Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Savannah, Georgia for 2025

There are few southern destinations that embody the essence of the South quite like Savannah. Renowned for its charm, Savannah offers a pedestrian-friendly environment, making it a popular choice for family outings. Moreover, it tends to be more economical compared to Charleston and a more subdued alternative to New Orleans.

When travelers envision Savannah, they often picture cobblestone streets adorned with moss-covered oaks. This graceful image is quite accurate; nonetheless, Savannah encompasses far more than this picturesque scene. Explore the following notable sites and experiences throughout the city that will surely inspire repeat visits.

Having resided in Savannah for several years, I have had the opportunity to partake in numerous activities and attractions. Below is my selection of the top things to do in Savannah:

1. Forsyth Park

The historic district of Savannah is breathtaking on its own; however, Forsyth Park significantly enhances its allure. Boasting a verdant landscape, it attracts both tourists and locals, offering 30 acres filled with trees, flowers, and various foliage.

Moreover, there is frequently an event happening here, from open-air concerts to a farmer’s market that operates every Saturday. Forsyth Park is also home to one of the most photographed locations in Savannah – the stunning, grand fountain, which is indeed Instagram-worthy.

2. Old Savannah Trolley Tours

Discover the most renowned spots in Savannah’s historic district on this hop-on, hop-off trolley. This option is particularly beneficial for visitors with limited time who wish to maximize their sightseeing in a single afternoon.

The trolley navigates through 22 squares, showcasing some of Savannah’s key landmarks, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Temple Mickve Israel, Sorrel Weed House, Juliette Gordon Low Home, Mansion of Forsyth Park, Mulberry Inn, and the Pirates House.

With 15 designated stops, passengers can disembark the trolley whenever they wish to explore, with assurance that another trolley will return approximately every 15 to 20 minutes.

3. City Market

Conveniently located near major sightseeing attractions, City Market encompasses four blocks of open-air shopping amidst restored warehouses, offering a variety of unique shops, dining options, and art galleries. Visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts in the square and it serves as an excellent venue for people-watching.

However, please be aware that the market includes several bars, making evenings lively. For families visiting with children, it is advisable to stop by in the morning or early afternoon.

4. The Owens-Thomas House

For individuals passionate about architecture, the Owens-Thomas House is a must-visit. A prime example of English Regency architecture, it was constructed in 1819 and spans an entire block.

Designed by an English architect and built by a Bermuda merchant, it was later acquired by a congressman. This historic residence is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The house has irregular visiting hours, so it is advisable to verify them prior to your visit.

On the property, you will find a carriage house, parterre garden, and one of the earliest intact urban slave quarters.

5. Telfair Museum of Art

One of my preferred locations and the oldest art museum in the South, Telfair Museum is situated within a classic Regency mansion, designed by an English architect and acquired by the son of the Georgian governor.

Completed in 1819, the house remained within the same family until 1875 when the last surviving Telfair heir bequeathed the home and its furnishings to the Georgia Historical Society.

The structure underwent expansion just eight years later, incorporating a sculpture gallery and rotunda. Its grand opening was a remarkable event that attracted prominent figures, including Jefferson Davis.

During your visit, you will encounter meticulously restored rooms, paintings by German Impressionists and American French artists, period furniture, silverware, and more. The museum also houses the largest public collection of paintings by Kahlil Gibran, totaling over 80. It is advisable to allocate at least two hours for your visit.

6. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Recognized as one of Savannah’s most remarkable structures, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is undeniably breathtaking.

With its towering spires and intricate stained glass, it leaves a lasting impression whether attending a religious service or engaging in a guided or self-guided tour.

The cathedral, constructed in 1876, replaced an earlier structure that was largely destroyed by a fire in 1898. Remarkably, it was rebuilt within two years, symbolizing the enduring faith of Savannah’s community.

It is touted as one of the Top 10 historical sites to visit in the United States, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

7. The Historic Savannah Theatre

The oldest continuously operating theatre in the United States, the Historic Savannah Theatre was established in 1818, premiering with a comedy in December. Today, the square on which it is situated, Chippewa Square, has evolved into a vibrant hub for Savannah’s nightlife and entertainment, primarily due to the theatre’s presence.

In addition to its nightly performances, the theatre boasts an additional attraction for cinema enthusiasts.

Just outside sits a bench featured in various scenes from the iconic film Forrest Gump, which has become a highly popular photo spot.

8. Wormsloe Historic Site

If you are seeking that quintessential Southern photograph with mossy oak trees arching over a picturesque pathway, you will undoubtedly find it here. This historic site features a stunning avenue lined with oaks and Spanish moss, leading directly to the ruins of Wormsloe, the oldest standing structure in Savannah.

During events, visitors may encounter costumed reenactors; however, on a typical day, guests can access the museum (featuring colonial artifacts) and traverse the nature trail that takes them through the ruins and around marshes on the grounds.

9. The Savannah Waterfront

Were you aware that Savannah has its own river waterfront? Many people are often surprised to learn this fact. Historically significant, River Street served as a vital warehouse district for the cotton industry. However, after the yellow fever epidemic, the area fell into disrepair, only to be revitalized in the 1960s.

Today, visitors can stroll along cobblestone streets while exploring centuries of rich history, passing by a variety of businesses housed within these once-abandoned warehouses. Whether seeking shopping, dining, beverages, or art galleries, it is all readily available.

10. The Wilkes House

This location may not be an architectural marvel, but it is instead a remarkable venue to experience the rich tradition of Southern cuisine.

The Wilkes House has been satisfying the appetites of Southerners for decades, serving dishes like fried chicken, sweet potatoes, okra, gumbo, cornbread, and biscuits that regularly appear on the menu.

Daily menu offerings change, and the atmosphere is pleasantly casual. Diners enjoy family-style seating, with all patrons paying a flat rate, and cash is the only accepted form of payment here.

11. Bonaventure Cemetery

For more picturesque oak trees draped in Spanish moss combined with a taste of Southern gothic charm, visit Bonaventure Cemetery. Regarded as one of the most beautiful cemeteries globally, it has become a sought-after destination for many visitors.

Entry is free to this expansive property, spanning over 100 acres. Should you wish to partake in a guided experience rather than wandering unaccompanied, complimentary guided tours are offered on weekends during the second Sunday of each month.

12. Old Fort Jackson Historic Site

Old Fort Jackson holds the title of the oldest standing brick fort in Georgia, constructed in 1808. Drawing approximately 50,000 visitors annually, it has a rich history tied to the state. Named after a Georgian governor who liberated Savannah from British control, it once stood as one of the strongest fortifications in the United States, being composed entirely of earth and later faced with brick and topped with a wooden structure.

Enhancements were made to the fort during the War of 1812, and today it retains the same appearance as it did during that era. Self-guided tours are available, providing beautiful views of the Savannah River. Be sure to stay long enough to witness the cannon firings!

13. Fort Pulaski National Monument

Constructed in the 1800s, Fort Pulaski is located on an island in the river between Savannah and Tybee Island. It was the first Confederate masonry fort to be subjected to Union cannon fire, marking a pivotal moment in military history. Additionally, there are numerous activities and exhibits beyond the fort itself.

Visitors can explore trails, including the North Pier Trail, which traverses original construction buildings and passes a 19th-century battery. The site is also home to a lighthouse, a historic dike system, biking paths, and more.

14. Coastal Empire Brew Co.

Since its inception in 2011, Coastal Empire Beer Co. has rapidly gained acclaim and popularity among Savannah locals. I highly recommend visiting the taproom, which features 16 different beers on tap, providing ample seating for guests.

One of the brewery’s most favored selections is the Savannah Brown Ale; however, patrons can also enjoy other year-round offerings like the Tybee Island Blonde, Southern Delight Praline Amber Ale, and Coco Pina Gose.

15. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

Should your travel party include a young girl, it would be advantageous to visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, a house museum dedicated to honoring the founder of the American Girl Scouts.

Juliette was born in this residence, now owned by the Girl Scouts of the USA, in 1860, and it was here, in 1912, that she initiated the foundation of the Girl Scouts.

Guided tours lasting approximately forty minutes are conducted from Monday to Saturday, and it is advisable to secure tickets in advance.

16. The University of Georgia Aquarium

This marine education center and aquarium, located on Skidaway Island near downtown Savannah, features numerous exhibits showcasing marine life indigenous to the region, along with intriguing displays that may even extend beyond aquatic creatures.

Visitors may also discover exhibits presenting ancient animals such as woolly mammoths and mastodons, as these species historically roamed this area.

17. Hearse Ghost Tours

If a traditional trolley tour does not align with your preferences, a ghost tour may offer a more fitting experience, particularly one conducted in a hearse. This unique ghost tour picks you and your travel companions up from your accommodation in an actual hearse that served real funerals for over 15 years.

You will not only appreciate the city’s rich history but will also learn about its darker chapters as you partake in this extraordinary experience.

18. The Mercer-Williams House

Literature enthusiasts should make it a priority to include this house tour in their itinerary.

The distinguished mansion was previously the residence of lyricist Johnny Mercer, as well as Jim Williams, who is a notable figure in the narrative of John Berendt’s “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Williams gained notoriety for being the only individual in Georgia to undergo four trials for a singular crime—a gruesome murder that took place within the home.

While visitors cannot access the actual murder site, they can explore the remainder of the residence, which includes furnishings dating back to the 1700s.

19. The Andrew Low House

Your thoughts may lead you to the conclusion that Savannah is a city abundant with home tours, and you would be correct.

Another home worthy of exploration is The Andrew Low House, constructed in 1848. It features an elegant Italianate exterior along with opulent interiors.

If this name rings a bell, it likely does since this residence was once owned by the family of Juliette Gordon Low.

After her passing, the home was acquired by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia, and it opened to the public approximately 75 years ago.

20. Tricentennial Park

For those seeking an enjoyable and educational outing with children, Tricentennial Park offers an excellent option, allowing for a perfect blend of entertainment and learning for parents as well.

Within the park, you will discover three distinct museums—the Savannah History Museum and Battlefield Memorial Park, the Georgia State Railroad Museum, and the Savannah Children’s Museum.

While the latter is a must-visit for families, the other two can be chosen based on your children’s interests.

21. Leopold’s

Regardless of age, concluding your day in Savannah with a visit to Leopold’s is a delightful idea. This local ice cream parlor has retained its charm since its establishment in 1919 by Hollywood producer Stratton Leopold. Despite often having a line, it is certainly worth the wait.

The ice cream is crafted on-site, utilizing high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. A signature flavor highly recommended is the Tutti-Fruitti.

22. The Olde Pink House Restaurant

Combining romance with a hint of the supernatural? Why not?! This is exactly what The Olde Pink House achieves. The elegantly designed setting features chandeliers, 18th-century architecture, and a charming dining room fireplace.

The menu highlights Southern cuisine with an elevated touch, ensuring a refined dining experience that does not compromise on flavor.

However, beyond its stylish facade lurk a few ghostly stories.

23. Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

If trains are not particularly appealing to your children, perhaps boats are more to their liking. In that case, a visit to this museum, featuring all sorts of memorabilia related to maritime history from the 1700s and 1800s, is in order.

The museum is housed in the former residence of the man who owned the first steamship to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Even if you are not inclined towards maritime history, the museum stands out for hosting one of the largest gardens in Savannah’s historic district.

24. Colonial Park Cemetery

If you are unable to visit Bonaventure, consider stopping by Colonial Park Cemetery, which also possesses a rich history and an eerie atmosphere.

This cemetery has been in operation since 1750 and features graves belonging to some of the earliest colonists, as well as numerous individuals who succumbed during the yellow fever epidemic of 1820. It is notably popular for ghost hunting after dark.

25. Fort McAllister State Park

Historically recognized for enduring multiple assaults during the Civil War, Fort McAllister eventually fell to General Sherman’s forces.

Remarkably, visitors can camp on-site. During your stay, explore the museum featuring numerous Civil War artifacts while also enjoying the nearby wetland wildlife.