What Are the Top Things To Do in Savannah?

Stroll Through Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park covers 30 acres in the historic district and has been a public gathering spot since the 1800s. The cast-iron fountain, installed in 1858 and currently under renovation until fall 2025, is the park’s signature feature. Families stop for playground time, walkers enjoy shaded paths and weekend markets bring out local vendors. Concerts and seasonal festivals keep the park lively year-round, making it an easy highlight on any bucket list Savannah, GA, trip.

Discover the Historic Squares

Savannah’s 22 squares act like small green rooms scattered throughout the city. Johnson Square remembers Revolutionary War figures, while Chippewa Square is tied to General Oglethorpe and the famous Forrest Gump bench scene. Visitors pause on benches under oak trees, check out the statues and read plaques that share the story of each space. Stopping in the squares is one of the simplest things to do in Savannah, GA, and a good way to see daily life in the city.

Walk the Cobblestones of River Street

River Street runs along the Savannah River and shows how closely the city is tied to its waterfront. Old cotton warehouses have been turned into shops, galleries and restaurants, many with balconies that face the river. Cobblestones, brick paths and narrow staircases connect the street to the rest of the historic district. Music from pubs and open-air patios adds to the atmosphere, and cargo ships often pass close enough to make you stop and watch. Spending time here is one of the classic things to do in Savannah, GA, giving visitors both history and energy in one spot.

Marvel at The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is among the most striking landmarks in the historic district. Built in the late 1800s, its twin spires rise high above the surrounding rooftops. Inside, visitors see stained-glass windows brought from Austria, painted ceilings and an altar carved from Italian marble. The building is still used as a church, but guided tours are offered during most days. Many travelers add it to a bucket list Savannah, GA, visit because of its scale, history and beauty.

Drive Down the Avenue at Wormsloe Historic Site

Wormsloe Historic Site is one of the most photographed places in Savannah. The mile-long avenue lined with more than 400 live oaks leads to tabby ruins from the 1700s. These ruins are what remain of the home of Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s first settlers. Visitors can walk the trails, step into a small museum and see recreated colonial buildings that show what life was like in the early days of the colony. The site also hosts living history events where guides in period clothing demonstrate crafts and skills from the 18th century. A stop at Wormsloe adds both history and natural beauty to any bucket list Savannah, GA, trip.

Indulge in Southern Culinary Delights

Food is a big part of Savannah’s appeal, and many travelers say it’s one of the highlights of their visit. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is known for its family-style meals, where tables fill up with fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread and other southern staples. The Olde Pink House serves refined Lowcountry dishes in an 18th-century mansion, blending history with its menu. Beyond the famous spots, the city has bakeries, casual seafood shacks and modern restaurants that put a twist on local flavors. Sampling the food scene is one of the tastiest things to do in Savannah, GA, and it gives you a deeper connection to the culture of the city.

Visit the Iconic Museums

Savannah’s museums highlight different parts of the city’s story, and each one brings something unique to a visit. The American Prohibition Museum^® in City Market shows how Prohibition shaped the 1920s through exhibits, restored artifacts and recreated speakeasies. Visitors can step inside period-style bars and finish the tour at Congress Street Up, which serves cocktails inspired by the era. A short walk away, the Telfair Museums add more variety. The Telfair Academy, opened in 1886, was one of the first public art museums in the South, while the Jepson Center showcases contemporary art inside a striking modern building. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace ties in more personal history, with letters and belongings from the founder of the Girl Scouts displayed in the home where she grew up. Families often make time for the Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum™, where shipwreck relics, gold coins and interactive exhibits bring seafaring tales to life. 

Take a Spooky Ghost Tour

When night falls, ghost tours give visitors a different way to experience Savannah. Ghosts & Gravestones^® Frightseeing^® Tour leads groups through cobblestone streets as guides share stories of hauntings, tragic events and local legends. The tour also steps inside the Perkins & Sons Chandlery, a riverfront site often described as one of the city’s most haunted buildings. Guests looking for more detail sometimes join the Ghost Hunters of Savannah^® Paranormal Investigation at 416 W. Liberty Street. This experience provides ghost-hunting tools like EMF meters and spirit boxes and explains how they’re used inside a historic setting tied to chilling stories. Cemeteries such as Colonial Park are also part of these routes, where markers reveal the stories of soldiers, dueling gentlemen and families lost to yellow fever.  

How Can You Get Around Savannah Easily?

Exploring a long bucket list Savannah, GA, itinerary is easiest when you know your options for transportation. Old Town Trolley Tours^® is a favorite choice because it offers live narration, friendly and knowledgeable guides and hop-on, hop-off service at many of the city’s major stops. The route connects landmarks in the historic district, on River Street and beyond so you won’t need to worry about parking in busy areas. Walking is another simple way to take in the city, especially within the grid of squares where each block brings new details. Carriages and pedicabs add a slower pace if you want a different perspective, while ride-shares help with trips to spots just outside downtown like Wormsloe Historic Site or Tybee Island. With these options, it’s easy to enjoy things to do in Savannah, GA, without feeling rushed.

What Tips Should You Know Before Visiting Savannah?

A bucket list Savannah, GA, trip benefits from some planning. Dining is popular here, and reservations are smart to secure tables at restaurants like Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room or The Olde Pink House. Staying hydrated is also important, since Savannah’s weather can be warm and humid for much of the year. Guests are free to carry drinks in to-go cups within the historic district, something that adds a fun twist to an evening stroll. Packing comfortable walking shoes makes exploring the squares and cobblestone streets easier while light layers are helpful during spring and fall when temperatures shift through the day. Seasonal highlights, such as the Savannah Music Festival in spring or spooky tours in October, make certain months especially appealing. Timing your visit around these events helps ensure your list of things to do in Savannah, GA, includes some of the city’s most memorable experiences.

Why Should a Bucket List Savannah, GA, Trip Be in Your Travel Plans?

A bucket list Savannah, GA, trip brings together history, culture and natural beauty in a way few cities can match. You’ll find centuries-old squares lined with oaks, parks filled with fountains and monuments, and neighborhoods where architecture tells the story of the past. Beyond the landmarks, the city’s character shows up in local food, festivals and welcoming neighborhoods that invite you to slow down and explore. Old Town Trolley Tours helps tie these experiences together, with live narration, friendly and knowledgeable guides and hop-on, hop-off service that makes sightseeing stress-free. Add in seasonal highlights like the spring music festival, fall film events or winter holiday tours, and you’ll see why there’s no shortage of things to do in Savannah, GA.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Savannah?

Spring and fall are the most popular times for a bucket list Savannah, GA, trip, thanks to mild temperatures and packed event calendars. Spring brings colorful azaleas and one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, while fall offers jazz, film and harvest festivals. Summer works well for families heading to Tybee Island, and winter’s smaller crowds make it easier to enjoy museums and historic sites at a slower pace. Because there are always things to do in Savannah, GA, the “best time” depends on what kind of trip you’re planning.

How many days should I spend in Savannah?

Plan at least two to three days to cover the highlights of a bucket list Savannah, GA, itinerary. That gives you time for the historic district, River Street and a museum or two. Four to five days allows for deeper exploration, like day trips to Wormsloe or a beach morning at Tybee Island. If you want to attend festivals, ghost tours or riverboat cruises, adding an extra day or two keeps your schedule relaxed.  

Do I need to book tours and restaurants in advance?

Yes. Many of the experiences that make a bucket list Savannah, GA, trip special require advance reservations. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room and The Olde Pink House are often booked weeks out, and guided tours like Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour or Old Town Trolley Tours tend to fill up quickly during peak travel seasons. Booking tickets and tables ahead of time helps avoid disappointment and gives you more flexibility to plan around events and seasonal things to do in Savannah, GA.

Are there any free things to do in Savannah?

Absolutely. A bucket list Savannah, GA, trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Walking through the city’s 22 squares is free and gives you access to statues, shaded benches and some of the best photo spots in town. Forsyth Park is another favorite, with open lawns and paths for strolling. River Street also offers free entertainment, including public art and live performers along the water. Even a casual walk through the historic district delivers things to do in Savannah, GA, that don’t cost a dime.

What unique experiences can I add to my Savannah adventure?

To make your bucket list Savannah, GA, trip stand out, add experiences beyond the main sights. Explore the Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum™, browse local art galleries or take a leisurely riverboat cruise along the Savannah River. Ghost tours bring local legends to life, while the Ghost Hunters of Savannah^® Paranormal Investigation at 416 W. Liberty offers a hands-on look at haunted history. Seasonal events like Holiday Sights and Festive Nights^® turn the city into a glowing backdrop for evening tours. Mixing well-known attractions with hidden gems helps build a list of things to do in Savannah, GA, that feels unique to your trip.