Top 25 Savannah Attractions & Things To Do You'll Absolutely Love

One of the Savannah attractions that may take an entire day to explore is Forsyth Park, with its fabulous landscaping, flowers, architecture, and the famed Forsyth Park Fountain.

It's a good idea to begin this day with some great food at the Collins Quarter for breakfast or lunch by the park. They are famous for their coffee – Lavender Mocha, anyone? Return for their Happy Hour signature cocktails. Or simply stay in the fancy 140-room luxury Mansion on Forsyth.

Forsyth Park is meant to be savored. Bring a blanket, breathe in the fragrant air, and listen to the birds sing.

Incredibly, the garden within the park was originally created for the blind to allow them to experience the park through all their senses. The garden is locked at 2:00 p.m.

The park's amphitheater puts on plays and concerts throughout the year. Street performers are drawn here to display their talents and liven up the park experience. For the athletic, there are tennis and volleyball courts and a football field.

The Wormsloe State Historic Site is a park famed for its mile-long drive lined with huge moss-covered oak trees. People consider this one of the Savannah attractions that makes the perfect photo op.

While that is true, there is much more to experience here. In 1733, the owner, Noble Jones, used slaves to maintain his property.

Within this site is a museum containing artifacts of those days and a film explaining how the property worked.

Visitors can then take a seven-mile trail along the Skidaway River with costumed guides demonstrating the skills and tools needed to build old Savannah.

Sadly, the site has no information on the slaves responsible for working those tools and the land.

Admission to Wormsloe is $10.00 for adults and $4.50 for children. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Savannah is one of the great cities of the South, and its historic district is a must-see when visiting. Much of the district is restored to its 18th and 19th-century Victorian grandeur.

Everything anyone could want can be found here, from concerts, fine dining, and theater, as well as southern mansions, museums, and legacies from the past. History comes alive here to touch the present.

The Old Town Trolley will cover most of the highlights and places of interest in the district. They function on a hop-off hop-on basis – riders can hop off at any point and hop back on another trolley later. The trolley makes 15 stops intended to titillate your interest in Savannah.

The district reaches north to River Street by the Savannah River with its views, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can take a ferry ride to Hutchinson Island for the best view of River Street's architecture.

Strolling south, the Savannah promenade on Bull Street has the best historical monuments and landmarks, such as Green-Meldrim House, which was occupied by General Sherman during his stay in Georgia.

The Historic District, only a square mile, is easily walkable and best seen on foot. The best attractions here are close together.

Can Savannah attractions include a cemetery? It can, if it is the beautiful 100 acre-Bonaventure Cemetery.

Victorian in style and almost hauntingly gorgeous, you can stroll through the walkways until you find the headstones of Conrad Aiken, the poet, the lyricist Johnny Mercer, and others. If you are anybody in Savannah, this is where you are buried.

Admission is free, and visitors can join a guided tour at 2:00 p.m. every second Saturday and Sunday of the month. The best time to stroll through the cemetery is in March when the azaleas are in full bloom and turns the home for the dead into a breathtaking painting.

The statues throughout the cemetery represent the seven biblical virtues and perhaps are a reminder to practice them.

These beautiful statues are by the graves whose families thought the deceased typified a specific virtue. A statue of an angel indicates the deceased is looking down from heaven.

These statues are noticeable works of art worth visiting just to see. But the wealthy wanted more than statues to flaunt. Many built secret staircases to underground chapels in the family crypt, complete with six pews.

Some even contain stoves to keep the dead warm and water for them to drink. Money can indeed buy quite a lot, even if you are not alive to spend it. Some of these underground memorials can still be seen.

This grand cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It was once a railroad depot. Now, one of the hippest attractions in Savannah is an art museum and institution of learning, the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art ("SCAD").

This modernized building has rotating modern art exhibits and space for studying.

The permanent collection emphasizes 19th and 20th African American art and photography, and the remaining exhibits rotate frequently, many from Latin America and Mexico.

The café is available for a quick meal, and the gift shop has some stunning artwork created by the students. These students hold plenty of promises, as SCAD is ranked as the number one art school in the U.S.

The SCAD theatre hosts monthly film screenings., lectures, and art master classes.

The Savannah Children's Museum is one of those destinations in Savannah that has it all: an outdoor playground and proximity to the activities of the SCAD Museum and the Georgia State Railway Museum.

This outdoor museum is filled with Lego building materials, slides, a challenging maze, and a craft and reading area for quieter activities.

The children can also frolic in the sand station and garden or play a huge "connect four" game. All activities are geared toward children between the ages of three and ten years old.

The Savannah Children's Museum is all about fun for the children and is devoted to helping them develop and enhance their creativity.

The Railway Museum, another exciting stop for children, is just a short walk away. As a matter of fact, the Children's Museum is located in a railway shop.

The admission fee to the Savannah Children's Museum is $10.00. It is open Mondays through Saturdays. From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For concerts and live shows, the Savannah Theater offers one of the best attractions in Savannah.

This 200-year-old theater is a must-see for the city's best live performances. Edwin Booth, an actor like his brother John Wilkes Booth, performed here regularly. John Wilkes himself may have taken part in a performance.

The original theatre was damaged several times, but the shows always went on. Many people agree that the theatre is haunted by at least three busy ghosts.

The stories have been perpetuated for over a hundred years, and the theatre created its own Haunted Tour which you can book here.

Each evening beginning at 10:30, investigators with the latest equipment invite ghost hunters to join in a paranormal investigation.

Whether or not ghosts reveal themselves, this is a great way to tour the theatre backstage and learn more about the theater's history.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is Savannah's oldest Catholic Church and a Gothic architectural marvel, with its two spires dominating the skyline.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit here annually as it is among the top ten historic sites in the U.S. and one of the places in Savannah that shouldn't be missed.

It is a stop on the Trolley Tour, so visitors can tour the Cathedral and jump on another trolley for the next sight.

Self-guided tours are available Mondays through Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Cathedral closes each day at 5:00 p.m. When there is no mass in progress, docents can be found to answer any questions.

The interior of the Cathedral is amazingly opulent, with Italian marble, stained glass windows, and Persian rugs.

With a sophisticated menu of Southern cuisine, the Olde Pink House is the place to go for fine dining in Savannah, especially if you are leaning toward a romantic evening as one of the things to do in Savannah.

Open Table rates the Olde Pink House as number five in its "100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2023" list.

The warm ambiance, menu, and wine list contribute to this honor. For a true touch of romance, a dozen pink roses would hit the spot.

While most people enjoy the food, many Savannah visitors are drawn to its pink color. How did it get so …. pink? The building was erected in 1771 with bright red bricks. Then, someone wanted to cover the bricks with white plaster.

This resulted in the red color bleeding through the white plaster, turning the building pink! The builder was unhappy and painted white over pink.

The red kept bleeding throughout centuries of white paint. It wasn't until 1920 when the Olde Pink House was turned into a tea house, that the owner decided that pink was appropriate. So, pink became the official color of the house.

These days, visitors come as much for the entertaining color as they do for the delicious food.

Imagine New York City without Fifth Avenue. It’s impossible. Just as it is not possible to think of Savannah without River Street, one of the attractions that exemplifies what the city is all about.

Like Fifth Avenue, visitors will find countless fancy boutiques, restaurants, studios, and galleries here.

While strolling River Street, visitors should take note of the various monuments, such as the African American Monument and the World War II memorial.

The River Street Inn brings back old-world charm rarely seen these days, including balconies with a view of the Savannah River. Or enjoy food, cocktails, and more views of the river from the Rocks the Roof Lounge.

Cruises of the Savannah River are available along River Street, including dinner, holiday, and wedding cruises.

The City Market has ruled Savannah since the 1700s. This is where everyone came for food, needed services, and anything else.

The City Market survived a hurricane, fires, and the Civil War. Then, the population spread out, and the Market lost its zest.

But this is one of the attractions in Savannah that sprung back to life in a huge way and is now filled with the best restaurants and art galleries.

Some of the favorites include the Georgia Tasting Room for wine lovers. Here, guests can opt for six different wines to taste for $3.00. It’s a fabulous deal, with a nice and extensive wine list.

The Tasting Room is open Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays.

The City Market is home to another Savannah attraction, the American Prohibition Museum, where guests can receive a 45-minute tour and the story behind the failed Prohibition.

There are thousands of artifacts throughout 12 galleries on display, with 35 wax figures representing Prohibition people. The price of admission includes a 1920s forbidden cocktail for those over the age of 21.

City Market has plenty of other bars, such as Pour Larry or the Wild Wing Café, to liven the evening. The Market turns into a party after the sun sets.

The three Telfair Museums, each in its own, express the time it was constructed and its relevance to modern times.

Seen together, these remarkable attractions in Savannah tell a story about architecture and art from the past. Click below for times and entrance fees for each.

The Telfair Academy, located at 121 Barnard Street, is a two-story Regency mansion that exhibits extraordinary 19^the-century paintings and sculptures in its permanent collection.

The Sculpture Gallery contains over 70 replicas of Greco-Roman statues. This permitted 19^the-century Savannahians to enjoy great historic artwork without crossing the ocean.

Compared to the Telfair Academy, the Jepson Center at West York Street is a modern structure that displays excellent artwork and is available for expanded exhibits from the Telfair Museum.

Best yet, it has opened a separate children’s museum designed to experience art on their level with a toddler and stroller group that is entertained with stories and special activities.

The third building, the Owens-Thomas House on 124 Abercorn, is another Regency mansion complete with slave quarters, allowing visitors to see the difficult relationship between wealthy owners and their slaves.

The tours view the home from the point of view of the slaves as they go through their daily routine inside the house.

The three museums are close to each other and should be visited at the same time for the best impact.

When you need somewhere to get away from the world, one of the places to go in Savannah is Jekyll Island, named one of the top 25 beaches in the world.

The island’s Driftwood Beach has been called one of the best Southern beaches by USA Today. TripAdvisor has ranked the beach third in the US and 12 in the world, labeling it a "don't miss" beach.

Jekyll Island is great for fishing off the pier on the island’s northern section. There are trails leading from the pier to idyllic picnic spots.

The Island has a large turtle population dedicated to rehabilitating these delightful creatures. It offers behind-the-scenes tours and nighttime and daytime turtle walks on the beach without disturbing them.

The Westin Jekyll Island is one of the best resorts to stay while on the island. Luxurious and filled with Southern hospitality, guests can indulge in outdoor pools, a whirlpool, and several restaurants while being close the Driftwood Beach.

This beautiful house was designed by the great-grandfather of Johnny Mercer, Savannah’s own famed lyricist.

Sadly, no Mercer ever lived here. Still, the Renaissance design makes it one of the attractions in Savannah worth visiting.

High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a large foyer with the original British tiles add to the house's elegance.

It has retained its original moldings, 18^the-century Chinese porcelain, and stained glass from 1868. The wealthy in Georgia enjoyed the good life and knew how to display it.

The Mercer House can be seen in the movies "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and "Glory."

Thirty-five-minute tours are available throughout the day. Adult admission is $13.50, while children younger than 7 can see the house for free.

If you are thinking, “I scream for ice cream,” one of the places to visit in Savannah is legendary Leopold's. It's the best treat in Savannah’s Historic District. Or anywhere else in the city.

Is that a subjective opinion? If so, it is shared by many. Former President Carter: "I salute Leopold’s Ice Cream in its centennial year and look forward to the next home delivery of my favorite butter pecan ice cream!" Actor Ben Affleck, "Leopold’s is by far the best place to get ice cream in the heart of Savannah." And Actress Helen Mirren, "Leopold’s is simply the most delicious temptation."

Everyone seems to agree that Leopold’s is a fabulous must-go-to in Savannah, and needless to say, their juices are freshly squeezed, and their coffee is freshly brewed.

Opened back in 1919, the store frequently has lines forming with people waiting to get in. With flavors such as Coconut Coffee, Peanut Butter Chippy, and Caramel Swirl, among many others, no one minds being patient.

Expect Guinness ice cream around St. Patrick’s Day and Hot Frozen Cocoa in the wintertime. Leopold’s is one of the few ice cream parlors that makes its frozen goodness totally from scratch.

Leopold’s is open Friday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The Savannah Botanical Gardens work closely with local garden clubs to create interest in floral design and arranging, gardening, and landscaping.

There is no fee to explore the stunning 10 acres of public areas of trails, including fragrant roses throughout – anyone who hasn’t seen the awesome Neil Diamond Rose hasn’t seen true beauty.

There are several other incredible gardens that comprise one of the most blooming Savannah attractions. Below are just a few of them.

Cottage Garden resembles a medieval English garden with more herbs and produce than plants. It had to be practical out of necessity. As the country grew wealthier, there were fewer fruits and vegetables and more colorful blooms.

The Mediterranean Garden is all about Europe’s trees, olives, and herbs.

For iris lovers, the Rivers of Iris blends several hybrid iris plants. When these are at their peak in the spring, they suggest a painting by Monet.

These lovely gardens can be visited Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Garden is open until 8:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Not surprisingly, the Savannah Botanical Gardens make the perfect wedding venue. There are both indoor and outdoor facilities with incredible photo ops. The cost of different types of weddings will vary, so click above for specifics.

While Savannah is not located directly by the Atlantic Ocean, it has been an important port city, and maritime ships have played an important part in its development, as detailed in the Maritime Museum.

The museum has a collection of maritime artifacts, models, and paintings. It was built in 1819, when steamships were a crucial part of trade between America and Europe, although the museum itself wasn’t opened until the 20^the century. Seeing this collection is one of the things to do in Savannah.

There are nine separate galleries of maritime-related models. The vessels include steamers, navy ships, and colonial ships. All models are replicated to the smallest detail, each with its unique history.

The steamship Savannah, built in 1818, was the first of its type to cross the Atlantic on a six-month journey to many of Europe’s hotspots. It sank in 1823.

The Anne sailed from Europe in 1732 carrying the initial American colonists on a two-month voyage first to Beaufort, then to the site that would be Savannah.

The Wanderer was one of the speedier vessels of its time – it could reach twenty knots. She was built in New York but purchased by the South with the intent of hauling slaves. Four hundred slaves, her initial cargo, were sent to Jekyll Island. It is one of the replicas on display.

There are many more extraordinary ships in the Maritime Museum. Admission is $10.00 for adults, and high school or college students pay $8.00. There is a family package available for $22.00. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.

The gift shop has an abundance of maritime information available.

One of the most historic places to go in Savannah, especially with children, is the Railroad Museum with its antebellum steam locomotives, rail cars, and engines.

The Roundhouse portion of the site is the oldest railroad repair shop in the country.

The Museum has antique equipment and pictures from when the railroad was a critical mode of transportation, especially for the wealthy who rode in luxurious first-class cars. The Railroad Museum is a dazzling call from the past.

Like Savannah’s Mercer House, the Railway Museum was the site of the movie, "Glory."

Visitors can take both guided and self-guided tours. For price and time, check their website. A diesel or steam locomotive ride is also available, usually around four rides every day.

Admission to the museum is $15.00 per adult and $8.00 for children under 12.

Just a few miles outside the city, Fort Pulaski National Monument is another Savannah attraction that invites nature and history into our lives.

The massive fort is made of 25 million red bricks, creating thick, 11-foot walls to secure the safety of Savannah. As impressive as the walls are, the Union cannons eventually managed to penetrate them.

The more than 5,000-acre park has trails leading to the surrounding landscape, including the Lighthouse Overlook, which offers a river view.

For ambitious hikers, the six-mile McQueens Island Rails are available to bikers, hikers, and other nature lovers. It is also a way to reach Tybee’s Beach.

The grounds surrounding the fort have lush, green picnic areas and a few ruins dating back to the Spanish American War.

Hour-long tours through the massive fort are provided on weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The weekends include weapons demonstrations.

Adults over the age of 16 pay an entrance fee of $7.00. The fort is handicapped accessible.

The love of Scouts cookies is universal. Who doesn’t enjoy them? But who considers the little girl behind the cookies?

Juliette Gordon Low was born in Savannah’s Historic District on October 31, 1860, and her mansion is now a museum – rightfully so, all cookie lovers agree.

It is one of the spots in Savannah that is on the Trolley line and a good excuse for jumping off and exploring this stylish English Regency home where Juliette began her famous cookie empire with the daring belief that a girl could do anything she wanted.

Visitors can tour the four-story mansion that still displays most of its original furniture and artwork, as well as a statue of Juliette and her dog.

And don’t forget to stroll through the garden. Then check out the gift shop and get some cookies.

The cost of entry is $10.00 for Girl Scouts, $15.00 for adults, and $12.00 for children. The mansion is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Old Fort Jackson is the oldest brick fort in the state. It was built in 1808 and has been named a National Historic Landmark, making it one of the favorite places to visit in Savannah.

Only eight forts constructed prior to 1812 still stand, and the Old Ford Jackson is one of them.

It is visited every day for its vast military display; kids love the cannon shots at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and everyone loves the vista of the Savannah River.

Self-guided and guided tours are available. Guides wear period costumes and are very knowledgeable about the fort and its role in Savannah's defense.

Old Fort Jackson is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The entrance fee is $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for children under 12.

Elegant mansions are much beloved in the South. The Davenport House was constructed by Isaiah Davenport to showcase his building skills.

As such, it is one of Savannah's attractions that has turned into an architectural tour of the force with a grand staircase, ornate and gleaming woodwork, and windows allowing natural light.

The furnishing is a collection of 1820s items that carry visitors back to a different time. The collection includes toys and ceramics that have been preserved.

The House is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. and opens at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. There are guided tours at the top of every hour.

Not surprisingly, the Davenport house is one of the popular wedding destinations in Savannah. The peaceful garden, filled with perfumed jasmine and azaleas, is ideal for exchanging vows.

The garden can accommodate up to 80 guests, and the rental price can range from $250.00 to $800.00, depending on the number of guests.

Sometimes, people have a need to get out of the city. When seeking some peace and solidarity with nature, one of the logical destinations in Savannah is nearby Skidaway Island State Park bordering the Skidaway Narrows. The park is filled with wildlife such as deer and egrets, and others.

The visitor center offers guided tours and can point out the various hiking and biking trails.

These trails are a joy for birders, and the Avian Loop trail leads to the Intracoastal Waterway and possible dolphin sightings. Just a short distance away, by the Skidaway Narrows, visitors have access to boating and fishing.

Best yet, a campground provides cabins with restrooms and air conditioning for anyone wishing to "rough" it outdoors. There is a picnic table and cooking facilities.

The Low family was very prominent in Savannah during the 19^the century. We have already become acquainted with the founder of the Girls Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low. Andrew was her father-in-law.

His three-story house was completed in 1849 and perfectly exemplifies 19th-century Savannah architecture.

The entrance is stunning, the foyer is welcoming, and the balconies provide elegance. The mansion is a classical blend of Greek and Gothic revival, showing Savannah’s intense pride in its houses.

The formal garden is as magnificent as the mansion itself. It is a replica of a French garden with low plants and a balanced pattern of elegant flower beds.

The formal 18^the-century look has been maintained. The Courtyard Garden offers serenity and shade with its azaleas, fragrant jasmine and dwarf boxwood. A fountain brings welcome freshness and relaxation.

The Andrew Low Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and opens at noon on Sundays. The entrance fee for adults is $12.00 and $10.00 for students aged 6 to 21.

Few cities love their ghosts more than Savannah, and one of the famous Savannah tourist attractions is its well-known Hearse Ghost Tour.

Bodies and coffins have been removed for the faint of heart, but the hearse is genuine and ready to tour the Historic District for over an hour.

Guest over 21 may bring their own liquor – a quick drink may not be amiss.

Sit back, relax (if you can) and learn more about Savannah's history as you pass the city's cemetery and buildings said to be filled with spirits.

As the company motto states, "You can't spell funeral without fun." A unique concept that Savannah is able to embrace.

The cost per person is $29.50. Spooky tours are given evenings at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.