If you’re planning a trip to one of the most quintessential Southern cities in the USA, here are some of the best things to do in Savannah, Georgia. From iconic historic landmarks and museums to unforgettable food experiences, you’ll never tire of the beauty and hospitality of this American gem.
Savannah and neighboring Tybee Island were our family’s stomping grounds when my daughters were young. We vacationed here countless times, wandering the historic squares, eating our way through the Lowcountry food scene, and soaking up that unmistakable Southern charm.
After a decade away, I recently returned—and while there are plenty of new things to see and do, the city was exactly how I remembered it: hauntingly lovely, sophisticated, and overflowing with history.
Savannah Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Perfect Days
Day 1: Historic Savannah
• Start with breakfast and coffee at Clary’s Cafe
• Walk through Savannah’s famous historic squares
• Visit Forsyth Park and its iconic fountain
• Tour the American Prohibition Museum
• Explore the Telfair Museums
• Enjoy dinner and cocktails downtown, namely at The Olde Pink House
Day 2: Food, Riverfront & Shopping
• Take a Savannah Taste Experience food tour
• Visit Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
• Shop at Paris Market and downtown boutiques
• Grab a banana split at Leopold’s Ice Cream
• Take a Savannah Riverboat Cruise (sunset)
• End the evening strolling the River Street waterfront
1. Explore Savannah’s Historic Squares
Savannah’s famous 22 historic squares are one of the most beautiful urban layouts in America.
Each square offers shaded green space, statues, and historic buildings, making them perfect spots to relax with a coffee or simply enjoy the scenery.
Forsyth Park is also one of the most photographed places in Savannah, thanks to its iconic fountain, sprawling lawns, Spanish moss, and colorful seasonal blooms. In the spring, the camellias and azaleas are especially stunning.
2. Take a Savannah Food Tour
Savannah is widely considered a foodie paradise, and one of the best ways to explore the culinary scene is with a guided tasting tour.
Book a food tour with Savannah Taste Experience, where you’ll sample some of the city’s most beloved dishes and local specialties.
On my tour we enjoyed:
- BBQ and fried green tomatoes at Savannah Smokehouse BBQ & Brew
- Gator sliders from B&D Burgers
- The famous Conquistador sandwich from Zunzi’s
- A savory baked meat pie from The Little Crown by Pie Society
- Shrimp and grits from 22 Square Restaurant
Add one of Savannah’s signature drinks—sweet tea, a mint julep, or even a peach cobbler martini—and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect afternoon.
11. Cruise the Savannah River
For a different perspective of the city, climb aboard the Savannah Riverboat Cruises.
The Victorian-style riverboats offer narrated harbor tours along the Savannah River, providing fantastic views of the skyline and historic riverfront. Dining cruises are also available, including lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch aboard the Georgia Queen riverboat.
Expect Southern favorites like:
- Fried chicken
- Spiral ham
- Shrimp and grits
- Southern sides and desserts
With room for up to 1,000 passengers, the Georgia Queen offers reserved dining tables, climate-controlled cabins, and plenty of space to explore the boat. My husband and I gave this experience a solid 10 out of 10.
Savannah is one of the best foodie cities in the South, with everything from Lowcountry seafood to historic cafés.
3. Eat Lunch at The Gryphon
For a charming lunch stop, head to The Gryphon, located inside a beautifully restored 1920s pharmacy building.
This elegant café is operated by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and serves refined comfort dishes like quiche, soups, and classic chicken salad in a setting that feels straight out of another era.
The historic décor alone makes it worth the visit.
6. Visit the American Prohibition Museum
One of Savannah’s most fascinating attractions is the American Prohibition Museum, an interactive experience that transports visitors back to the Roaring Twenties.
The museum features 20 immersive exhibits, holograms, artifacts, and stories explaining the nationwide alcohol ban from 1920 to 1933.
The experience even includes a recreated speakeasy bar, where you can grab a themed cocktail after learning about Prohibition history.
4. Get Coffee at Gallery Espresso
Coffee lovers should make time for Gallery Espresso, a quirky and cozy café that doubles as a local art gallery.
From Turkish coffee to macchiatos and classic café au lait, this eclectic spot serves some of the best coffee in town. While you sip, you can browse rotating displays of artwork from local artists.
FYI: Just a short drive from downtown, Tybee Island offers beautiful beaches, dolphin tours, and lighthouse views, making it one of the best day trips from Savannah. Not to mention another sensational coffee shop —Tybean Coffee Bar.
7. Tour the Telfair Museums
Savannah is also home to some outstanding art museums, including the Telfair Museums, the oldest public art museums in the South.
The original 1819 mansion houses an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century artwork, furniture, and decorative arts.
You’ll also find the famous Bird Girl statue here—the sculpture made famous by the book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
5. Indulge in Ice Cream at Leopold’s
No trip to Savannah is complete without stopping at Leopold’s Ice Cream, a beloved institution that has been serving scoops since 1919. The vintage soda fountain atmosphere alone is worth the visit, but the real star is the ice cream.
Standout flavors include peanut butter chippy, peppermint, chocolate chewies & cream, and their signature rum bisque. Or go classic and order a banana split or old-fashioned malt.
8. See the Mercer Williams House
Fans of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil will recognize the Mercer Williams House, located at 429 Bull Street. This elegant historic home was restored by Jim Williams and became famous after being featured in John Berendt’s bestselling novel.
Even if you don’t take the tour, you’ll likely notice a crowd gathered outside snapping photos.
If you love exploring charming Southern destinations, check out my other Georgia travel guides and small-town discoveries.
10. Take a Savannah Trolley Tour
If you want a convenient way to explore Savannah’s historic district, hop aboard Old Town Trolley Tours.
These double-decker trolley tours allow visitors to hop on and off at multiple locations, including:
- Clary’s Café
- Sorrel-Weed House
- The Pirate’s House
- Historic squares throughout downtown
Trolleys run every 15–20 minutes, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Even better, this tour is pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged travel companion along.
9. Visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum celebrates the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA.
As a former troop leader for many years, this stop always feels special to me. The museum tells the story of Low’s life and the creation of one of America’s most influential youth organizations.
Interestingly, the home takes on a completely different feel at night when it’s included on some of Savannah’s famous ghost tours.
12. Admire Savannah’s Beautiful Churches
Savannah’s architecture is nothing short of stunning, and the city’s churches are among its most impressive landmarks.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is an absolute gem, especially when illuminated at night.
Other notable houses of worship include:
- St. John’s Episcopal Church
- Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church
- First African Baptist Church
- Christ Church
- Temple Mickve Israel
- Trinity United Methodist Church
Each one tells part of Savannah’s rich cultural and religious history.
13. Shop Savannah’s Unique Boutiques
Savannah is a fantastic destination for shopping, particularly if you enjoy browsing unique boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries.
One of the best-known shopping spots is The Paris Market, where you’ll find everything from vintage postcards to stylish home accessories. Two other favorites of mine are Savannah Bee Company and Planet Fun, with retro toys, comics, and loads of fun things.
Chocolate lovers should visit Chocolat by Adam Turoni, where handcrafted chocolates are displayed like jewelry inside antique-style cabinets. My personal favorite? The red velvet cake truffles.
14. Take Home Savannah’s Famous Souvenirs
While shopping around town, keep an eye out for handwoven sweetgrass baskets, a traditional craft created by Gullah-Geechee artisans.
If you’re looking for edible souvenirs, stop by Byrd’s Famous Cookies.
Their bite-sized cookies come in several irresistible flavors, including Georgia Peach, Key Lime Coolers, Scotch Oatmeal, and Lemon Coolers.
Buy double—you’ll thank me later. Savannah is also the perfect base for exploring the Georgia coast. More souvenirs.
15. Stay in a Historic Savannah Hotel
Savannah is filled with charming places to stay, from historic inns to luxurious boutique hotels.
One of my favorites is The DeSoto Savannah, an 1890 Historic Hotels of America property that blends Southern hospitality with modern comfort.
Highlights include:
- A beautiful pool terrace
- City views
- Spacious and gorgeous rooms
- Excellent food and cocktails
Other fantastic accommodations include:
- Hamilton-Turner Inn, a stunning 19th-century mansion
- Planters Inn, known for its classic antebellum architecture
- Thunderbird Inn, a fun retro motel often called the “hippest hotel in Savannah”
Bonus Things to Do Near Savannah
If you have extra time, consider exploring nearby destinations:
- Tybee Island for beaches and lighthouse views
- Hilton Head Island just across the South Carolina border
- Wormsloe State Historic Site, famous for its breathtaking oak-lined drive and also a Georgia state park
For Gullah-Geechee cultural history, visit the Beach Institute or the King-Tisdell Cottage.
Quick Savannah Travel Tips
Best time to visit: Spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable and the city’s famous azaleas and camellias are in bloom.
Nearest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Best way to explore: Walking, trolley tours, and carriage rides
Best side trip: Tybee Island
Final Thoughts on Visiting Savannah
Savannah is one of those rare cities that appeals to both first-time visitors and repeat travelers.
Come for the history, river views, beautiful squares, and incredible food—but stay because you fell in love with one of the South’s most iconic cities.
Trust me… once Savannah gets under your skin, you’ll be planning your return trip before you even leave.
Portions of my Savannah trip were hosted by Visit Savannah and Historic Hotels of America. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
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