From the cobblestone historic squares to the lush parks with Spanish moss flowing in the breeze overhead, Savannah Georgia does not disappoint. The whimsical natural beauty combined with that good old-fashioned Southern hospitality makes this a prime city for any traveler. There is an incredible amount to see and do. And, it’s one of those places where you need ample time to just stroll around and soak it all in.
A British philanthropist named General James Oglethorpe founded the city in 1733, known as “America’s First Planned City”. It was initially the capital of Georgia, but now that is Atlanta. The Christmas song, “Jingle Bells” was written in Savannah. and if you are a Forest Gump fan, head over to Chippawa Square and find the location where he sat on the bench and offered his box of chocolates in the award winning movie. The city is considered the most haunted city in the US because it is built above a burial ground and has a lot of dark history. Savannah is home to the Southern comfort food chef Paula Deen and the women who founded Girl Scouts of the USA.
Girl Scout troops and groups travel from across the United States year-round to visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace—a Girl Scout national center in Savannah, Ga. and the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA.
Discover Savannah’s hidden gem, the Andrew Low House. He became one of the most successful businessmen in Georgia. Juliette Gordon Low, Andrew’s daughter-in-law, lived here during the early years of the Girl Scouts.
While in the area, don’t miss the historic site, The First Girl Scout Headquarters. It is owned and operated by Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia and houses a museum and a shop.
Our Favorite Experiences
Savannah Trolley Tour
If you have only one day in the city or want to hit as many of the high points as possible, my Old Savannah Trolley Tours itinerary is the way to go!
You won’t need a car at all — you’ll just use the Hop-On/Hop-Off trolley to get around.
Savannah Riverboat Cruise
Board The Georgia Queen for a variety of cruises available to choose from; including a Lunch Buffet cruise, the Dinner Entertainment cruise, a Sunset cruise and the 90 minute narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise. Each cruise will be conducted aboard an authentic river paddle-wheel boat.
Savannah Theatre
First opened in 1818 and located on Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia, Savannah Theatre is one of the United States’ oldest continually-operating theatres. Be sure to catch a show for a unique experience.
Hearse Ghost Tour
This is a fun and entertaining tour, not really scary for young kids. The REAL hearses have been modified to hold a maximum of 8 guests. A guide tells you stories about Savannah’s ghosts while showing you the remarkable Historic District.
Savannah Bananas Baseball
The Savannah Bananas are an exhibition baseball team based in Savannah, Georgia. The team was founded in 2016 and has played at Grayson Stadium since its inaugural season. This is not your typical baseball game, expect to have the best time and be entertained. Tickets sell out fast, don’t miss out.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
A line gathers each morning on Jones Street. At 11 o’clock, the doors open and the lunch crowd finds seats at one of the large tables-for-ten shared by strangers. Tabletops are crowded with platters of fried chicken and cornbread dressing, sweet potato souffle, black-eyed peas, okra gumbo, corn muffins and biscuits. The menu changes daily so regulars can have something different every day. Stop by and enjoy the special pleasure of a meal shared with neighbors and strangers. They accept cash only.
Funky Brunch Cafe
Out of the ordinary type of place that is fun and has excellent food. We made our own pancakes at our griddle table, complete with different toppings offered. It is also dog friendly. Bring your pet and dine outside on the patio.
Pirate House
It was first opened in 1753 as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a meeting point for pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. The Herb House portion of the Pirates’ House was constructed in 1734, so it’s one of the oldest still-standing structures in the state of Georgia.
And yes, the building is aptly named since actual pirates used to hang out there.
Little Duck Diner
The Little Duck Diner is a “vintage chic diner” reminiscent of dining cars and diners of the late 20’s and 30’s with a contemporary twist. The diner embodies the youthfulness within all of us with the refinement and quirks of an era from which the “Diner” as we know it was born.
The menu consists of our ducklings’ favorite dishes, as well as other unique items from around the world. Southern charm meets modern retro eatery.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
Leopold’s Ice Cream was started in 1919 by three immigrant brothers from Greece: George, Peter and Basil Leopold. Stratton Leopold is Peter’s youngest child. He grew up in the business, living over the store as a child and taking it over as an adult. Even the lure of Hollywood couldn’t keep him away for long. A line forms instantly as tourist wait to try the famous hand-made ice cream that everyone has come to love.
Day Trip To Tybee Island
As one of the most popular beach destinations near Savannah (twenty minutes away) and along the Southeast Coast, Tybee has something to offer everyone.
Experience the stunning beauty of Tybee Island’s beaches! From North Beach, where you can watch passing cargo ships, to South Beach with access to its iconic Pier and Pavilion – it’s never been easier for folks to take in breathtaking views. Enjoy Tybee by water by taking a Dolphin Cruise with Captain Derek’s.
Looking for the best pizza and best price, try Huc A Poos for a local, island vibe. Bring a $1 bill to add to the wall.
Visit Georgia’s oldest and tallest Lighthouse. Tybee Island Light is a lighthouse next to the Savannah River Entrance, on the northeast end of Tybee Island, Georgia. It is one of seven surviving colonial era lighthouse towers, though highly modified in the mid 1800s.
Enjoy dinner at The Crab Shack, Tybee’s most well-known eatery, where you’ll savor your meal surrounded by stunning waterfront views!
