Savannah, Georgia is one of those cities that makes you slow down without even trying. Spanish moss drapes over oak trees, historic homes line brick streets, and the entire city feels like you stepped into another era — but with really good food.

If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Savannah, this guide will help you prioritize the must-sees without wasting time wandering aimlessly.

Savannah is incredibly walkable, surprisingly compact, and packed with history, food, and just enough quirky charm to keep it interesting. Whether you have one day or a long weekend, here are the absolute best things to do in Savannah.

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Savannah (If You’re Short on Time)

If you only hit these, you’ll understand why people love this city:

1. Walk through Forsyth Park and admire the famous fountain

2. Wander the historic Savannah Town Squares

3. Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

4. Explore Bonaventure Cemetery

5. Take a narrated trolley tour to get the city layout

6. Tour the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

7. Eat at The Olde Pink House

8. Grab ice cream at Leopold’s

9. Walk along River Street

10. Take a ghost tour after dark

Now let’s break these down so you can plan your days efficiently.

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is a large public park located in the historic district of Savannah. It is known for its centerpiece fountain, which was built in 1858. The park is a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and people-watching.  It’s a great place to start your exploration of downtown Savannah and an excellent place to park your car for the day!

Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery is a beautiful and historic cemetery located in Savannah. It was established in 1846 and covers over 100 acres. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own. The cemetery is known for its ornate headstones, beautiful landscaping, and peaceful atmosphere. Notable people buried here include songwriter Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken.

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a stunning church in the heart of Savannah. It was built in the late 1800s and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate architecture. Visitors can attend mass or take a guided tour. The cathedral also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.

Savannah Town Squares

The centerpiece of old Savannah living was the 24 squares in the heart of the city. Each square is a little park packed with gardens, giant live oaks, and rambling brick paths.  Homes are built around each square and these beautiful little parks are what makes Savannah so beautiful.

If you want to walk all 24 there is a great and FREE walking map to help you hit all of them.

Museums and Art Galleries

Savannah is not only known for its beautiful architecture and historical landmarks but also for its impressive collection of museums and art galleries. Here are some of the top places to visit for art and history enthusiasts:

Telfair Museums

Telfair Museums is a collection of three museums in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District. The Telfair Academy features American and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy families and the enslaved who lived in Savannah during the 19th century.

If you only see one museum while you are there, I highly recommend The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. It is a sobering look at Savannah in the 19th Century.

Mercer Williams House

Possibly the most famous home tour in Savannah, this house was featured in the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” where it was the sight of a famous real-life murder.

Savannah History Museum

The Savannah History Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the city’s rich history. The museum features exhibits on Savannah’s founding and early history, its role in the Civil War, and beyond.

Located in the city’s downtown area, the museum is housed in the former Central of Georgia Railway passenger shed, which in itself is a historical landmark. The museum showcases a wide array of exhibits that chronicle Savannah’s past, from its founding in 1733 to the present day.

SCAD Museum of Art

The Savannah College of Art and Design SCAD offers degrees in fine arts, design, architecture, fashion, animation, film and television, photography, graphic design, illustration, and more. The school has an impressive museum that is worth seeing if you have the time!

Food and Drink

Savannah is a city known for its fantastic food and drink scene. From classic Southern cuisine to modern fusion dishes, there’s something for everyone. Here are my four must-visit spots for foodies in Savannah.

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is a Savannah institution that has been serving classic Southern dishes since 1943. This family-style restaurant is only open for lunch, and guests are seated at communal tables to enjoy dishes like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens.

You will sit down with the people you are standing near in line at big tables and be served all together. The food is not fancy, but it is great quality and delicious.

The restaurant is cash-only and often has long lines, but the delicious food and friendly atmosphere are well worth the wait.

Leopold’s Ice Cream

Leopold’s Ice Cream is a must-visit spot for anyone with a sweet tooth. This family-owned ice cream parlor has been serving up delicious homemade ice cream since 1919. While they have classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, Leopold’s really shines with their unique flavors like peanut butter chippy, and, my favorite, lemon custard.

The parlor’s retro decor and friendly staff make it a great spot to cool off on a hot Savannah day.

 

The Olde Pink House

The Olde Pink House: Located in a historic 18th-century mansion right off one of Savannah’s most beautiful squares, The Olde Pink House serves up refined Southern dishes in an elegant setting, complete with a cozy tavern and charming courtyard. Get reservations well before you show up for your trip!

 

The Lady and Sons

Owned by celebrity chef Paula Deen, The Lady and Sons has gained national popularity for its Southern comfort food. The restaurant offers a family-style dining experience, featuring a variety of delicious dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and mouthwatering desserts like peach cobbler.

This is not diet food! But if you love Paula Deen and want to try a lot of different Southern foods, this will be your favorite meal in Savannah.

Outdoor Activities

Savannah has some beautiful outdoor spaces and activities. From exploring the beaches to taking a riverboat cruise, there’s no shortage of things to do outside. Here are some of the best outdoor activities in Savannah.

Tybee Island

Located just 20-30 minutes from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is a must-visit destination for beach lovers. With three miles of pristine beaches, visitors can relax in the sun or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Plenty of water activities are available, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and parasailing. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are several bike trails and nature walks to enjoy.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Take a scenic tour of the Savannah River on board a riverboat cruise. Visitors can choose from various cruises, including sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and even ghost tours. The cruises offer stunning views of Savannah’s historic waterfront and skyline. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment and delicious food while on board.

Some of the most popular cruises are the dinnerboat cruises, but they also fill up quickly so buy tickets before you go to Savannah.

This is a must-do if you are in Savannah for over a day. The view from the river is beautiful, and the cruises are high energy and fun!

Old Savannah Trolley

Get a great view of Savannah while riding in the oldest trolley service in the city. The white trolley is the Old Savannah Trolley, and it is great fun because in addition to getting a narrated tour of the city and being able to hop on and off, there are costumed actors who climb aboard to tell the story of their life in old-time Savannah.

This 90-minute tour is a great way to get the layout of Savannah along with some history to understand the city better.

 

 

Shopping in Savannah

Savannah is a shopper’s paradise with various stores and boutiques. Shopping may not be the thing you think to do when visiting a new city, but shopping is one of the most fun things to do in Savannah. Here are some of the best places to shop in the city.

City Market

City Market is a four-block open-air market that dates back to the 1700s. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, art, and antiques. The market is home to over 50 shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can find everything from handmade jewelry to locally made hot sauce.

The market is partially inside and partially outside, so head to the inside part to shop when it is really hot outside!

City Market is also great for live music and street performers during certain times of day.

Broughton Street

Broughton Street is a popular shopping destination in Savannah. The street is lined with shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Visitors can find everything from high-end fashion to vintage clothing. Some popular stores on Broughton Street include J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, and The Paris Market. The street is also home to several art galleries and antique shops.

Savannah Bee Company

Savannah Bee Company is a local honey store that offers various honey products. Visitors can sample different types of honey and learn about the process of making honey. The store also sells beeswax candles, honey-based skincare products, and mead. Savannah Bee Company is a great place to find unique gifts for friends and family.

Overall, Savannah has something for everyone when it comes to shopping. Visitors can find everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion.

Nightlife

Savannah has a very vibrant nightlife, offering various options for those looking to have a good time after dark. There is something to do after dark, from historic riverfront bars to ghost tours to theater.

Historic River Street

River Street is a popular destination for those seeking a night out in Savannah. The historic cobblestone street is lined with bars and restaurants, many offering live music and outdoor seating with views of the Savannah River. This place gets loud at night!

The road is also home to several festivals throughout the year, including the River Street Seafood Fest and the Oktoberfest celebration.

The Historic Savannah Theater

For those looking for a more sedate night out, the Savannah Theater is a great option. The historic theater offers a variety of shows, including musicals, comedies, and dramas. Check out what is playing before you go on your trip to ensure you can get tickets.

The theater is located in the heart of downtown Savannah, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the city at night.

Ghost Tours

This is the most popular thing to do in Savannah after dark, and I highly recommend it!

Savannah is known for its haunted history; ghost tours are a popular way to experience the city’s spooky side. Several tour companies offer guided tours of haunted locations throughout the city, including cemeteries, historic homes, and even some of the city’s bars and restaurants. These tours are a great way to learn about Savannah’s history while getting a gentle scare at the same time.

The Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Ghost Tour is generally considered to be the most popular Ghost Tour.

 

 

How Long Do You Need to See Savannah?

You can see Savannah in a weekend. The downtown and historic part of the city is relatively small and walkable, so you can make your trip take one day or drag it out to take 3-4 days. Add a visit to Charleston, and you will have an entire week of fun!

If you only have one day to spend in Savannah, I suggest doing the trolley tour, walking through Savannah’s town squares, and visiting the Owens Thomas House. Grab a bite at The Lady and Sons or The Olde Pink House, and you will have seen most of what makes Savannah so beautiful.

Best Things to Do in Savannah With Kids

Savannah is surprisingly easy with kids. The historic district is compact, there are tons of green spaces, and you can balance history with ice cream and beach time.

Here are the best family-friendly activities:

Ride the Old Savannah Trolley
This is the easiest way to see the city without exhausting little legs. The costumed storytellers keep things interesting, and you can hop on and off throughout the day.

Explore Forsyth Park and the Town Squares
Let kids run around the open lawn, admire the fountain, and turn the squares into a scavenger hunt. Savannah’s layout actually works in your favor here.

Take a Family-Friendly Ghost Tour
Older kids love Savannah’s spooky side. Many tours focus more on storytelling than scares, making it fun but not terrifying.

Grab Ice Cream at Leopold’s
This stop alone will win you points. The retro atmosphere and huge scoops make it a highlight.

Visit Tybee Island (If You Have Extra Time)
Just 20–30 minutes away, Tybee adds beach time to your trip — which is always a good idea with kids.

Savannah works well for families because it’s walkable, manageable in size, and easy to mix sightseeing with downtime. Pick a few highlights and don’t overschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Savannah

How many days do you need in Savannah?

You can see the highlights of Savannah in one full day, but two days is ideal. The historic district is compact and walkable, so you can hit Forsyth Park, the Cathedral, River Street, and a museum in a short trip. If you want to add Bonaventure Cemetery or Tybee Island, give yourself an extra day.

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Is Savannah walkable?

Yes — Savannah is one of the most walkable cities in the South. The historic district is flat, shaded, and organized around the town squares, which makes it easy to explore on foot. If you stay downtown, you won’t need a car except for visiting Tybee Island or Bonaventure Cemetery.

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What is Savannah best known for?

Savannah is best known for its historic town squares, Spanish moss–covered oak trees, Southern architecture, and haunted history. It’s also famous for classic Southern food, ghost tours, and its beautiful waterfront along River Street.

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What is the best time of year to visit Savannah?

Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are the best times to visit Savannah. The weather is warm but not humid, and you can comfortably walk the historic district. Summer is beautiful but very hot and humid. Winter is mild and less crowded.

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Is Savannah good for families?

Yes — Savannah is surprisingly family-friendly. Kids love riding the trolley, walking through the squares, exploring Bonaventure Cemetery (it feels like a treasure hunt), and grabbing ice cream at Leopold’s. Tybee Island is also a great add-on if you’re visiting with kids.

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Do you need a car in Savannah?

If you’re staying in the historic district, you don’t need a car for most of your visit. Everything is within walking distance. You’ll only need a car if you plan to visit Tybee Island, Bonaventure Cemetery, or areas outside downtown.