23 Cool Places to Check Out On Your First Trip to Savannah, Georgia

Roaming around the Southeast USA on a road trip? Carve out a few days to comb through all the fun things to do in Savannah, GA. Nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South,” Georgia’s second-biggest city is famed for its Southern hospitality and historic charms. And on our time-crunched visit, the city quickly became one of our favorite stops along the East Coast.

On our first road trip through Georgia, we loved spending a couple of days in Savannah to explore all its famed historic tourist attractions. As we roamed through the Savannah Historic District for the first time, we couldn’t get enough of strolling along its oak-lined avenues among historic homes, beautiful parks, and leafy historic city squares. 

In this guide, we’ll go over some of our favorite places to visit in Savannah, including must-see museums, historic homes, parks, markets, and even some recommended restaurants, shops, and craft breweries!

Our tips for what to see & do in Savannah

Savannah Historic District

Whether we were visiting Savannah in one day or a week, the highlight of our trip would be roaming around the Savannah Historic District. Dating back to the 18th century, Savannah’s historic center is as charming as its age hints. Much like in other southern cities we explored on our road trip, like Charleston, Savannah’s Historic District shows off some of the finest architecture in the USA.

The planned district is laid out in a grid pattern, with cobblestone streets and leafy avenues dotted by 22 historic city squares and antebellum houses. Strolling along these historic streets on our visit, we unearthed many of the city’s top attractions.

History buffs should focus their ramblings on the area’s historic homes. With their period furnishings, these beautiful mansions step back into the city’s rich history as an important river trading port.

(We’ll cover a bunch of these in a bit.)

We recommend topping off a day of exploring squares and historic buildings of the Savannah Historic District with a stroll along River Street. The historic avenue slides along the Savannah River and was one of our favorite spots to stroll around the historic center.

Inside its former cotton warehouses, River Street hides a smattering of boutiques, restaurants, and pubs, including a few of the coolest spots we found on our trip. We even discovered a couple cool rooftop bars to enjoy epic riverside sunsets with a side of Southern hospitality. (More on that later, too.)

Forsyth Park

Need a break from walking around the Historic District? Take off a load in Forsyth Park. Located on the southern edge of the historic center, the 30-acre public park is one of the city’s most popular green spaces, and one of the most beautiful spots we wandered around in the city center.

Join in on all the action, starting with its majestic centerpiece fountain. Built in 1858, the fountain was designed as an ode to Paris’s Place de la Concorde. As we marveled at the fountain’s intricate design, we were regaled by artists and street performers entertaining the onlookers.

The walking paths at Forsyth Park are flanked by weeping moss-covered oaks. Although we were visiting in late spring, we could imagine that on a summer day, it would be a great spot to get time out from the hot Georgia sun in the shade.

From Forsyth Park, we suggest heading north on Bull Street to explore more of the city’s beautiful squares. Walking northward, look out for Monterey Square, Madison Square, and Chippewa Square.

On the way, you’ll also spot a few more historic houses, including the Mercer-Williams House Museum. (Keep reading to learn more…)

River Street

Want to experience the city’s riverside charms? Take a stroll along River Street. The waterfront avenue stretches two miles along the southern bank of the Savannah River and, in our opinion, is one of the coolest places to see in Savannah for travelers.

River Street flourished during the southern city’s cotton industry heyday. After decades of decline, its old cotton warehouses found new life. Slowly, they’ve been converted into antique shops, restaurants, and bars, a few of which quickly became some of our favorite spots to chill in the city.

We highly recommend stopping in at a riverside eatery along River Street to enjoy Southern hospitality with spectacular Savannah River views.

For Southern food and drinks in a historic setting, check out The Cotton Exchange (201 E River St). Since we visited, we’ve dreamed about their Tybee crab chowder and shrimp & grits.

To enjoy laid-back evening cocktails, pop into Rocks on the Roof (102 W Bay St). Located in the Bohemian Hotel, the rooftop bar is one of the chicest places we found to grab food & drinks in the historic center. Sip Southern-inspired signature cocktails like the Savannah Sunset and Port City Smash with a side of inspired international bar bites like Korean chicken.

Craving a succulent dessert? Don’t leave without slipping into River Street Sweets (13 E River St). Months later, we were still raving about their famous pralines, which are among the city’s most indulgent treats for sweet tooths. 

After you’re done exploring the waterfront, unwind in nearby Emmet Park. Wedged between the old warehouses and East Bay Street, Emmet Park pays tribute to Savannah’s Irish dockworkers. In the shaded canopy, we found several monuments including Emmet Park’s centerpiece Celtic Cross Monument.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

While exploring the historic city center, don’t miss out on a visit to the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. Located next to beautiful Oglethorpe Square, Owens-Thomas House is one of the top points of interest in Savannah and one of the most interesting historic homes we visited on our trip to the city. If you have a passing interest in US history, we’d say it’s well worth a look!

Owen-Thomas House was built in 1819 in English Regency style. Even with two centuries under its belt, many claim it’s one of the finest examples of the architectural style in the United States.

Get the scoop on the home’s history on a guided tour. On the tour, we spotted interesting architectural details and artwork. We loved the ornately decorated columns, railings, and crown mouldings, as well as the period furnishings and artifacts, from the elegant chandeliers to the intricately woven carpets. All the rooms are interspersed with interactive exhibits to explain more about the home’s history.

Aside from the main home, explore the beautiful parterre-style garden and carriage houses. End a tour with a visit to the home’s Slave Quarters. Its austere accommodations give insight into the home’s sometimes dark history, and we think it’s an important counterbalance to the tour.

The Owen-Thomas House is maintained by Telfair Museums. The organization also funds the Jepson Center for the Arts and the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences. Also known as the Telfair Museum of Art, it’s the oldest art museum in the Southern United States and one of Savannah’s must-see museums.

Between the two art museums and historic home lies a collection of over 4,500 American and European paintings and sculptures. Art lovers will want to carve out time to visit all three.

Leopold’s Ice Cream

For sweet tooths, we don’t think any visit to Savannah is complete without a lick of Leopold’s Ice Cream. Located in the Historic District, the venerable ice cream shop is one of the USA’s oldest parlors and has even been placed among the world’s tastiest!

We highly recommend braving the eternal line-up in the hot Georgia sun to see how Leopold’s Ice Cream measures up!

Mercer-Williams House

One of Savannah’s most beautiful historic homes, the Mercer-Williams House is a must-see for history buffs. The Italian Villa-style house was built in the 1860s. And although its beauty was obvious from the moment we stepped to the curb, the home’s legends place it among the most interesting tourist attractions we discovered in the city.

Mercer-Williams House hit the mainstream among fans of true crime in 1994 with Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The book tells the story of the 1981 murder of Danny Hansford by the home’s antique dealer owner, Jim Williams. Prior to Williams, the house was the home of local lyricist Johnny Mercer.

Take a guided tour to explore the home’s exquisite architectural details. The styles range from Greek to Italianate to Renaissance Revival. Most interesting for us (besides the haunting backstory) was the chance to browse Williams’ private art and furniture collection. Most of the antique pieces date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

With all its intrigue, the home is, unsurprisingly, a favorite stop on Savannah ghost tours. If you’re craving a few chills, we suggest joining in on a Savannah Paranormal Mystery Tour to get the inside scoop. (If you dare!)

While in the area, we’d also recommend walking one block east to check out the Congregation Mickve Israel. Founded in 1733, Congregation Mickve Israel is the USA’s third-oldest Jewish congregation. With its striking Neo-Gothic architecture, it’s one of the most beautiful houses of worship we stumbled upon in the city.

City Market

Need a break from historic sightseeing in Savannah? Slide over to the City Market. Wedged between Ellis Square and Franklin Square, the open-air City Market is near the top of the list for what to see in Savannah. When we visited the market, we found it to be the perfect spot to take a breather, grab some grub, and pick up a couple souvenirs.

City Market hails from the city’s founding in the 1700s. Following its birth, it was Savannah’s main marketplace and its most popular gathering spot. Today, City Market is still one of the coolest places to visit in the historic center.

Inside the market lie vendors peddling everything from artwork to handicrafts. On the cobblestone streets around the square, we spotted several art galleries and a barrage of restaurants and pubs.

For a unique experience in City Market, we suggest setting aside time to visit the American Prohibition Museum. The museum features artifacts and exhibits detailing the Prohibition era in the United States.

Our favorite part of the American Prohibition Museum was feeling like an outlaw by grabbing a drink in its on-site tavern, styled after an illicit 1920s speakeasy!

If you’ve worked up an appetite, we think the City Market is the perfect place for a culinary adventure. Grab steak & seafood at the nearby award-winning Belford’s Savannah (315 W Saint Julian St). Sink your teeth into Southern classics like Southern fried chicken, shrimp po’boys, or jump lump crab cake.

Or, for Southern food & drinks with a view, snag a table at the rooftop bar of The Grove (301 W Congress St). Sip classic cocktails with a twist like a lychee mojito, smoked peach manhattan, or a Savannah tea party mocktail. (To save some cash visit during their happy hour from Monday to Friday between 5 and 7 pm.)

After exploring the City Market, set out on foot to explore more of the city’s picturesque squares. Check out the Johnny Mercer statue at Ellis Square, John Wesley in Reynolds Square, and Nathanael Greene in Johnson Square. All are within quick walking distance east of the market.

Chippewa Square

If there’s any historic square we think you need to toss into your Savannah trip, it’s Chippewa Square. Astute film lovers will recognize the beautiful city square from the movie Forrest Gump. Chippewa Square provided the leafy backdrop for the recollection of Forrest’s life story.

While the original bench from the film sits in the nearby Savannah History Museum, Chippewa Square is still worth a visit. From its centerpiece statue of General James Oglethorpe radiates a lovely canopy of mature trees and a garden.

While roaming around Savannah, we found ourselves here a couple of times, soaking up the scenery and relaxing among its greenery.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

After your visit to Chippewa Square, walk one block north on Bull Street to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Dating back to 1821, the landmark home was built in an eye-popping Regency style. Even if you’re not familiar with the Girl Scouts’ founder, we think the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is worth a quick tour.

The original home fell into a state of disrepair after Low’s death. In 1953, the Girl Scouts of the USA purchased the home with the intent to restore it and pay tribute to their founder.

Today, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace includes seven rooms chock-full of original period furnishings and stunning architectural features. We were most impressed by the ornate crown mouldings and door and window casings. There’s also a ton of artwork around the home, some of which was created by Low herself.

Savannah Theatre

Flanking Chippewa Square’s east, Savannah Theatre is one of the city’s premier performing arts venues. Running since 1818, the Savannah Theatre is the oldest theater in the United States.

The Savannah Theatre has undergone sizeable changes since its inception. The current Art Deco-style building dates to the mid-20th century. In 1948, it replaced the hurricane- and fire-damaged original. It stands in contrast to the grand 18th- and 19th-century buildings elsewhere in the Historic District.

Although we didn’t manage to fit it into our schedule, catching a live musical or play at the Historic Savannah Theatre is one of the city’s must-do activities. Check the schedule online to see what’s playing during your visit.

Old Savannah Trolley Tour

Need a break from your walking tour? Rest your feet on an Old Savannah Trolley Tour. The city’s popular trolley tours whisk past over 100 top points of interest in the historic city center.

On an Old Savannah Trolley Tour, costumed guides enlighten visitors on the city’s 270 years of history. We found this bus to be a super convenient way to travel around the city, with the opportunity to hop on and hop off at 15 stops.

Jones Street

Located a block north of Monterey Square, Jones Street is often touted as the most beautiful street in Savannah. Test the theory with a walk on W Jones Street between Drayton Street and Tattnall Street.

When we took a quick stroll down Jones Street, we loved stumbling over its red-brick cobblestones, flanked by colonial houses. We thought it was a relaxing way to spend a few minutes escaping the center’s commercial bubble.

Colonial Park Cemetery

Dating back to 1789, Colonial Park Cemetery is central Savannah’s oldest burial ground. While it may seem a tad macabre for us to suggest a graveyard among the city’s top places to see, we think there’s good reason for it!

The beautiful cemetery is the final resting place of some of the city’s most influential citizens. Most famous we spotted here is Button Gwinnett, one of the signers of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The 6-acre Colonial Park Cemetery is also home to a mass grave of over 700 victims of the 1820 yellow fever epidemic.

Unlike Bonaventure Cemetery, Colonial Park lies within the city center. It’s within a short walking distance of Chippewa Square to the west and Lafayette Square to the south.

Broughton Street

Shopaholics visiting Savannah will find their nirvana along Broughton Street. Stretching east and west in the center of the Historic District, the street is one of the city’s main commercial avenues. Grabbing a bite or venturing into the shops of Broughton Street is one of the most popular things to do in Savannah, GA.

Broughton Street is lined with an array of boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. We recommend stopping by the Savannah Bee Company (104 W Broughton St). Opened in 2002, Savannah Bee Company peddles some of the world’s finest honey products, from body creams to spreads.

Located on the corner of Broughton and Whitaker Street, the popular Paris Market (36 W Broughton St) is also worth a browse. The Paris Market offers a selection of gifts and housewares. When we popped in, we found a little of everything here, from antiques to jewelry. The store also serves up some tasty cafe-style food & drinks for your shopping trip.

Sorrel-Weed House

Fan of the supernatural? Don’t leave Sorrel-Weed House off your Savannah wishlist. Sitting upon Madison Square, the 16,000-square-foot mansion is one of the largest historic homes in Savannah. And with its paranormal intrigue, we think it’s one of the city’s most interesting places to go for travelers.

By day, visit Sorrel-Weed House to admire its architectural charms. The house is one of the city’s finest examples of Greek Revival and Regency-style architecture we spotted in the city. Inside, you’ll uncover an impressive collection of period furniture and artwork.

Of course, the real treat is to pop in at night. In the evening, Sorrel-Weed House hosts a popular ghost tour. We highly recommend joining in—if you’ve got the nerve!

Fort Pulaski National Monument

American Civil War buffs will want to squeeze in a visit to the Fort Pulaski National Monument. Located on Cockspur Island on the Savannah River, the 19th-century brick fort is one of the coolest things to see in Savannah for history lovers.

Tour Fort Pulaski to learn all about its history, including the siege that led to the Union’s control of Savannah. On weekends, we also discovered that the fortress hosts historic weapons demonstrations. Watch as demonstrators fire Civil War-era muskets and cannons into the air.

Besides its historical value, we think Fort Pulaski National Monument is a fantastic destination for nature lovers. The fort sits upon over 5,300 acres of parkland, crossed by nature trails.

A good starting point for hikers is the North Pier Trail. Less than one mile out & back, the trail whisks you off the Battery Hambright and the historic north pier.

For the island’s most beautiful vistas, we recommend tackling the Lighthouse Overlook Trail. On the trek, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the Savannah River, Tybee Island, and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse.

Savannah History Museum

Need a deep dive into Savannah’s 270 years of history? Spend time perusing the Savannah History Museum in Tricentennial Park. Located in the former central railway passenger shed, the museum is home to over 10,000 artifacts covering from 1733 to today and is one of the city’s most popular family-friendly activities.

The Savannah History Museum is most famous for housing the “Forrest Gump Bench” from Chippewa Square. Of course, there’s plenty more to be seen. Popular exhibits we found include a tribute to Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low and lessons on the Revolutionary War in the South.

After your museum visit, we recommend heading outside to check out Battlefield Memorial Park. Located across from the museum, the park commemorates the site of the Battle of Savannah during the American Revolutionary War. 

Bonaventure Cemetery

If you’ve got extra time in Savannah, we recommend taking the 15-minute drive east to Bonaventure Cemetery. Dating back to 1846, Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the city’s oldest burial grounds. The cemetery is famed for its natural beauty and attractive Victorian monuments.

Bonaventure Cemetery occupies the site of the former Bonaventure Plantation. With its oak-lined paths and perch over the Wilmington River, the 160-acre cemetery delivers a unique experience.

Spend some time wandering around Bonaventure Cemetery. On our quick visit, we loved marveling at the cemetery’s graceful monuments under a canopy of weeping Spanish moss and among a blanket of azaleas.

Andrew Low House

Got time for yet another historic home? Slip into the Andrew Low House. Located on Lafayette Square, the mansion is renowned as the former home of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, the owner’s daughter-in-law.

Andrew Low House offers one of Savannah’s finest collections of 19th-century furniture and artwork. Visitors will also love exploring the beautiful parterre garden. It’s one of only three remaining 19th-century garden plans in the city.

Even more appealing for some travelers is Andrew Low House’s paranormal reputation. Like so many landmark homes in Savannah, the Girl Scout founder’s home is reputed to be haunted. We recommend joining the Savannah Ghostwalker Tour to get a grip on the home’s paranormal activity.

Also on Lafayette Square, the nearby Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home is a must-see for bookworms. Take a guided tour to learn more about the life and works of the famed Southern Gothic author.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

On the north side of Lafayette Square, also keep your eyes peeled for the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. With its Neo-Gothic architecture, the 19th-century Catholic church is worth a peek.

Pop inside the Cathedral of St. John to marvel at its stained-glass windows and religious murals. (The soaring, vaulted ceilings totally remind us of so many amazing churches we visited around Europe!)

Tybee Island

Spending an extra day or two in Savannah? Venture to Tybee Island. Located about 30 minutes east of the city, Tybee Island is one of our favorite Savannah day trips. The barrier island and beach town are known for their military fort, museums, and some of the most beautiful sandy beaches near Savannah.

Start your day trip to Tybee Island at Fort Screven. Used in several major wars, the 19th-century fortress is the perfect place for a history lesson with a backdrop of stunning ocean views.

While visiting the fort, we recommend also saving time for Tybee Island Light Station & Museum. Scale up to the top of the 18th-century lighthouse to enjoy incredible views over the Atlantic shoreline.

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To soak up the rays, frolic on the white sands of South Beach. Take a dip in the water or grab a meal & drinks at one of the beachfront restaurants & cafes.

Fort McAllister State Park

Located 45 minutes south, Fort McAllister State Park is one of the city’s most popular day trips. The 1,725-acre park is home to Fort McAllister, a Confederacy-era earthworks fortification. Along with Fort Pulaski and Fort James Jackson, the fortress was one of the city’s three main strongholds.

Take your time to explore the riverside fort’s military installations and defensive barracks. We think the park’s Civil War museum is also worth a look for military history fans. It contains a barrage of interesting artifacts and a gift shop.

Moon River Brewing Company

Ready to unwind after a day of historic sightseeing? Cool off with a pint at the Moon River Brewing Company. Located on West Bay Street, just a block from River Street in the Historic District, this popular craft brewery serves some of the city’s finest craft beers in its laid-back beer garden.

Choose between juicy IPAs and ales like Swamp Fox and Wacky Wit, to more robust dark beers like The Captain’s Porter and Skygazer Dark Saison. Not into beer? Moon River Brewing Company also offers a great selection of craft cocktails and wine.

Built up an appetite? Pair their award-winning beers with inspired Southern pub food like Mac ‘N’ Cheese Bowls, Chicken and Sausage Creole, or Taco-Dillas.

Save money by timing your visit with the brewery’s daily Happy Hour, firing up between 4 pm and 7 pm.

Recommended places to stay for sightseeing

For most visitors, our favorite places to stay in Savannah are within the Historic District. The neighborhood hosts many of Savannah’s top activities and is the city’s safest area.

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