Best Things to Do in Savannah
Dating back to 1733 and nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South” for its hospitality, Savannah is one of the most beautiful cities in America.
From picturesque streets lined with historic homes and public squares that were part of the original city plan to a French Gothic cathedral that rivals those found in Europe and an ice cream spot worth standing in line for. In this episode, we share the best things to do in Savannah.
Along the Waterfront
Along the Savannah River is where the colony of Georgia was founded in 1733. By the mid 1800s, the original Port of Savannah was the leading exporter of cotton in the world. Large four and five-story buildings between Bay and River Streets along the waterfront served as cotton warehouses more than a century ago.
Historic River Street
Shops and restaurants
World-class hotels
Statues and monuments
Factors Walk
Cluskey Vaults
Public Squares & Parks
Savannah is a very walkable city. On foot is the best way to absorb the centuries that make up this town’s unique story.
Connecting the diverse fabric of Savannah’s rich heritage and what makes it so pedestrian-friendly is the presence of 22 public squares all over town. It was General James Oglethorpe who devised the master plan in the early 1700s.
These quaint green spaces are often used as meeting spots or navigational aides for locals, while statues and historic markers provide an easy, free way for visitors to learn more about the city’s past.
Historic Homes
Savannah would not be the same without its historic homes. There are so many here, it would be impossible to cover them all in this short video. But here are some of our favorites we think you should see.
Green-Meldrim House (next door to St. Johns Episcopal Church in Madison Square)
General William Sherman used the house as his headquarters during the Civil War. It was from within these walls that he gifted Savannah to President Lincoln as a Christmas present.
Telfair Academy (facing Telfair Square)
This mansion constructed by one of Savannah’s most famous families is today the oldest public art museum in the South. It is also the first art museum in America to by founded by a woman.
Sorrel-Weed House (Bull Street & Madison Square)
If you’re into exploring all things paranormal, you want to be sure and check out this house. It’s said to be the most haunted place in Savannah.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (Bull Street & Oglethorpe, across from Collins Quarter)
The name Juliette Gordon Low might be familiar to you. She founded the Girl Scouts in the early 1900s. This house is where she was born. Today, it’s operated by the organization as a museum.
Breathtaking Jones Street
Charming and beautiful. Two words often used to describe Jones Street in Savannah’s historic district. One glimpse down this brick-covered street with its magnificent canopy of live oaks and you’re instantly sucked in to start exploring it more.
Jones Street is a photographer’s dream with block after block of historic row houses, many dating back to the middle and late 1800s.
Places to Check Out on Jones Street
Mrs. Wilke’s Dining Room
Clary Cafe
Crystal Beer Parlor
Eliza Thompson House
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
The undisputed architectural jewel of Savannah that can’t be missed is the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. One of the best examples of French Gothic architecture you’ll find anywhere, it’s often referred to as “The Sistine of the South” because of its intricate hand-painted murals.
Standing 214-feet tall, its known for its 81 stained glass windows and 16 gargoyles.
The Cathedral is open for self-guided tours Monday thru Saturday.
First African Baptist Church
First African Baptist Church traces its roots to a congregation that formed in 1773 and is said to be the first black Baptist congregation in North America.
The structure overlooking Franklin Square was constructed in the 1850s and served as a safe house for slaves during the time of the Underground Railroad. Inside, you can still see the holes in the floorboards that were used to ventilate the concealed spaces through which slaves traveled.
Haunting Historic Cemeteries
Some of the most beautiful and most haunting places in Savannah are the city’s famed cemeteries. No visit would be complete without taking a few minutes to check out at least one of them.
Bonaventure is the most legendary, brought to national attention in the best-selling novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Once the site of a large plantation, the cemetery located five miles east of downtown is home to an impressive collection of sculptures memorializing many of Savannah’s most notable historical, cultural and political figures.
One of the most visited graves is that of Johnny Mercer, an American songwriter whose hits included “Moon River” and “Hooray for Hollywood.”
Wormsloe Plantation
Over 400 stately live oak trees will transport you to a different era at Wormsloe Plantation Historic Site.
This scenic property belonged to Noble Jones in the 1700s and today is the only standing architectural remnant in Savannah from the founding of Georgia.
Starland District
South of 37th Street you’ll find the hipster creative scene of Starland. A large dairy company once anchored this neighborhood that today is home to an art supply store, brew pubs, independent eateries, boutiques and a food truck venue.
One of the most popular attractions is Graveface Record Store and Curiosity Shop. Offering more than just an amazing collection of vinyl, this Savannah institution features oddball merchandise, creepy toys, Halloween items and bizarre taxidermy. They also operate a museum at Factors Walk.
Byrd’s Famous Cookies Flagship Store
A short drive from the historic district at 6710 Waters Avenue is the flagship store of Byrd’s Famous Cookies.
Out back is a facility where they make the little bite-sized cookies that have become a staple here in Savannah.
As you’d expect, the shop here at the headquarters is larger than the other locations, but has the same charm inside with friendly, helpful employees. Step up to the Cookie Bar where you can try samples of their products before buying a bunch to take home.
Stay at the Thompson Savannah
When visiting Savannah, only the best will do. And that means checking into one of the newest lodging options in town.
Located on Savannah’s riverfront where the historic district meets the Eastern Wharf, the Thompson Savannah is an urban oasis. Here you’re able to relax and rejuvenate while being minutes away from the city’s treasured historic sites.
Nearly 200 rooms grace this luxury hotel including 21 suites outfitted with mid-century modern furnishings.
We booked a King Room on a Sunday night in late January 2022 for $188. With 340 square-feet, this was the most affordable option in their lineup.
Nightlife and Plant Riverside District
Nightlife is plentiful here, with dozens of bars and breweries to keep you busy well into the evening.
We enjoyed spending time at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. This unique hotel and retail complex was at one time a large power plant.
Today, it’s home to a number of bars and eateries, boutiques and art galleries. The lobby of the hotel is like stepping into a natural history museum, with 4 to 5-million-year-old towering geodes and fossils everywhere you turn. They sit underneath an impressive replica of one of the largest dinosaurs to have been discovered.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
Leopold’s Ice Cream is one of the most celebrated cultural landmarks in all of Savannah.
Almost any time of the day, day or night, warm weather or when there’s a chill in the air, you can find long lines waiting to get inside Leopold’s flagship location on Broughton Street.
But Leopold’s unique history dates back a century. Be sure to watch our video above where we visit the original location and go into more detail about its past!
