Savannah, Georgia, is a city where time seems to linger under the shade of Spanish moss. It’s a place where cobblestone streets, oak-lined squares, and antebellum mansions evoke stories of the Old South, yet creativity and modern spirit breathe new life into its corners. With its rich history, thriving art scene, and culinary delights, Savannah invites travelers to slow down, wander, and discover the charm that lies around every square and river bend. It’s the kind of destination that leaves you feeling like you’ve stepped into both the past and the present at once.
History & Heritage
Founded in 1733, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city and has been central to colonial history, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War of the United States of America. General James Oglethorpe laid out the city in a unique grid system of leafy squares, many of which still exist today. Strolling these historic spaces, visitors encounter monuments, preserved architecture, and the echoes of centuries past. The city’s history is written not only in books but in the streets themselves, inviting every traveler to connect with its layered legacy.
Landmarks & Architecture
Savannah is a showcase of Southern elegance and architectural variety. Grand churches, restored mansions, and bustling riverside warehouses all contribute to the city’s unique character. Every building tells a story of resilience, artistry, and the passage of time, making sightseeing as much about atmosphere as it is about beauty.
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist – A French Gothic masterpiece with stained-glass windows that rival Europe’s cathedrals.
- Victorian District – A beautifully preserved neighborhood of 19th-century homes, showcasing ornate architecture and colorful facades. Walking through its tree-shaded streets feels like stepping back in time to the elegance of Savannah’s Victorian era.
- River Street – Lined with 19th-century cotton warehouses, now housing shops, galleries, and restaurants overlooking the Savannah River.
- Mercer-Williams House – Famous for its ties to the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and a jewel of Italianate design.
Museums & Culture
Savannah blends history with artistry, offering museums that tell its story and celebrate creativity. The city’s dedication to preserving the past while supporting innovation makes every gallery and museum a reflection of its evolving identity. Visitors will find Savannah’s cultural scene inspiring, thought-provoking, and deeply tied to the people who shaped it.
- Telfair Museums – The oldest public art museum in the South, featuring both classic and contemporary collections.
- Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters – A National Historic Landmark that candidly explores Savannah’s complex history.
- SCAD Museum of Art – Connected to the Savannah College of Art and Design, showcasing contemporary works in a sleek, repurposed railway depot.
Spotlight: Forsyth Park & Its Fountain
At the heart of Savannah lies Forsyth Park, a sprawling green oasis that captures the city’s timeless spirit. Its famous fountain, modeled after Parisian designs, is the centerpiece, surrounded by benches where locals and travelers gather beneath moss-draped oaks. Musicians play, artists sketch, and families stroll, creating a lively yet peaceful atmosphere. The park embodies Savannah’s unique pace of life—one that invites you to pause, appreciate beauty, and let the Southern spell sink in.
But Forsyth Park is more than just a fountain and shaded pathways. It’s a cultural hub where farmers’ markets brim with local produce, festivals fill the air with music and food, and children play on wide lawns while couples picnic under ancient trees. The park transforms with the seasons, blooming with azaleas in spring and buzzing with events in summer, making it a space that reflects the city’s character year-round. Visiting Forsyth Park isn’t just about seeing an icon—it’s about experiencing Savannah as locals do, in a place where history, community, and leisure meet.
Hidden Gems
Beyond its famous squares and landmarks, Savannah has treasures waiting for those who look deeper. These are places where mystery, beauty, and eccentricity live side by side, offering experiences you won’t find in guidebooks alone. Every hidden corner has a story, making exploration endlessly rewarding.
- Bonaventure Cemetery – A hauntingly beautiful resting place of famous poets and generals, draped in Spanish moss.
- The Paris Market – An eclectic shop on Broughton Street, part boutique, part museum of curiosities.
- Graveface Museum – A quirky, offbeat collection for lovers of oddities and curiosities.
- The Wormsloe Historic Site – A breathtaking oak avenue leading to colonial ruins.
Nature & Outdoors
Savannah’s natural beauty is inseparable from its Southern allure. From coastal islands to lush marshlands, the city offers countless ways to connect with nature. It’s a destination where relaxation and adventure blend, allowing travelers to appreciate both stillness and exploration.
- Skidaway Island State Park – Trails through maritime forests and salt marshes perfect for birdwatching.
- Savannah Botanical Gardens – Quiet gardens filled with camellias, azaleas, and walking paths.
- Tybee Island – A short drive from downtown, this coastal getaway offers sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse, and dolphin tours.
Food & Dining
Savannah’s culinary scene is an irresistible blend of Southern tradition and modern flair. Dining here feels like stepping into kitchens where recipes have been passed down for generations, reimagined with contemporary twists. Each meal is a celebration of comfort, creativity, and flavor.
- The Grey – A celebrated restaurant housed in a former Greyhound bus terminal, reinventing Southern classics with finesse.
- Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room – Legendary family-style meals where fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread reign supreme.
- Vic’s on the River – A riverside favorite for seafood and Lowcountry cuisine.
- Leopold’s Ice Cream – Serving homemade ice cream since 1919, a nostalgic stop for all ages.
Where to Stay
Savannah offers accommodations that capture its character and hospitality. Whether you’re drawn to historic elegance, boutique charm, or playful retro style, the city has something to match every taste. Staying here feels less like checking into a hotel and more like becoming part of Savannah’s story.
- Luxury: The Mansion on Forsyth Park – A Victorian-era mansion turned boutique hotel, filled with art and opulence.
- Mid-Range: The Marshall House – A historic inn with fireplaces, clawfoot tubs, and a central location.
- Budget: Thunderbird Inn – Retro Americana meets Southern hospitality, with quirky touches and vintage flair.
Day Trips
Savannah’s location makes it perfect for exploring beyond the city limits. Day trips combine the coastal charm of nearby islands with the historic richness of neighboring towns. Travelers can expand their journey while keeping Savannah as their home base.
- Tybee Island – Just 20 minutes away, for sun, sand, and fresh seafood.
- Beaufort, South Carolina – A charming town filled with antebellum architecture and coastal charm.
- Hilton Head Island – An hour’s drive for golfing, beaches, and nature preserves.
Final Thoughts
Savannah isn’t just a city—it’s a living storybook. Every square holds a secret, every oak tree whispers history, and every meal carries the comfort of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re wandering the cobblestones at twilight, savoring shrimp and grits, or listening to jazz float through the air, Savannah wraps you in its charm and refuses to let go. Visiting here feels like finding a city that doesn’t just welcome you—it embraces you.
