Savannah, Georgia - Things to Do

Savannah’s History Savannah Museums Savannah Tours Savannah Nightlife Savannah Sports Georgia's Coast Savannah Attractions Tours Golf Courses Shopping Festivals

Live Savannah’s History - Founded in 1733, Savannah is rich in history and charm. One of the largest historic districts in the country, Savannah has thousands of architecturally-significant buildings nestled under giant live oaks hung with Spanish moss. [Top]

Experience our 18th- and 19th-century architecture at King-Tisdell Cottage, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, Andrew Low House, Davenport House, and the Owens-Thomas House. Re-live the early days of the colony at the surviving examples of plantation life. Take a picturesque drive up Avenue of the Oaks to the Wormsloe Historic Site and see how Savannah's settlers tamed the new wilderness. Track battles from the War of 1812 and the Civil War at Old Fort Jackson, Fort Screven and Fort Pulaski. [Top]

Savannah’s Museums - Visit one the South's oldest art museums, the Telfair Museum of Art, or learn about the contributions of Africans to the American tapestry at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum features relicts from America's pursuits to insure freedom. [Top]

Savannah Tours - Savannah’s tour companies highlight popular attractions, historic destinations, architectural marvels of Savannah and quirky stories of Savannah's past and present. Tours depart from various points of the city and focus on the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Negro Heritage, ghosts and the Civil War. Hop aboard a river cruise or a horse-drawn carriage tour to experience the essence of Savannah. [Top]

Savannah Shines at Sunset - When the sun goes down, Savannah’s nightlife comes alive with concerts, theater, dance and a variety of nightlife, featuring cool Savannah jazz and blues, cigar bars, Latin salsa clubs and piano bars. Bluegrass, swing music, dance hits and every genre in between add to Savannah's eclectic mix of entertainment. [Top]

Sporting in Savannah - Savannah offers a myriad of recreation and sporting events for the whole family. Enjoy a sunny afternoon on Tybee's tranquil beach, try deep sea fishing in the Atlantic, play a round of golf, or cheer for Savannah's Sand Giants baseball team. [Top]

Explore Georgia’s Coast - The coast of Georgia is a water sportsman's paradise and the ideal destination for a recreational retreat. You’ll enjoy boating, watersports, fishing, kayaking and dolphin sighting tours. [Top]

Savannah’s Top Attractions

Historic Savannah - Savannah boasts one of the largest National Landmark Historic Districts in the county. The Historic District features thousands of historically-significant buildings, including Federal, Italianate and Victorian architecture. Savannah’s 22 City Squares form the heart and soul of the historic district and are considered to be the city’s precious jewels. Each square has its own personality, but they were all the brainchild of General James Oglethorpe, Savannah’s founding father. [Top]

River Street – Experience Savannah's historic waterfront and popular tourist destination for dining, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment. On the bluff facing the Savannah River, nine blocks of renovated warehouses house restaurants, pubs, night spots, shops, galleries, and boutiques. Stroll along the river browsing the gift shops, feast on seafood at Savannah's best restaurants, amble the streets as live music reverberates out of pubs and nightclubs, and walk to City Market and the historic city squares. Enjoy a fusion of 19th century charm and 20th century excitement. Along the waterfront are two memorials, the famous Waving Girl statue and a memorial to the 1996 Olympics. [Top]

River Street Market - Embodying Savannah's history River Street Market reflected in re-created sheds that stood in the 1800's, River Street Market is an open-air international market of 50 shops offering unique items from around the world and the South. The international essence is enhanced by a relaxing atmosphere and scenic views of the river. Enjoy Market Square and Market Courtyard, two great places to meet friends and enjoy snacks and beverages. From Market Square you can board the trolley bus for a Historic Savannah Tour, Ghost Tour or join a Savannah Walking Tour. From Market Courtyard you can board the Dolphin Cruise Boat and the Dinner Cruise Ship. [Top]

Savannah Civic Center - The Savannah Civic Center provides a spectrum of entertainment and cultural events while hosting conventions, exhibit shows and social events. The Civic Center hosts 900 events annually ranging from the Rolling Thunder Monster Truck show and Figure Skating Champions on Ice to Ringling Brothers Circus, Walt Disney on Ice, Best of Broadway Series, concerts and ballet. The Martin Luther King Arena has seating for 3,500 to 9,600 and the Johnny Mercer Theatre boasts one of the largest prosceniums in the Southeast. Web: www.savannahcivic.com. [Top]

Savannah City Hall - Built in 1905, City Hall sits on the site of the Old City Exchange. Notice the bench commemorating Oglethorpe's landing on February 12, 1733. Factors Walk, which housed offices of 19th-century cotton merchants, now serves several businesses. Of historic interest are the Washington Guns, bronze cannons captured from the British at Yorktown. [Top]

Savannah Sand Giants Baseball - For a decade, the Savannah San Gnats, a farm team of the Texas Rangers, have been a popular team in minor league baseball. In their first 10 years, the Sand Gnats produced 25 Major Leaguers, including Mariners All-Star third baseman Adrian Beltre and Eric Gagne, a Canadian starting pitcher in his first year of pro baseball. Cheer for Savannah’s hometown sluggers at historic Grayson Stadium. Visit www.sandgnats.com. [Top]

Star Castle Family Entertainment Center - A fantasy land housed within a castle, Star Castle Family Entertainment is Savannah's state-of-the-art family fun center, featuring a 10,000 square foot maple roller-skating rink with a live DJ, a laser tag arena, a redemption arcade, a skate shop and a snack bar. Phone: (912) 354-5437; Web: www.starcastle.info. [Top]

Oglethorpe Speedway Park - The historic half mile speedway located just a few miles from downtown Savannah, Oglethorpe Speedway Park features weekly NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series events, AMA Championship Motorcycle Racing, the 9th Annual Showdown and other racing events. For tickets, visit www.ospracing.net or call (912) 964-7223. [Top]

Fort Pulaski National Monument - The defining events of Fort Pulaski occurred during the American Civil War when the fort was captured by Union Major General David Hunter, an abolitionist who released area slaves. The Fort Pulaski National Monument and park includes scenic marsh and uplands that support animal life characteristic of southern barrier islands. Spanish moss drapes from yaupon holly bushes, and vegetation includes cabbage palms, wetland grasses, and temperate hardwood and pine trees. [Top]

Savannah History Museum - The Savannah History Museum is housed in the old Central of Georgia Railway passenger shed, a National Historic Landmark built between the 1850s and 1860s. The museum houses 10,000 artifacts that showcase the city’s history from its founding to present day. See exhibits about the Revolutionary War Battle of Savannah, rare dugout canoes from the 1800s, a changing exhibit of women’s 19th and 20th century fashions, Forest Gump’s bench, one of Johnny Mercer’s Oscar Awards, weapons and military uniforms, and items from Savannah’s railway history. Visit www.chsgeorgia.org/shm. [Top]

Old Fort Jackson - A National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, Old Fort Jackson has been a part of Georgia’s history for nearly two centuries. Named in honor of Georgia governor and Revolutionary War soldier James Jackson, the fort is the oldest standing brick fortification in Georgia and one of eight forts built prior to the War of 1812. The fort served as headquarters for the Confederate Savannah River defenses during the Civil War. Old Fort Jackson is known for its daily cannon firing demonstrations each summer and cannon salutes to passing military vessels. Visit www.chsgeorgia.org/jackson/home.htm [Top]

Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum - The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum collects, exhibits, and interprets artifacts related to American Air Power, from World War II to present day operations, and honors those who served the greatest air armada - the 8th Air Force. The dramatic 90,000 sq. ft. museum contains thousands of objects - from personal gear to weaponry. Highlights of the collection include hand-painted bomber jackets, POW material, aircraft and Medals of Honor. Visit www.mightyeighth.org. [Top]

Performing Arts Academy of Savannah - The Performing Arts Academy is a school of the arts like no other, providing a comprehensive dance, theater, and performance education. Phone: (912) 920-9416. [Top]

Savannah College of Art and Design - The Savannah College of Art and Design nurtures and cultivates the unique qualities of each student through an interesting curriculum, in an inspiring environment, under the leadership of involved professors. The college prepares talented students for careers in visual and performing arts, design, building arts, and the history of art and architecture. The college offers bachelor of fine arts, master of architecture, Master of Arts, master of fine arts and master of urban design degrees, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates. SCAD emphasizes interactive learning in a positive campus environment. Visit www.scad.edu. [Top]

Tybee Island - Located 15 minutes east of downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is a charming beachfront community overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Named by Native Americans who once populated coastal Georgia, Tybee Island has been a scenic destination for swimming, sailing and fishing for more than 150 years. Experience miles of unspoiled sands, pristine public beaches, marinas, world-class seafood, spectacular views and laid-back style. Try the Tybee Theater Cafe, the island's venue for dramatic endeavors. Web: www.tybeetheatercafe.com. [Top]

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Located along the south Atlantic coast, Hilton Head Island, SC combines breathtaking natural beauty, world-class golf, award-winning dining, and quality shopping on a barrier island just 12 miles long and five miles wide. This enchanting boot-shaped island – 45 minutes from Savannah - is considered one of the finest resort communities in the country. [Top]

Savannah Theatre - Founded in 1818, the Savannah Theater is one of the most unique venues in the country. "Jukebox Journey" - the #1 downtown entertainment extravaganza - enlivens the city’s nightlife in the refurbished Savannah Theatre. Popular music and professional choreography from the 1940’s to the present are presented in a colorful and fast-moving production filled with lavish costumes and comedic skits. Flanked by a picturesque square, the theatre is walking distance of a variety of eateries. Visit www.savannahtheatre.com. [Top]

Telfair Museum of Art - Since 1886, the historic Telfair Museum of Art has become an invaluable confluence of arts, culture and history that reaches out to its audience through a diverse schedule of exhibitions and programs. Among the city's most-visited attractions, the museum is expected to become even more popular with the opening of its third venue, the Jepson Center for the Arts. Visit www.telfair.org. [Top]

Tybee Island Light Station & Museum - Since 1732, the Tybee Island Light Station has been guiding mariners into the Savannah River for over 270 years. The Tybee Island Light Station is one of America's most intact having all of its historic support buildings on its five-acre site. Rebuilt several times, the light station displays its 1916 day mark with 178 stairs and a nine-foot tall First Order Fresnel lens. Tybee Island Light Station stands as one of North America's most beautifully renovated Light Stations. Visit www.tybeelighthouse.org. [Top]

Bonaventure Cemetery - A beautiful resting place for many of Georgia's historically important founders and governors, Bonaventure Cemetery is an interesting stop on your tour of Savannah. See live oak with Spanish moss draped carelessly from a limb and dirt roads that lead deep into the graveyard - the final resting place for the famous and infamous. Visit www.roadsidegeorgia.com. [Top]

Savannah Tours

Savannah Trolley Tours – Experience daily tours of the historic Savannah Foundation. Trolley and deluxe mini bus tours depart through the Historic and Victorian Districts and the surrounding Low Country. Enjoy a complimentary hotel shuttle from the hotel. Phone: 912-234-8687; Web: www.oglethorpetours.com. [Top]

Savannah Ghost Tours – Join the Ghosts of Savannah for a spine-tingling 90 minute stroll through the restless spirit world of Savannah. The tour is narrated by supernatural researchers and filled with lore of Savannah's ghosts and Low Country legends. For a fun, enlightening approach to the legends beneath the haunting tales of Savannah, the Ghost Talk Ghost Walk Tour of Savannah leads you through the enchanting squares of historic Savannah while your guide shares stories of specters and strange tales. Visit www.theghostsofsavannah.com and www.savannahgeorgia.com/ghosttalk. [Top]

River Street Riverboat Company – Board Savannah's premier dining and cruise ships along the Historic Savannah River. Departing from River Street, day and evening riverboat cruises offer an enchanting tour of the river, enhanced by fine dining, entertainment, and gracious southern hospitality. Hop aboard the 400-passenger River Queen or the 600-passenger Georgia Queen, replicas of the boats that once navigated the rivers of America. Phone: 912-232-6404; www.savannahriverboat.com. [Top]

Savannah Spirits Pub Tour – Join the pub tour of Savannah's Historic District, an entertaining nightly walking tour through Savannah's oldest and most interesting pubs with their storied and haunted past. Visit www.riskyventure.com. [Top]

Murder Afloat – A sightseeing cruise along the Savannah River aboard a beautiful paddle-wheel boat turns into a night of mystery. Become a sleuth during this fun 1½ hour cruise along Savannah's Historic Riverfront. An entertaining murder mystery will unfold around you as actors enact a scripted, original whodunit and you solve the crime. Phone: (912) 596-0006; Web: www.murderafloat.com. [Top]

Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours - Experience the pleasure of seeing the friendly bottle nose dolphin playing in their natural habitat, while enjoying the beauty of nature and the scenery of Old Cockspur Lighthouse, Ft. Pulaski, and the North Beach of Tybee Island. Savor the charm of the water in this 60 to 90 minute cruise towards the Atlantic Ocean. Visit www.tybeedolphin.com. [Top]

Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens - Savannah houses the nation's most valuable living collection of 18th and 19th century architecture. Founded by General James Oglethorpe in 1733, Georgia's colonial capital encompasses six Historic Neighborhoods, and each Spring Savannahians open their doors during the Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens. Visit http://www.savannahtourofhomes.org. [Top]

Gray Line Tours – Explore Savannah’s rich history and culture with Gray Line, offering sightseeing coach and trolley tours that depart every 30 minutes from the city’s historic hotels. Visit www.grayline.com. [Top]

Savannah Golf Courses

Henderson Golf Club – Savannah’s top public golf club, Henderson Golf Club has hosted Georgia PGA events, Golf Channel’s 2001- 2005 Drive, Chip & Putt Regional Contest, and the NGA/Hooters Professional Golf Tour. Enjoy this 18-hole, par 71, 6700-yard championship course, with breathtaking views of old live oaks, draped with Spanish moss, pristine wetlands, towering pines and magnolia trees. Players find the front nine open and rolling like a links course, while the back offers tree-lined fairways and undulating greens in a natural setting. Five sets of tees accommodate golfers of all skill levels. The Club has a golf shop, a clubhouse grill, a lighted practice range and the Savannah Golf School. Phone: (912) 920-4653; Web: www.hendersongolfclub.com [Top]

Crosswinds Golf Club - Located off of I-95, minutes from downtown Savannah, Crosswinds Golf Club will challenge your skill and sense of fun on an 18-hole championship course and a unique 9-hole, Par 3 course – the only one in Savannah. The short course is fully lighted at dusk, Wednesday - Saturday, so you can play after the sun sets. Three tee placements provide varying skill levels. Phone: (912) 966-0674; Web: www.crosswindsgolfclub.com. [Top]

The Club at Savannah Harbor - Nestled between the banks of the Savannah and Back rivers among the wildlife of the picturesque Georgia Low Country, the Club at Savannah Harbor offers an enjoyable, challenging golf experience. Home of The PGA Champions Tour Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Tournament, The Club offers an 18-hole championship course with unparalleled views of downtown Savannah while it winds through tidal wetlands. The Club was named one of the "Top 60 Golf Resorts in the US" by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, and awarded a “Four Star Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest. Phone: (912) 201-2007; Web: www.theclubatsavannahharbor.com. [Top]

Southbridge Golf Club – Situated in the Georgia woodlands, Southbridge Golf Club has long been the most acclaimed golf course in Savannah, due to the strategic placement of water with a design set on a densely wooded tract of Georgia pines and oaks. Large undulating greens are protected by grass mounding and sculptured bunkers, providing a fair test and entertaining round for players of all skill levels. Phone: (912) 651-5455; Web: www.southbridgegc.com. [Top]

Shopping - Savannah is home to two shopping malls, a blend of shopping plazas and the Savannah Festival Outlet Mall, offering top national brands. In the Historic District, the cobblestones of River Street are lined with candy shops, art galleries and apparel and gift stores. Walk a couple of blocks to City Market where art studios, galleries and specialty shops fill the two-block district. Discover treasures at Broughton and Bull streets, the heart of Savannah's antique district. [Top]

Savannah Festival Factory Stores – Experience over 20 factory stores and outlet centers – from Bass to Van Heusen – and Prego Italian Restaurant less than a ½ mile from the hotel. Call 912-925-3089. [Top]

City Market - Shop at this historic 2-block downtown district lined with art galleries, candy shops, nautical apparel boutiques and gift shops.

Habersham Antiques & Collectibles Market - Formerly a neighborhood grocery store, Habersham Antiques offers 70 dealers with a diverse selection of merchandise from estate collectibles to primitive furniture in a neighborhood atmosphere. Call 912-238-5908. [Top]

Oglethorpe Mall – A southern shopping gem in the heart of Savannah, Oglethorpe Mall features an array of retailers, including Sharper Image, Torrid, Starbucks, Old Navy, Hollister Co., Cache, Yankee Candle, Aeropostale, Gymboree, Limited Too and Charlotte Russe, an 800-seat Food Court, and a family play area. Call 912.354.7038 or visit www.oglethorpemall.com. [Top]

Festivals of Savannah - Savannah is a city of festivals with fun for everyone. Visit our exciting annual events and themed festivals –from our famous St. Patrick’s Day bash to the grooves of the Savannah Music Festival! [Top]

• Taste of Savannah - Tempt your taste buds at this festival of local cuisine. Restaurants serve their menu items that are representative of the best Savannah fare. Writers and editors from national food magazines judge the culinary and decoration competition while guests select the Guest Choice Award. Web: www.tourismleadershipcouncil.com. [Top]
  
  
• St. Patrick's Day Celebrations - Experience the South's most famous and largest St. Patrick's Day Celebration. The Savannah Historic District marks its St. Patrick's Day's Celebration with festivities along the waterfront and a parade on March 17 where the streets are lined with revelers in green, and cocktails and grits are dyed to match.
  
  
• Savannah Music Festival - The 17th annual Savannah Music Festival is an unparalleled 17-day musical feast, March 17 - April 2, in the Historic District featuring a multitude of performances and world premieres. The Festival's distinctive line-up showcases music from the Deep South, chamber music, and a wealth of internationally renowned musicians representing all musical styles and genres, from blues and jazz to classical and world. From glorious arias in intimate venues to dancing under moss-draped oaks, music aficionados will enjoy the South's soulful city. Visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org. [Top]
  
  
• Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens - This annual spring event offers walking tours through private homes and gardens in Savannah's National Landmark Historic District. Web: www.savannahtourofhomes.org.
  
  
• International Festival - The annual International Festival in April celebrates SCAD’s international art community and shares it with the Savannah community. Highlights of the event include international cuisine at "Cuisine from Around the World," dance demonstrations, music, a global fashion show, art and cultural displays. Phone: 912.525.5050; Web: www.scad.edu.
  
  
• Savannah Garden Expo - The enchanting garden expos features an open-air market, exhibition gardens, workshops, demonstrations, seminars and lectures. Phone: 912.236.4795; Web: www.savannahgardenexpo.com. [Top]
  
  
• Blues & BBQ Festival - The Roundhouse Railroad Museum will be filled with the sounds of hot blues and the aromas of slow-cooked barbeque as the annual Night in Old Savannah Blues & BBQ Festival gets underway. Enjoy wonderful music, food, drinks, and trains. Phone: 912.651.6823; Web: www.chsgeorgia.org.
  
  
• Spring Fling Art & Music Festival – Enjoy Savannah’s art and music festival featuring more than 50 artists from the southeast along with excellent local musicians. Phone: 912.786.4431.
  
  
• Savannah Seafood Festival – Enjoy sensational seafood, live entertainment, a daily beach party bash and lots of fun along the Savannah River every May. Web: www.savriverstreet.com. [Top]
  
  
• Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade - Celebrate the arrival of summer with a huge water fight. A parade of fellow water warriors enhances this family friendly experience. Phone: 912.786.5444 or 800.868.2322; Web: www.tybeevisit.com.
  
  
• Fourth of July on the Waterfront – Enjoy a fantastic fourth celebration featuring artists from around the region, food, fun and fabulous fireworks over the Savannah River. Phone: 912.234.0295; Web: www.savriverstreet.com. [Top]
  
  
• First Saturday on the River - This event held on the first Saturday of every month features local art, crafts, entertainment and food on beautiful and historic River Street. Phone: 912.234.0295; Web: www.savriverstreet.com
  
  
• Seafood & Music Festival (Tybee Island) – Enjoy a two-day event featuring local and national music and fresh seafood and island cuisine. Phone: 912.786.5444 or 800.868.2322; Web: www.tybeevisit.com.
  
  
• Savannah Jazz Festival - A wonderful week long celebration in September of blues and jazz that promotes, preserves, and perpetuates this exquisite art form through performances by great jazz musicians throughout the coastal empire. Phone: 912.232.2222; Web: www.coastaljazz.com. [Top]
  
  
• Savannah Oktoberfest - It's an oompah stomping, bratwurst tasting and beer toasting weekend with your friends on the river. Enjoy arts and crafts, live entertainment, oompah bands, wiener dog races, fabulous food and Oktobefest revelry. Phone: 912.234.0295; Web: www.savriverstreet.com.
  
  
• Savannah Film Festival - The October festival features independent, innovative and influential films and videos from around the world, as well as panel discussions and presentations by visiting artists. Phone: 912.525.5050; Web: www.scad.edu.
  
  
• Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights - Bring the family to the kick-off of the Savannah Harbor Holiday Series on the waterfront. See festively decorated yachts and sailboats parade along the Savannah River followed by a fireworks extravaganza. Phone: 912.201.2201. [Top]
  
  
• Christmas on the River - Dash your way to River Street for a merry holiday festival of lights. Browse the arts and crafts, and enjoy the Christmas parade, carolers, bells, Santa and a party on the river. Phone: 912.234.0295 Web: www.savriverstreet.com. [Top]