Savannah is such a beautiful historic city. I spent time here as a kid as my mom grew up in Savannah, but it wasn’t until I went back as an adult that I saw its true beauty.
A little bit about Savannah:
Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia which serves as an important industrial city due to its Atlantic seaport. The historic district still has cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture featuring new and old buildings. Savannah also has over twenty-two “squares” throughout the city adorned with historical statues, park benches, and majestic trees with Spanish moss dancing in the wind. You may recognize one of the squares, Chippewa Square, which was featured in Forrest Gump. The bench is no longer there, but it’s still cool to check out the area where they shot the film. Whether you’re headed to Savannah on a girl’s trip or family vacation there are so many fun things to do. I already can’t wait to go back!
Here’s a list of my top “must-do’s” while in Savannah.
Wormsloe Historic Site – Even if you are not an “Instagrammer” you must get pictures of this beautiful site. There is a small fee to enter and take pictures, but totally worth it. You drive along a few miles of a tree-lined street of grand Live Oaks and Spanish moss to enter the colonial estate of Noble Jones (1702–1775). The grounds feature historical landmarks and remains of the old estate from one of the original settlers of Savannah.
Bonaventure Historical Cemetery – If you’re like me and love history, this is a great site to see too. Famous historical figures are buried here and the cemetery is featured in many famous books including Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil. They do free tours every second weekend of the month and they are on a first-come, first-serve basis. My great grandparents and great great grandparents are buried here as well.
River Street – If you only do one thing in Savannah, do this! River Street is in the historic district and is filled with amazing restaurants, views, shops, and more. You’ll get the best views in the city and you can stroll along the river and watch the cargo ships pass by. The old cobblestone streets give you a sense of the times when Savannah first came to be. If you’re dining on River Street be sure to make reservations in advance as restaurants can be very busy and normally have 1-2 hour wait times without reservations. Restaurant recommendations: Vics On The River, Hueys, The Old Pink House, or The Cotton Exchange. After dinner be sure to stop by Savannah’s Candy Kitchen for some pralines or homemade fudge. If you want some even more amazing views and a yummy cocktail, head to the rooftop bar at the JW Marriott River Street.
Ghost Tours – If you want to add a little adventure to your Savannah trip take one of their many ghost tours (for ages 7+ and up). They have city and cemetery ghost tours along with ghost pub tours (21+ and up)!
Forsyth Park – Want something free to do? Take a walk in Forsyth Park. Forsyth Park spans more than 30 acres and is Savannah’s largest and oldest public park. The park features an iconic fountain you’ll want pictures of, splash pads, acres of green grass and Live Oaks, playsets for kids, and a restaurant, Collins Quarter. We ate at the restaurant and it was delish. Be sure to order the strawberry mimosa.
Tybee Island – If you want to hit the beach, I recommend Tybee Island – especially if you have kids. Tybee has family-friendly clean beaches, fun souvenir and beach shops, great cafes, and lots of beach activities. Fort Pulaski National Monument is nearby and a fun place to visit too.
The Pirate House – A fun historical site for families or history lovers. From their website: Savannah’s World Famous Pirates House is located on one of the most historic spots in Georgia. It was first opened in 1753 as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a meeting point for pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Since then, The Pirates House has been entertaining visitors with a bounty of delicious food, drink, and rousing good times!
The kids had a blast and you can even take tours of the hidden underground tunnels that sailors would take from the bars back to the ships.
Eateries – If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love Savannah! Shrimp and grits and biscuits galore! There are so many amazing restaurants and just not enough time. Some of my favorites are listed below:
- Husk
- Ms. Wilkes Dining Room
- Cotton & Rye
- Fox & Fig
- Savannah Seafood Shack
- Hitch
- Goose Feathers Cafe for breakfast
Are you wishing you were in Savannah right now? I know I am! If you have any favorites in Savannah I’d love to hear them – comment them below. Here are some more photos of our adventures.
