Welcome to Savannah, the cultural heart of the South. Here, you can walk streets and squares established in 1773, admire elegant architecture, explore popular museums, shop in local boutiques, and dine at world-famous restaurants. There’s something for everyone in The Hostess City of the South.
The great city of Savannah survived two wars, and the each era of the past few centuries has left its mark. You can learn more about the city’s history and its important residents by visiting museums, including:
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
Telfair Museum of Art
Savannah History Museum
The Green-Meldrim House (General Sherman’s lodging place)
Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthplace (founder of Girl Scouts)
SCAD Museum of Art
And many more
Hop on an Old Town Trolley Tour, take a carriage ride, or simply walk the beautiful streets of Savannah’s Historic District. There are so many things to see and do in Savannah, you’ll be planning your next visit in no time!
Plus, road travelers can take a short drive to other nearby attractions, like:
University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium
Fort McAllister Historic Park
Skidaway Island State Park
Tybee Island
Forsyth Park
This expansive park surrounded by some of the city’s most charming homes is perfect for an afternoon in the sun. Don’t miss Forsyth Park Fountain, which will remind you of the famous Place de la Concorde in Paris.
You don’t need to break your budget to enjoy City Market! Perfect for window-shopping, walking, and people watching, add this “social center” to your itinerary.
Tybee Beach
Take a short drive to Tybee Island to spend a day in the sand the surf. This closest beach to Savannah provides a wonderful destination for shelling, swimming and sunning.
Chippewa Square
One of 22 beautiful squares in Downtown Savannah, Chippewa Square is home to the famous bus stop bench from the film, Forrest Gump.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Just six miles from Downtown Savannah, this wildlife refuge spans more than 29,000 acres and is home to thousands of birds, alligators and more. Enjoy hiking, fishing, biking and photography.
Savannah Botanical Gardens
Take a romantic stroll through the stunning Savannah Botanical Gardens. The vibrant colors and quiet ambiance of the garden and historic Reinhard House offer a wonderful escape from the busy tourist areas.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Originally home to Bonaventure Plantation, this cemetery offers a scenic views, impressive sculptures, and tree-lined paths. It was also featured in the John Berendt novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Simply seeing the outside of this famed theater is worth a stop, but you’ll find even more to love in the theater lobby. The walls are lined with photographs and artifacts that tell the story of the theater’s rich history, which includes performances by legends like Lillian Russell, Oscar Wilde, W.C. Fields and many more.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
View the magnificent architecture, murals and stained glass of the cathedral on East Harris Street. Built in 1876, this is the oldest Catholic church in Georgia.
Morrell Park
This small park along the Savannah River offers a perfect view of passing boats and is ideal for a quiet picnic.
Betty Bomber (Burgers, Tacos and Bombs)
Clary’s Café (Since 1903)
Goose Feathers Café (European-Style Café & Bakery)
Kayak Kafe (Fresh & Healthy Meals)
Latin Chicks (Don’t Forget the Churros)
Leopold’s Ice Cream (The Real Deal)
Lulu’s Chocolate Bar (Deserts & Cocktails)
Narobia’s Grits & Gravy (Neighborhood Breakfast Joint)
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (Family-Style Southern Food)
Soda Pop Shoppe (Great Food, Friendly Service)
Vinnie Van Go-Go’s (NYC-Style Pizza)
Wiley’s Championship BBQ (Award-Winning Barbecue)
Zunzi’s (Eclectic Take-Out Cuisine)
Savannah Black Heritage Festival (February)
Experience performances, activities and exhibits that celebrate the contributions of African Americans to history and culture. Festival events are all free to attend.
Savannah Book Festival (February)
Book worms and creative writers alike will enjoy this free festival in the heart of historic Savannah.
190th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (March)
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Historic Downtown Savannah with music, street performers, military participation and more! The parade lasts three hours.
Savannah Music Festival (March)
This year, the Savannah Music Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary! View concerts every genre, including folk music, jazz, dance and R&B at 10 venues around the city.
River Street Art Fest (April)
Support local artists by appreciating art exhibits to performances of dance, theater and music, and more.
Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens (March)
View some of the most remarkable homes in the South when you join the Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens. This annual event began in 1935 and continues to welcome visitors from around the globe.
River Street Seafood Fest (May)
There’s no fresher way to appreciate local seafood than by sampling from the award-winning vendors at the River Street Seafood Fest.
Annual Savannah Asian Festival (June)
Explore the cultures of Asia through cuisine, performances, workshops and more.
River Street Fourth of July Celebration (July)
Commemorate Independence Day in Savannah by attending an annual celebration, including art exhibits, music and entertainment, food and fireworks.
Oktoberfest (October)
Savannah’s version of the renowned German festival, Oktoberfest, promises a great time. Featuring German cuisine, a beer garden, bratwurst tasting, and more, you won’t want to miss this event.
Savannah Greek Festival (October)
Experience the food, culture, dancing and fun at Savannah’s Greek Fest.
Savannah Holiday Tour of Homes (December)
This special holiday-theme tour of historic homes in Savannah offers a unique opportunity to see many homes decked for the holiday season!
Savannah Holiday Events (December)
Get into the holiday spirit with the Boat Parade of Lights, Christmas on the River, and The Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights.