36 Fun Things Do in Savannah, GA

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Savannah is a popular city in the Southern state of Georgia. Visitors to the area will discover an array of attractions to check out. Just a handful of the fun things to do in Savannah, GA, include taking a cocktail class, seeing iconic landmarks, and visiting fascinating museums like the American Prohibition Museum.

You can also find some things to do just outside of Savannah, like going to Tybee Island or the Fort Pulaski National Monument. To discover all the exciting activities to enjoy in Savannah, keep reading!

Heading to Savannah and planning last-minute?

Book your Savannah accommodations and experiences early! Here are some top choices to make your trip enjoyable.

🏨 Top accommodations in Savannah

• Bellwether House (rated highly)
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Savannah Midtown, GA (relax by the pool)
• Jingle Bells Square Cottage-Historic District-Bright- Fireplace

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Savannah

• Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour (likely to sell out)
• Savannah Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour (very popular)
• Savannah to Tybee Island With Dolphin Cruise & Lighthouse Visit (very popular)
• Narrated Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour (very popular)
• 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise

36 Fun Things Do in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, GA, Things to Do

Explore the Savannah Historic District

The Savannah Historic District is a Georgia landmark that's also one of the largest historic districts in the United States. The neighborhood, that sits around Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, is home to many places of interest, including the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace and the Sorrel Weed House.

You can wander around this area without a guide, but going on a Savannah Historic District guided walking tour is recommended. Your local and knowledgeable guide will ensure you don't miss any historic landmarks and will offer additional information and fun facts relating to all the historical sites you see.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Savannah Historic District

• Ballastone Inn (highly acclaimed)
• Embassy Suites Savannah Historic District (relaxing pool)

Eat your way through Savannah on a food tour

Savannah has many fantastic eateries, and a great way to see the best spots is by going on a Savannah food tour. You'll get to taste a range of dishes and snacks, including classic Southern dishes and sides, such as shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and fried green tomatoes. As you walk between eateries with your guide, you'll also get to see landmarks and learn more about the city's history.

🏨 Places to stay near 14 Barnard St

• Bellwether House (well-regarded)
• The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa (4-star rating)

Hear spooky tales on a Savannah ghost tour

Due to its rich history, it's no surprise there are many spooky tales connected to Savannah. If you want to learn more about these stories and paranormal sightings, taking one of the city's ghost tours is an excellent idea.

Booking the Ghosts and Gravestones of Savannah tour operated by Historic Tours of America, also known as Old Town Trolley Tours, is highly recommended. Your guide will take you to the city's most haunted spots, where you can hear of mysterious events, ghost sightings, and more!

🏨 Stay nearby 301 E River St

• Cambria Hotel Savannah Downtown Historic District
• Holiday Inn Express Savannah - Historic District (top-rated)

Learn about the prohibition era at the American Prohibition Museum

Going to the American Prohibition Museum is definitely one of the best things to do in Savannah, GA, and will fascinate all, even those not greatly interested in US history. The specialty museum covers the prohibition era, when alcohol sale, consumption, production, and importation were banned in the US between 1920 and 1933.

At the museum, you can learn more about the period and how Americans defied the ban, for example, by opening secret bars called speakeasies. After enjoying the museum, you can even visit a replica speakeasy and order prohibition-inspired cocktails. To make admission easy, book American Prohibition Museum entry tickets in advance.

🏨 Accommodations nearby the American Prohibition Museum

• The Marshall House, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection (very highly rated)
• Holiday Inn Express Savannah - Historic District

Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock.com

Indulge on a dessert tour of Savannah!

If you have a sweet tooth, checking out the city's best dessert spots by going on a Savannah dessert tour will definitely appeal to you! Treats to try include cookies, cupcakes, and ice cream, among many other sweets. Your guide will also point out historical and cultural landmarks as you go between eateries.

🏨 Accommodations near 7 E Bay St

• The Drayton Hotel (well-regarded)
• Hyatt Regency Savannah (very highly rated)

Learn to make fantastic drinks at a cocktail class

Those that enjoy sipping cocktails can gain a new skill and learn how to make some amazing drinks by taking a cocktail class! The fun class is hosted at the speakeasy bar within the American Prohibition Museum and is led by an expert bartender. Along with learning how to make cocktails, you'll find out more about mixology and the prohibition era.

🏨 Accommodations close to 220 W Congress St

• Residence Inn Savannah Downtown Historic District
• B&B Zia Gianna

Enjoy a picnic in Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is one of the most well-known Savannah, GA, attractions, and visiting the park has to be on your Savannah bucket list. During a visit, you can wander along scenic oak tree-lined paths and, of course, see the Forsyth Park fountain.

While the fountain is a much-loved feature, an interesting Savannah fact is that it's not one-of-a-kind! It was actually ordered from a catalog, and there are duplicate fountains in other countries, like Peru and France.

If you're after lunchtime ideas, you may also want to book a Forsyth Park picnic experience. Before you arrive at your picnic location, a blanket, cushions, and dining setup, complete with cups, plates, and cutlery will be organized. Simply bring your food and drinks and enjoy your meal in this iconic outdoor space.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Forsyth Park

• Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah-Historic District (rated highly)
• TRYP by Wyndham Savannah (4-star rating)

Stay at the Perry Lane Hotel

Savannah has no shortage of excellent accommodation options, and staying at Perry Lane Hotel is a popular choice. The luxurious Marriott-owned four-star hotel is located downtown close to numerous attractions.

Stylishly decorated rooms, from Queen rooms to suites, are available to book. Amenities include a stunning rooftop pool, a rooftop deck with garden games, a fitness center, and high-end bars and restaurants.

paulbradyphoto/Depositphotos.com

Tour the Mercer-Williams House

Located in the Savannah Historic District, the Mercer-Williams House is an iconic landmark with an interesting history. The Mercer House was built in 1868 and is most associated with the book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

Today, the home features a museum with exhibits on the property's history. If you're interested in learning more about the culture of the house, you can take a Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil tour, on which you'll find out more about the home and the book associated with it. A Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil pub crawl is another fun experience to try.

🏨 Accommodations close to the Mercer-Williams House Museum

• Andaz Savannah
• Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District

Learn about US military history at the Webb Military Museum

The Webb Military Museum features interesting exhibits on US military history, from the Civil War to Desert Storm. Not only will you learn more about the military and the stories of military personnel, but you'll also get to see items like uniforms and equipment.

Purchasing Webb Military Museum admission tickets in advance is recommended if you plan on visiting the attraction. Note that admission is free for active US military personnel.

🏨 Accommodations close to the Webb Military Museum

• The Kimpton Brice Hotel (relaxing pool)
• Staybridge Suites Savannah Historic District

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Experience a cruise on the Savannah River

Going out on the Savannah River is one of the best ways to enjoy the city's skyline. A fun way to do so is by experiencing a Savannah riverboat cruise and sightseeing tour.

You'll hop aboard an old-fashioned riverboat and sail along the waterway, spotting various landmarks on the shore, like Old Fort Jackson. As you pass these landmarks, your captain will offer more information on each site's history and importance.

If you're looking for memorable activities, taking a riverboat cruise is one of the top things to do in Savannah, GA, that has to be on your to-do list!

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to 9 E River St

• The Drayton Hotel Savannah by Hilton (4-star rating)
• River Street Inn

Bar hop on a historical drinking tour

Do you love history and finding unique pubs and bars? Then joining a Savannah historical drinking tour is a must! On this tour, your guide will take you through the Savannah Historic District, pointing out landmarks and offering additional information on places of interest that you pass. Along the way, you'll stop in bars to get drinks and snacks, with things like mead flights and mint juleps on the menu to try.

🏨 Accommodations nearby 121 Barnard St

• Best Western Savannah Historic District (offers a pool)
• Hilton Garden Inn Historic Savannah

Investigate paranormal activity at the Historic Savannah Theatre

If you're wondering what to do in Savannah, GA, during the evening, seeing a show at the Historic Savannah Theatre is recommended. The theater opened in 1818 and is one of the oldest theaters in the country.

Visitors can choose from various plays and musicals to see or, alternatively, opt to participate in a Historic Savannah Theatre paranormal investigation! During this unique experience, you'll explore the theater with high-tech ghost-hunting equipment while learning more about the venue and hearing some ghost stories.

Visit Wormsloe Historic Site

Wormsloe Historic Site is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts. The site, which dates back to 1739, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is known for its moss-covered oak trees.

Visitors can tour the landmark on their own, which comprises grounds and a historic mansion. Alternatively, opt to take a Wormsloe Historic Site tour, which will provide more information on the history of the attraction.

Take your kids to the Savannah Children's Museum

Parents looking for fun things to do in Savannah with kids will want to check out the Savannah Children's Museum. At this hands-on museum, your little ones can enjoy activities like exploring a maze, playing on jungle gyms, and listening to stories. Do note that quite a few activities are outside, so visiting on a rainy day may not be the best idea!

🏨 Nearest accommodation to the Savannah Childrens Museum

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Savannah Historic District

Relax with a beer at Service Brewing Co.

If you want to relax with some excellent craft beer, going to Service Brewing Co. is one of the best things to do in Savannah, Georgia! The brewery has a trendy taproom where you can taste a variety of brews, including some seasonal options.

Once you've chosen a beer, you can hang out inside or on the patio. Service Brewing Co. is also dog friendly and hosts weekly events, like trivia nights, live music nights, and beer yoga.

Shop, dine, and more at City Market

Savannah's City Market is a bustling open-air marketplace that has been operating since the 1700s. Today, you can find independent shops, art galleries, and top eateries around the market square. Just a few of the shopping options here include an old-fashioned candy shop, jewelry stores, and Woof Gang Bakery, a pet store and dog bakery!

☂️ Visit the City Market with an experience

• Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour (often fully booked)
• Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (a sort after tour)

🏨 Accommodations nearby the City Market

• Andaz Savannah - A Concept by Hyatt (very highly rated)
• Olde Harbour Inn, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection

Treat yourself to Southern comfort food at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

One of the top things to do in Savannah, Georgia, for lunch is dining at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. This family-owned diner opened in 1943 and serves classic Southern comfort food dishes. Menu items include fried chicken, meatloaf, and sides like candied yams, mac and cheese, and collard greens. No matter how long you're in the city, adding a trip to Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room has to be on your Savannah itinerary!

Go to the First African Baptist Church

Founded in the 1770s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, the First African Baptist Church is another of the must-visit landmarks in Savannah.

The church is derived from North America's first black Baptist congregation and is still active today. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark and learn more about its history. Tours are generally offered Wednesday through Saturday at 1 PM.

🏨 Places to stay near the First African Baptist Church

• Springhill Suites by Marriott Savannah Downtown Historic District
• Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District

Find out more about the state at the Savannah History Museum

Going to the Savannah History Museum is a must for those that want to learn more about the state's history. This attraction is housed within a 19th-century railway shed and covers topics like military history, art, and culture. Along with viewing the exhibits, you may see events during a visit, like historical reenactments.

🏨 Stay nearby the Savannah History Museum

• Forsyth Park Inn
• DoubleTree by Hilton Historic Savannah

☂️ Join a tour to see the Savannah History Museum

• Historic Savannah Walking Tour

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Look around the museum at Congregation Mickve Israel

Congregation Mickve Israel is another of numerous Savannah, Georgia attractions to visit when you're in the city. The synagogue, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the oldest in the US, having opened in 1878.

Visitors can tour a museum within Congregation Mickve Israel which features two Torahs from the 1400s and other artifacts. Guided tours of other parts of the synagogue are also offered.

☂️ Explore Congregation Mickve Israel on a tour

• Savannah Historic District Tour by The Wandering Historians (rated very highly)
• Trivia Tour

View old trains at the Georgia State Railroad Museum

The Georgia State Railroad Museum is a specialty museum in Savannah that's well worth visiting. At the museum, you can learn about the history of the railroads in the United States and see an array of old locomotives and railway cars. You can even take a short train ride around the site, with rides offered every hour between 10 AM and 3 PM.

Wander around the Plant Riverside District

The Plant Riverside District is a bustling entertainment area with independent shops, art galleries, bars, restaurants, and events. Dining options range from chophouses and sushi bars to gelato shops and rooftop eateries with pools and gardens. Events to enjoy include live music acts and Latin dance parties.

meunierd/Depositphotos.com

Travel back in time at Old Fort Jackson

Old Fort Jackson sits on the Savannah River and was constructed in 1812. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and, interestingly, is the oldest fort in Georgia.

Visitors can tour the grounds around the fort, explore a museum with exhibits on its history, and take in views of the river. In addition, you may witness some events during a visit, like the firing of cannons and historical reenactments.

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Dine at The Olde Pink House Restaurant

The Olde Pink House Restaurant is one of the most well-known eateries in the city. The restaurant is housed in a pink house built in 1771.

Diners can visit for lunch or dinner, and menu options include jumbo sea scallops, pecan-crusted chicken breast, and caramelized onion and sweet potato ravioli. Wine and craft cocktails are available to accompany your meal, and you can enjoy some more drinks in the restaurant's bar after you've eaten.

☂️ Visit The Olde Pink House with an excursion

• Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour (very popular)
• Savannah Strangled not Stirred Pub Crawl

Sip cocktails at Alley Cat Lounge

Getting drinks at Alley Cat Lounge is one of the Savannah, Georgia, things to do that has to be on every cocktail enthusiast's activity list! The trendy basement bar serves an array of cocktails, including classics and signature drinks. Craft beer and wine are also available, although ordering at least one cocktail from the extensive menu is recommended!

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Take a ghost tour at the Sorrel Weed House

Constructed in 1835 by architect Charles B. Cluskey, the Sorrel Weed House is one of many supposedly haunted sites in Savannah; some even say that this is the most haunted building in the city! Ghost tours of the building allow you to explore the property after dark and hear a range of spooky tales. If you're more interested in learning about the house's history, you can also take daytime historical tours.

☂️ Visit the Sorrel Weed House on a tour

• Genteel & Bard's Savannah Dark History & Ghost Encounter Walking Tour (usually booked)
• Savannah for Morons Comedy Trolley Tour (top-rated tour)

Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock.com

Walk along River Street

Wandering along River Street can't be missed when in the city! The cobblestone street runs along the Savannah River and features a promenade that offers beautiful river views. As you explore, you'll also find shops and restaurants, and events are often held in the area, like music festivals and a holiday parade.

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Visit the Juliette Gordon Low Home

The Juliette Gordon Low Home, also known as the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, is the Girl Scouts founder's former home. Juliette was born at the house in 1860, and today, tours of the property are offered.

As you look around, you can learn more about the history of the Girl Scouts and Gordon Low's life and career. There's also a Girl Scout gift shop, with all profits going to the organization.

Purchase local produce at the Forsyth Farmers' Market

If you're in Savannah on a Saturday, checking out the Forsyth Farmers' Market is a must. The market generally runs from 9 AM to 1 PM and features numerous local vendors. Things to purchase include fruit and vegetables, flowers, bread and other baked goods, and much more. Even if you don't purchase anything, exploring this vibrant market is a fun activity!

Walk through Colonial Park Cemetery

Colonial Park Cemetery is another interesting burial ground to visit in Savannah. This cemetery opened in 1750 and was one of the city's main burial grounds until the late 1800s.

Today, you can wander around the cemetery and see the gravestones and tombs of the approximately 9,000 individuals buried there. Exploring the cemetery is also one of many free things to do in Savannah.

☂️ Visit the Colonial Park Cemetery with a tour

• Savannah's Ghost City Dead of Night Walking Night Tour (very popular)
• Terrors, Ghosts, & Ghouls Walking Tour

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Get ice cream at Leopold's Ice Cream

Leopold's Ice Cream is a popular dessert destination in Savannah that you should definitely stop by if you have a sweet tooth. At the store, you can choose from an array of flavors, including butter pecan, tutti frutti, and pistachio. If you want something more indulgent than an ice cream cone, a variety of sundaes are also available.

Fun Things to Do Near Savannah, GA

Spend the day on Tybee Island

Tybee Island is a barrier island located around 30 minutes from Downtown Savannah. Planning a day trip to the island is a must, as it offers activities for everyone! Things to do include relaxing on beaches or going for a coastal walk, seeing famous landmarks, and going to the fascinating Tybee Island Light Station and Museum.

Another unique activity to enjoy is going on a Tybee Island dolphin-watching tour. This excursion allows you to see things like Tybee Lighthouse from the water, and dolphin sightings are almost guaranteed. Transport pick-up from Savannah is also available when booking this tour.

🏨 Accommodations close to Tybee Island

• Tybee Island Inn Bed & Breakfast (scored highly by guests)
• Surf Song Bed & Breakfast (soak up the sun poolside)

Look around Fort Pulaski National Monument

As mentioned, there are many landmarks around Tybee Island, the most famous of which is Fort Pulaski National Monument. The fort was first used in 1847 and is located within the South Savannah Channel River just across from Tybee Island.

Visitors can explore the grounds around the fort and learn more about its history. Notably, the site was used during the Civil War, with the Union Army testing cannons here.

View exhibits at the Pin Point Heritage Museum

The Pin Point Heritage Museum is a fascinating attraction located in Montgomery, about 25 to 30 minutes from central Savannah. The museum is housed within the old A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory and teaches visitors about the history and ecology of the area. Notably, you can learn more about the Gullah-Geechee community and Pin Point's background as a fishing town.

Dare to explore Bonaventure Cemetery

While it may sound strange, Bonaventure Cemetery is a highly popular tourist attraction in the city. This Savannah historic site was established in 1846 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

Visitors can wander around the tree-lined cemetery and look at the beautifully designed tombs and statues. You could also join a Bonaventure Cemetery walking tour on which you'll learn more about the history of the site and some of the people buried within the cemetery.

In Conclusion

For those wondering what to do in Savannah, Georgia, this article should have given you many fun ideas! From picnicking in Forsyth Park to visiting fascinating museums and unique landmarks, there's no shortage of exciting things to do in Savannah!

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Learn more about Savannah:

• 16 Historical Sites in Savannah, Georgia, to See
• A Perfect Weekend in Savannah, GA - 3 Day Savannah Itinerary
• 20 Best Free Things to Do in Savannah, GA
• 20 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Savannah, GA
• Do You Know These 20 Interesting Facts About Savannah, GA?

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