Are you searching for the best things to do in Savannah, GA? If yes, then you have come to the right place.
Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and was founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe.
The coastal city was the British Colonial Capital and played an important role in the American Revolution and the Civil War.
This is why you will find many historic places to see in Savannah GA such as the historic districts, forts, mansions, and endless museums to learn about its rich history.
This city is a must-visit for anyone curious about antebellum architecture as there are several mansions in the same style.
Are you wondering what to do in Savannah? Then, read my list of the 20 Best Things to Do in Savannah!
Best Things to Do in Savannah: 20 Activities in Savannah GA
Cathedral of St John the Baptist
If you love cathedrals, one of the top places to see in Savannah GA is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Known as the ‘Sistine of the South’, this French Gothic cathedral dates back to 1876.
It is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia and is one of the most photographed attractions here.
Trust me, this is one of the best things to do in Savannah GA.
Check Out: The History Buff: Walking History Tour Downtown Savannah
Check Out: Riverboat Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
Sightseeing In Savannah: Forsyth Park
One of my favorite things to do in Savannah GA is strolling through the gorgeous Forsyth Park.
Whether you want to enjoy a picnic or attend a concert, Forsyth Park is one of the top points of interest in Savannah that you must visit.
The park dates back to the 1840s and is located in Savannah Georgia historic district.
In the center of the park is also a beautiful fountain for an excellent backdrop for photos.
Every Saturday a weekend market is also held here where you can enjoy live music, buy fresh produce, and enjoy homemade treats.
Check Out: History, Culture, & Scenic Views E-Bike Tour
Check Out: Historic Downtown Savannah: Guided Segway Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour
One of the best things to do in Savannah GA is explore the historic districts on a hop-on hop-off trolly tour.
Costumed guides will tell you more about the city’s rich history while you marvel at the iconic monuments and landmarks.
Best part?
You can jump off to explore any of these Savannah attractions including the Mercer Williams House Museum, Columbia Square, and more!
Check Out: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
Check Out: History and Sightseeing Trolley Tour
Shop on Broughton Street
Love shopping?
Well, one of the best things to do in Savannah GA is shopping on Broughton Street!
You will find almost anything on this street from antique to upscale boutique stores.
After shopping to your heart’s content, don’t forget to grab an ice cream from Leopold’s Ice Cream shop Trust me, it is delicious.
Check Out: Highlights Off the Beaten Path Guided Walking Tour
Check Out: Sightseeing Lunch Cruise
Best Things To Do In Savannah: Mercer Williams House Museum
With a grim backstory, the Mercer Williams House Museum is one of the top places to visit in Savannah for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush.
What is truly fascinating about this place is that it was featured in the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil movie.
The three-story red brick house with an iron railing is gorgeous. Plus, the interiors will transport you 500 years back.
This is why it should be on the top of your list of places for sightseeing in Savannah Georgia.
Check Out: Adults-Only Beyond Good and Evil Tour
Check Out: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Tour
Take a Ghost Tour
One of the must-do things in Savannah is taking a ghost tour here.
The city has a rich and grim history with wars, crimes, mysteries, and more. The historic squares and the cobblestone alleys make the ghost tours even more fun here.
So, don’t forget to take a ghost tour to learn history and mystery stories about this city. It is one of the best things to do in Savannah!
Check Out: Ghosts and Gravestones Tour with Low House Entry
Check Out: Adults-Only Dead of Night Walking Tour
Sightseeing In Savannah Georgia: Bonaventure Cemetery
When I recommend a ghost tour, I also mean that you must see the famous Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah.
This marshside cemetery is also the final resting place of Conrad Aiken and Johnny Mercer.
It is one of the main points of interest in Savannah on the ghost tours.
Plus, it is a great place to learn about the city’s history and former residents.
Check Out: Bonaventure Cemetery with Shannon Scott
Check Out: Bonaventure Cemetery After-Hours Tour
Places To Visit In Savannah: Explore the Rooftop Bars
If you wish to soak up the views of the city, one of the best things to do in Savannah GA is chill on a rooftop bar.
Peregrin is a good spot for enjoying handcrafted cocktails while Rocks on the Roof is perfect for admiring river views.
Trust me, enjoying a drink with beautiful views from a rooftop bar is one of the must-do things in Savannah GA.
Check Out: Historical Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks Included
Check Out: Cocktail Class at American Prohibition Museum
Tybee Island
If you are tired of sightseeing in Savannah Georgia, one of the best ways to rejuvenate yourself is by spending a day on the beach.
Tybee Island is one of the best things to do in Savannah.
It is only a 20-minute drive from the Historic District and is home to a 3-mile-long beach, plenty of historic sites, and restaurants serving delicious seafood.
Don’t forget to visit Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse – Tybee Island Lighthouse/Museum here!
Check Out: Tybee Island Dolphin Tour
Check Out: Dolphin Spotting and Wildlife Eco Cruise
Plant Riverside
Are you looking for fun places to visit in Savannah? If yes, then don’t forget the famous Plant Riverside.
The JW Marriott is among the best things to see in Savannah with kids. It is set up like a national history museum with plenty of geodes and artifacts.
However, the coolest thing you will find here is the 135-foot chrome dinosaur!
Apart from that, you will find a wide range of restaurants, rooftop bars, art galleries, etc. to explore here. There is also a riverfront park and a concert venue to enjoy free concerts.
Trust me, if you are looking for a fun-filled evening, head out to the Plant Riverside.
Check Out: Ghosts, Asylums, Voodoo, and Horror Walking Tour
Check Out: Hop-On Hop-Off Historic Trolley Tour
Attractions In Savannah: River Street
Another one of the top attractions in Savannah GA is River Street.
This cobblestone street is perfect for an evening stroll to enjoy the sunset views in the city. Watch the cargo vessels reaching and leaving the Port of Savannah.
Plus, you will find several good dining and shopping options available here.
Walking down River Street is one of the most unique things to do in Savannah GA. i
Check Out: Terrors, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Check Out: Wormsloe Plantation and Bonaventure Cemetery Tour
Must Do In Savannah: Join a Food Tour in Savannah GA
As a foodie, I must say that Savannah is an absolute delight.
From pork belly sliders to chicken sandwiches en papillote, there is no shortage of gastronomic delights here!
This is why a must-do in Savannah GA is the food tour!
Learn more about the local food and taste the delicacies here with an expert.
One of the must-do things in Savannah GA is a food tour if you are a foodie.
Don’t miss out on Leopold’s ice cream. It is legendary!
Check Out: Historic District Foodie Walking Tour
Check Out: 2-Hour Southern Food Tour
Points Of Interest In Savannah: Take a Stroll Along the Savannah River
Do you love to walk a lot?
If yes, walking along the Savannah River is one of the best things to do in Savannah GA.
The cool breeze and scenic views make it a must-do in Savannah GA.
You can marvel at the historic buildings, explore vibrant shops, and eat delicious food while enjoying the waterfront views of the Savannah River.
Trust me, this is one of the must do things in Savannah GA that you cannot miss.
Check Out: Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour
Check Out: Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl with Sing-a-Longs
Top Attractions In Savannah: Take a Boat Cruise on the Savannah River
Of course, when you are tired of walking, one of the must-do things in Savannah is cruising down the Savannah River.
This is a great way to explore the city. You can select a day or night boat cruise and have plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you want to experience a sunset cruise or wish to explore the nearby islands, a boat cruise on the Savannah River is the perfect way to do that!
Check Out: Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment
Check Out: Riverboat Sunset Cruise
Explore EJones and Gasaton Streets
The city is perfect for those who love to walk as there are plenty of historic streets and alleys to explore here.
Two such streets are EJones Street and Gaston Street.
Walking through these charming streets and admiring the historic homes with lush gardens here is one of the fun things to do in Savannah.
You will find beautiful mansions, squares, and classic Savannah architecture here.
So, if you are a history or architecture buff, keep these attractions in your itinerary.
Check Out: Historical Panoramic City Tour
Check Out: Terrors, Ghosts, and Ghouls Walking Tour
Visit the First African Baptist Church
One of the most stunning places to visit in Savannah GA is the First African Baptist Church.
This is a National Landmark and is considered the oldest continuous African-American congregation in the country.
You can take a guided tour here for a fee to get more insights into its history and cultural significance.
Check Out: Best of the City Tour with Wormsloe Historic Site
Check Out: Savannah Walking Tour
Must Do Things In Savannah GA: City Market
City Market is a top favorite for both tourists and locals.
I loved visiting this 4-block market where you can buy cheap souvenirs from shoes to bracelets to cigars.
That’s not all, there are plenty of entertainment options also available here such as art galleries, nightclubs, and more.
Plus, there are a myriad of dine-in and takeaway food joints in case you get hungry.
Visit the City Market if you are looking for fun things to do in Savannah.
Check Out: Vintage Cabriolet Guided Sightseeing Tour
Check Out: Urban Adventure Quest Scavenger Hunt
Sightseeing In Savannah: Visit the Amazing Museums
If you are interested in the history and culture of this city, then one of the top things to do in Savannah GA is visit the museums.
The city is home to some of the most amazing museums such as the Telfair Museum, Owen-Thomas House and Slaves Quarters, Savannah African Art Museum, and more.
Don’t forget the Sea Maritime Museum to learn about maritime history and the SCAD Museum of Art to marvel at the contemporary works here.
Savannah Children’s Museum is also a good choice if traveling with family.
Check Out: American Prohibition Museum Ticket
Check Out: Small Group Walking Ghost Tour
Catch a Movie or Live Musical at the Historic Savannah Theatre
Did you know that Savannah is home to the nation’s longest-running theatre for live shows?
Yes, you heard me right!
Savannah Theatre is a must-see in Savannah and features plenty of musicals, comedy shows, and productions for you to enjoy.
One of the best things to do in Savannah GA is watching the traditional Christmas Show here. It is full of festive singing, music, and dancing!
Check Out: “Savannah for Morons” Comedy Trolley Tour
Check Out: Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour
Wormsloe State Historic Sight
Wormsloe State Historic Sight is one of the top places to see in Savannah GA to visit with a tour.
It was once the Wormsloe Plantation, founded by Noble Jones. He was one of the colonial founders of the state.
This is one of the top attractions in Savannah GA where you can learn about the Civil War, slavery, and culture.
You will pass through this gorgeous Isle of Hope Historic District. It is filled with Greek columns and old oak trees and is a great place to stop for a photo.
Due to its rich history and scenic views, it is one of the top things to do in Savannah.
Check Out: Historic Savannah Walking Tour
Check Out: Walktails and Bar Bites
Best Things To Do In Savannah GA Packing List
Here are some tips on packing lightly for your visit to Georgia.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft.
World Traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel.
The Bobble replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
I also sometimes bring my Vionic Tides flip-flops depending on the time of year. The toe post is so comfortable.
This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.
If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Where to Stay in Savannah GA
Holiday Inn Express Savannah (Historic District, an IHG Hotel) – One of the best 3-star hotels to stay in the Savannah Georgia Historic District is the Holiday Inn Express Savannah.
What I like about this hotel is that it is near the most popular attractions and features a rooftop swimming pool with amazing city views.
Check Price on Booking.com
Bellwether House -I recommend staying in Bellwether House in the East Gaston District for a historic feel.
This BnB features fully equipped rooms and offers plenty of sightseeing tours and wellness packages for the guests to choose from.
Check Price on Booking.com
Hotel Bardo Savannah – Another beautiful place to stay is Hotel Bardo Savannah. It is located 300m from Forsyth Park and features stunning contemporary rooms with AC.
Guests can also use the free bikes, swimming pool, and garden.
Check Price on Booking.com
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