Location: Savannah
Top Things to do in Savannah
Things to do in Savannah, Georgia (GA): The Best Historic Sites
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. Compline at Christ Church Anglican
3. Old Harbor Light
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Wallysfood - Oceanside, United States
If you’re walking around visiting the shops and restaurants of the riverfront in Savannah. It’s a quick stop to take a look a some history and cast iron artistry. The light was part of a range light system guiding ships into Savannah Harbor between 1858 and 1880. Beautifully restored in 2001, it worth a look at, especially if you’re a Lighthouse buff
4. Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Where writer Flannery O'Connor spent her childhood, during the Great Depression on Savannah's LaFayette Square. Off-hour, group, and private tours are available by request.
Reviewed By SarahG-AVLLit - Asheville, United States
If you're a literary tourist, this is a stop you don't want to miss! This is a unique opportunity to see an immaculately restored middle class home from the Depression era. The guides are well versed in the history of the home, its restoration, and the life and career of its most famous resident. We had a great time and were glad we made this stop!
5. Green-Meldrim House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
(Closed Holy Week: April 5-13, 2020) * * * Our docents are always eager to introduce visitors to this National Historic Landmark, one of only 2,500 in the United States. Located on Madison Square in the heart of historic Savannah, this was the headquarters of General Sherman during the Federal occupation of Savannah in 1864. It is also one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the South and designed by architect Mr. John S. Norris. Since 1943, the house has served as the active parish house for adjacent St. John's Church (Episcopal). Most of the volunteer docents are members of the church. As a result, the house may be closed for church events. Please check the website to see if the house is open on the day you wish to visit. Several Savannah events are hosted at the house: Tour of Homes (November), Savannah Antiques & Architecture Weekend (March), NOG’s Secret Garden Tours of Savannah (April), as well as many music events. To learn more, visit the website.
Reviewed By G8083YQchristinam - Newport, United States
I took a tour of this home as part of a History Walking Tour and it was like a history textbook come to life. The tour guides were very knowledgable and friendly. Overall it was a home filled with great history and beautiful rooms!
6. Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,572 reviews
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is Savannah's first Registered National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a guided tour, tracing the arc of Juliette Gordon Low's life and the Movement she founded that continues to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Reviewed By 159camilley - San Angelo, United States
Our scout troop is graduating from high school this year and most have been in scouts since 1st or 2nd grade. We visited on 3/12 which was the 108th birthday of Girl Scouts. A very special visit for us indeed. Even if we weren't a troop of scouts the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace is worth visiting. She and her family were quite special and the home is a beautiful house on an equally beautiful street.
7. Hamilton-Turner House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
This allegedly haunted Victorian house is filled with antiques from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Reviewed By Charlotte716
This exquisite Inn made our trip to Savannah very special. It’s location looking out over Lafayette Square, the interiors, the breakfasts, and attentive staff make us ready to recommend the Hamilton Turner to anyone who visits Savannah.
8. Wormsloe Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,719 reviews
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.
9. Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,176 reviews
Built as a beautiful Regency style mansion in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House, along with its adjacent gardens, carriage house, and slave quarters, allows visitors to explore the complicated relationships between the most and least powerful people in the city of Savannah in the early 19th century. Only a seven-minute walk from Telfair Museums’ other two sites, this historic home offers a completely different experience. Telfair Museums’ Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters has paused all docent led tours indefinitely due to COVID-19. Guests may independently navigate the historic home with an audio tour available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website.
Reviewed By Carol757 - Springfield, United States
It’s important to recognize and acknowledge the legacy of slavery in places like Savannah, and the Owens-Thomas House (one of the three institutions that make up the Telfair Museums) does, I think, a good job doing so. In addition to point out such features as the (then) modern indoor plumbing and the balcony where General Lafayette spoke to the citizens of Savannah, the guides also do an excellent job of speaking about the slaves who lived there. It’s definitely a must-see while in Savannah.
10. Olde Pink House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,892 reviews
Reviewed By mikem123456789 - Savannah, United States
This was our first visit but it will not be our last, from the moment we were greeted, we knew this was going to be a great experience. We were introduced to Craig the GM who made sure every aspect of our night was perfect. The entire staff observed and maintained appropriate COVID protocols putting us at ease as we had drinks in the downstairs bar and then were shown our table in the Club Room of the restaurant. Chris was our waiter for the evening and is absolutely knowledgeable about the entire menu and wine list as he is a culinary student himself, he steered us to the best fried chicken we have ever had! It is a must try as it is marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce but it’s mild flavor is delightful. The fried pork chop is equally as flavorful and served with an awesome side of mac and cheese and collards that is best described as a southern delicacy. The wine list is comprised of some great favorites at a reasonable markup. We went with the Belle Glos Pinot and were not disappointed. The entire experience was 5 stars and we look forward to our next visit to try some of the other local fare on the menu.
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