What to do in savannah, ga
Welcome to Savannah, GA known as the “Hostess City of the South.” Founded in the 1733 by colonists led by James Edward Oglerthorp, this city is filled with history, good food, charm, hospitality, and ghosts of the past. This charming city makes a wonderful weekend getaway or a must stop location if visiting the low country. Here are the top things to do if you are spending just a few days in Savannah, GA.
First of all, before you go off and do all the must-do things, you need to figure out where should you stay. I highly recommend staying down near River Street. We stayed at The Alida, and it was the perfect location. We were able to walk to all sorts of places. Speaking of which, Savannah is an extremely walkable city. So bring your walking shoes because you will be walking quite a bit in order to see all this amazing city has to offer.
First of all, before you go off and do all the must-do things, you need to figure out where should you stay. I highly recommend staying down near River Street. We stayed at The Alida, and it was the perfect location. We were able to walk to all sorts of places. Speaking of which, Savannah is an extremely walkable city. So bring your walking shoes because you will be walking quite a bit in order to see all this amazing city has to offer.
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Now, if you are staying on or near River Street, one of the first things you will definitely want to check out is River Street itself. And even if you aren’t staying by River Street, you must take a moment to explore this historic cobblestone street. And I’m going to warn you…I’m probably going to use the word historic a lot because, well…Savannah, is simply…historic. With it’s history starting in 1733, it’s seen the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The ghosts of the past are strong here.
Okay, back to River Street. Make sure to take a walk along the Savannah River and you might even be lucky enough to see a giant container ship. We were lucky enough to see a few of them from our hotel room, and these things are quite impressive with their massive size!
River Street itself is filled with shops, restaurants, and history, so take some time to stroll along this historic road. We ate at The Savannah Tequila Company and it was awesome on a hot summer night, with refreshing drinks and fresh food.
Okay, back to River Street. Make sure to take a walk along the Savannah River and you might even be lucky enough to see a giant container ship. We were lucky enough to see a few of them from our hotel room, and these things are quite impressive with their massive size!
River Street itself is filled with shops, restaurants, and history, so take some time to stroll along this historic road. We ate at The Savannah Tequila Company and it was awesome on a hot summer night, with refreshing drinks and fresh food.
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Another must-see stop along River Street is the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District. Located in an old power plant that had been abandoned for decades, this area has been revitalized and now offers restaurants, bars, and even an art museum. Take a stroll through the nice air conditioned lobby to see the giant chrome dipped dinosaur, along with a variety of large gems such as amethyst and citrine, and a variety of other Jurassic inspired sights. If you have kids in tow like we did, it’s a great place to let them explore.
Also located within the JW Marriott is the Electric Moon. Located on the roof of the JW Marriott, the Electric Moon is a fun place with river views. Children are welcome and then it’s just for the adults to have fun. Our hotel room looked right at this bar and you could tell the adults had more fun sliding down the giant slide than the kids did!
Also located within the JW Marriott is the Electric Moon. Located on the roof of the JW Marriott, the Electric Moon is a fun place with river views. Children are welcome and then it’s just for the adults to have fun. Our hotel room looked right at this bar and you could tell the adults had more fun sliding down the giant slide than the kids did!
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As you stroll along River Street, you can stop in at places like Byrd’s Cookies. Originating in 1924 in Savannah, Georgia, Byrd’s cookies has several shops in both Georgia and South Carolina. The River Street location, like the others, offers free samples of their many different flavors. These make a great gift to bring back or just a nice treat for yourself.
Another stop along River Street is the original location of River Street Sweets, known mostly for their famous pralines. As soon as you walk in you can see them making these southern treats along with all sorts of fun candies.
After walking along River Street, climb up some of the historic stairs to the Factor’s Walk. This historic area was once home to the largest cotton exchanges in America. Be sure to check out the Cotton Exchange building, dating back to 1887, with the iconic lion statue in front. Its red exterior with intricate design was one of my favorite buildings I saw in the southeast. Also, make sure to check out the pedestrian bridge in which people put locks on. It’s a fun picture spot.
As you are walking around these parts of Savannah, another must-do is to make sure to stop at one of the many locations such as The Frosty Frog, that serve alcoholic beverages. And get it to-go. Savannah, GA is one of the few cities in the U.S. that has an open-container policy. As long as you get a drink that is 16 oz. or less, in a plastic cup or container, and you stay within the historic district, you can walk around outside with your drink. On a hot day, it’s the perfect way to cool down! And even if you don’t drink or like alcoholic drinks, they have non-alcoholic versions even the kids will love.
Another stop along River Street is the original location of River Street Sweets, known mostly for their famous pralines. As soon as you walk in you can see them making these southern treats along with all sorts of fun candies.
After walking along River Street, climb up some of the historic stairs to the Factor’s Walk. This historic area was once home to the largest cotton exchanges in America. Be sure to check out the Cotton Exchange building, dating back to 1887, with the iconic lion statue in front. Its red exterior with intricate design was one of my favorite buildings I saw in the southeast. Also, make sure to check out the pedestrian bridge in which people put locks on. It’s a fun picture spot.
As you are walking around these parts of Savannah, another must-do is to make sure to stop at one of the many locations such as The Frosty Frog, that serve alcoholic beverages. And get it to-go. Savannah, GA is one of the few cities in the U.S. that has an open-container policy. As long as you get a drink that is 16 oz. or less, in a plastic cup or container, and you stay within the historic district, you can walk around outside with your drink. On a hot day, it’s the perfect way to cool down! And even if you don’t drink or like alcoholic drinks, they have non-alcoholic versions even the kids will love.
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Trolley Tour
If you want to get out and explore a bit more, one of my favorite things we did was take a trolley tour of Savannah and would be at the absolute top of my list of must-do things while in Savannah. This is probably one of the most popular touristy things to do and there are several companies that run these tours. Some even offer horse carriage rides instead.
After doing a lot of research, I narrowed it down to the Old Savannah Company. I chose the this company because they had characters that would jump on and off trolleys at certain stops, and I thought this might be a little more entertaining for the kids, which it was. They also offered an on/off tour, where you can get off at a stop, get out and explore, and get picked up on the next trolley. They come about every 15 minutes, so it's very easy to do and you don’t have to wait too long. Either tour takes you around to some of the best and most iconic and historic sites Savannah has to offer.
Most people we saw stayed on the trolley. But I really suggest getting the on/off option and exploring the streets of Savannah by walking around. The city is stunning, and the full beauty can’t be seen on the trolley. Plan for at least half a day doing it this way. If you choose the staying on option or are limited on time, it’s only about an hour and half for the whole tour.
The best part of this tour is that the tour guide driving you around shares so many interesting facts and stories that makes the city come alive before your eyes and seemingly takes you back in time. If you choose to take this tour, which I really suggest you do, make sure to sit on the right side. You will get much better views and be able to take much better pictures.
After doing a lot of research, I narrowed it down to the Old Savannah Company. I chose the this company because they had characters that would jump on and off trolleys at certain stops, and I thought this might be a little more entertaining for the kids, which it was. They also offered an on/off tour, where you can get off at a stop, get out and explore, and get picked up on the next trolley. They come about every 15 minutes, so it's very easy to do and you don’t have to wait too long. Either tour takes you around to some of the best and most iconic and historic sites Savannah has to offer.
Most people we saw stayed on the trolley. But I really suggest getting the on/off option and exploring the streets of Savannah by walking around. The city is stunning, and the full beauty can’t be seen on the trolley. Plan for at least half a day doing it this way. If you choose the staying on option or are limited on time, it’s only about an hour and half for the whole tour.
The best part of this tour is that the tour guide driving you around shares so many interesting facts and stories that makes the city come alive before your eyes and seemingly takes you back in time. If you choose to take this tour, which I really suggest you do, make sure to sit on the right side. You will get much better views and be able to take much better pictures.
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On this tour you will get to see sites such as Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Forsyth Park with its famous fountain, the Mercer Williams House, made famous by the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and later the movie based off the novel, named the same thing. And then there is Chippawa Square, which is the location of the famous bench scenes in "Forest Gump." The bench is not there, it’s at Universal Studios in Hollywood. But the amazing feeling of standing right where Forest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know you’re going to get.” is priceless!
Speaking of Chippawa Square, located just behind the filming location of Forest Gump’s bench scenes is a statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Colony of Georgia. Oglethorpe had a master plan to create squares around Savannah. Currently, there are 22 squares around this historical downtown area. Each one dotted with towering oaks covered in the stunning draping moss, with statues honoring historical figures in their center. These squares contribute to making Savannah one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen and also the most unique.
Speaking of Chippawa Square, located just behind the filming location of Forest Gump’s bench scenes is a statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Colony of Georgia. Oglethorpe had a master plan to create squares around Savannah. Currently, there are 22 squares around this historical downtown area. Each one dotted with towering oaks covered in the stunning draping moss, with statues honoring historical figures in their center. These squares contribute to making Savannah one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen and also the most unique.
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Bonaventure Cemetery
Another must-do thing while in Savannah is checking out Bonaventure Cemetery. You might be wondering why you would want to visit a cemetery. I sure did. But once there, I understood why!
Sitting along the Wilmington River, this cemetery is hauntingly beautiful. It feels like you have stepped into some Hollywood Halloween movie scene. And it actually has been featured in movies, such as the previously mentioned “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” and one of my all-time favorite movies, "Now and Then."
The tree-lined roads that lead you through this cemetery and the over the top ornate graves, makes this place very picturesque and leaves you with a feeling of hauntedness. With graves dating back into the 1700’s if not earlier, there are many historic people important to Georgia buried here.
You can take a guided tour, but just walking around by yourself is a great way to explore.
Sitting along the Wilmington River, this cemetery is hauntingly beautiful. It feels like you have stepped into some Hollywood Halloween movie scene. And it actually has been featured in movies, such as the previously mentioned “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” and one of my all-time favorite movies, "Now and Then."
The tree-lined roads that lead you through this cemetery and the over the top ornate graves, makes this place very picturesque and leaves you with a feeling of hauntedness. With graves dating back into the 1700’s if not earlier, there are many historic people important to Georgia buried here.
You can take a guided tour, but just walking around by yourself is a great way to explore.
Leopold's Ice Cream
Something that will be a must-do anytime we now visit Savannah, is to eat ice cream at Leopold’s Ice Cream. This ice cream shop was founded in 1919 by three brothers. Their ice cream is hand-crafted right in their historical location in downtown Savannah, using the original secret recipe. It was one of the best ice creams I have ever had in my life. As someone who has lived her entire life in the Pacific Northwest, I had no idea what good ice cream tasted like until traveling to the Southeast part of the United States. I live in Portland, home of the original Salt and Straw, and Salt and Straw has nothing on Leopold’s. Leopold’s is superior!
If you choose to take the Old Savannah Trolley Tour, if you get off at stop 8, it’s less than a 5 minute walk to Leopold’s. We did this, and it was the best afternoon treat on a really hot summer day. It also made great bribery with kids to keep up the walking!
If you choose to take the Old Savannah Trolley Tour, if you get off at stop 8, it’s less than a 5 minute walk to Leopold’s. We did this, and it was the best afternoon treat on a really hot summer day. It also made great bribery with kids to keep up the walking!
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Tybee Island
Lastly, a must-do when visiting Savannah, GA, and especially if you have kids with you, is Tybee Island. About a 20-30 minute drive away from downtown Savannah, you will find this beautiful beach community that actually served as one of the filming locations of the Baywatch movie with Dwayne Johnson (A.K.A. The Rock), and Zac Effron.
The water is warmer than Hawaiian waters in the summer, the waves are calm, and the sand is soft. My kids loved it. It was super busy when we were there because it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Putting my feet in this water felt like putting my feet in a very warm pool. I had never felt water quite like it.
There is a lot to do there besides hanging out at the beach, including visiting the Battery Garland and the Tybee Island Lighthouse.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect visiting Savannah. I love history, but I also had two kids along with me who don’t necessarily love history. I wasn’t sure how they would be able to hang. But my whole family loved it, and surprisingly they loved the history especially. It has easily become one of our favorite cities we have visited and will never forget the timeless elegance of this charming southern town. Make sure to add Savannah, Georgia to your list of places you must visit.
The water is warmer than Hawaiian waters in the summer, the waves are calm, and the sand is soft. My kids loved it. It was super busy when we were there because it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Putting my feet in this water felt like putting my feet in a very warm pool. I had never felt water quite like it.
There is a lot to do there besides hanging out at the beach, including visiting the Battery Garland and the Tybee Island Lighthouse.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect visiting Savannah. I love history, but I also had two kids along with me who don’t necessarily love history. I wasn’t sure how they would be able to hang. But my whole family loved it, and surprisingly they loved the history especially. It has easily become one of our favorite cities we have visited and will never forget the timeless elegance of this charming southern town. Make sure to add Savannah, Georgia to your list of places you must visit.
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