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Get the Inside Scoop on 50+ Incredible Things to Do in Savannah

March 30, 2018 |

Savannah is known for its beautiful cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and centuries-old trees draped in Spanish moss. In fact, visitors often say the entire Historic District looks like something straight from the pages of a storybook! Factor in the vibrant art scene, incredible restaurants, and numerous sites of historical significance, and you’ll see why it’s a great place to visit. Here are a few things to do in Savannah if you decide to make a trip anytime soon (which I highly recommend you do)!

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Got a case of wanderlust? Here's a GIANT list of things to do in Savannah GA. #savannah #roadtrip #usatravel Click To Tweet

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Things To Do In Savannah GA

Keep in mind that there's so much more to the city than what's listed here! This checklist is just a starting point. I've listed some unique things to do in Savannah, as well as some of the most popular restaurants and tourist attractions for first-time visitors.

The list is interactive, so you can check each item off as you visit!

Oh, and if you're new here…Hi! I'm Erin, and I live in Savannah. I wrote an ebook about the city, I have an “I ❤️ FOXY” sticker on my fridge, I live in a potentially haunted house in the Starland District, and more than 50% of my annual income goes to SCAD  — so I guess all that makes me fairly legit at doling out advice on what to see and do around these parts.

You can rest assured you're getting current info, and that I'm not just some random blogger who visited the city once and then whipped out a post about how you should go eat at Paula Deen's restaurant.

Savannah Historic Homes Tours

I truly think one of the best things to do in Savannah is wander around and admire all the beautiful architecture. My friends always remember “all the pretty houses”, and they always want to plan a return trip to see even more of them!

Architectural Tours of Savannah

If you find yourself captivated by the beautiful architecture in Savannah, you're not alone! Many of the homes have detailed façades that practically beg for a closer inspection. Local author and SCAD graduate Jonathan Stalcup hosts a 90-minute walking tour that consistently draws 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor. It's one of my favorite ways to appreciate the finer details of this beautiful city! (Plus, Jonathan's a really nice guy.)

Jones Street 

Prefer a self guided walking tour? Jones Street is often labeled as one of the “prettiest streets in America”. It's a great place to begin your journey. From there, head south to stroll along Taylor, Gaston, and Gordon Streets. You'll be far enough removed from the more touristy areas that you'll get a true sense of the Historic District's charming neighborhood appeal.

Savannah Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens

Want to take a peek inside some of the beautiful homes in the Historic District? There are a few times each year when homeowners open their doors to the public. Try the Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens in mid-March, the Savannah Garden Club's Tour of Hidden Gardens in mid-April, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Holiday Tour of Homes in December. FYI: Many of these sell out MONTHS in advance.

Related Reading: Is Jones Street Really the Prettiest Street in Savannah?

Twonicely landscaped row houses shaded by Live oaks.
Three home exteriors. The first has an elaborate porch, the middle is an ornate brick mansion, and the last is a blue wooden rowhouse with a horse and carriage driving past it.
The Historic District has a wide range of architectural styles. I could spend all day walking around taking photos of homes. (I've actually done that. Many times!)
The sheer number of distinguished buildings is astonishing for a city of Savannah's size. – John Berendt, Author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Click To Tweet
Opt-in image for Savannah First-Timer's Guide - charcoal grey background and white outlined sketch of a sparrow - with maps and checklists displayed.

Learn About SCAD Savannah

The Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) is largely credited for breathing life back into the city of Savannah in recent decades. The school's impact is apparent throughout the Historic District — and well beyond.

ShopSCAD | 340 Bull St.

The shop is located on the ground floor of the SCAD Welcome Center in Poetter Hall and is full of one-of-a-kind creations. You'll find beautiful jewelry, paintings, photography, illustrations, leather, and more from students in many of SCAD's illustrious design programs.

Just a heads up: the store is veryyyy pricy. For more info, check out their website at ShopSCAD. You can also commission an artist to create a custom piece via SCAD Art Sales. The school takes a hefty cut at either place, so that's why you'll see such hefty price tags.

⭐ Insider Tip: Track down students via their website or Instagram account and commission work from them for less than half the cost you'd pay on the SCAD Art Sales site to totally make their day.

SCAD Museum of Art | 601 Turner Blvd.

The museum features rotating exhibits of contemporary art that change with each new academic quarter. The Guo Peì Collection exhibit was a favorite of recent options, but there's always something new and exciting to check out.

Spot the SCAD Students

SCAD students bring such an air of vibrancy to the city! You'll spot them on colorful SCAD busses, walking to and from classes, and darting through traffic on their bikes. It's fun to play “spot the major” to see if you're able to tell the difference between fashion design students, film majors, or illustration artists just by a cursory glance at the clothes + hair.

Teenage girl in jeans and a black tank top sitting on worn, blue steps at a large white school building.
A bright turquoise blue room with neon green staircase and chairs scattered along the wall as if by magic.
[Left] Entering SCAD's Welcome Center in Poetter Hall is a lot like stepping through the looking glass in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. [Center] Original art available for purchase from students attending the Savannah College of Art & Design. [source] [Right]  One of the beautiful and intricate Guo Peì designs on display at the SCAD Museum of Art.

Go Shopping in Downtown Savannah

Did you know Savannah is home to not one, but TWO of Southern Living's ‘Best Shops in the South'? You'll find clothing boutiques, home decor, unique souvenirs, and lots more.

One Fish Two Fish | 401 Whitaker Street

Located in the heart of the Historic District, One Fish Two Fish is a great destination for accessories, local collectibles, and beautiful home decor accents. | Website: One Fish Two Fish

The Future on Forsyth | 106 W Gwinnett Street

If it's funky and fun vintage clothing you seek, look no further than The Future on Forsyth. The store is packed with unique outfits and accessories, and the employees are always friendly! (This is one of Daisy's favorite clothing stores in Savannah and it's often featured in our Instagram stories.) | Website: The Future on Forsyth

The Paris Market & Brocante | 36 W Broughton Street

We've written about our love for Paris Market many times before. It's one of the must-see stores in Savannah! | Website: The Paris Market and Brocante

Related Reading: Savannah Shopping: The Essential Guide to Broughton Street 

Parisian-style cafe with an antique mirror and treats displayed on the countertop and in beautiful display cases.
Interior of The Paris Market with a large Paris Metro sign near the entrance and beautiful chandeliers, antique display cases and home decor in a tastefully arranged storefront.
You'll find an eclectic selection of treasures in The Paris Market & Brocanté…including a Paris Metro subway sign!

Explore River Street

Savannah's Historic waterfront district is lined with cobblestone streets and is currently home to more than 70 restaurants, shops, and businesses. (That explains why so many first-time visitors make a beeline to the area.)

St. Patrick’s Day

River Street is famous for hosting the 2nd largest St. Patrick's Day festival in the U.S. The city's open container law allows guests to wander the streets with drinks in-hand, and visitors really get into the spirit of the holiday. (Trust me, no outfit is too crazy!) Better book your hotel early, though. It's next-to-impossible to find Savannah accommodations in mid-March!

⭐ Insider Tip: I've compiled a list of suggested hotels within walking distance to River Street to make your search much easier.

Georgia Queen Riverboat Tour

Catch a unique view of Savannah from the water aboard the 4-deck Georgia Queen or the 3-deck Savannah River Queen. Lunch and dinner cruise options are available. The gospel tours are very fun and spirited, while the sunset cruises are most popular. [Book well in advance for the holiday tours.]

⭐ Insider Tip: If you prefer to see Savannah from the water but want to save a buck or two (and all the fuss), just take one of the Savannah Belles ferry boat rides. You'll get the same view as the Georgia Queen — for free.

River Street Sweets

I've mentioned my family's love for River Street Sweets many times before, but this shop is a must when you're in town! Read more about my favorite candy shop in Savannah, and be sure to taste their free praline samples.

Related Reading: 11 Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love With River Street

Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide to River Street in Savannah, GA

Silhouette of a ship on Savannah's River Street with a warm yellow sunrise in the background.
The Georgia River Queen steamboat lit up along the bank of the Savannah River and the bright red awning of the River Street Sweets storefront.
The River Street area used to be a shipping port (and still is — a very busy one, just further west past the Talmadge Bridge), but the current area tourists flock to is beautifully renovated. You'll find original cobblestone streets and historic buildings full of character. Be sure to stop by River Street Sweets for free samples of the best fresh pralines you'll ever taste! Their selection of sweets is unreal and the staff is incredibly friendly.
Savannah is truly unique. It has the party atmosphere of New Orleans, the historic value of Boston, and the charm of the old South. – J. Bennett, New York, NY Click To Tweet
Opt-in image for Savannah First-Timer's Guide - charcoal grey background and white outlined sketch of a sparrow - with price displayed.

⭐ Insider Tip: If you like to read up on a city prior to visiting, the only two books you need before heading to Savannah are John Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and my Savannah First-Timer's Guide (it's where you'll find all of my insider tips)!

Museums in Savannah GA

I can think of at least 10 museums in Savannah off the top of my head. You could stay for a full week and not run out of museums to tour! Prohibition is my current favorite.

Telfair Museums

Purchase a Telfair pass and gain access to these 3 museum experiences for the price of one. | Telfair Museum 3-for-1 Pass

Jepson Museum | 207 W. York

This contemporary art museum is ideal for for families with kids in tow. They'll enjoy the interactive ArtZeum, where they can construct buildings with architectural blocks and create art pieces of their own. The Jepson Museum is currently home to the famous statue featured on the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Telfair Academy | 121 Barnard

The oldest museum in the South, this former mansion was built in 1818 for the son of Georgia governor Edward Telfair and now houses American & European art from the 19th & 20th centuries.

Owens-Thomas House | 124 Abercorn

Designated a Historic Landmark, this home turned museum explores the complicated relationship between wealthy homeowners and their slaves during the 1800's. The carriage house is the only still-intact former slave quarters open to the public in Savannah. At one point 14 enslaved workers lived on the property.

American Prohibition Museum | 209 W. Julian

Travel back in time to the early 1900s and discover what life was really like during the prohibition era. Lifelike wax figures sport period costumes, making it possible to grab a selfie with the likes of Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Jack McGurn. Be sure to close out your tour with a drink at the speakeasy! This is a really fun one! | Purchase Tickets in Advance

Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum | 460 MLK Jr. Blvd.

I suggest beginning here if you're interested in learning more about Savannah's history with slavery, segregation, racial inequities, and civil rights. The museum has very powerful and thought provoking displays, such as an interactive one where you're able to sit in a cafe and be served as a “white” or “colored” person.

The Best Savannah Tours

I always recommend sightseeing tours for first time visitors! They're a great way to get an overall feel for a city. Once you've done that, you can decide where you'd like to focus your time during your stay.

⭐ Insider Tip: I highly suggest purchasing a mobile Savannah Tour Pass, which provides instant access to nearly 30 of the city's top historic sites and tourist attractions — including the hop-on/hop-off tour bus and multiple ghost tours!

Trolley Tours

A hop on/hop off tour bus is a great way to see the city, particularly during the hot summer months. They depart from the Savannah Visitors Center every 20 minutes, and you can park there for $1/hour. I suggest taking the tour all the way around the city once to decide which of the drop-off points interest you most and warrant further exploration.

Self-Guided Tours

Savannah is a highly walkable city. Download a map of the Historic District, then set out on foot to discover Savannah's charm and beauty for yourself!

⭐ Insider Tip: It's best to stick to the heavily populated areas — like River Street — when exploring at night. I'd caution against wandering the neighborhoods after dark unless you're accompanied by someone who is familiar with Savannah.

Ghost Tours

If one of your top reasons to visit Savannah is to scope out paranormal activities, you won't be disappointed! Tracking down ghosts is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

Related Reading: The 11 Most Haunted Places in Savannah, GA

Savannah Squares & Parks

There are currently 22 squares throughout the Historic District and a few larger parks scattered about the area. The squares provide much needed greenery and a quiet place to rest amidst the commotion of the city.

Forsyth Park & Farmers' Market

Forsyth is undoubtedly the most recognizable park in Savannah and is home to the city's most photographed fountain. It's a popular elopement spot, so you might get lucky and catch a wedding in progress during your visit! The south side of the park is where you'll find the Forsyth Farmers' Market every Saturday morning from 9 – 1.

Chippewa Square

Although Forrest Gump's famous bench is long gone, this square is still worth a visit. A statue of General James Oglethorpe, founder of the colony of Georgia, is prominently displayed in the center of the square. The beautiful Savannah Theatre is adjacent to the park. [Forrest's bench was relocated to the Savannah History Museum.]

Pulaski Square

This probably ranks as my personal favorite square in Savannah. It's in a peaceful area and makes a great spot to relax under centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss. Pulaski is one of the few squares that doesn't feature a monument or fountain.

Sweeping views of bright green grass and tall oak trees in Forsyth Park with blooming hydrangeas in the foreground.
A horse and carriage in front of a Colonial-style home in Pulaski Square and massive oak trees covered in resurrection fern.
It's common to see horse-drawn carriages circling Savannah's parks and squares! The plant you see on the trees is called Resurrection Fern, and it only appears after a good rain.

Visit Historic Landmarks

Savannah has one of the most beautifully restored historic downtown areas within the U.S. There are also numerous points of historic interest just outside the city limits.

Wormsloe Historic Site

Wander down the 1.5 mile “Avenue of the Oaks” and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time about 100 years. Descendants of Noble Jones, the original owner and an early settler of the Province of Georgia, still reside on the property. The beautiful antebellum mansion is out of site and can't be toured, but the site's wooded trails, Colonial area, and the museum & gift shop are all open to the public. Wormsloe is located about 10 minutes outside of the city. | Website: Wormsloe Historic Site

Make Note: Like many plantations in the Lowcountry, Wormsloe once actively participated in the practice of slavery.

Andrew Low House & Juliette Gordon Low Childhood Home

Juliette Gordon Lowe's birthplace is currently owned and maintained by the Girl Scouts of America. It's a common occurrence to see troops touring the home — at times even selling cookies! Juliette was quite a talented artist, and the home displays many of her pieces. The meticulously restored home of her father-in-law, Andrew Low, is nearby and worth touring. It's on the National Register of Historic Places and is furnished with period pieces (many from the Low family) that provide a true feel for life in the mid to late 1800's in Savannah. | Learn more

Pin Point Heritage Site

Tour the A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory, which served as the main source of employment in Pin Point for 60 years, and learn the history of the tight-knit Gullah Geechee community. It's a community founded by freed slaves. It's also where Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was born and often returns to visit. You'll hear first-hand testimonials and discover just how difficult life was for the residents of Pin Point. | Learn more

⭐ Insider Tip: If you're only able to squeeze in one museum tour while visiting Savannah, Pin Point gets my vote. It's about 25 minutes outside of town, but it's well worth the trip. It's included as one of the “Featured Tours” when you purchase the Savannah Tour Pass!

Uncover the Local Art Scene

From SCAD's Sidewalk Arts Festival to the Savannah Art Walk, you'll find artists expressing themselves nearly everywhere in Savannah. There are numerous galleries throughout the city and a variety of classes in almost every art genre.

Street Murals

Thanks to SCAD's presence and a thriving local art scene, you'll find colorful murals scattered throughout the city. Most of my favorites are in the Starland Arts District, including the beautiful Georgia Bees mural by Mary Lacy.

Related Reading: Instagram Addicts: Here's Your List of the Best Murals in Savannah

Mansion on Forsyth Park 

Once a single family home, The Mansion on Forsyth currently operates as a hotel. The historic building houses a carefully curated art collection of more than 400 original pieces. It also makes the cut as one of my elusive Top 5 Hotels in Savannah!| Check current rates

Starland District 

This is where I purchased my first home in Savannah! It's within walking distance to a plethora of fun and funky shops, such as Graveface Records & Curiosities, House of Strut, and Foxy Loxy Cafe. The district hosts a monthly art walk known as First Fridays.

A mural of a colorful kaleidoscope bee, an historic home converted into a coffee shop with a sign that reads Foxy Loxy Cafe, and a pretty young girl posing in the doorway of a vinyl shop.
[Top] SCAD's Sidewalk Arts Festival [Left] A section from the Georgia Bees mural. [Center] Foxy Loxy is the perfect place in Starland to stop for tacos and acoustic music on the patio. [Right] Graveface Records & Curiosities is the kind of store you'll get lost in for hours!

Savannah Candy Stores

Whew. Still with me? This is turning into a huge list of things to do in Savannah GA! That's only because there's a LOT to cover. My love for River Street Sweets runs deep, but it's not the only place to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are a few additional favorites…

Leopold's Ice Cream | 212 E. Broughton Street

The lines are always out the door at Leopold's (even during the winter months). Set aside plenty of time if you plan on grabbing a cone at the South's most famous ice cream shop. | Website: Leopold's Ice Cream

⭐ Insider Tip: If you want a taste of Leopold's but don't need the accompanying Broughton Street selfie, grab a cone at the kiosk at the Savannah Airport on your way out of town.

Lulu's Chocolate Bar | 42 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Grab your girlfriends and top off the evening at Lulu's Chocolate Bar. The bar serves everything from chocolate covered strawberries to chocolate martinis to white chocolate creme brûlées. It's a sweet way to end an evening. | Website: Lulu's Chocolate Bar

Back in the Day Bakery | 2403 Bull Street

Want to feel as if you've stepped back in time? Try ducking into this vintage bakery & expresso shop in the heart of the Starland Arts District. The ladies behind the counter wear red lipstick, bandanas, and denim, reminiscent of “Rosie the Riveter”. | Back in the Day Bakery

Related Reading: River Street Sweets: The South's Most Nostalgic Candy Shop

Bars in Savannah GA

John Berendt said it best in his novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, when he noted: “We're not at all like the rest of Georgia. We have a saying: “If you go to Atlanta, the first question people ask you is, ‘What's your business?' In Macon they ask, ‘Where do you go to church?' In Augusta they ask your grandmother's maiden name. But in Savannah the first question people ask you is ‘What would you like to drink?'”

Two Tides Brewing Co. | 12 W 41st St.

This one's in my neck of the woods and makes a great spot to chill out and sample handcrafted beer. Dogs and kids are also welcome! | Website: Two Tides Brewing Co.

Artillery Bar | 307 Bull Street

It once served as an artillery storage facility, but you'd never know judging by its current modern and eclectic design. Both the interior and exterior of the building are stunningly beautiful…like jaw-dropping. The bartenders are also the owners and they go out of their way to be welcoming and make helpful suggestions from their extensive craft cocktail menu. | Website: Artillery Bar

Abe's on Lincoln | 17 Lincoln Street

Y'all know me by now; I don't recommend the fancy places. I'm all about that laid-back vibe, and Abe's is the perfect little neighborhood bar for relaxing with friends. | Website: Abe's on Lincoln

Rule Number One: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know. – John Berendt, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Click To Tweet

Savannah Restaurants: TRUE Southern Fixin’s

One of the best ways to experience Savannah is through its food, and you'll find incredible restaurants throughout the city. For a true taste of the Lowcountry, here are 3 options that have stood the test of time.

Clary’s Cafe | 404 Abercorn

This no frills restaurant is in the heart of the Historic District. It serves some of the heartiest breakfast options in town! Fans of the movie version of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil may spot a few familiar faces in the many photos blanketing the walls, as the cast frequently dined at this spot while filming in Savannah. | Website: Clary's Cafe

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room | 107 W Jones Street

In the true spirit of the South, at Mrs. Wilkes' you'll get to know your neighbors by dining together family style. (It's reminiscent of grandma's Sunday brunch — only with strangers.) The food consists of Southern-style favorites like fried chicken, black-eyed peas, mashed potatoes, and mac n' cheese. President Obama once made a surprise visit to Mrs. Wilkes' while on his “White House to Main Street” tour. | Website: Mrs. Wilkes Dining

⭐ Insider Tip: Prepare to wait in a very long line that winds around the corner of the block. Also note, they're only open Monday through Friday from 11 – 2. To lesson your wait, arrive later…I suggest around 12:45.

Crystal Beer Parlor | 301 W Jones Street

The atmosphere is very laid-back, the walls are covered with local memorabilia, and this is a great spot to catch a game. A few must-try items include the Creamy Blue Crab Dip, any of the burger selections, and their “Gawgia” Peach Cobbler. [TripAdvisor just named them one of the Top 25 Casual Dining Restaurants in America (it's #18).] | Website: Crystal Beer Parlor

Related Reading: Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Savannah, GA

Head to Church

When you live in the Bible Belt, church isn't just something to do on Sunday morning…it's a way of life. You'll find one on nearly every block within Savannah's Historic District, but I consider a few as “must-see” items on your Savannah Bucket List.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist | 22 E. Harris Street

The twin spires of this magnificent cathedral are an iconic landmark in the city's skyline. The beautiful vaulted ceilings, hand-painted frescos, and stained glass windows rival many European cathedrals. | Website: The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

⭐ Insider Tip: The cathedral closes for an hour each day at noon for mass. They claim to open the doors to visitors at 9 am, but they usually allow visitors in earlier. However, they're much more strict about closing time and will practically usher you out the door when it's time to go.

First African Baptist Church | 23 Montgomery Street 

The history behind this church is incredible and not to be missed when visiting Savannah! You'll develop a deeper appreciation of the struggles African Americans endured in their quest for freedom from slavery. You'll also learn the important role this church played in the Underground Railroad. This tour is a must! | Website: First African Baptist Church

Curved arrangement of church pews shown in black and white
The expansive interior of The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah with murals, an oversized baptismal pool, and incredibly detailed stained glass windows.
The interior of The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is almost too beautiful to describe. You have to see it for yourself! The top B&W photo is of First African Baptist Church. 

Support Local Businesses

One of the best way to travel is to immerse yourself in the local culture. What better way to do that than by visiting a few locally owned establishments or by sampling fresh, local goods? Here are a few favorites…

E. Shaver Bookseller | 326 Bull Street

This cozy little bookstore often hosts local authors for signings and is a great place to curl up with a good book. Just make sure you don't mind cats! Mr. Eliot and Bartleby, the resident felines, have full run of the bookstore. Locally owned for 40 years. | Website: E. Shaver Bookseller

Savannah Bee Company | 104 West Broughton Street

You'll definitely want to duck in Savannah Bee Company to sample every flavor of their locally-harvested honey. The award-winning Tupelo Honey is a best seller, and I personally love snacking on fresh slices of their honeycomb. | Website: Savannah Bee Company

Nourish | 202 W Broughton Street

The bath fizzies, hand scrubs, and soaps in this store are organic and made locally. Southern Magnolia, Mint Julep, Hibiscus, and Coconut Lime are just a few of our favorite fizzies. You can't go wrong with any of the options! The employees at Nourish are consistently friendly and welcoming, which only serves to enhance the shop's warm and inviting ambiance. | Website: Nourish

A chalkboard listing the specials of the day at Savannah Bee Co. and pastel-colored handmade bath fizzies from Nourish in a white dish labeled "soaps".
[Left] The mead tasting area towards the back of the Savannah Bee Co. is a popular hangout. You can also “adopt” a honey bee at any of the checkout registers. [Center & Right] Handmade soaps and bath fizzies from Nourish.

Check Out Iconic Landmarks

Although I've already included lots of iconic locations in this post (Forsyth Park, Leopold's Ice Cream, and Pirates' House to name a few), there are SO many places that represent the city of Savannah. Here are a few more to add to the list:

Lucas Theatre for the Arts | 32 Abercorn Street

The marquee lights of the historic Lucas Theatre are hard to miss. SCAD currently manages the theatre, which opened in 1921. It's host to the Savannah Film Festival, the Savannah Music Festival, and the Savannah Philharmonic. | Website: Lucas Theatre

Mercer-Williams House | 429 Bull Street

This notorious Savannah home was made famous by the New York Times bestseller, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The home's most notable occupant was Jim Williams, a local antiques dealer and the only person in the state of Georgia ever to be tried four times for the same crime. The book is a MUST-READ before visiting Savannah! I've written all about it here: The Mercer Williams House: Savannah's Most Notorious Home

The Gingerbread House | 1921 Bull Street

Situated in the heart of the Victorian district, this 1899 home currently serves as a popular wedding and corporate events venue. This type of home was prevalent in Germany's Black Forest region, and is one of many gingerbread-style houses in Savannah. | Website: Gingerbread House

⭐ Insider Tip: The Mercer-Williams House is the only one of the three that's regularly open for touring. The theatre hosts events and movies infrequently, so check their schedule. The Gingerbread House is a wedding events venue, so you can only see the exterior.

Touring the stately red-brick Mercer-Williams House is one of the most popular things to do in Savannah.
The famous marquee sign for the Lucas Theatre in Savannah Ga has white lettering and a bright red backdrop.
[Top] The Mercer Williams House, made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. [Bottom] The marquee lights of the Lucas Theatre sign are an iconic sight in downtown Savannah.

Related Reading: The Best Movies & Books About Savannah GA

Go Antiquing

Savannah is a great place to visit if you have an affinity for heirloom pieces. Here are a few notable spots…

Picker Joe's Antiques | 217 E 41st Street

This vendor-stye antique shop isn't as intimidating as Alex Raskin's, and the prices are much friendlier on the wallet. My favorite rooms are the book room and the one chock full of architectural finds. | Website: Picker Joe's

V&J Duncan Antique Maps | 12 E Taylor Street

Named after owners John & Virginia Duncan and tucked away in the garden level of their beautifully restored home, this cozy shop carries an extensive collection of cartographic finds, botanical prints, vintage postcards, and locally authored books. Once you've entered, you'll likely want to cancel your plans for the remainder of the day. That's especially true if you have the good fortune to delve into conversation with either of the gracious hosts. | Website: V&J Duncan Antiques

The Alex Raskin Antiques building exterior shows signs of age with moss growing over the iron gates and rust dripping down the walls from the decorative trim surrounding the window frames.
[Left] V&J Duncan Antique Map Store [ Center & Right] Alex Raskin Antiques. It's very easy to lose track of time in both of these stores!

Peruse City Market | Congress Street

City Market is a quaint little pedestrian shopping zone. You'll find restaurants, live music, galleries, and souvenir shops. It's a decent place to grab a bite to eat and people watch, but neighboring Congress Street has better nightlife.

Vinnie Van Go Go’s | City Market

This is a chill spot to grab a giant pizza slice after a busy day spent exploring the city. I kid you not, one slice of pizza is as at least as big as your head — if not bigger! | Website: Vinnie Van Go Go's

Make Note: Vinnie's is cash-only, but they do have an ATM on site.

Local Artists | City Market

My favorite part of City Market is tucked away in the upstairs area. Head up there to chat with the artists as they work. It's a fascinating way to learn the process behind their pieces. | Website: Savannah City Market

Savannah Festivals

Still looking for things to do in Savannah GA after all of the options listed above? Try timing your visit to coincide with one of the city's major local festivals.

Savannah Music Festival

Established in 1989, this has grown to one of Savannah's largest events. It runs from the end of March through mid April and features some of the world's finest musicians. | Website: Savannah Music Festival

SCAD Savannah Film Festival

This festival is typically held in late October/early November and is a star-studded affair! There are daily screenings of independent films, celebrity Q&A sessions, and fun afterparties. It also provides a great opportunity to spot celebrities throughout the city. | Website: Savannah Film Festival

Savannah Food & Wine Festival

Explore the best in Southern cuisine at this event, which is held annually in November. Grab those tickets fast, though, because many sell out nearly a year in advance. | Website: Savannah Food & Wine Festival

Booking.com

Home Rentals: Prefer to stay in a historic home while you're in town? Check out available vacation rentals in Savannah on VRBO.

Looking for more helpful info about Savannah?

  • When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Savannah, GA
  • Where is the Best Place to Stay in Savannah, GA?
  • Bonaventure Cemetery Tour: Top Tips & Must-See Spots
  • Savannah's Stunning Victorian District Will Give You Front Porch Envy

Pin It For Later: Get the Inside Scoop on 50+ Incredible Things To Do in Savannah GA

XOXO, ERIN

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18 Things to do in Savannah GA in 2018! This is such a huge and comprehensive list! #savannah #savannahga #explorega

things to do in savannah ga

Things to do in Savannah GA

The Best Things to do in Savannah GA

The Best Things to do in Savannah GA in 2018

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Filed Under: SAVANNAH, TRAVEL, UNITED STATES |

About ERIN

Erin Clarkson is an award-winning photographer, Savannah-based blogger, and author of the Savannah First-Timer's Guide. She spends her days exploring the Lowcountry and writing about its unique beauty. A true Southerner, she'll stop to chat with anyone, and that gift of gab has led to many off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Learn more and connect on Pinterest.

Comments

  1. kad8585Kelly says

    July 7, 2018 at 8:29 PM

    I like ve how charming Savannah is and I feel like I could spend days taking photos of all the beautiful architecture. I would also love to visit the museums and SCAD! That outfit was amazing!!

    • Erin | Sand Sun & Messy Buns says

      July 8, 2018 at 12:13 AM

      I’ve been taking architectural photos in Savannah for years and feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface! 🙂

  2. atruthfultraveler says

    July 7, 2018 at 3:57 PM

    It looks like Savannah has such a Southern charm! I have been through Georgia briefly but have never been to Savannah, but the beautiful home and old streets make me really want to visit! It’s so cool that certain homes ar open to touring during Christmas!

    • Erin | Sand Sun & Messy Buns says

      July 7, 2018 at 6:38 PM

      It’s practically oozing with Southern charm. The surrounding areas are, too (Bluffton, Beaufort, etc.). I can wander the streets of the Historic District for hours on end during the holiday season when everything is decorated so beautifully.

  3. Lindsey says

    July 7, 2018 at 12:48 AM

    I’m DYING to go to Savannah! Love all of the suggestions and the little check boxes! Definitely putting this away to reference before I get there! 🙂

    • Erin | Sand Sun & Messy Buns says

      July 7, 2018 at 1:44 AM

      You should definitely plan a trip! (Just not mid-summer! You’re smart to avoid it during this heat wave we’re currently experiencing.) Just added those fun checkboxes today 🙂

  4. Mick says

    June 24, 2018 at 2:37 PM

    Wow it truly is like something out of an old fashioned movie!! So beautiful! Definitely like the sound of the food and wine festival!

    • Erin | Sand Sun & Messy Buns says

      June 24, 2018 at 4:31 PM

      The seafood festival was a couple weekends ago and that was good. 🙂 But you’re right, it definitely looks like a scene from Forrest Gump come to life! (Probably because it IS.)

  5. Mariah Klee says

    April 4, 2018 at 2:36 PM

    Pinning this to my travel board! When my husband and I planned our trip to Charleston last summer we also considered Savannah so I’m excited to have this list of references when we eventually do go!

    Mariah
    http://www.likehoneyblog.com

    • Erin | Sand Sun & Messy Buns says

      April 5, 2018 at 2:14 AM

      Savannah is definitely a must if you’re anywhere near Charleston! Bluffton and Hilton Head are nice, too. (But Savannah is the best!)

  6. whatrivawore says

    April 4, 2018 at 12:17 PM

    Wow, even just your first photo makes me want to go there! SO many amazing places and tips, book marking this page!!!

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