Top 22 Local Recommendations for Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia

Regularly featured on best-of lists in the travel world, Savannah, Georgia attracts explorers of all kinds. Some wish to delve into the city’s rich history, while others simply want to enjoy its stunning cobblestone squares lined with live oaks and Colonial and Victorian homes. Jessica Osborne and Melissa Taylor, co-owners of E Shaver Booksellers, describe Savannah as “mysterious, beautiful, eclectic, and just a little weird.” Immersing yourself in the city’s history, food, and culture is truly the ultimate travel goal.

While many locals, including Taylor and Osbourne, recommend visiting the coastal community for at least three nights, Savannah is a destination that travelers can revisit time and again, experiencing something new on each trip. Whether you’re headed to the Hostess City for the first time or simply can’t stay away for long, check off at least a few of the 22 best things to do in Savannah, Georgia.

1. Stroll through the city’s parks and squares.

At 30 acres, Forsyth Park is the largest green space in Savannah’s Historic District, providing ample room for walking, picnicking, and large events. If you’re there in September, be sure to check out the annual Savannah Jazz Festival. No matter the season, stop by the iconic fountain before moving on to Chippewa Square, where you’ll find the famous “Forrest Gump” bench.

2. Get your caffeine fix at The Coffee Fox.

Instead of your typical black coffee, why not try the signature horchata latte at The Coffee Fox? If you’re feeling peckish, you can grab a kolache (a Czech pastry) or something off the all-day brunch menu at The Collins Quarter, which is just a five-minute walk away.

3. Enjoy a beach day on Tybee Island.

Tybee Island, one of the best beach towns in the South, is just about a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah. Brandon Carter, executive chef and owner of Savannah restaurant Common Thread, loves this easy getaway: “The drive out is great to help you decompress. Tybee has beach town vibes and great little shops. Don’t forget to visit Sea Wolf for strong drinks and tasty hot dogs,” he remarks.

4. Browse the shelves at E Shaver Booksellers.

You don’t have to be an avid reader to appreciate the charm of E Shaver Booksellers, an iconic bookstore on Bull Street. If you are a bibliophile, you may leave with a novel or two in hand—don’t forget to wave goodbye to the store’s several resident cats as you exit.

5. Load up on sweet treats at Back In The Day Bakery.

A midday pick-me-up is always a good idea, especially while exploring the city on foot. Back in the Day Bakery, owned by Cheryl and Griffith Day, is just the ticket. A wildflower honey bun or a blueberry muffin will surely keep hunger at bay.

6. View the latest exhibitions at the SCAD Museum of Art.

Savannah hums with creativity, largely due to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The SCAD Museum of Art showcases a series of rotating contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year, so be sure to see what’s currently on view here.

7. Venture down cobblestoned River Street.

Mandy Heldreth from Perry Lane Hotel, a lifelong Savannah resident, insists this famous riverfront path is a must-see: “Take a walk down the cobblestones on River Street. The historic walkway runs along the Savannah River, allowing you to see cargo vessels continuing into the Port of Savannah.”

8. Visit the three Telfair Museums.

The oldest public art museum in the Southeastern United States, Telfair Museums consists of three distinct museums. Two are National Historic Landmark sites: the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. The third, the Jepson Center for the Arts, was built in 2006 and hosts an art collection spanning from the 19th century to today. The best part? You only need one ticket for access to all three museums.

9. Fill up on fresh seafood.

In a coastal city like Savannah, the seafood is renowned. Chef Carter notes,”There’s a walk-up fried fish place called Shabazz [that] has a real sense of place. My order includes fried whiting, fries, Shabazz juice, and a slice of ‘Yusuf’s World Famous Pie.’ I love that place.”

10. Sign up for a ghost or history tour.

Walking tours are a fantastic way to learn about Savannah. Patt Gunn, founder of Underground Tours of Savannah, often leads 90-minute tours that highlight the journey of enslaved Africans brought to Savannah and sold in Johnson Square—an essential part of the city’s history. Whether you prefer to walk, bike, or hop on a narrated ride, there are tour options that cater to various interests, making it easy to find one that suits you.

11. Immerse yourself in art, music, and shopping at City Market.

Once a bustling hub for fishermen, farmers, and horse-drawn carriages, Savannah’s historic City Market now spans four blocks as an open-air marketplace lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss the American Prohibition Museum, which even features an onsite speakeasy.

12. Escape the heat by visiting another city museum.

Savannah boasts a vast array of museums. In addition to the Telfair Museums, SCAD Museum of Art, and the American Prohibition Museum, be sure to visit the Savannah African Art Museum, Mercer Williams House Museum, and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, named for the “father” of the Civil Rights Movement in Savannah and the 13th pastor of Savannah’s First African Baptist Church.

13. Sit down for a meal at The Olde Pink House.

Known for its distinctive pink hue, The Olde Pink House remains a tourist favorite in Savannah. The menu offers a delightful array of Southern cuisine—think fried green tomatoes and fried chicken—upholding a fabulous reputation in the city.

14. Pick up local produce at Forsyth Farmers’ Market.

If you find yourself in town on a Saturday, Taylor and Osbourne recommend “starting the morning with a walk around the farmers’ market at Forsyth Park.” After making your selections, stroll down Bull Street toward Broughton Street to check out two of their favorite shops: The Paris Market and Terra Cotta.

15. Throw back a few oysters at Common Thread.

Recognized by Bon Appétit as one of the best new restaurants in 2022, Common Thread is an “ingredient and seasonally inspired restaurant concept” located inside a restored two-story home from the 19th century. Chef Carter leads this well-loved establishment, where the menu frequently changes based on the freshness of available produce. However, you can never go wrong starting with oysters. For a light and flavorful lunch, chef Carter also recommends Wildflower Cafe on Telfair Square and a nightcap at Lone Wolf Lounge.

16. Stretch your legs in Bonaventure Cemetery.

Located three miles from downtown is Bonaventure Cemetery, an azalea-filled resting place made famous in John Berendt’s 1994 book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Osbourne recommends visitors bring bug spray to enhance their experience in this beautiful outdoor space.

17. Cool off with some ice cream at Leopold’s.

Serving homemade ice cream since 1919, Leopold’s is a dessert staple in Savannah. On scorching summer days when temperatures hit the 90s, few things refresh quite like indulging in a scoop or two from this cherished ice cream parlor.

18. Saddle up to a different kind of bar at Savannah Bee Company’s flagship store.

Established in 2008, the Broughton Street location of Savannah Bee Company invites visitors to explore both a honey-tasting bar and a mead-tasting bar. This unique experience is the perfect way to break up your day, plus you can pick up a yummy souvenir from your travels.

19. Make a reservation at Chef Mashama Bailey’s The Grey.

Chef Mashama Bailey has earned widespread acclaim, being named Best Chef Southeast by the James Beard Foundation in 2019. Her restaurant, The Grey, is located in a restored Art Deco building that once served as a Greyhound station. Taylor emphasizes, “You should definitely eat at the bar in The Grey; the building restoration is stunning.”

20. Have a rooftop drink at Perry Lane Hotel.

Peregrin at the Perry Lane Hotel offers breathtaking views of Savannah, particularly enchanting at sunset. The bar features signature cocktails, zero-proof creations, and delightful frozen rosé options, including rosé, aperol, lillet rouge, and lemon.

21. Visit the First African Baptist Church and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

A National Historic Landmark, Savannah’s First African Baptist Church claims to be the “oldest continuous African-American congregation in America.” Tickets for tours can be purchased here. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is about a mile away, open for self-guided tours seven days a week, although hours vary.

22. Wait in line for a seat inside Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room.

If you’re after Southern comfort food, there’s one place that stands out: Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room. Taylor advises, “Lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ is totally worth the wait.” Doors open at 11 a.m., and inside, lucky diners enjoy a family-style feast featuring fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, butter beans, okra and tomatoes, and other delicious offerings.