Fun Things to Do in Savannah GA
- Laura
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
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Where else – but in Savannah – can you find souvenir shops adorned with ornate chandeliers and historic homes that offer both afternoon tea and ghost tours? With its moss-covered squares and dignified statues, Savannah deftly melds a modern working port with its rich past. Get to know this captivating little city by reading our list of fun things to do in Savannah GA.
Sitting just across the river from South Carolina, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city. With red brick sidewalks and antebellum architecture, the vibe here is comfortably southern and slightly upscale. No matter where you roam, you will discern an air of distinctiveness that is outmatched only by Savannah’s rollicking sense of fun.
Our suggestions for fun things to do in Savannah will take you to the city’s Historic District, River Street, and City Market. Take a carriage ride in Forsyth Park, tour Bonaventure Cemetery, eat at the Old Pink House Restaurant, and do a dolphin tour. Also, learn about Savannah’s weather, where to stay, self-guided walks, and the best tours.
SAVANNAH TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
SAVANNAH WEATHER
The summer season in Savannah GA (late-May through mid-September) is hot and humid with temperatures ranging between 75 – 95’ (F). Winters in the southern city (December, January, and February) are cool with temperatures ranging between 42-61’ (F).
Note that June 1 to November 30th is the Atlantic hurricane season; with many storms clustering in the months of September and October.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SAVANNAH GA
Overall, the best time to visit Savannah GA is during the spring (March-May), and autumn (September-November) when the temperatures are warm, the humidity is comfortable, and the foliage is in bloom. Savannah has lots of al fresco dining and open-air malls. These months are great for outdoor activities.
Visit in the winter months, or high summer (July and August) for fewer crowds and lower prices.
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
BEST HOTELS IN SAVANNAH GA
For first-time visitors, we recommend choosing lodgings in the Savannah Historic District. This charming and walkable area is close to many top heritage sites, eateries, and shops. If your goal is sightseeing, pick a hotel in this area. Also, the 22 squares (small parks) of the Historic District are great if you are traveling with kids or want to mix with the locals.
Another area good for multi-generational travel is the River Street district where there are many family-friendly attractions. If you love nightlife, the City Market neighborhood, with its bars and venues offering live music, might be a good match.
Here are our suggestions for the best hotels in Savannah GA:
Perry Lane Hotel - A Luxury Collection Hotel
AC Hotel Savannah Historic District - on the river
Doubletree Savannah Historic District - by City Market
Hotel Indigo Historic District - close to River Street & City Market
Marshall House Inn - Historic & Haunted on Broughton Street
FUN THINGS TO DO IN SAVANNAH GA
Explore the Savannah Historic District
Spending time in the historic district is the best way for first-time visitors to immerse in Savannah’s southern soul. This National Historic Landmark District is chock-full of antebellum mansions, cobblestone streets, and towering oak canopies dripping in Spanish moss.
Located in the heart of downtown, Savannah’s historic district is punctuated by 22 squares. These green spaces are full of benches, statues, fountains, and beds of flowers. See children playing and students drinking coffee as you meander amongst the historical plaques. In Chippewa Square sit on the bench where Forest Gump opened his box of chocolates.
Try these historic district tours:
Tour the Owens-Thomas House
Constructed in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters’ gives visitors a chance “to explore the complicated relationships between the most and least powerful people in the city of Savannah in the early 19th century” (quote from the Owens-Thomas website).
Situated in Savannah’s historic district by Oglethorpe Square, the site offers tours of the Regency-style mansion, and the attached slave quarters. See the names of the enslaved people who lived in the house etched into the boards of their living quarters. Note: due to the historical nature of the structure there is no elevator access.
Try these Savannah history tours:
Walk Rollicking River Street Savannah GA
River Street is a lively district rich in history and loaded with modern day fun. In this area, find waterfront businesses along the Savannah River, and in converted cotton warehouses. The neighborhood’s brick streets are lined with restaurants, inns, rooftop bars, and a wide assortment of shops. Take riverboat cruise and dolphin tour from the waterfront.
This area has lots of family-friendly activities. Sit in a café and watch the ships cruise by on the river, visit a boutique for a wide-brimmed bonnet, or indulge ln some regional favorites; shrimp, grits, and hush puppies. Don’t forget to snap a photo by the Waving Girl Statue.
Try these Savannah water-based tours:
Take a Bonaventure Cemetery Tour
Just 3 miles outside of downtown Savannah is the 160 acre Bonaventure Cemetery. Set on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River, the cemetery is known for its mossy trees and hauntingly beautiful sculptures (including the Bird-Girl statue, little Gracie Watson, and countless angels). The resting place has been featured in many movies and books. There is a visitor center onsite. Walking, golf cart, and biking tours are popular.
Try these tours:
Eat at the Olde Pink House Restaurant
The Olde Pink House is an 18th century mansion on Abercorn Street in the historic district. The home has been owned by many Georgian families, and once served as the state’s first bank. Today, it is a celebrated restaurant known for its hospitality and charm. Its distinctive pink hue was accidental; the color was the result of red bricks bleeding through white stucco.
The Colonial mansion serves southern fare like oysters and cornbread, and has live music in a cellar tavern. The eatery’s many dining rooms are filled with artwork and antiques. The address is said to be one of Savannah’s most haunted, with many documented ghost sightings. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
Experience Haunted Savannah
Savannah GA has long held the reputation of being one of America’s most haunted cities. A look into Savannah’s tumultuous, and sometimes tortured past, provides insight as to why the city may be an epicenter of paranormal activity. It features bloody conflicts, plagues, destructive fires, brutal slavery, and unsolved murders.
Savannah addresses where numerous supernatural occurrences have been reported include the Benjamin Wilson House (private); Mercer Willams House (open for tours); Sorrel Weed House (open for tours), and the Olde Pink House Restaurant.
Try these haunted Savannah tours:
Self Guided Walking Tour Savannah Victorian District
Savannah’s Victorian District is located within the city’s greater historic district. The area, known as Savannah’s first suburb, is made up of 50 blocks of brightly painted Victorian buildings. These lovingly restored residences and businesses have been designated as a National Register Historic District since the 1970s.
A self-guided walking tour of the Victorian District’s tree-lined streets will take in many city landmarks. Forsythe Park, with its glorious fountain and azalea beds, is one of our favorites. Other landmarks include the Mickve Israel Temple, home to one of the first Jewish congregations in the US; and the Mansion on Forsyth Park, a luxury hotel in a restored mansion.
Try this Savannah walking tour:
Wander City Market
Since the 1700’s, Savannah’s City Market has been a place for locals and visitors to mingle, shop, and play. The four bustling blocks that make up the City Market are full of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and venues offering live music. It’s pedestrian-friendly streets include many outdoor cafes, performance spaces, and art galleries.
From City Market hop on a horse drawn carriage or take a trolley ride. Shop for everything from jewelry to artisan crafts and ball caps. Or, simply pull up a stool at a bar with outside seating and watch the world go by.
Indulge in Some Broughton Street Shopping
Nestled between River Street and Chippewa Square, find eclectic Broughton Street. The avenue is home to an exciting assortment of galleries, boutiques, antique stores, thrift shops, and national retailers. Don’t miss the Paris Market (two-floors of unique crafts and gifts), Leopold’s Ice Cream (black marble soda fountain and great ice cream), and the Savannah Belle Boutique (women and men’s clothing).
Enjoy a Tybee Island Beach Day
About one-half hour east of downtown Savannah find Tybee Island. The Georgian barrier island is where the locals go for a fun beach day. Tybee Island is home to 5 miles of pristine beaches, Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, and the Fort Pulaski National Monument. While on Tybee Island enjoy fresh seafood, water sports, dolphin tours, and small town southern charm.
Try these Savannah Tybee Island tours:
It’s time to put the chairs in the wagon. Farewell from Savannah, Laura and Randy
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