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22 Things To Do In Savannah For An Amazing Trip

Fun Things To Do In Savannah GA

By Jessie on a Journey & Andy Pilc 

I’ve always wanted to explore the many amazing things to do in Savannah, Georgia.

And I finally got to. But let me backtrack and share how the trip came to be.

Because I am such an awesome girlfriend I decided to get my boyfriend Andy a trip for his birthday.

Because I am not rich, however, my options were limited to the USA’s East Coast.

While racking my brain I remembered a guest post The Strange and New had done for me on how European Savannah, Georgia was, with its romantic moss-draped squares and lax drinking laws.

Hey, Andy and I both enjoy a nice adult beverage.

Being able to drink said adult beverage while walking down the streets? To this US citizen — who grew up only being allowed to imbibe inside walled rooms after turning 21 — it sounded oddly exciting.

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Booked! 

If you’re looking for a romantic US city it doesn’t get much more amorous than this.

That whimsical Spanish moss is everywhere, not to mention buildings date back to the 18th century and history bursts from every block.

It’s also haunted, meaning you can jump into your significant other’s arms when you think you see a ghost.

So perfect.

Tip: While Savannah is relatively safe it’s wise to invest in some travel safety gear, like Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and a Vigilant Personal Alarm.

 

Savannah Historic District video by my boyfriend, Andy Pilc

Savannah Solo

I didn’t go solo, but as a long-time solo traveler I know what makes a great destination for this type of travel.

To me, Savannah is an ideal getaway for those traveling on their own.

It’s fairly safe — though always exercise caution — and Savannah is an extremely walkable and very social city.

I cite the lax open container laws for the latter.

The downside:

Savannah accommodations are expensive, at least during high season.

I did see one hostel, Savannah Pensione, for $84 for a twin private room.

There is a CouchSurfing community too, which is helpful for budget travelers.

Your best bet for booking a budget-friendly hotel in Savannah?

Click here to browse locals hotels!

Things To Know Before Visiting Savannah, Georgia

1. Savannah is really really hot in the summer

No Georgia travel guide would be complete without mentioning this important tip.

Bring breezy clothing and pack 2-3 outfits per day to refresh after becoming sweat-drenched.

Also, book a hotel with a pool — we loved Brice, a Kimpton Hotel– and make use of Savannah’s many breezy squares.

2. You will drink… a lot

Savannah’s lax open container laws and local college mean every occasion seems cause for boozing.

Hot out? Let’s drink.

No work today? Let’s drink.

Sunny? Let’s drink?

Have an itch? I heard a drink can help.

My Savannah Taste Experience guide put it perfectly when she stated, “People in Savannah LOVE to day drink.”

3. The food is diverse

Yes, you can get butter-laden Southern dishes and hearty soul food; but Savannah also has French (Circa 1875), Cuban (Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant), Italian (Pacci), Peruvian (Latin Chicks), Japanese fusion and sushi (Wasabi’s Fusion Downtown) and more.

4. It’s haunted

This means you’ll definitely want to book one of the fun Savannah ghost tours to explore the city in a spooky way!

best things to do in Savannah Georgia
One of the 22 gorgeous squares in Savannah

Flights To Savannah GA

How have I not visited Savannah sooner?

The flight was about two hours from NYC to Savannah, and about an hour and 30 minutes on the way back.

Even during high season (summer) I was able to book flights to Savannah for ~$150 round trip.

Super budget-friendly and easy!

Tip: to get the best airfare deals use Google Flights‘ airfare calendar to see if altering your travel dates could save big bucks.

best things to do in Savannah GA
Things are looking up in Savannah

Getting Around Savannah, Georgia

There are many things to do in Savannah, and it’s an extremely walkable city.

Andy and I relied solely on our own two feet and the free bike rentals at the Brice Hotel to get around.

If you’re not staying at the Brice Hotel, Savannah has a bike share program called CAT Bike.

It’s the most budget-friendly USA bike share program I’ve ever seen at $5 per day or $20 per week.

Riders get an entire hour to ride before having to dock the bike again, and if you go over the time it’s only $2 per half hour over.

Avoid this fee by docking the bike every hour.

Another option is renting from Sekka Bike for $10 for three hours or up to $60 for the week.

The only time we used a car service was to get to and from the airport and the Savannah Historic District.

This cost about $18-$28 using Uber.

Tip: New to Uber or Lyft? Use this Uber link, or code “JESSIE299142” for Lyft, both of which provide a free ride for first-time users.

things to do in Savannah with kids
A black and white photo of me biking around Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery

Hotels In Savannah GA

Wondering where to stay in Savannah?

Click here for a list of local Savannah hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals! 

You can also use the map below to search for local stays:

Now, Andy and I were debating on whether to stay in a b&b or a hotel for our romantic getaway in Savannah.

Ultimately, The Brice, A Kimpton Hotel‘s outdoor pool and nightly free wine hour won us over.

As soon as we walked through the doors into the lobby — which felt like a fashionable friend’s living room — we were in love.

Picture shelves full of books, artwork-adorned walls, typewriters atop the table — not to mention a giant light-strung outdoor courtyard and comfortable couches inside to savor free morning coffee and homemade granola bars.

what to do in Savannah, GA
A few fun moments we enjoyed at The Brice Hotel

Join the free Kimpton Karma Rewards program.

I did, and got a free $10 minibar credit and free high speed Wi-Fi!

savannah travel

Other highlights of our stay included:

  • The central location
  • Free bike rentals
  • Comfortable in-room robes
  • Atelier bath products
  • The uber friendly doorman, Rodney, who quickly became our bestie
  • And more!

Rates: $187-$343 per night.

How do I spend a day in Savannah Ga
The Brice Hotel courtyard

The Best Things To Do In Savannah,  Georgia

1. Get Fit

By Day 4 our overindulging was getting the best of us.

It wasn’t easy getting up early for a 9am hot yoga class at Dancing Dogs Yoga, but was so worth it.

In fact, for us, it ended up being one of the top things to do in Savannah.

I’d never done hot yoga and was nervous about being uncomfortable, but it was a dry heat that didn’t hurt my breathing.

Our instructor pushed us to “just go for it” with challenging moves but also nurtured a supportive community by making students clasp hands and work together to achieve poses.

She even surprised us with a quick Gangnam-style dance break!

After cooling down with chilled lavender-scented towels, we went downstairs and enjoyed a “Warrior 1 Organic Bowl” from the adjoining Beetnix Savannah Juice Bar.

The colorful dish featured fresh fruit, house-made raw almond butter, granola and cacao nibs over a bed of ice-cold pitaya.

Side note: If anyone knows where we can get pitaya in NYC please email me. I’m craving! 

Both businesses are part of the Broughton Street Collection, a mixed-use restoration project that has renovated 37 properties.

This has helped transform the once-abandoned storefronts into a bustling thoroughfare.

fun things to do in Savannah GA
Re-fueling after hot yoga with Beetnix

2. Savor Elevated Lowcountry Cuisine At A.Lure

Wondering what to do in Savannah when you’re hungry?

Well, we ate a lot of great food in Savannah, though both agreed no meal was a match for A.Lure.

The focus is elevated Lowcountry cuisine, a southern cuisine influenced by local Native American tribes as well as the French that eventually settled.

The meal began with homemade bread — including the most heavenly biscuits I’ve ever tasted — paired with sea salt-laden whipped butter and homemade pineapple ginger jam.

Almost everything on the menu is made from scratch, with ingredients typically sourced from nearby Kachina Farms.

Each dish was familiar but done in a creative way.

For instance, the meatloaf was made with ground filet mignon and chunks of foie gras then gowned in a truffle Madeira sauce.

Another highlight:

The fish and chips featuring a fresh catch battered in Harpoon beer and served with minted peas, Cajun tartar sauce, and old bay potato chips.

We savored each bite while admiring local art depicting Savannah scenes, and ended the meal with a traditional strawberry shortcake paired with their own blend of locally roasted coffee.

A definite must in Savannah!

best things to do in Savannah GA
Our multi-course meal at a.lure. SO DELICIOUS!

3. Dine Old School At The Olde Pink House

Everything at the Olde Pink House — the smiling servers, the decadent culinary options, the Georgian decor — will leave you feeling like the mayor that King George had originally built the home for in 1771.

We started our night in the Planters Tavern downstairs, sipping cocktails while being serenaded by a Victorian-gowned singer.

Once seated in one of the eight unique dining rooms, our server Happy (yes that is his name, and yes, he more than lived up to it) eagerly shared with us the building’s rich history before suggesting food and drink catered to our preferences.

Note:

You absolutely must get the BLT salad.

This dish is not your average salad, with mouth-watering bacon slow-cooked for 45-minutes, fried green tomatoes bursting with flavor, and a black pepper thyme buttermilk dressing.

This is one of the many sauces made onsite.

You’ll quickly see why the Olde Pink House has been featured on Iron Chef numerous times.

And you may have a hard time chewing your food because of the jaw-dropping experience that comes with each dish.

best things to do in Savannah Georgia
One of the many dining rooms in The Olde Pink House

4. Explore Savannah’s Delicious Side With A Guide

Andy and I took a tour with Savannah Taste Experience; the combination of food and history make this stop a must for your list of fun things to do in Savannah.

In most cities, I visit I try to take a tour that provides the local perspective on food and local culinary secrets. I also love trying small bites of many things.

The Famous & Secret East Side Food Tour was amazing, as we tried everything from specialty sausages (seen below) to locally brewed coffee to peach cobbler-topped Belgian waffles filled with surprising sugar peals in the dough.

One highlight for me was the homemade pimento cheese served on a house-made croissant at Our Daily Bread.

Pimento cheese features grated cheddar cheese, chopped pimento peppers and mayonnaise.

During the early 20th century it was the rich man’s food as cheese was expensive and pimento peppers had to be imported from Spain and Portugal.

Everything changed, though, in 1915 when James Lewis Kraft — yes, that Kraft — stated selling processed cheese, lowering the cost.

What is there to do in downtown Savannah
Sampling delicious meats at Smith Brothers Butcher Shop on a tour with Savannah Taste Experience

Around this time southern farmers also began growing pimento, and today Charlotte, North Carolina is the pimento capital of the world.

The cheese now claims a spot as a staple of southern cuisine. 

Oh, and one of their guides has a really fun-looking tour called Savannah For Morons, The Trolley Tour, a comedy show on wheels.

I’ll definitely be joining in on that one next time I’m in the city!

5. Savor Savannah’s Best Kept Barbecue Secret At Wall’s BBQ

I don’t want to give away all Savannah Taste Experience’s secrets, but Wall’s BBQ was so adorably charming — and delicious!

Opened in 1963, the small understated barbecue joint is equal parts delicious and adorable.

We tried the pork BBQ, which I smothered in spicy BBQ sauce.

There’s a menu board on the counter with letter fridge magnets spelling out scrambled menu items.

When a dish is ready to serve, its word becomes unscrambled.

 How do I spend a day in Savannah Ga
Can you decipher this menu at Hall’s BBQ?

6. Get Drunk With Ghosts At 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant

Okay, just one more since they had so many great recommendations.

Don’t miss the Hippie Juice at 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant, a concoction of local rum, vodka, and chunks of fresh and candy fruit.

What’s really interesting about this spot in Savannah is it’s also an inn — a haunted inn!

Step outside and look in the window of Room 204 to see a creepy life-sized doll looking back.

The doll is a replica of Anna, a girl who flung herself from the window to her death.

The legend goes the suicide was because one of her many sailor lovers left her while pregnant.

Today guests of Room 204 must sign a waiver saying the hotel isn’t liable for the tricks Anna plays, like stealing women’s panties and caressing men’s faces.

Apparently, Miley Cyrus stayed in this room and stated the ghost opened her suitcase and tried on her boots!

Fun Fact: Burt Reynolds’ film, “Gator,” featured the venue.

fun things to do in Savannah GA
Boozing with ghosts at 17Hundred90 House

7. Have A Spooky Night With Ghost Tour

Speaking of ghosts, no trip to Savannah would be complete without a tour of the Historic District’s most haunted Savannah attractions.

We met our guide Skippy in Johnson Square at 11pm for a Dead of Night Ghost Tour with Ghost City Tours.

Here he told us the paranormal theory about why the surrounding live oak trees are the only ones in the city lacking Spanish moss.

Skippy revealed some of Savannah’s darkest tales, like that of Sweeny Todd-esque murderer Alice Riley, who hung from the gallows that once occupied the modern-day Wright square.

He also spoke of the massive burial plots from Savannah’s yellow fever epidemics from the 1800s.

What really brought the tour to life was the video footage and EVP audio tracks from Skippy’s iPad.

We heard the aggressive screams of the presumed ghost Molly at the Sorrel Weed House, a video of a ghastly boy running through the very cemetery we stood next to, and the growling of a malevolent spirit in the former slave holds next to the River Street Cotton Exchange.

While beautiful, Savannah certainly holds a dark history in certain regards.

best tours in Savannah GA
Exploring the spooky side of Savannah with Ghost City Tours

8. Have A Bloody Mary Scavenger Hunt

Looking for things to do in Savannah beyond the guidebook?

One fun trend in Savannah’s culinary scene is unique Bloody Mary concoctions.

Restaurants are elevating the boozy brunch staple with:

  • Banana peppers and Sriracha (Treylor Park)
  • Bacon (17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant)
  • Horseradish-infused vodka (The Bohemian Hotel)
  • Dill pickle (Distillery)
  • Build-your-own (Kevin Barry’s Pub)

See if you can collect drink them all!

best things to do in Savannah GA
A “Spicy Backyard Fowl Bloody Mary” at Treylor Park

9. Savor Free Artisan Samples

Pondering things to do in Savannah?

There are a number of Savannah shops with free samples of artisan products introducing you to local culture through the palate.

A few suggestions include:

The Salt Table:

I loved the endless shelves showcasing 200+ salt and spice samples — either to taste or smell — and the table of locally brewed teas.

Head downstairs to a wonderland of Georgia-made products like beer, wine and honey.

We tried a free sample of Butter Ducks Sweet Peach wine made with real peaches (yummy soaked into pound cake, apparently), but for $10 you can do a proper 5-wine tasting.

what to do in Savannah, GA
A little peach wine sampling at The Salt Table

Savannah Bee Co:

Here you’ll find a large sunlit shop with a 10+ honey tasting bar, a 100% natural beeswax and honey body care section, and a mead tasting bar.

Two highlights were the Tupelo Honey, a rare honey that can only be made two weeks per year, and a raw cinnamon honey with a nice baking spice.

Savannah Rae’s Gourmet Popcorn:

If you’re looking for things to do in Savannah with kids, this is a great option.

I mean, they have over 250+ popcorn flavors!

Some are more typical like Movie Theater Butter and Truffle; however, some are downright weird like Blueberry Cheesecake, Captain Crunch, Margarita and Oatmeal Raisin Cookie.

Unlimited free samples are available for tasting, and they give military and student discounts.

things to do in Savannah with kids
Look at all that popcorn!

Smith Brothers Butcher Shop:

This family-owned Savannah business has been open since 1924.

They feature free samples of delicious cheeses, jams and meats around the shop, as well as a complimentary wine tasting from 3pm-6pm on Saturdays.

It’s a great spot to grab picnic supplies — including wine — for an afternoon in Savannah’s Forsyth Park.

From their 13+ sausage varieties, my favorite was the spicy andouille!

RMC Boutique:

This Savannah boutique has a gallery feel with different sections showcasing carefully curated items from local brands.

And it’s not just clothing.

Have bags embroidered, peruse handmade jewelry, and enjoy free samples of blackberry beeswax beauty balm, cookies, and orange-infused water.

best things to do in Savannah Georgia
Just one of the many cute design-centric corners of RMC Boutique

10. Have A Quirky Coffee At The Coffee Fox

Late nights drinking on the Savannah waterfront meant coffee was a very necessary part of our trip.

We fell in love with the Coffee Fox, and it easily became our sole coffee purveyor.

What initially attracted us was the offerings we saw recommended on FourSquare.

For me:

An iced horchata latte.

For Andy:

An “Eye Opener” with a double espresso shot and Left Hand Nitro Stout.

What is there to do in downtown Savannah
My iced horchata latte at Coffee Fox

11. Visit France In Savannah

Located next to our beloved Coffee Fox was the Paris Market, an Instagram obsessed’s heaven.

If I owned a home my credit card would have been in trouble with all these flirty French housewares and unique decor items.

Large mahogany desks littered with leather-bound books featured a giant magnifying glass, while a lavish table was set up with elaborate place settings under detailed chandeliers.

Handmade lavender soaps, fashion-focused coffee table books, armature table lamps and a café offering delicate options like macaroons, rose seltzer and a “French Garden” lavender tea could also be found.

Andy and I were also amused by a Mason jar of cicada carcasses for $0.75 each.

Is there someone who goes and collects the dead bugs from the park then flips them for a profit?

what to do in Savannah, GA
Being silly in Savannah’s Paris Market

12. Have A Cocktail On Draft At Savannah Cocktail Co

Upstairs from Savannah’s delicious sushi joint, Co, the Savannah Cocktail Co serves classic cocktails like Sazeracs and French 75’s in a dimly red-lit romantic lounge.

The large hand-cut ice cubes, tailored glassware and house made infusions like homemade ginger beer and lavender syrup for a “Lavender Old Fashioned” prove the venue’s attention to detail, though what really enticed Andy and I was a sign boasting cocktails on draft.

How cool!

I opted for the “Chatham Artillery Punch” made with rum, bourbon, cognac, sparkling wine, lemon, and sugar that’s a local Savannah specialty.

What is there to do in downtown Savannah
Having a drink at Cocktail Co.

13. Try A Southern-Style Cronut At Goose Feathers Cafe (For A Photo Op)

I’ll start by saying I really did this because I’m from New York where the Cronut fad reached humorous levels.

At Goose Feathers Cafe they call their version the Ecroissant, and honestly, it’s tiny, uber sweet and not what I’d really want for breakfast.

It was fun to try though, and the rest of their menu is delicious.

Some highlights include:

  • The “Bird’s Nest,” a hearty nest of grits, eggs and salsa
  • The “Beach Blanket Latte” made with coffee, white chocolate and coconut syrup that’s topped with whipped cream

Drink it for inspiration before heading to the nearby Tybee Island Beach about 30 minutes outside of Savannah.

How do I spend a day in Savannah Ga
Savannah’s version of the Cronut

14. Be A Kid Again Through Outdoor Games

Within an hour of wandering Savannah, we were sweating like crazy.

Luckily there’s a splash pad in Ellis Square to cool you down.

We ran through the spurting water before grabbing a beer at Moon River Brewing Co.

The food and homemade beer was tasty, but what we really loved were the silly head-in-the-hole boards and giant Connect 4.

I won, if you were wondering.

At the Funky Brunch Cafe, fill up on smoked salmon-laced BLTs and make-your-own pancakes before playing a game of Hopscotch on their patio.

This was my favorite game as a kid!

fun things to do in Savannah GA
Playing Hopscotch at the Funky Brunch Cafe

15. Feel Like A VIP With A View At The Bohemian Hotel

Back in NYC you’ll typically find Andy and I on a rooftop if it’s a sunny day.

Which is why in Savannah we loved the Bohemian Hotel and its Rocks on the Roof rooftop bar.

Here we sipped sparkling wine and gazed out over the 300-mile Savannah River and cable-stayed Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

savannah travel
fun things to do in Savannah GA

Views paired with sparkling wine at the top of the Bohemian Hotel

16. Have A True Speakeasy Experience At Mati Hari

I’m a licensed sightseeing guide in NYC and lead a cocktail tour in the East Village.

I love cocktail bars, and wherever I travel I always try to find at least one standout.

In Savannah, this quest led us to Mati Hari, a hidden bar in the back of the boisterous 309 Club.

It took Andy and I about 20 minutes to figure out how to get inside.

When we finally found the hidden door the bouncer informed us we needed a key or membership card; however, when we asked nicely if we could go inside we were easily let in.

Hey, this is the south after all.

fun things to do in Savannah GA
Having fun at Mati Hari

To me, the coolest aspect was just how much Mati Hari felt like a Prohibition-era living room — they even had carpeted floors.

We sipped absinthe-laced cocktails on a weathered thrift store sofa while listening to a singer croon soul music.

For another Prohibition experience, Distillery Ale House actually operated during Prohibition.

While today it’s a craft beer bar with a pub atmosphere, it was originally a distillery in 1904.

During Prohibition, it was Freich’s Pharmacy, a drug store, soda fountain and lunch counter that also secretly made bathtub gin and homemade beer.

 fun things to do in Savannah GA
The Distillery Ale House sold alcohol during Prohibition under a different brand

17. Get Sweet In Savannah GA

I typically avoid the most popular places in lieu of the lesser-known, but I made an exception for Leopold’s Ice Cream.

Yes, there’s typically a line out the door, but this spot is extremely important to Savannah locals.

Open since 1919, the venue has ties with film as owner Stratton Leopold — the younger son of the original owner — was once Vice President of Paramount Pictures.

He still produces movies, though his love of the family business brought him back to the shop.

Among soda jerks in proper attire doling out floats, cones and ice cream flavors like Mint Chip and their signature Tutti Fruiti, you’ll find a small historic film exhibit and photos of celebrities like Tom Cruise, Miley Cyrus and Ben Affleck.

Other suggestions for sweet things to do in Savannah:

  • For an uber decadent experience, Lulu’s Chocolate Bar offers chocolate fondue for two, dessert martinis, tarts and cakes. Get the Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie!
  • Savannah Candy Kitchen on River Street offers free praline samples out front and a candy and ice cream-filled shopped that takes up almost en entire block.
  • Mirabelle Cafe’s dessert waffles are da’ bomb. We tried the Peach Cobbler Waffle with sugar pearls infused into the dough. Pair with their locally-roasted Perc Coffee for a heavenly experience.
fun things to do in Savannah GA
A peach cobbler waffle at Mirabelle Cafe

18. Enter Happy Hour Heaven At Jen’s And Friends

Jen’s And Friends has won many awards for their happy hour.

The prices are insanely cheap to begin with — think $8+ martinis and beers starting at $2.

Even Dog Fish Head is only $6!

During happy hour they become even cheaper.

Their other draw is the 200+ beers and 300+ martinis on the menu.

While I’ll admit many are candy-coated and sugary, it’s a fun concept and you can sip your libation while playing classic touch screen games like erotic-style Find The Difference and Tetris.

Their happy hour special includes $2 domestic beers, $3 house wines, and $4 Appletinis and Cosmos.

fun things to do in Savannah GA
Sipping sweet martinis at Jen’s & Friends

19. Photograph Savannah’s Architectural Gems

Savannah is possibly the USA’s most whimsical city, with over 40% of its 2,500 buildings having historic significance.

Federal, Georgian, Gothic Revival and Italianate are just a few of the styles you’ll see without even trying.

Our favorite building in Savannah was the Victorian Gothic-style Cathedral of St John the Baptist.

Immigrants fleeing Haiti and France established the church’s first parish in the late 1700s.

While the first cornerstone was laid around then too, the new cathedral we see today was designed in the 1870s.

It’s Georgia’s oldest Roman Catholic Church, and definitely one of the most beautiful, too.

 fun things to do in Savannah GA
Cathedral of St John the Baptist

20. Cycle To & Pay Respects At Bonaventure Cemetery

The “city built upon its dead” did not fail to impress us as we biked through Bonaventure Cemetery.

Here you’ll find a picturesque escape from the Savannah Historic District just less than four miles away.

We pedaled on dirt paths flanked by lush trees dangling Spanish Moss and beautiful Gothic monuments paying homage to Savannah’s deceased.

We were extra motivated to visit the cemetery after our Savannah ghost tour guide showed us a picture of possible paranormal activity around the grave of Gracie Watson.

Gracie was a six-year-old girl — better known as “Little Gracie” — that passed away from pneumonia in 1889.

Because of the tragic story and her notoriety you’ll see small gifts left by visitors around her resting place.

fun things to do in Savannah GA
Cycling through Bonaventure Cemetery

21. Have The Weirdest Southern Meal Of Your Life At Treylor Park

Opened by Rich Kunzi and Trey Wilder (get it?), Treylor Park features an RV-theme with sexy-looking RV photographs and a “Live Sensibly” tag line.

Despite the name, it’s a clean comfortable Savannah restaurant with wood-framed flatscreens showing old movies, shelves displaying empty bottles and Warhol-esque artwork.

The reason we really visited, though, was the quirky menu.

Picture peanut butter and jelly wings, an apple pie grilled cheese with cinnamon roasted apples and bacon, and fried shrimp served on a bed of popcorn.

The main highlight was the fattening yet fancy Treylor Park Nachos featuring waffles fries embedded with chunks of fried chicken, pickles, bacon, cheddar, chive ranch, and balsamic gastrique.

Yum!

Also check out the eatery’s just opened slightly more upscale restaurant, Hitch, with a similar but expanded menu.

If you’re into the transport-themed restaurants, The Grey is a modern southern eatery in a converted Savannah Greyline Bus Terminal.

 fun things to do in Savannah GA
Feasting at Treylor Park

22. Get Out In Nature

You won’t need to look far to find one of the 22 scenic squares peppering Savannah’s Historic District.

Take a break from the heat and camp out below the canopy of Spanish moss, or have a picnic by taking food to go and washing it down courtesy of Savannah’s open container allowances.

Tip:

Order Zunzi‘s chicken and special sauce-laced “Conquistador, voted 2nd best sandwich in the country by the Travel Channel.

If you’re looking for things to do in Savannah that let you escape the city environment, head to the 30-acre Forsyth Park and enjoy the picturesque landscape that dons the cover of Savannah’s travel brochures.

Savannah GA Travel Insurance

When visiting Georgia — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

 fun things to do in Savannah GA
There’s so much nature to enjoy in Savannah

Savannah GA Travel FAQ

Q: What is Savannah GA best known for?

A few things Savannah is known for include its rich history as Georgia’s oldest city, its vibrant culinary scene, and its beauty thanks to its coastal setting, Spanish moss trees, and historic architecture.

Q: What is there to do in downtown Savannah?

A few of the many fun things to do in downtown Savannah include exploring the Savannah Historic District, relaxing in Forsyth Park, wandering through historic Bonaventure Cemetery, grabbing a cocktail on River Street, and gaining a better understanding of local history (including its dark side) at the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.

Q: How do I spend a day in Savannah GA?

If you only have one day in Savannah, there are a few essential experiences, including:

  • Wandering the Savannah Historic District and admiring its stunning architecture and romantic Spanish moss
  • Having a BLT salad at the Olde Pink House
  • Taking one of the many delicious Savannah food tours
  • Taking one of the numerous spooky Savannah ghost tours
  • Sipping a cocktail at the charming Perry Lane Hotel
  • Exploring history and art at the Mercer Williams House Museum

Q: What is there to do in Savannah in two days?

If you have two days in Savannah you can add a few day trips to your itinerary, such as to visit Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Fort McAllister State Park, or Skidaway Island State Park.

Q: Is Savannah a walkable city?

Extremely! You definitely don’t need a car when visiting Savannah.

What are your favorite things to do in Savannah, Georgia? 

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things to do in savannah

Essential Information:

Budgeting Information: Unless you’re okay with CouchSurfing, it will be hard to really do Savannah on the super cheap due to the hotel prices (though again, please use the widget below this logistics box to find the best deals).

Luckily, there are many free things to do in Savannah like wandering the squares, taking free walking tours, savoring free samples on Broughton Street and taking a free first time Latin Dance class at Salsa Savannah. For food you can of course grocery shop or live on $5 Subway sandwiches, but if you want to enjoy a mix of low key and nicer restaurants I’d suggest allotting at least $40 + tip and drinks per day per person.

Costs for some of the paid things to do in Savannah mentioned above include:

  • Dead of Night Tour with Ghost City Tours: $29.95
  • Famous & Secret East Side Food Tour: $56.95 including food
  • Dancing Dogs Yoga Class: $20 drop-in rate (though they offer other packages)

Recommended Tours: Along with the things to do in Savannah mentioned above, a few tours to check out include:

Currency: US Dollar

Language: English

Getting Around: As mentioned above, walking and biking are the best ways to get around Savannah.

Photography: My camera is Nikon D5100. I used both my Tokina 11-16mm (great for architecture!) and my Nikon 40mm Prime lens (great for food/drink!).

Packing Essentials: Along with your clothing — again, bring extra garments as you’ll sweat a lot — I recommend:

Jessie Festa standing in front of grafitti wall

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26 Comments

  1. Robert Fowler on at 6:48 pm

    Love your article about Savannah Georgia! I live in Georgia but way up near Atlanta and only make it to Savannah once every few couple of years, but always enjoy my visit. You are right, don’t go in August, too hot. Love your photos, you are talented! Another great tip you had was to do the food tour. Savannah is known for food and history and you cover both.

    • Jessie Festa on at 11:15 pm

      @Robert: I need to get to Atlanta. Haven’t been since I was a toddler!

  2. sue on at 10:46 pm

    I am surprised you didn’t visit the Pirate House. Anyone I know that has visited Savannah has gone there. Unless of course it has closed; it has been many years since I as there.

    • Jessie Festa on at 11:15 pm

      @Sue: Hadn’t heard of it, but looks like it’s still open. Another reason to go back! 🙂

      • A Local on at 9:56 am

        We locals only go to the Pirate’s House on St. Patrick’s Day, for the green grits. The other 364 days of the year, it’s regarded as a tourist trap.

        I think the BBQ place the article meant was actually Wall’s, not Hall’s. It’s a shame Angel’s closed, because that man knew his Q.

        Pacci is great, but to me the best thing on the menu is the bourbon and homemade cola, served in a teeny tiny bottle (unless they’re all being washed). The Brice used to be the “Co-cola” bottling plant, and the drink is a nod to that.

        • Jessie Festa on at 7:58 am

          @A Local: Very cool to know that about The Brice! I stay at Kimpton hotels a lot and know they usually take historic buildings and revamp them, giving a nod to the past. For instance we have Ink48 here in NYC where I live. It is a repurposed printing factory!

  3. Rosa Carpetner on at 12:42 pm

    Thanks for the awesome review! Loved all the insights and beautiful pictures!

  4. Kim Barr on at 4:34 pm

    There is so much to do here! I love finding the little Foody Gems like Joe’s Homemade on Waters Ave. If you come back you have to expand your search a little further outside of the direct downtown area!

  5. Becky on at 8:40 am

    I’m hungry just thinking about Savannah now! (But I’m going to have to find a few more active things beyond the yoga to burn off all those snacks and meals).

  6. Justin on at 3:06 pm

    The ghost/paranormal stuff really creeps me out so I don’t think I’d be into the ghost tour! But I do like Savannah.

  7. Tommy Davis on at 2:32 pm

    This is THE best list and information I have found. Wonderful job. I’m doing something very similar, I’m planning the first trip for my girlfriend and me. She hasn’t vacationed in a while, and I’m wanting it to be a great trip!! Headed down Memorial Day Weekend and will be using our tips for sure! Thank you!!!

    • Jessie Festa on at 2:38 pm

      @Tommy: Thank you for the kind words! I always try to discover some of the lesser-discovered/offbeat things to do 🙂 Even though it’s popular though I HAD to include the Olde Pink House. It’s just too good not to mention. I definitely recommend going there on your trip!

  8. ALISHIA MCDONALD on at 12:29 pm

    Headed to Savannah this weekend with a bunch of vegetarians. Anybody have any suggestions of where they can eat?

  9. Walter on at 10:57 am

    Excellent! My wife and I are headed down this weekend and this is just what I needed to plan our time there.

  10. Adri on at 4:42 pm

    I’ve been living near Savannah for about 3 years and this list was game changing! How do you find so many cool offbeat options?! I’ve been trying but when I tend to ask people they point me in the more popular direction haha

  11. Tam on at 9:25 am

    I am going for my birthday in December. I am so excited and hoping it won’t be so hot as I am living in Florida with plenty of heat. Cannot wait to use some of these tips and maybe a ghost tour and some holiday lights will make it great!

  12. Shalzmojo on at 12:07 pm

    Lovely commentary on the history and food of this gorgeous region- I learned something new today. Savannah was a type of a geographical region as I had learnt in school and reading about it on your post makes it seem so much more 🙂

  13. Erin on at 12:08 pm

    You packed a lot of fun into your trip! So many of those restaurants are on my favorites list, especially Treylor Park and a.Lure (their shrimp and grits are amazing). Bonaventure is beautiful, and I love walking and biking out there because you get a slight breeze off the water. Let me know if you make a return trip, and I’ll show you all of my favorite photo spots 🙂

  14. Cindy Scott on at 12:12 pm

    This was perfect for planning my future trip, thanks so much!!

  15. Elina on at 1:43 pm

    I would love to visit Savannah and try the places you recommend, especially see the view from the Bohemian Hotel!

  16. Krista on at 6:06 pm

    This is a great list you’ve put together! Savannah looks like a nice palce to visit – saving this post for later.

  17. Abirra N on at 2:12 am

    Savannah is a walkable and very social city indeed! I have been there three years ago, and we are planning to go back before the end of this year. I haven’t prepared my things to do in savannah ga lists but have browsed at Visit Savannah website already. I am excited for Leopold’s Ice cream and A.Lure Shrimps and grits!

  18. Don Davies on at 9:34 am

    I just love Savannah! They have great beaches, good food, and of course the best hotels around to. Aside from that, The tourist attractions in Savannah GA are just so nice to visit too! You will really see how many fun stuff and places to visit there are over there!

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