10 Sights & Landmarks in Georgia Coast That You Shouldn't Miss

January 5, 2022 Toi Mattera

The Georgia Coast offers myriad sights for the visitor, from Savannah's cobblestone streets and charming towns and islands, to historic lighthouses, sand dunes, plantation era sites and the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp. Island hop from Savannah to Cumberland Island. Camp on the Colonial Coast under Spanish moss-draped oaks. Take a riverboat tour of Savannah. Walk with wild horses on Kingsland's beaches. Encounter alligators in the Swamp. Golf among marsh grass. Let the Georgia Coast work its charm.
Restaurants in Georgia Coast

1. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

222 E Harris St, Savannah, GA 31401-4616 +1 912-233-4709 [email protected] http://www.savannahcathedral.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9,384 reviews

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia.

Reviewed By P5560OMamym

This enormous Cathedral is in the heart of historic Savannah and is an exotically prayerful & powerful landmark for which to visit, admire, study, film and light a candle.

2. Savannah Historic District

301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401-4217 +1 912-944-0455 http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/1.htm
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14,018 reviews

Savannah Historic District

Savannah's picturesque historic district brings the traditional southern atmosphere to life.

Reviewed By mmwinters

The Savannah historic district will thrill those who love American history, especially colonial or civil war times; African American history; art and architecture; seafood or southern foods; trees and landscaping; fountains and sculptures. Several convenient modes of travel will help you get around - trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, Uber type services, and the free DOT bus system. Parking for cars is limited. I think it would be difficult to try to see things with your personal car. Be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes and stay hydrated. It’s hard to recommend the “best” things to see and do. As a history lover, I wanted to see it ALL and hope to return someday to see the places I couldn’t get worked in. I think Savannah, budding and blooming in the spring, would be the most beautiful time to tour. August is very hot and humid, but bearable because the the sites are just so darned interesting and the beach is nearby!

3. Christ Church

6329 Frederica Rd, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522-5812 +1 912-638-8683 [email protected] http://ccfssi.org
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 787 reviews

Christ Church

The Christ Church, Frederica has docents available Tuesday through Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. The churchyard is open to the public from sunrise to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. The church and the grounds are closed to the public on Monday's for maintenance. Bus tours and group tours are available, please call or email the office to set up a group tour. From time to time, the church and churchyard are closed to accommodate funerals and weddings.

Reviewed By CissiK

I absolutely love coming here. The grounds are so peaceful and the historical cemetery behind the church is like stepping back in time. The church has the most beautiful stained glass windows and The Christmas floral decorations both inside and out were outstanding. This is a must see if you're visiting the island.

4. Mickve Israel Temple

Monterey Square 20 East Gordon Street, Savannah, GA 31401 +1 912-233-1547 [email protected] http://mickveisrael.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,147 reviews

Mickve Israel Temple

The third oldest Jewish congregation and the only neo-gothic Jewish sanctuary in the U. S. We offer tours that include our historic sanctuary and museum with many historic artifacts including two Torahs written in the 1400's (probably the oldest in the U.S.), a Jewish food festival (last Sunday in October), destination weddings and services every Friday, Saturday and holidays. See our website for calendar of events.

Reviewed By krquilts - Willis, United States

Unique sanctuary, informative and knowledgeable guide, and a small museum with 700 year old artifacts. Learned so much that I was not aware of.

5. Bonaventure Cemetery

330 Bonaventure Rd, Savannah, GA 31404-3295 +1 912-651-6843 http://www.bonaventurehistorical.org/
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,548 reviews

Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery was developed on the historically-significant site of Bonaventure Plantation. The peaceful setting rests on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah. The site was purchased for a private cemetery in 1846 and became a public cemetery in 1907. Citizens and others can still purchase interment rights in Bonaventure. This charming site has been a world famous tourist destination for more than 150 years due to the old tree-lined roadways, the many notable persons interred, the unique cemetery sculpture and architecture, and the folklore associated with the site and the people. The entrance to the cemetery is located at 330 Bonaventure Road and is the largest of the municipal cemeteries containing nearly 100 acres. The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. . The main office of the Department of Cemeteries is located in the Bonaventure Administrative Building at the entrance.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

Established in 1846 and covering nearly 160 acres on a scenic bluff overlooking the Wilmington River, east of Savannah, Georgia, the Bonaventure Cemetery is the largest of the city's municipal cemeteries. In recent years, it has become one of Savannah's most popular tourist attractions, primarily due to its role in John Berendt's best-selling book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," which was turned into a movie directed by Clint Eastwood. The cover of the book features the "Bird Girl," an evocative sculpture which used to reside in the cemetery. After going virtually unnoticed for over 50 years, it was relocated from the cemetery in 1997 for display in the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah. Many of the city's statesmen, prominent citizens and soldiers are buried in Bonaventure Cemetery in the shade of 250-year-old moss-laden oak trees, including Savannah founders Noble Wimberly Jones and Edward Telfair. Five Civil War generals and one admiral are buried there. So is singer, lyricist and composer Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken. In a cemetery of many unusual tombstones, perhaps one of the most unique is one in the shape of a piano, Mercer's grave site. The interesting tombstones and vaults and mausoleums, the colorful azaleas and camellias and the old oak, dogwood and magnolia trees have made the cemetery one of the most photographed in the country. The cemetery is open from dusk to dawn with tours available at the Bonaventure Historical Society Visitor's Center. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

6. Tybee Island Light Station And Museum

30 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328-9733 +1 912-786-5801 [email protected] http://www.tybeelighthouse.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,564 reviews

Tybee Island Light Station And Museum

The Tybee Island Lighthouse was built in 1773 and is the oldest Lighthouse in Georgia. An entry ticket allows you to see the Lighthouse, the Head Keepers Cottage, the 2nd Assistant Keepers Cottage, the Summer Kitchen and the Tybee Island Museum across the street. The Lighthouse is CLOSED TUESDAYS, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day (or the day of the Savannah St. Patrick's Day parade).

Reviewed By trmdwelk - Centreville, United States

Visiting this historic and beautiful lighthouse is well worth your time. Go to the top and enjoy the 360 degree view but also take time to see the video in an outbuilding that tells the story of the light and the families who lived there. But particularly take the time to go across the street to the Span-Am War concrete fortifications that house the museum. Here you'll learn the history of Tybee Island area from prehistory (including some awesome artifacts!) to the modern age. Again, watch the well-done video to help pull it all together. Plan more time than you imagine at first glance

7. Chippewa Square

Bull Street Between Hull Street and Perry Street, Savannah, GA 31401 +1 912-351-3837 http://savannahga.gov/index.aspx
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 575 reviews

Chippewa Square

Many historic attractions are located at this city square, which is named for the Battle of Chippewa in the War of 1812.

Reviewed By TheExplorerFamily - Somerset, United States

This pretty square is located on Bull Street – right in the path of several of our tour destinations. It was laid out in 1815, and named for the Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812. In the center there is a 9-foor Bronze Statue of James Edward Oglethorpe – the great soldier and philanthropist who founded the Colony of Georgia. The four Lions at the corners of the huge base hold the Coat of Arms of Oglethorpe, plus the great Seals of the Colony of Georgia, the State of Georgia and the City of Savannah. The Statue faces Southward symbolizing the warding off the threat of Spain's imperial ambitions to the young colony. The artist who created this impressive Memorial Statue, completed in 1910, was one of America’s foremost sculptors – Daniel Chester French (very famous for his collaboration with Henry Bacon to create the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC). The Square is shady and soothing, and most people visit it expecting to see the bench occupied by Forrest Gump in the movie of the same name with Tom Hanks as the actor. Of course the famous bench was only there for the movie, and can be seen in the Museum of History near the Visitor Center. Just like the other lovely Squares, this one is also worth visiting.

8. First African Baptist Church

23 Montgomery St, Savannah, GA 31401-2429 +1 912-233-0636 [email protected] http://www.firstafricanbc.com
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,145 reviews

First African Baptist Church

First African Baptist Church was organized in 1773 under the leadership of Reverend George Leile and established and constituted in December of 1777 as a body organized believers. Under the leadership of the 3rd Pastor Reverend Andrew C. Marshall, the congregation obtained the property where the present sanctuary stands. Marshall also organized the first black Sunday school in North America and changed the name of the church from “First Colored Baptist” to “First African Baptist”. The sanctuary was completed in 1859 under the direction of the 4th Pastor Reverend William J. Campbell. The ceiling of the church is in the design of a “Nine Patch Quilt” which represented that the church was a safe house for slaves. Beneath the lower auditorium floor is another finished sub floor which is known as the “Underground Railroad”. There is 4ft of height between both floors. The holes in the floor are in the shape of an African prayer symbol known as a Congolese Cosmogram that served a purpose of ventilation. First African Baptist Church has been a place of leadership and service since its inception. Reverend Emmanuel King Love, 6th Pastor, led the movement to establish Savannah State University, formerly known as Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth. Rev. Love also played a big role in the establishment of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and Paine College in Augusta, GA. During the time of segregation the church served as the largest gathering place for blacks and whites to meet. Visitors from all walks of life have visited out sanctuary and left inspired. TOUR RATES: Adults = $7.00; Seniors = $6.00; Students = $6.00; Children Ages 5 & Under = FREE. TOUR HOURS OF OPERATION: Tuesday - Saturday = 11:00 a.m. & 2:00p.m. Sunday = 1:00p.m.

Reviewed By nonamezim - Homer, United States

If you want to understand the faith and history of the oldest black congregation in the US, and spend about an hour being amazed that enslaved Africans in their “free” time built their own church than this tour is for you. Plan ahead to check tour times, you can’t just walk in. Beautiful stained glass windows, gleaming southern pine floors and the archives documents dating to the 1700s are wonderful. The tour guides are most often church members and are passionate about their ancestors and informative of the various roles the church leadership played in our history including the Underground Railroad. This was the highlight of my time in Savannah.

9. Fort Frederica National Monument

Off Frederica Rd. just past Christ Episcopal Church St. Simons Island, Saint Simons Island, GA +1 912-638-3639 http://www.nps.gov/fofr/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,112 reviews

Fort Frederica National Monument

This beautiful park was the site of one of the first British colonies.

Reviewed By mekopp - Middletown, United States

I always take my national park passport book with me when I travel. When I realized I was about 20 miles from this site ,we drove to see it and get my stamp. I was so pleased with our visit. First of all , there is a legit introductory movie. I love when historic sites have this because it really does set the stage. When we got outside the visitor center there were people in colonial dress. One asked me if I wanted to make a candle. The blacksmith made and gave us a hook. This site is home to over 5000 artifacts and many of them were on display. It’s really an interesting piece of colonial history. Being from the north, I forget that the south has its share of colonial history as well. This site was beautiful and I could have spent more time here if I wasn’t traveling. The town of Frederica Georgia was also beautiful.

10. Wormsloe Historic Site

7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA 31406-6449 +1 912-353-3023 [email protected] http://www.gastateparks.org/Wormsloe
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,719 reviews

Wormsloe Historic Site

A breathtaking live oak avenue leads visitors one mile down a colonial road to a vistor center, where they can watch short historical film, tour a museum, and browse a gift shop. A walking trail leads to the 1737 tabby ruins of the oldest remaining structure in the Savannah. Trails meander past scenic marsh views to the Colonial Life Area, where costumed interpreters provide living history demonstrations in the afternoons, weather permitting. Five more miles of nature trails are available for those who are more adventurous.

Reviewed By sayrenas - McDonough, United States

Y’all...Live Oaks give me ALL the heart eyes so when we arrived at Wormsloe to drive down the Avenue of Oaks, I fell in love! The trees themselves are beautiful and made this destination well worth the visit for me; however, we continued to explore and enjoyed further exploration of the tabby ruins and the marsh. We also happened upon a blacksmith demonstration, which was quite interesting to watch. All in all, we would come back and would most definitely recommend this site to others.

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