During multiple visits to Savannah, I spent several days exploring every historic square, walking River Street at sunrise, touring Wormsloe in different seasons, and revisiting Bonaventure Cemetery more than once.
In this guide, I am sharing everything you need to know about the must see in Savannah GA.
The highlights, the hidden spots, what to skip, and how to plan your time. I have kept it clear and honest so you do not waste a single hour.
This covers all 27 attractions, a prioritized list, local tips, and a one-day walking route.
Let’s get started.
Quick Savannah Travel Snapshot
Savannah sits on the Georgia coast, about 18 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1733.
The historic district is a National Historic Landmark with over 20 public squares. Spring and fall are the best times to visit. The city is very walkable.
Most major attractions are within a short walk or drive of each other. If you only have a day, do not try to see everything.
Start with these five and you will leave with the best of Savannah:
- Forsyth Park
- River Street
- Wormsloe Historic Site
- Bonaventure Cemetery
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
The 27 Must See in Savannah GA
Here is the full list broken into tiers so you can plan based on how much time you have.
Tier 1: Absolute Must-Sees
These are the spots that define a Savannah trip. Do not leave without seeing them.
1. Forsyth Park
30 acres in the heart of the city. The 1858 fountain is one of the most photographed spots in Savannah. Free, open all day, and worth more than one visit.
2. Historic Savannah River Street
Cobblestone stretch along the Savannah River with shops, seafood restaurants, and bars. Walk it in the evening when the lights hit the water. Container ships pass right through the city.
3. Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Twin Gothic spires visible from blocks away. The interior has hand-painted murals, stained glass windows, and a marble floor. Built in 1876. Free to enter on most weekdays.
4. Bonaventure Cemetery
A bluff cemetery overlooking the Wilmington River. Ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss line every path. The Bird Girl statue was here before moving to the Telfair Museum. Go in the morning for the best light.
5. Savannah Historic District
2.5 square miles, over 1,400 historically significant buildings. Designed by General Oglethorpe in 1733. Walking it slowly is the whole point.
6. Wormsloe Historic Site
About 10 miles from downtown. The entrance is a mile-long road lined with hundreds of moss-draped live oaks. Colonial ruins and a small museum inside. One of the most photographed spots in Georgia.
Tier 2: Worth Seeing
Great additions once you have covered the essentials.
7. City Market
Four-block open-air market with art galleries, boutique shops, and live music on weekends. Good for lunch and people-watching.
8. Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters
Built in 1816. The preserved urban slave quarters behind the house make this one of the most educational stops in the city. Guided tours available.
9. Mercer-Williams House Museum
The house from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. On Monterey Square. Tours cover the first floor and the story behind the famous murder trial.
10. Chippewa Square
Where the Forrest Gump bench scene was filmed. The original bench is in a museum now, but the square is shaded, quiet, and worth stopping at.
11. Madison Square
Honors Revolutionary War hero Sergeant William Jasper. Right next to the Green-Meldrim House. Plan both in one stop.
12. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Childhood home of the Girl Scouts founder. Regency architecture. Tours run throughout the day.
13. Colonial Park Cemetery
Savannah's oldest public cemetery, dating to 1750. Revolutionary War soldiers and Declaration signers are buried here. Free entry right in the historic district.
14. Savannah Theatre
One of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the country, opened in 1818. Check the show schedule before your visit.
15. Telfair Academy
Oldest public art museum in the South. American and European art, plus the Bird Girl statue. Reasonable admission.
16. Reynolds Square
Home to a statue of John Wesley, founder of Methodism. The Olde Pink House sits right on the square. A good rest stop during a walking day.
17. The Olde Pink House
Built in 1771, this is one of Savannah's most iconic restaurants. Classic Southern food, live piano upstairs most nights. Reserve ahead.
18. Factors Walk
Iron bridges and ramps connecting Bay Street to River Street. Cotton brokers used these walkways in the 19th century. Great photo spot.
19. Green-Meldrim House
General Sherman's Civil War headquarters in 1864. Now a church parish house. Tours available. The garden alone is worth a look.
20. Lafayette Square
Sits in front of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Andrew Low House, where Juliette Gordon Low lived after her marriage, is also here.
21. Tybee Island Lighthouse
About 18 miles east of downtown. One of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in Georgia. Climb to the top for coast views.
22. Fort Pulaski National Monument
Built between 1829 and 1847. During the Civil War, Union rifled cannons breached its walls in 30 hours, changing military history. About 15 miles from downtown.
Tier 3: If You Have Extra Time
These are worth it if your schedule allows, but not on a short trip.
23. Savannah Botanical Gardens
About 10 acres in west Savannah. Rose gardens, a Japanese garden, and a heritage rose collection. Free entry and far from the tourist crowds.
24. Skidaway Island State Park
14 miles from downtown. Trails through coastal marsh, deer, armadillos, and local marine life on display. Good for a half-day outdoor break.
25. The Waving Girl Statue
Bronze statue of Florence Martus, who waved at every ship entering or leaving the harbor for 44 years. A peaceful riverfront spot for sunset.
26. Starland District
Midtown Savannah. Independent coffee shops, art studios, vintage stores, and small restaurants. A good look at the city beyond the history.
27. Savannah's Historic Squares Walking Route
22 of the original 24 squares are still intact. Start at Johnson Square and work south. Pick up a free walking map from the Visitor Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Must-See Savannah Attractions by Interest
Not every traveler wants the same things. Here is how to sort the list based on what matters to you.
For history lovers: Owens-Thomas House, Fort Pulaski, Colonial Park Cemetery, Wormsloe Historic Site.
For architecture fans:Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Green-Meldrim House, Savannah Historic District, Mercer-Williams House.
For outdoor time:Forsyth Park, Tybee Island, Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah Botanical Gardens.
For food and nightlife:River Street, City Market, The Olde Pink House, Starland District.
For families:Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, Tybee Island Lighthouse, Fort Pulaski, Savannah Theatre.
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
Most people stick to the main squares and River Street. Here are the spots worth going slightly off-route for.
Jones Street is one block south of Gaston Street and is widely considered one of the most photogenic streets in the entire country. The brick lane, overhanging trees, and historic townhouses make it a must for photos. Almost no one knows about it until a local points them there.
Isle of Hope is a residential neighborhood about 10 miles from downtown with streets lined with antebellum homes and docks over the marsh. It looks untouched by tourism, because mostly it is.
Colonial Cemetery after dark is a completely different experience. The cemetery does nighttime walking tours with a guide. The stories connected to the graves are some of the best storytelling in the city.
The Savannah Bee Company on Broughton Street sells local honey, mead, and bee-related products. The tasting bar inside lets you sample more types of honey than most people knew existed.
Factors Walk tunnels run beneath Bay Street, connecting the old cotton warehouses to the river. They are not well signed and most visitors walk right over them. If you see a low archway near the riverfront, go through it.
Interactive Walking Route: See the Best of Savannah in One Day
Start at Forsyth Park around 8 a.m. Walk north through the squares toward downtown. Stop at the Cathedral on the way.
By mid-morning, head to the Owens-Thomas House for a guided tour. Walk down to River Street for lunch.
After lunch, walk through Factors Walk and up to Bay Street. Spend the afternoon at the Telfair Academy or the Mercer-Williams House.
End your evening at The Olde Pink House for dinner. Walk down to the Waving Girl Statue for sunset over the river. The route is about 3 miles and fills a full day at a relaxed pace.
Important Visitor Tips
A few things I wish someone had told me before my first visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The historic district is almost entirely uneven brick and cobblestone. Sandals will hurt your feet by noon.
- Book popular restaurants in advance. The Olde Pink House fills up fast, especially on weekends.
- Visit Bonaventure Cemetery in the morning. The light through the oaks in the early hours is something you will not forget.
- Savannah allows open containers of alcohol in public. You can carry a drink from a bar as you walk to the next square.
- Stop at the Visitor Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard first. Free parking, free walking maps, and helpful staff.
- Summers are very hot and humid. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in air conditioning during the middle of the day.
- Download the free Savannah walking tour app before you arrive. It gives audio commentary for most of the major squares.
Conclusion
Savannah is one of those cities that rewards slowness. The more time you give it, the more it gives back.
I have been back more than once and still find something new each time. Start with the Tier 1 list. Walk the squares. Stop somewhere good for dinner.
Let the city work on you at its own pace. If you are planning your trip right now, pick five things from this guide and build your day around them. You will not run out of things to see.
What is the one spot from this list you are most excited to visit first?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular thing to see in Savannah GA?
Forsyth Park and Historic River Street are consistently the top two spots visitors head to first. Both are free and easy to reach from anywhere in the historic district.
How many days do you need in Savannah GA?
Two to three days gives you enough time to see the main historic sites, take a day trip to Tybee Island, and still have time to eat well and walk the squares.
Is Savannah GA worth visiting?
Yes, without question. Savannah has history, architecture, great food, and a pace of life that most cities have lost. It is one of the most well-preserved historic cities in the United States.
What is the best time of year to visit Savannah GA?
March through May and September through November are the most comfortable months. The weather is mild, the crowds are manageable, and the city looks its best.
Is Savannah GA safe for tourists?
The historic district and main tourist areas are generally safe and well-patrolled. As with any city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in areas away from the main squares.
