Savannah, Georgia is a city rich in history and seeping in southern hospitality- making it a traveler’s dream destination. There is so much to do in Savannah, GA, it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, this summer I was able to spend a few days wandering the historic city. I did a lot of things and I am here to tell you what is actually worth doing in Savannah.
Walk Everywhere
Here’s my first piece of advice: walk everywhere. Savannah is pretty much the most walking-friendly city I have ever been to. Also, the city is GORGEOUS and you will miss so much if you spend your traveling time in a car. Even the streets of this city are historic! You’re going to want the experience of stumbling over paving stones and clambering up historic steps on River Street. You’re also going to want to see every square. Each one is unique; they have different statues, different styles, and they’re surrounded by different buildings. Take it slow, go for lots of walks, and just take in the beauty of the city.
Ride the Savannah Belles Ferry
The Savannah Belles Ferry is actually a taxi to get you from River Street to the Convention Center, but even if you’re not going to the Convention Center, it’s worth a ride. The Ferry is free, easy to board, comfortable, and it will take you from one side of River Street all the way to the other. It will also give you a new view of the city.
Walk River Street
River Street is full of fun shops and eateries, it offers great people watching opportunities, and you never know what you’re going to see come into the harbor. An evening spent walking River Street, sampling Pralines, and doing some souvenir shopping is an evening well spent.
Visit Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is a gorgeously lush 30 acre park in the middle of the historic district. Take a half hour or so to stroll through the park, see the fountain and Confederate Memorial, and take in the Fragrant Garden. Forsyth Park is a quintessential Savannah experience.
Take a House Tour
It’s my favorite tourist activity (after eating, of course)! You must take at least one house tour while you’re in Savannah. There is not a better way to appreciate the architecture, history, and hospitality of this city than by taking a guided tour. The Davenport House was a good tour, but if you’re looking for the best tour go for the Mercer Williams House. As an antiques dealer, Mr. Williams curated a broad collection of historical pieces in his impeccably restored mansion.
Visit the Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was one of my favorites sights on the trip. First of all, it’s gorgeous- inside and out. Second, when we toured there was a volunteer sitting in the pews giving a little informative speech about the history of the Cathedral. This man’s narration was equally informative and entertaining. Third, my favorite eatery of the whole trip was right across the street. I could have sat in the Mirabelle Cafe and stared at the Cathedral all week long. *insert heart eyes emoji*
Walk around the Colonial Park Cemetery
A little stroll around the Colonial Park Cemetery can be very peaceful and relaxing, but I enjoyed it because the many historical information signs. I spent about an hour wondering through the 250 year old cemetery, learning about all kinds of Revolutionary War era individuals. It was also fun to try to decipher the names on the old headstones and admire the design of the mausoleums.
Take a Ghost Tour
There are so many ghost tours in Savannah. After an extensive research session, I opted for Genteel and Bard’s Savannah Ghost Encounter Tour. I suggest you go on any ghost tour, but I highly recommend Genteel and Bard. TC, our tour guide, was engaging and fun and obviously very passionate about his role as a Savannah story teller. Walking through Savannah in the dark of night, listening to ghost stories, was eerily creepy in the best of ways. Not only did I enjoy TC’s storytelling, but he also provided some invaluable historical knowledge and gave us insight into many of the “must see” sights of Savannah. I suggest doing a tour like this on the last night of your trip so you’re not creeped out and thinking about ghosts all vacation. Also remember to wear good walking shoes; you will be doing a lot of walking and seeing a lot of the city.
One of life’s little charms is seeing and experiencing new things. Savannah is full of brand new experiences. Did you see something in Savannah that I didn’t include in my list? Shoot me a message, I’d love to hear about it! Looking for the best places to eat in Savannah? Check out my post Where to Eat in Savannah.
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