuttle tours also provide an easy way to experience the famous oak-lined avenue while learning about the site’s history.

First African Baptist Church holds an important place in Savannah’s history and the history of Black Americans. Founded by Reverend George Liele in 1773, it is one of the oldest African American Baptist congregations in North America.

Inside the church, visitors can see historic features including stained-glass windows, original lighting fixtures, balconies, and a baptismal pool. The church is also connected to Savannah’s history during the era of the Underground Railroad.

Located near City Market, the church offers guided tours that provide insight into its religious, cultural, and historical significance. Visitors should check the current tour schedule before planning their visit.

Savannah City Market brings together shopping, dining, art, entertainment, and history across several blocks in the Historic District. Historic buildings now house boutiques, restaurants, galleries, bars, and other businesses, while live music often adds to the lively atmosphere.

The market is also a convenient stop for visitors exploring Savannah on foot or taking sightseeing tours. During the evening, the area becomes busier as restaurants and nearby bars draw locals and visitors.

However, the area has a much more complicated history beneath its modern-day entertainment scene. The Montmollin Building, which once stood in the City Market area, was associated with the buying and selling of enslaved people. Learning about this history adds important context to the modern market and Savannah as a whole.

The Mercer-Williams House Museum is a fascinating combination of architecture, antiques, and Savannah history. The house was originally commissioned by General Hugh W. Mercer and was later purchased by Jim Williams, a prominent Savannah antiques dealer.

Williams became internationally known through John Berendt’s book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which explored the 1981 killing of Danny Hansford and the legal case involving Williams. The story helped make the house one of Savannah’s most recognizable historic properties.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and admire its period furnishings, antiques, artwork, and architectural details. The museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the people connected to the property while adding another intriguing chapter to Savannah’s long list of stories.

Book a stay at Relax Inn Savannah for comfortable accommodations with convenient access to shopping, dining, and popular Savannah attractions.