I still remember my first trip to Savannah. The moment I stepped onto River Street, I knew this city was different.
Spanish moss swayed overhead while horse-drawn carriages clicked past on cobblestone streets. Savannah feels like visiting a friend’s hometown.
The locals actually stop to chat. Every corner has a story, and the food tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love.
These 17 spots changed how I see southern cities. Each one shows you something real about Savannah’s character, history, and delights.
Trust me, you’ll want to visit them all.
Why Savannah Is One of Georgia’s Top Travel Destinations
Savannah packs more into one city than most states offer. The 22 historic squares give you shaded spots to rest between attractions.
River Street and Forsyth Park show off the waterfront and green spaces that make this city breathe. The architecture spans centuries with stories in every brick.
You can walk to most places or hop on a trolley when your feet get tired. The food tastes authentic. The people actually mean it when they say hello.
That’s what keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Top 17 Savannah, Georgia Attractions You Can’t Miss
These spots show you the real Savannah beyond the postcards. From historic squares to beach getaways, here’s what locals and visitors love most.
1. Savannah Historic District
The Historic District covers over 20 blocks and holds the title of the largest urban National Historic Landmark District in America.
You’ll walk past 18th and 19th century buildings that still stand strong today.
The 22 city squares give you shaded spots to rest and take in the architecture that makes Savannah famous.
2. ForsythPark
This 30-acre park centers around a fountain that’s become Savannah’s most recognized symbol. Locals gather here for farmers markets on Saturdays.
The walking paths wind through old trees perfect for morning jogs or evening strolls.
Bring your camera because this fountain photographs well any time of day.
3. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Georgia’s oldest Roman Catholic church took decades to build and the effort shows.
The Gothic spires reach toward the sky while stained glass windows cast colored light across the interior.
The twin towers stand 207 feet tall. Step inside and look up at the vaulted ceilings that make you feel small in the best way.
4. River Street
The cobblestones on River Street came from ships that used them as ballast centuries ago.
Now they line a waterfront packed with restaurants serving fresh seafood and shops selling local art.
At night, the bars fill up with live music. Book a river cruise here to see the city from the water.
5. Bonaventure Cemetery
This cemetery sits on bluffs overlooking the Wilmington River. The oak trees draped in Spanish moss create an atmosphere that’s more peaceful than spooky.
Victorian-era statues and elaborate monuments line the paths. Photographers come here for the haunting scenery.
The cemetery appeared in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
6. Wormsloe State Historic Site
The entrance road at Wormsloe might be the most photographed spot in Georgia.
Oak trees form a canopy over 1.5 miles of road with Spanish moss hanging down like curtains.
Colonial tabby ruins from the 1730s still stand on the property. Walking trails let you explore maritime forests and marshland ecosystems.
7. City Market
Four blocks of restored warehouses now house art galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Street performers and live music fill the air most evenings.
The Art Center features local artists at work. During First Friday events, galleries stay open late and crowds spill into the streets. This area buzzes with energy day and night.
8. The Olde Pink House
This 1771 mansion survived wars, fires, and centuries of Georgia weather. Now it serves some of Savannah’s best Southern cooking.
The coral-pink exterior stands out among the other historic buildings. Locals recommend the she-crab soup and fried chicken.
The building’s history adds flavor to every meal served inside these walls.
9. Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
This Regency-style mansion showcases how wealthy families lived in the 1800s. But the preserved slave quarters tell the other half of the story.
Tours don’t shy away from Savannah’s complicated past. The urban slave quarters are some of the most intact in the South.
You’ll leave with a fuller understanding of history.
10. Chippewa Square
Tom Hanks sat on a bench in this square filming Forrest Gump. The actual bench lives in a museum now, but fans still visit hoping to recreate that scene.
The square itself dates back to 1815. Historic buildings frame all sides.
The Savannah Theatre, Georgia’s oldest continually operating theater, sits right here.
11. American Prohibition Museum
This museum brings the 1920s back to life through interactive exhibits. You’ll walk through a speakeasy entrance and learn how Prohibition changed America.
Actors in period clothing guide you through the experience. The museum bar serves themed cocktails at the end.
It’s the only museum in the country focused solely on this era.
12. Old Fort Jackson
Built in 1808, this brick fort protected Savannah for over a century. Staff members fire the cannon daily at noon, and the boom echoes across the river.
You can explore the fortifications and see original weapons from different wars.
The fort sits right on the Savannah River with views of passing ships.
13. Sorrel Weed House Museum
This Greek Revival mansion was built in the 1840s and looks impressive from the street. But the real draw is what happened inside these walls.
The house offers both historical tours and ghost tours after dark. Paranormal investigators call it one of the most active locations in Savannah.
The basement alone has countless stories.
14. Plant Riverside District
A 1912 power plant got a complete makeover and now holds restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
The industrial architecture stayed intact while modern amenities moved in.
You’ll find everything from rooftop bars to live music venues. The location right on the river gives you waterfront views while you eat, shop, or listen to bands.
15. Tybee Island
This barrier island sits 18 miles from downtown Savannah. The beach stretches for miles with soft sand and Atlantic waves.
Climb the lighthouse for coastal views. Dolphin watching tours leave from the marina. Local restaurants serve fresh catch daily.
It’s where Savannah residents go when they need a beach day.
16. Fort Pulaski National Monument
Union forces bombarded this fort for 30 hours during the Civil War, and you can still see the damage in the brick walls.
The fort sits on Cockspur Island surrounded by marshland.
Trails wind through the area for hiking and biking. Kayakers paddle through tidal creeks. Birds and wildlife make this spot home year-round.
17. Savannah Ghost Tours
Savannah earned its reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities. Ghost tours run every night, taking groups through dark squares and old cemeteries.
Guides share stories of pirates, soldiers, and residents who never left. Some tours focus on history while others lean into paranormal activity.
Book ahead because these tours fill up fast.
Best Tips for Visiting Savannah Attractions
- Visit in spring or fall for the best weather. March through May and September through November bring mild temps and smaller crowds.
- Summer gets hot and humid with temperatures in the 90s. Winter stays mild but some spots have shorter hours.
- Walk the Historic District since most attractions sit close together. Wear good shoes because cobblestones get rough on your feet.
- Hop-on hop-off trolley tours cover all major sites with guides. They make getting around easy when your feet need a break.
- Plan three full days to see the highlights comfortably. Add a fourth day for Tybee Island or Fort Pulaski.
Final Thoughts
Savannah surprised me more than any city I’ve visited. Each square told a different story.
Every meal tasted like home. The mix of history, food, and Southern hospitality made me want to stay longer.
Start with the Historic District and Forsyth Park. Work your way to River Street for sunset. Save the ghost tours for your last night.
Don’t try to rush through everything in one day.
Which attraction are you most excited to visit? Drop a comment below and share your Savannah plans.
And if you’ve already been, tell us what we missed!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one tourist attraction in Savannah?
The Historic District draws the most visitors with its 22 public squares and centuries-old architecture. Forsyth Park and River Street tie for second place as must-see spots.
How many days do you need to visit Savannah?
Three days gives you enough time to see the main attractions without rushing. Add a fourth day if you want to visit Tybee Island or explore outside downtown.
Is Savannah worth visiting for a weekend trip?
Yes, a weekend works if you focus on the Historic District and River Street. You’ll miss some spots but you’ll still get a good feel for the city’s character.
What is the best month to visit Savannah Georgia?
March through May offers perfect weather and blooming flowers throughout the squares. October and November also work great with fall colors and comfortable temperatures.
Can you walk to most attractions in Savannah?
Most downtown attractions sit within walking distance of each other. The Historic District covers about 2.5 square miles, so comfortable shoes help but trolley tours are available too.
