Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Pooler, Georgia

Pooler, Georgia, is a municipality of approximately 25,000 residents situated in Chatham County, in the southern region of the state. It resides within the Savannah metropolitan area, located about 10 miles northeast of Savannah’s historic downtown.

In proximity to Georgia’s alluring Atlantic Ocean resort communities, Pooler has experienced significant growth in recent years, attributed to its quaint ambiance and low crime rates.

Now, let us explore the 15 most notable attractions in Pooler, Georgia.

1. National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

This museum, grand in both name and essence, features an exhibition space spanning approximately 8,300 square meters.

The museum’s mission is to narrate the history of the Eighth Air Force, a unit established in 1942 following the United States’ entry into World War II, which played a crucial role in the Allies’ accomplishments in Europe.

Its exhibits recount the compelling stories of courageous individuals who served in this unit, ranging from its World War II origins in the UK to current operations in Iraq.

The museum’s combat gallery provides an opportunity for visitors to observe the meticulous restoration of a World War II B-17 bomber up close, followed by a visit to a British-style pub for refreshments.

2. Oglethorpe Speedway Park

The sounds of revving engines are not limited to aircraft, but also emanate from the vehicles that consistently race on the half-mile (800-meter) oval clay track, a notable venue within the popular sport of speedway in the southern United States.

Since its inception in 1951, Oglethorpe Park has remained central to the Pooler community, drawing enthusiasts from across the region.

While the races themselves are thrilling, with the potential for unpredictability enhancing the excitement, the tailgating experience adds to the overall ambiance. Fans often gather beforehand to enjoy barbecues from the backs of their vehicles.

3. Savannah Historic District

In its historical context, Savannah was one of the key cities in British North America prior to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Founded in 1733 as an inland port on the river that bears its name, it has maintained much of its original layout for over 200 years.

The historic district largely reflects the city limits before the American Civil War in the 1860s and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark District due to its abundance of historical structures.

Filled with 18th and 19th century architecture, the cobblestone streets invite exploration, allowing visitors to encounter captivating landmarks reminiscent of the city’s extensive history.

4. Children’s Museum of Pooler

This establishment serves as a museum dedicated to children rather than childhood itself. Nestled among the shops of Tanger Outlets, it serves as both an activity center and educational space designed for children aged ten and under.

The concept behind the Children’s Museum of Pooler is to promote learning in an enjoyable manner. For example, at the Gone Fishing exhibition, children can discover various fish species found in local waters.

The Flight Lab encourages exploration of fundamental Earth forces, while dedicated areas are also available for aspiring builders and artists.

5. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

With an annual budget exceeding $3 million, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge serves as a significant protected area for the region’s flora and fauna.

Extending into Jasper County in South Carolina, this refuge encompasses over 30 acres, providing a habitat for numerous waterbirds and an idyllic environment for individuals interested in exploring the area’s natural wonders.

The refuge features over 24 miles of rivers and other waterways that create a series of wetlands interspersed with hardwood forests.

Additional insights into its natural history and inhabitants can be found at the visitor center located approximately 10 miles from Pooler.

6. SCAD Museum of Art

Positioned in downtown Savannah, the SCAD Museum of Art is affiliated with the Savannah College of Art and Design and remains open to the public.

This institution houses a permanent collection exceeding 4,500 pieces, featuring a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and costumes.

Housed within a majestic Greek Revival Neoclassical structure built in 1856 that once served as the headquarters for the Central Georgia Railway Company, it stands as the only surviving railway complex from before the Civil War in the nation.

The museum boasts one of the largest collections of African American art in the United States, and includes works from renowned artists such as Salvador Dali, Anthony van Dyke, and Annie Leibovitz.

7. Tybee Island

Tybee Island represents the easternmost point in Georgia, situated on the opposite shore of the Savannah River from South Carolina.

As one of 15 barrier islands spanning 180 km of Atlantic coast, Tybee is a premium beach destination, located approximately 45 minutes from Pooler.

In addition to its pristine sandy beaches, comparable to those found further south in Florida, there is a variety of historical sites to explore.

The iconic black and white striped lighthouse dates back to the British colonization of this area in the 1730s, while Fort Screven comprises a complex featuring around 70 structures that date back at least a century.

8. Old Colonial Cemetery

Also referred to as Colonial Park Cemetery, this historical site in Savannah provides another connection to the region’s past.

Established in 1750, it contains approximately 9,000 burials from its first century before interments ceased and it transitioned into a park.

Set in a picturesque downtown Savannah location, the park has a serene ambiance, allowing visitors to wander among the aged graves.

Many of the graves are adorned with intricate statues, while some are thought to have had their dates altered by Union Forces who utilized the site as a camp during the Civil War.

9. Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski is located on Cockspur Island, another island retreat situated less than an hour’s drive from Pooler. Its designation as a national monument stems from the significance it held during the Civil War.

After its capture, the site not only served as a testing ground for a powerful new type of cannon that tipped the balance in favor of the Union, but it also functioned as a prisoner of war camp.

The fort’s red brick courtyards were originally constructed as part of the nascent nation’s coastal defenses following the War of 1812 against Great Britain.

10. Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum represents another notable institution located in downtown Savannah. Established in 1966, it features a diverse collection of artifacts pertaining to maritime activities and commerce between Great Britain and the United States during the 1700s and 1800s.

Long before aircraft became a prevalent mode of transportation, a substantial fleet of sailing vessels served to connect the two nations, as well as the west coast of Africa, from which many of Georgia’s African-American inhabitants trace their ancestry.

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the museum includes items such as paintings, ship models, and maritime artifacts that highlight the perils associated with such voyages.

11. Wormsloe Historic Site

Locally known as Wormsloe Plantation, this site is located approximately 30 minutes south of Pooler. It encompasses a small area of what was once the plantation owned by Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s founding figures in the early 18th century.

A picturesque 2.5 km driveway, lined with oak trees, leads visitors to the remnants of Jones’ fortified home, which was constructed using tabby—a form of early concrete made from oyster shells.

A museum elucidates the history of the location, and a separate demonstration area features a replica wattle and daub hut to illustrate the challenging conditions endured by early European settlers.

12. Telfair Museums

This museum complex in Savannah consists of three individual buildings. The Telfair Academy building was the first public art museum to open in the southern United States, showcasing a collection displayed in two 19th-century rooms that includes paintings and decorative arts.

The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters features period furnishings, including intact slave quarters. Finally, the Jepson Center is a modern facility that hosts contemporary artworks.

The museum holds a commendable collection of southern American pieces, African-American art, and two galleries dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

13. Forsyth Park

Established in the 1840s, Forsyth Park remains a vital green space in Savannah. Although rectangular in shape, akin to New York’s Central Park, it is smaller in size but nonetheless brimming with shady areas and significant monuments across its 12 hectares.

The matured trees create a serene environment where many of the monuments seem to emerge unexpectedly, such as the fountain in the park’s northern section, which serves as a focal point for the space. Each March 17th, it is dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the Irish heritage of Savannah.

Throughout the park, visitors can find a large Confederate monument erected in 1874, along with another commemorating the Spanish-American War from the late 1800s.

14. Richmond Hill History Museum

Located approximately 20 minutes south of Pooler, Richmond Hill was the residence of industrialist Henry Ford. Notably, his surprisingly modest wooden home from the 1940s now serves as the town’s history museum.

The museum covers the entire history of the town, previously known as Ways Station, tracing back to the time prior to British colonization and detailing how the Guale Native Americans established small settlements along the coast.

The arrival of the British led to further construction, including Fort McAllister, a critical coastal defense during the Civil War, as well as an exploration of the role of slavery in the region.

15. Mars Theater

Initially opened in 1948 and closing again in 1957, the Mars Theater has not only persevered but also flourished following a renovation approximately a decade ago.

Fortunately, its vintage charm has been preserved, providing a wonderful setting for an evening of cinema. In addition to screening the latest Hollywood productions, the Mars Theater also showcases smaller independent films and features live performances by comedians and other artists.

The Mars Theater is situated in Springfield, Georgia, roughly 30 minutes north of Pooler.