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Top 10 Best Things to do in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah city in Georgia is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. This city is famous for its well-manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and historical architecture.

The historic district has cobblestoned walkways and public squares, shaded parks with oak trees covered with Spanish moss. It is here that you will find the first and oldest Baptist church.

You may have heard of the paranormal activities that happen here. Be part of the ghost tours visiting haunted house, cemeteries and other thrilling places

This city has exciting and endless attractions to everyone that visits. The activities may be too many for your schedule, worry not. I have a list of the top 10 Best things to do in Savannah.

1. Explore Forsyth Park

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Start your vacation in Savanna by visiting the famous historic park that sits on a 30-acre piece of land. It is right at the centre of Savannah’s historic district.

It is the perfect place to relax and take easy strolls while admiring the fountain and the fragrant garden which is dedicated to the visually impaired. There are memorials dedicated to the confederacy and Spanish-American War.

You will also get to see other historical sites like Hodgson Hall and the old poor house and hospital.  These two were used to treat wounded soldiers during the Civil War.

The kids will have fun by the spray pool and at the playground. This park is open every day of the week and there is no entrance fee charged.

2. Shop at the City Market

The City Market in the historic district is a great place to visit. This Open-air Market is spread out across four blocks. The market stalls are made from refurbished warehouses.

You will find restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and fresh produce stalls. There are live music bands to entertain you as you shop. Enjoy some delicious bites at the cafés as you people watch.

The City Market is the home base for trolley and carriage tours, as you wait for your tour browse through the market taking in all the beautiful sights and sounds.

It is best to walk to the market since there is a lot of pedestrian traffic that may slow down an automobile.

3. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist’s Gothic towers is a bait to any architecture buff. The original cathedral was built in 1799 by the first French colonists that arrived in the area.

The building got torn down at the end of the 19th century to make room for this larger stone cathedral. The cathedral boasts of some intricate gold-leaf designs, Italian marble altar and stunning stained-glass windows.

Many tourists that have visited the interiors of the cathedral compared it to Medieval European churches. The church is said to be the most impressive building in all of Savannah.

4. Explore Bonaventure Cemetery

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You may never have ever considered visiting a cemetery, but this particular cemetery is the resting place for celebrities and famous personalities like the poet Conrad Aiken and lyricist Johnny Mercer.

Danny Hansford’s gruesome murder inspired John Berendt’s best-selling book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. His grave is in the neighbouring Greenwich Cemetery.

Remember to bring bug spray, your water bottle and comfortable walking shoes. You can take the tour of the cemetery alone or opt for a guided tour from guides with rich knowledge of its history.

5. Spend some time at Telfair Museum

The Telfair Museum is one of the oldest public art museums in the South-eastern states. There are two National Historic buildings at the museum that was built around 1820, they are the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House.

The Jepson centre at the museum has unique exhibitions and collections all year round. Check it out for rare pieces and works from super talented artists.

This museum was designed by an English architect. It was later bought by the son of the State’s Governor. After its completion in 1819, it stayed in the Telfair family until 1875.

The last surviving family member left the house and its furnishings to the Georgia Historical Society. A sculpture gallery and a rotunda were added a few years later.

6. Take a trolley tour

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There are trolley tours in Savannah that gives you the front row experience of the City’s history. You can hop onto any of the two popular daily tours to the historical sites.

The mode of transport varies from air-conditioned trolleys, minibuses, or convertible Mercedes sprinter for 18 passengers. You will be taken to all the hidden locations in the historic district.

The tour will cover 22 squares featuring some of the popular landmarks such as Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Temple Mickve Israel, the Sorrel Weed House, the Juliette Gordon Low Home, the Mansion of Forsythe Park, the Mulberry Inn and the Pirates House.

7. Visit the Historic Owens-Thomas House

This next place attracts both architecture buffs and those that appreciate luxurious living. This house showcases the English Regency architecture built back in 1819.

Visiting hours to this house keep changing, it is, therefore, best to check with them first to be certain. Walking into this house, you will get to experience the life of its owners through the décor and other furnishings.

Make sure to check-out the slave quarters and period rooms with historic pictures, interactive exhibits, and artefacts. You will get to witness the tumultuous lives of the slaves and their owners who lived here 200 years ago.

8. Wormsloe Historic Site

This historic site has a picturesque avenue lined with oaks and Spanish moss you could want, leading right up to the ruins of Wormsloe, a colonial estate with the oldest standing structure in Savannah.

During festivals, you will find costumed reenactors but there are none on normal days. The museum has colonial artefacts that would take you back to history.

There is a nature trail nearby that you can take to explore the ruins and marsh grounds. This site is a short walking distance from Forsyth Park and River street.

9. The Savannah Waterfront

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Located at River Street, is the waterfront on river Savannah. River Street served as a warehouse row during the Cotton trade period.

It was later abandoned after the yellow-fever epidemic but was occupied once again in the 1960s. the cobblestoned streets lead to several business premises now at the abandoned warehouses.

You will find shops, boutiques and restaurants with beautiful views of the river. It is perfect in the evening for a boat cruise, sundowners and dinner voyages.

10. The Olde Pink House Restaurant

This building has a beautiful setting displaying elegance through the chandeliers, and its lovely dining room fireplace, the architecture dates back to the 18^th century.

The restaurant serves delicious southern cuisine and has thrilling ghostly stories about the unseen visitors. You can opt to dine in their private dining rooms for ultimate relaxation and privacy.