Historic Savannah Georgia Must See Places
Built in 1733, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city. This port city has a great vibe, southern charm, historical squares and haunted houses. There’s something timeless about historic Savannah, Georgia. The second you arrive, you feel it the moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets, and weathered brick buildings all whisper stories from centuries past.
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Savannah Historic District
Founded in 1733, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city and one of the most atmospheric towns in the South. Savannah’s Historic District is the heart of the city. It blends graceful charm with a hint of spookiness, thanks to its haunted legends, antebellum architecture, and deep maritime roots.
Northern Historic Savannah District – River Street
On our most recent trip to Savannah we chose to stay on River Street. This is where Savannah began. River Street is probably the most famous stretch in town, and for good reason. It runs right along the Savannah River, which played a major role in shaping the city into one of the largest eastern seaports.
The old cotton warehouses here have been transformed into a lively mix of boutique shops, restaurants, pubs, and art galleries. You can still walk the original cobblestone paths and get a feel for the city’s working port past.
Southern Historic District
Head south and things slow down even more. This part of the Historic District feels quieter and more residential, with beautiful old homes, charming bed-and-breakfasts, and leafy squares perfect for sitting with a coffee or simply people-watching.
Getting Around Savannah Georgia
Savannah is walkable if you’re staying within the Historic District. In addition, there are plenty of parking garages you can park at and then walk.
Besides walking or renting a car you can take a trolley or shuttle in Savannah. For more information on fare free transportation in Savannah visit DOT.
Must See Sights in Historic Savannah
- River Street
- City Market
- Savannah Squares
- Forsyth Park
- Bonaventure Cemetery
- Wormsloe Plantation Historic Site
- Prohibition Museum
- Georgia River Cruise
- Telfair Academy
- Jepson Center
Savannah’s River Street
One of the best things about historic Savannah is how walkable it is. If you’re staying downtown in the Historic District or near River Street, you can easily explore on foot. The streets are flat and laid out in a tidy grid, dotted with 22 shady squares that act like little parks throughout the city.
If you’re staying just outside of downtown, don’t worry. Savannah has plenty of parking garages near the Historic District, so you can park once and explore for the day.
Want to give your feet a break? Try one of the classic trolley tours or hop-on-hop-off shuttles that make loops around the main sights. It’s an easy way to get the lay of the land and hear fun facts about the city along the way.
Probably the most famous street in Savannah River Street is where Savannah started. The river is why Savannah became the largest eastern seaport.
Today you can still walk on the cobblestone streets or take a riverboat cruise. The old cotton warehouses are now boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants.
Georgia Queen River Cruise
You can’t miss the huge Georgia Queen on the River. We decided, on a whim, to take the afternoon cruise. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a new angle and a great excuse to sit back with a cold drink and let someone else do the navigating.
Some popular cruises include:
- Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment
- Riverboat Cruise and City Tour
- Sightseeing Lunch Cruises
City Market
Less than a half mile walk from River Street is Savannah’s City Market. This open-air market was originally built in the 1700’s. Today this several block section of the city is home to restaurants, shops, and bars.
Staying true to its roots as a gathering place, City Market is a popular place to listen to live music and for people to hang out.
Originally City Market extended to Barnard Street. Unfortunately, one of the main buildings in City Market was destroyed for a parking garage. Since then the parking garage was relocated below ground and Ellis Square is now adjacent to City Market.
For more information visit City Market
Savannah Squares
Savannah’s founder, James Oglethorpe, designed the city in a grid like pattern around city squares. The original 4 squares expanded to 24 squares in the 1800’s. Today there are 22 squares remaining in one-mile radius in Savannah. The remaining squares area as follows:
- Johnson
- Wright
- Ellis (adjacent to City Market)
- Telfair
- Reynolds
- Oglethorpe
- Washington
- Franklin (adjacent to City Market)
- Warren
- Columbia
- Greene
- Chippewa
- Orleans
- LaFayette
- Pulaski
- Madison
- Crawford
- Chatham
- Monterey
- Troop
- Calhoun
- Whitefield
Forsyth Park
One of the most photographed spots in Savannah, Forsyth park is anchored with a large beautiful fountain. The park was donated to the city in the mid 1800’s.
This beautiful park covers 30 acres and often hosts farmers markets. It is also home to Savannah’s oldest tree- the Candler Oak.
Dead of Night Ghost Tour
If you’re in Savannah there are lots of ghost tours to choose from. We wanted an adults only tour, so we chose Ghost City Tour of Savannah . Our tour guide was an interesting guy and we really enjoyed learning more about the history of Savannah and it’s haunted past. We’ve taken three tours in Savannah and this one was the best one so far.
Historic Houses
There are over a hundred historic Savannah houses. Some are open to the public. If you like architecture or exploring historic houses, Savannah is such a fun trip.
Some well-known historic houses include:
- Sorrell-Weed House
- Owens Thomas House & Slave Quarters
- Mercer Williams House
- Olde Pirate House Tavern
- Davenport House Museum
Prohibition Museum
This was a very interesting museum. Lots of interactive exhibits to explain how the prohibition affected every day life, the political implications of it and how it ended. There is even a cool speakeasy. You can grab a drink and watch a short film on the prohibition.
Jepson Center & Telfair’s Children’s Art Museum
We visited the Owens-Thomas House and as part of our ticket price we could also visit the Telfair Museums- The Academy and the Jepson Center.
If I was not given a ticket to visit the Jepson Center it wasn’t on my list to visit. However, the Jepson Center was such an unexpected fun immersive experience. I wish I could have spent more time there.
Cross Streets: York and Barnard Street. You can walk to the Telfair Academy Museum from here too.
Telfair Academy Museum
The Academy Museum admission is included in the ticket price for the Owens-Thomas House.
If you want to see the famous ‘Bird Girl’ statue featured in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil you can no longer see the statue at the Bonaventure Cemetery. You can view the statue as well as xx pieces of art at the Telfair Academy Museum.
Cross Streets: Barnard & State Street
Broughton St, Jones Street, and Congress St
Bamboo Room Tiki Bard, Pirates House
Fun Island Day Trips
- Tybee Island
- St. Simon Island
- Jekyl Island
- Hilton Head Island
Distance from Savannah to Charleston and to St. Augustine.
Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city. From Savannah you can easily visit the oldest city in South Carolina and the oldest city in Florida. Charleston is just over a hundred miles and about two hours from Savannah. St. Augustine is 180 miles from Savannah and a three hour drive.
- Savannah’s Prettiest Streets
- Savannah’s Historic Houses
- River Street
- Savannah’s Squares
- Bonaventure Cemetary
- Wormsloe Plantation
