You know that feeling when you step into a place and it just wraps around you like a warm blanket? That's Savannah for me. Spanish moss dripping from ancient oaks, those historic squares every few blocks, and the way the riverfront smells like salt and history – it's addictive. I've lost count of how many times I've wandered Forsyth Park at golden hour. Planning your trip and wondering about the best things to visit in Savannah? Let's cut through the brochures and get real about where to go.
Historic Squares That'll Steal Your Heart
Honestly, if you don't get Savannah's squares, you're missing the soul of the city. There are 22 of these green oases, but let's be real – you won't hit them all. Prioritize these:
Chippewa Square
Yeah, the Forrest Gump bench was here (though it's a movie prop now). But forget that – the real magic is the giant live oaks framing that stunning Georgia Volunteer Monument. I always grab a coffee from Gallery Espresso across the street and people-watch here. Free wifi? Nope, but free soul therapy? Absolutely.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Bull St & McDonough St |
| Best Time | Weekday mornings (less crowded) |
| My Tip | Check out the nearby Savannah Theatre |
Forsyth Park
That iconic fountain? Gorgeous. But my favorite thing is Saturday morning when the farmers market takes over. You'll find local honey, pecan pies that'll ruin store-bought forever, and artists sketching under the trees. Last time I went, a jazz trio was playing near the fragrant garden – no schedule, just magic.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24/7 (fountain lit until 11 PM) |
| Must-Do | Brunch at Collins Quarter (right on the park) |
| Parking | Street spots tricky – try Drayton St garages |
What Rocks About Savannah's Squares
- Free access to stunning historic spaces
- Shade! (Crucial in summer heat)
- Local musicians pop up unexpectedly
Watch Out For...
- Limited benches during peak times
- Squirrels bold enough to steal snacks
- Evening mosquitoes near fountains
Museums & Historic Homes Worth Your Time
Look, Savannah's stuffed with history, but some spots deliver way more bang for your buck than others. Skip the tourist traps.
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
This place hits different. The docents don't sugarcoat history – you'll hear about the enslaved people who built this architectural marvel. I appreciated the raw honesty, though the tight staircases might bug claustrophobic folks.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Ticket Price | $22 (includes Telfair Academy) |
| Hours | Mon: 12-5 PM, Tues-Sat: 10 AM-5 PM, Sun: 12-5 PM |
| Tour Length | 45 mins (book ahead online!) |
Webb Military Museum
Tucked away above a shop on Broughton Street, this quirky spot feels like your grandpa's attic if he collected war memorabilia. Admission's cheap ($10 cash only!), and the owner often chats with visitors. Not polished, but packed with heart.
Comparing Savannah's big three museums? Let's break it down:
| Museum | Best For | Price Range | Time Needed | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telfair Museums | Art lovers | $22 combo ticket | 2-3 hours | ★★★★☆ |
| Georgia State Railroad Museum | Families/kids | $10-$15 | 1.5 hours | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ships of the Sea | Nautical history | $12 adult | 1 hour | ★★☆☆☆ (overpriced) |
Savannah's Famous Eats & Where to Find Them
Let's be real – half the joy of Savannah is eating. But skip the River Street tourist traps unless you enjoy overpriced fried food.
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room
Family-style Southern comfort food since 1943. Warning: You'll wait in line (often 45+ mins), but fried chicken + collards + cornbread makes it worthwhile. Cash only! Arrive before 10:45 AM unless you enjoy lunch at 2 PM.
- Must-Order: Fried chicken & banana pudding
- Price: $30 per person (fixed price)
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11 AM - 2 PM ONLY
Leopold's Ice Cream
Yes, the line snakes down the block. Yes, it's worth it. Their Tutti Frutti (rum base with candied fruit) is legendary. Pro tip: Hit their takeout window for pints to avoid the wait.
- Flavors to Try: Honey Almond & Cream, Chocolate Chewies & Cream
- Single Scoop: $6.75 (pricey but massive)
- Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 AM-10 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM
Ghost Tours That Won't Cheat You
Every company claims to be "the most haunted." After three tours last October, I'll tell you straight: avoid the trolley tours – too rushed. Better walking options:
- Blue Orb's City of the Dead Tour ($30): Creepy true crime stories ending in Colonial Park Cemetery. Bring comfy shoes – it's 90 minutes of standing.
- Ghost City's Grave Tales ($27): Smaller groups, guide carries ghost-hunting gadgets. Fun even if you're skeptical.
My cemetery rules? No stepping on graves (it's disrespectful), and watch for uneven bricks – tripped here last fall!
Day Trips Worth the Drive
Got time? These spots deliver big scenery without massive crowds:
Bonaventure Cemetery
20 minutes east of downtown. That famous "Bird Girl" statue? Replica's here (original's in Telfair). Go around 4 PM when shadows get dramatic. Free entry, but maps cost $2 – worth it.
Tybee Island
Beach day! Skip the crowded pier area – head south to 16th Street for calmer sand. $40 gets you kayak rentals at Sea Kayak Georgia. Their sunset tours sometimes show dolphins.
| Day Trip | Drive Time | Cost | Best Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wormsloe Historic Site | 15 mins | $10 adult | Walking the oak avenue |
| Pin Point Heritage Museum | 25 mins | $8 adult | Gullah-Geechee history |
| Fort Pulaski | 30 mins | $10 adult | Civil War cannon demos |
Savannah Trip Planning FAQs
How many days do I really need for Savannah?
Three full days is sweet spot: one for downtown squares/museums, one for food/ghost stuff, one for day trips. Weekends get packed – Tuesday/Wednesday visits mean shorter lines.
Is Savannah walkable?
Historic district? Absolutely – everything's within 2 miles. But July heat? Brutal. Use the free DOT shuttle (covers most tourist stops) or Uber/Lyft ($5-7 per ride downtown).
What's overrated in Savannah?
River Street candy shops – same fudge you find everywhere. Also, Paula Deen's Restaurant: long waits for average food. Better Southern cooking at The Grey or Eliza's.
Where should I stay?
If budget allows, stay in historic district. But hotels near Victory Drive offer 40% savings and are just 10 mins from Forsyth Park. I like Thunderbird Inn – retro vibe, free MoonPies!
When's the worst time to visit?
August – 95°F with 90% humidity. Also avoid St. Patrick's Day unless you love crowds (seriously, hotels triple prices). March-May and October are perfection.
Practical Stuff You Need to Know
- Open Container Laws: Yes, you can walk with drinks in plastic cups downtown (no glass!). Bars provide "to-go" cups.
- Parking: Street parking impossible after 10 AM. Use garages – Whitaker Street and Liberty Street are central ($15/day).
- Shoes: Cobblestones + heels = disaster. Saw a tourist snap an ankle on River Street last spring – wear sneakers!
- Rain Plan: Sudden thunderstorms? Jepson Center has great modern art and skyline views from their cafe.
Honestly? My biggest advice is slow down. Savannah isn't a checklist destination. The magic happens when you linger on a bench in Monterey Square listening to palm readers and street musicians. Find your own favorite among the countless things to visit in Savannah – maybe it's that hidden garden behind Davenport House, or the pralines at River Street Sweets when they're still warm. Just promise me one thing: save room for peach cobbler.
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