Top Things to do in Georgia Coast
Top Hotels in Georgia Coast
- 1. Jekyll Island Club Resort
- 2. River Street Inn
- 3. The Marshall House
- 4. Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District / Riverfront
- 5. Hyatt Regency Savannah
- 6. Mansion on Forsyth Park
- 7. The Inn at Sea Island
- 8. Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel
- 9. Best Western Central Inn
- 10. The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
What to do and see in Georgia Coast, Georgia Coast: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9,384 reviews
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
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!
3. National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 989 reviews
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force preserves the stories of courage, character and patriotism displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to present.
Reviewed By MarnetteS - Webster, United States
We have driven past the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum off of I-95 in Pooler many times. During COVID-19, we made it a point to do some local sightseeing that would permit social distancing. Masks were required in the venue which had very few visitors the day we were there. Three disappointments: there were no brochures or interactive displays because of the pandemic; and, the Chapel was closed. Entrance is $11 for seniors. The museum is funded solely by donations and grants and receives no government support. Ordinarily, aircraft does not appeal to me. However, we lived in Berlin for the first three years we were married and its WWII history holds a special place in our hearts. The Wall was still up then and we were reminded daily of the tragedy that befell those unlucky enough to be living in the East and those who had to live in captivity. The museum has several kinds of displays in addition to the prominent aircraft on display outside (F4C Phantom and MiG) and inside of the venue. The museum "aims to preserve the stories of courage displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from WWII to the present." The "Combat Gallery" displays original aircraft engines and scale models including the B-17 Flying Fortress which is being restored as the "City of Savannah." The B-17 is dedicated to and named after the 5,000th plane to leave Hunter Airfield during WWII. "Prelude to WWII" and "Mission Experience": what it's like to fly a bombing mission were among our favorites. The art gallery displays paintings from the world's leading aviation artists. Do not miss the Luftwaffe video, a chilling reminder of what it must have felt like to live with daily bombings. The 8th Air Force suffered 26,000 fatalities during the war. "Lights Come on Again" honors the return to peacetime. Take time to visit the Memorial Garden outside of the museum. I never realized just how many bombing units existed. This is a heartbreaking and sobering reminder of just how many lives were lost. More sobering were the displays of dog tags placed on metal flowers throughout the garden. Benches provide places to sit, rest and reflect. A visitor could spend several hours reading about the displays and watching the videos. We spent two hours and felt we did the museum justice. The gift shop has a good supply of books, shirts, stationery, mugs and accessories. Lunch is available in Miss Sophie's from 11-2 featuring deli sandwiches, wraps and fresh salads. Tables are socially distanced with hand sanitizers on each table.
4. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 787 reviews
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.
5. World War II Home Front Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
The World War II Home Front Museum brings to life Coastal Georgia's extraordinary contributions during World War II. Through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences, visitors will learn about blimps on anti-submarine patrol, radar training to direct fighter pilots, building Liberty ships to supply troops overseas, and much more.
Reviewed By X9974QTjeremym - Topeka, United States
This is an amazing museum detailing the history of WWII on the home front and how it affected the area of Brunswick and St. Simon's during World War II. It talks about the merchant ships being torpedoed by German U-Boats and how this area of the United States rallied and built Liberty Ships, and trained WWII radar technicians, aviators etc. It was a refreshing look at the war and how it affected normal citizens. It is situated in the old Coast Guard station
6. Bonaventure Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,548 reviews
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.
7. Tybee Island Light Station And Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,564 reviews
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
8. Crooked River State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
This park provides good fishing, a Native American festival in August and a pleasant setting for hikers and campers.
Reviewed By mpm3 - Jacksonville Beach, United States
Crooked River State Park is a real gem! It has a very large array of facilities in the Georgia pines, spread out along the majestic Crooked River. There is a boat ramp, bait shop, large picnic areas, entertainment facilities, cottages right along the water, RV and tent sites, miniature golf, bike rentals, outdoor fitness equipment, a nature center, and miles of beautiful walking trails. All the facilities were clean and well maintained, and the park rangers and volunteers were friendly and very helpful.
9. Fort Frederica National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
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. 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.
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