Savannah, GA is a charming little Southern town set beneath veils of Spanish Moss and oak trees. This small, coastal town has so much to offer and you’ll be sure to get a full dose of Southern hospitality during your visit!  

Savannah was established in 1733 along the Savannah River, hence the name, and served as a strategic port during both the American Revolution and the Civil War. It also was the birthplace of the Girl Scouts of the USA and is home to one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. 

Needless to , Savannah is one of the most enchanting and historic towns in America! Here are some of our picks for the top spots to visit while in Savannah.

River Street 

River Street is one of Savannah’s main attractions and it won’t take you long to see why. Former cotton warehouses were transformed into boutiques, galleries, pubs, and restaurants along the Savannah River to create a premier destination for the enjoyment of tourists and locals alike. You can spend hours wandering through the picturesque, cobblestone street while eating, drinking, and shopping. It’s also a great place to take a riverboat cruise or simply enjoy views of the river at sunset. 

Wormsloe Historic Site

The Wormsloe Historic Site, a 15-minute drive from the city, is a must-see during your visit to Savannah. Wormsloe was established in 1739 as a plantation and a colonial estate of one of Georgia’s founders, Noble Jones. The State acquired the 500-acres of land in 1973 and has since opened it to the public for all to enjoy its beauty!

As soon as you enter the grounds, you will be captivated by the oak trees dressed in Spanish Moss. You can spend as much time as you like walking the trails, exploring some of the 18th-century ruins, and relaxing by the salt marsh.

Forsyth Park 

Forsyth Park, named after Savannah’s 33rd Governor, is an outdoor hub for social gatherings. The 30-acre park features playgrounds, walking paths, open areas for picnics, a garden, and a pavilion for events. The main focal point is the Forsyth Fountain, which was modeled after fountains found at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. 

You can spend time exploring the park, listening to live music, visiting the farmers’ market (open Saturdays), or, depending on when you visit, enjoying events such as the Savannah Jazz Festival!

Trolley Tour

A great way to explore Savannah is by taking a Trolley Tour. These tours can be completed at your own pace and take you to many of the historical sites throughout the City so that you can enjoy all Savannah has to offer! By the end of the tour, you will be super knowledgeable about Savannah’s vast history! You can book these tours online or through your hotel – there are many companies to choose from, such as Old Town Trolley or Old Savannah Tours.

Ghost Tour

Savannah is famous for being one of the most haunted cities in America! Both residents and tourists claim to experience paranormal activities throughout the city. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, you can experience the spookiness for yourself by signing up for a nighttime ghost tour or overnight ghost encounter. You can also head to known haunted places such as Gribble House, Marshall House, and Bonaventure Cemetery to try and catch a glimpse of some lingering spirits!

Ice Cream at Leopold’s

Founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece, Leopold’s has quickly grown into an award-winning and world-famous ice cream destination. There are tons of flavors to choose from, including a rotating menu of seasonal flavors that change each month. They also offer vegan ice cream so if you cannot eat dairy do not fret! 

The line is usually down the block so be prepared to wait a little while!

Fun fact: Their secret formula has remained unchanged since they first opened their doors.

Food, Food, Food 

Honestly, I gained a few lbs while in Savannah because all of the food that I ate was to die for! You can find any type of cuisine in the city ranging from your typical Southern comfort foods to various international cuisines. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants: Treylor Park, The Ordinary Pub, Savannah Seafood Shack, and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. I recommend making reservations if you can as places tend to fill up quickly. 

Check out our detailed Savannah food guide for some great recommendations!

Nightlife 

The night scene in Savannah is very lively year-round! There are tons of bars and pubs in the historic city where people go out to drink, dance, and listen to live music. It is easy to jump from bar to bar, however, lines tend to get quite long as the night goes on and cover charges may increase.

Some of my favorite bars were Saddle Bar (ride their mechanical bull if you dare), PS Tavern, Wet Willies, Barrelhouse South, Electric Moon (featuring rooftop swing sets), and Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos! 

Fun fact: It is legal to enjoy a drink out in public in Savannah!

Local Beer/Breweries

One of my favorite parts of visiting a new city is trying local beers at their breweries. You can spend an afternoon at one of Savannah’s many breweries, each with a unique charm and story.

There are many to choose from but a few fan favorites are Southbound Brewing Company (features live music, community events) Service Brewing Company (veteran-owned and highlights beers named after military themes), and Moon River Brewing (known for its outdoor beer garden).

Cheers!

Tybee Island

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Savannah, look no further than Tybee Island. Only a short 20 minute drive away from the city, Tybee Island offers a wide range of activities, such as visiting Georgia’s tallest and oldest lighthouse, spending an afternoon at the beach, kayaking through Dolphin Bay, spotting wild bottlenose dolphins, or enjoying some fresh-caught seafood! 

We hope you enjoy your visit to Savannah! 

xx

Carla & Kristen