Savannah Visitor’s Guide – Top Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia
Planning a Savannah, Georgia vacation? With so many incredible experiences waiting for you, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate Savannah Visitor’s Guide — your go-to resource for exploring the best this historic Southern city has to offer.
From iconic historic landmarks and famous Savannah restaurants to award-winning boutiques, local shops, and family-friendly attractions, our A-to-Z guide is packed with must-see sights and top things to do in Savannah. Every recommendation is hand-picked by our team of local experts to ensure you experience the true charm of Savannah.
Browse the list, choose your favorites, or take on the whole city — your unforgettable Savannah adventure starts here.
Adventure Tours in Motion
Savannah’s unique blend of historical attractions, architectural treasures, native beauty, and vibrant nightlife provide an overabundance of available choices during your precious vacation time. Adventure Tours in Motion’s tours are affordably designed with your individual interests emphasized and arranged to suit your schedule.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery was developed on the historically significant site of Bonaventure Plantation. The peaceful setting rests on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah. The site was purchased for a private cemetery in 1846 and became a public cemetery in 1907. This charming site has been a world famous tourist destination for more than 150 years due to the old tree-lined roadways, the many notable persons interred, the unique cemetery sculpture and architecture, and the folklore associated with the site and the people.
Coastal Heritage Society
Chartered in 1975 as a small maritime historical society with seven members, the Coastal Heritage Society has grown to an organization of 83 employees providing a center for education and heritage tourism with the mission to preserve the cultural heritage of coastal Georgia and adjacent regions and to provide relevant educational experiences for the public. In carrying out this mission, CHS has the stewardship of six venues: Old Fort Jackson National Historic Landmark in Chatham County, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah History Museum, Savannah Children’s Museum, Battlefield Memorial Park and Pin Point Heritage Museum in Chatham County.
Dolphin Tours
When visiting you won’t want to miss out on one of our family-friendly Savannah dolphin tours. Taking a trip with one of these locals is the best way to spot a dolphin and see Savannah’s waterways! Tours are available from several different companies including Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour, Dolphin Eco Cruise Tour and Mermaid Pirate Dolphin Tours!
Ellis Square
Ellis Square was one of the first four squares laid out by James Oglethorpe in 1733, the same year in which he founded the Georgia colony and the city of Savannah. It is located on Barnard between Bryan and Congress Streets and was named after Henry Ellis, second Royal Governor of the Georgia colony. Since 1733 the square has been updated and officially reopened at a dedication ceremony held on March 11, 2010. A bronze statue of songwriter-lyricist Johnny Mercer, a native Savannahian, was formally unveiled in Ellis Square on November 18, 2009.
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park, located in the Savannah Historic District, is approximately 30 acres and includes walking paths, a cafe, beautiful gardens, the photo-worthy Forsyth Park Fountain and more. The fountain was actually erected in 1858 and was designed to resemble the grand fountain in Paris at the Place de la Concorde. Fun Fact — An exact replica of our Forsyth Park Fountain also resides in Cuzco, Peru!
Ghost Stories
When looking up “most haunted cities” you’ll often find Savannah, GA on the list! Our city offers everything from family-friendly Savannah trolley tours to extra-scary, haunted walking tours. You can even learn about Savannah’s haunted history while riding in a hearse! Whatever your mode of transportation, there’s a haunted tour in Savannah for you!
Horse Carriage Tours
Looking for a nice relaxing way to tour Savannah? Take a moment to see Savannah through the eyes of a horse-drawn carriage tour. Walk through Ellis Square and around City Market to find one of many carriage companies, all offering wonderful tours of the city.
Islands — Tybee and Daufuskie
Tybee means “salt” to Native Americans, but the name of this low-key seaside resort now brings to mind words such as “sun,” “sand” and “fun!” Located 18 miles east of Savannah, Tybee Island boasts a wide, three-mile long beach that is perfect for sunbathing, people-watching and frolicking in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Daufuskie Island offers a glimpse of what other sea islands were like before bridges and causeways opened them to development. Most native residents of Daufuskie Island are descendants of freed slaves, who have made their living oystering and fishing for decades. The subject of Pat Conroy’s novel, The Water Is Wide, Daufuskie Island has a timeless quality and is still accessible only by boat.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
At Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah Girl Scouts and students of American history should pause at the Juliette Gordon Low Girl Scout National Center, designed by noted early nineteenth-century English architect William Jay, the dignified daughter of William Washington Gordon and founder of the Girl Scouts of America.
Kayak Tours
If your family enjoys the outdoors, you might want to take a Kayak tour. Kayaking is very easy and a great way to get up close to nature. A variety of tours are offered for all ages. Explore our waterways, marshes and barrier islands, but, most importantly…get ready to relax!
Lavender Rooftop Kitchen + Bar
Perched above the Historic District, Lavender Rooftop Kitchen + Bar is Savannah’s must-visit destination for breathtaking views, handcrafted cocktails, and shareable bites with a Southern twist. Whether you’re unwinding at sunset or toasting under the stars, Lavender blends vibrant flavors with an unforgettable rooftop atmosphere.
Massie Heritage Center
Massie is a museum and a resource center for heritage education, especially as it relates to Savannah’s history and its environment. The Massie Heritage Interpretation Center, a unit of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, is housed in three nineteenth-century Greek Revival buildings situated in the Historic Landmark District.
Nourish
Nourish is proud to be doing their part to keep the planet clean while reducing their carbon footprint. They have operated as a green company since the 1990s, providing environmentally-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable products such as candles, soaps and moisturizers that are good for our bodies and the earth. Nourish makes recycling a priority and invests in every effort to minimize the environmental impact of our daily routine. They only package in recyclable, reusable and/or biodegradable containers.
Old Town Trolley
Old Town Trolley offers the only Savannah Tours endorsed by the Historic Savannah Foundation. Whether you’re just breezing through or enjoying an extended stay, they have several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in Savannah and still see the best first!
Pirate’s House
Step back in time at The Pirate’s House, a historic tavern dating back to 1753. Enjoy classic Southern fare in a one-of-a-kind setting filled with tales of sailors and hidden tunnels. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for unique pirate-themed souvenirs!
Queens – The Savannah River Queen and Georgia Queen Riverboats
Enjoy an evening of dinner, live entertainment and an unforgettable tour of the city on a Savannah river boat cruise. Experience refreshing river breezes on a sightseeing harbor tour, delicious local Southern flavors, cultural entertainment, fun-filled dinner, magical moonlight and lavish brunches. Join the captain and award-winning crew on board for a unique tour and cruise attraction that is not to be missed!
River Street Savannah
Find shopping, dining, events and more on the beautiful Savannah Riverfront when you visit River Street, one of the most celebrated attractions in Savannah.
Salt Table
The Salt Table features free tasting samples of hundreds of different salts, seasonings, sugars, teas, dips, blends, Amish popcorn and even local honey. All of these items are packaged under the unique Salt Table brand that is available only at this store.
Tours Galore
Looking to tour Savannah? With the city’s rich history, beautiful architecture and many haunted homes, there are numerous Savannah tours to suit your every need. Jump aboard one of Savannah’s trolley tours to ride through the gorgeous historic district or put on your walking shoes and choose from one of the many walking tours in town. Looking for that extra special spooky tour? There are several Savannah ghost tours available throughout the year.
University of Georgia Marine Extension Service & Aquarium
The UGA Marine Extension Service & Aquarium is a magnificent, state of the art teaching aquarium. The facility also offers nature trails with wildlife observation platforms, a saltmarsh boardwalk and a natural history museum.
Vic’s on the River
Vic’s is located in a beautiful old cotton warehouse overlooking the Savannah River and historic River Street. Along with the restaurant’s spectacular views, Vic’s menu reflects Savannah’s Southern charm with their take on traditional Southern food and fresh seafood selections.
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
A line gathers each morning at 107 West Jones Street. At 11 o’clock, the doors of Mrs. Wilkes’ Boarding House open and the lunch crowd finds a seat at one of the large tables-for-ten shared by strangers. Tabletops are crowded with platters of fried chicken and cornbread dressing, sweet potato souffle, black-eyed peas, okra gumbo, corn muffins and biscuits. The menu changes daily so regulars can enjoy something different every day.
Xmas in Savannah
Thinking about spending the holidays in Savannah this season? You’re in luck! Whether you’re visiting family and friends in Savannah, coming for some holiday romance or looking for a family-friendly vacation filled with holiday magic, you’re sure to find this and so much more in Savannah.
Ye Ole Tobacco Shop
Ye Ole Tobacco Shop has a large variety of cigars, tobacco and rare cigarettes. Family owned and operated since 1973, they are Savannah’s oldest and most trusted cigar and tobacco shop.
Zunzi’s
Zunzi’s is a mixture of international cuisine that comes from owners Johnny and Gabriella’s very different cultural backgrounds. A combination of Swiss, Italian, South African and Dutch, Zunzi’s brings together flavors that are unique and delicious as well as always fresh.