Location: Historic District - North
Top Things to do in Historic District - North
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Historic District - North, Georgia (GA)
Charming Savannah is the picture of antebellum hospitality, thanks to period architecture and oak-lined streets. It’s tempting to spend your trip just relaxing on vast verandas and sipping mint juleps, but there are plenty of historical sites and museums to explore. Haunting (and possibly haunted) Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the hallmarks of the city, featuring beautiful obelisks, masses of flowers, and ivy-covered crypts. Dine on fresh seafood and creamy grits for a taste of Savannah home cooking.
Restaurants in Savannah
1. Savannah Historic District
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14,018 reviews
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!
2. First African Baptist Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,145 reviews
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.
3. Johnson Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
A city square lined by giant oak trees and an obelisk honoring Nathanael Greene, a New England-born general.
Reviewed By Z7475THjasonj - Bristol, United States
Really like how the city has all of these squares with giant live oaks in them. Really tranquil place to just sit and people watch or just have some peace and quiet. This particular square is not very large but it is right across from the pink house restaurant. The habersham family used to own it and it is an expensive restaurant now.
4. Wright Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
The monument in the middle of this historic square honors railroad magnate W.W. Gordon.
Reviewed By Texasirishblonde - Belton, United States
Sitting on the corner of State St and Bull St- it has an interesting history. The square contains 2 monuments one dedicated to William Washington Gordon and one to Tomo-Chi-Chi. It also has been nicknamed The Hanging Square because the first hanging in Savannah took place here. Alice Riley an Irish indentured servant was accused of murdering her abusive master by slitting his throat. She was pregnant at the time so they held her in jail until the birth of her son and hanged her immediately after giving birth. Unfortunately, her son died soon after because no one would assume care of an infant whose mother committed a crime. Incidentally, the old jail sits on the corner of the square and now houses a CVS Pharmacy. The pharmacy is the only CVS that closes early due to repeated reports of paranormal activity. The "hanging tree" still sits in the square and its branches overhang the pathway.
5. Oglethorpe Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Town square named for Georgia's founder, James Oglethorpe.
Reviewed By TXMARTINS - Atlanta, United States
Charming large square with huge sweeping moss trees, a bubbly fountain and tons of benches. Surrounded by some stunning homes this is great place you will often find locals at. This fountain is known to be died green for St Patty’s.
6. US Customs House
7. Franklin Square
8. City Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,247 reviews
This old area of the city includes a pedestrian promenade with a collection of interesting shops, restaurants and stores.
Reviewed By jjbrady2017 - Columbus, United States
This is such a fun area filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and good outdoor seating to simply people watch! The Savannah Slow Rides ride down the streets bordering the market area, and it is really fun to watch the groups peddling by. There are a variety of restaurants and bars, so everyone should find something that they like with no problem at all.
9. Battlefield Park Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
This spot is home to both a Revolutionary War battleground and a railroad museum.
Reviewed By charleslambert392 - Tucker, United States
Nice small representation of an earthen redoubt with good signs explaining the history and significance of the area. There is also a commemerative flag and plaque area commemerating the people involved in the battle. It is great to read each stone and see some history that my not be in a text book.
