Exploring Savannah Georgia
Exploring Savannah Georgia
The inside travel guide to exploring Savannah the hostess city of the South
There is no better way to see Savannah than on foot so slip on some comfortable walking shoes and get moving! Voted one of the best walking cities in America; ditch the car and stroll the Savannah streets which are mostly flat and tree-lined with large shady Live Oaks and blooming Magnolia Trees.
Most visitors allow 2-3 days to explore the very best of Savannah but be aware there is much to do and see. A tip, do some advance research, create a must-do-list, peruse a map, get orientated and enjoy discovering the beauty of historic Savannah.
The Squares of Savannah
Squares of Savannah
The city of Savannah is enriched by its 22 public squares of green space that provide its people and visitors the opportunity to congregate and socialise.
These colourful squares are surrounded by shade trees, charming churches, historic homes, enchanting inns and historic museums.
Savannah Historic District
The Historic District of Savannah is the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the world; with cobblestone streets, manicured gardens, and towering trees.
It is a hospitable city, all-year around and suitable for all-ages.
It’s abuzz with art, culture, live music and theatre, trendy cafes, gourmet restaurants, and very photogenic.
Ellis Square and City Market
Savannah’s city market area encompasses four blocks of rejuvenated warehouses and an impresssive shopping precinct. Located between Ellis and Franklin Squares, the city market is the downtown hub of Savannah and perfect for dining, cocktails, shopping, live music and people watching. It’s here in the heart of the Historic District that art and culture collide.
Johnny Mercer Statue
Johnny Mercer is the most famous Savannahian; four-time Academy Award winner as a songwriter, singer, lyricist and co-founder of Capitol Records
Savannah Art and Culture
If museums and art galleries are your thing; allow enough time to explore as you will be spoilt for choice. Below are some links to the very best museums and galleries on offer in Savannah.
– Wormsloe
– The Jepson
– Telfair Academy
– Ships of the Sea
– SCAD
– Pin Point Heritage
Girl Scouts of America
In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low, affectionately known as “Daisy”, founded the Girl Scouts in Savannah. Today, the vision of Juliette Gordon Low lives on in the Girl Scouts movement across the nation and the globe where her legacy lives on. She is fondly remembered and honoured by generations of people whose lives have been touched by Girl Scouts; the premier leadership development organisation for girls around the world.
Forsyth Park
The large white cast-iron fountain sits as the centrepiece in the picturesque Forsyth Park and a popular spot for couples to exchange wedding vows. Pathways of large Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana) trees draped with Spanish moss hang mysticallly from the outstretched branches. The live oak was designated as Georgia’s state tree in 1937.
Forsyth Park is undoubtedly Savannah’s largest with two playing fields, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, Confederate Memorial, half shell theatre and daytime café. The park was created in the 1840s from 10 acres of land donated by William Hodgson. There are several farmers markets in the Savannah area with the most popular at Forsyth Park.
The Century of Hats
Hidden away inside one of Savannah’s luxury historic hotels is a hundred-year history of ladies’ hats. The Marriott owned ‘Mansion on Forsyth Park’, a 120+ room hotel, overlooks the historic Park and also home to 700 Drayton, a popular restaurant on the ground floor. The Century of Hats is a permanent exhibit, preserved behind mood lit glass cabinets located within the stately halls off the mansion.
River Street District
River Street is best known for its ship docks, 18th buildings, cobblestone pavers and spectacular river views.
There is something for everyone on the waterfront from walking paths toice creameries, candy kitchens, bars, dining, shopping and live music.
Bonaventure Cemetery
It may seem a bit creepy, but the ornate headstones, sculptures and stories of historic resting places may have you seeing cemeteries in a whole new light!
Visitors to Bonaventure Cemetery visit these graves, their stories are fasinating. Johnny Mercer, Little Grace Watson and Corinne Elliott Lawton.
Savannah Theatre
Savannah Theatre is the oldest operating playhouse in America. Savannah Live is a feel-good 2-hour variety show with a range of music from Phantom to Patsy Cline. For show info click here
The theatre is adjacent Chippewa Square which was made famous by the Tom Hanks ‘Forrest Gump’ film.
Hanks, who plays the role of Forrest, sits on this park bench for about 80% of the film telling his life story to anyone who will listen. The bench that Hanks/Forrest sat on was actually a movie prop that has since been placed in the Savannah History Museum
Tybee Island
Charming Tybee Island is just 20 minutes east of city and a family friendly destination. The quaint laid-back coastal beaches are dotted along the Atlantic Sea with beach cottages, beachside restaurants, sun lounges, attractions and water activities. It’s a very relaxing destination to soak up some sun and history. The pier and pavilion are the perfect place to take in the beauty of the beach and sea.
Another must see landmark is Tybee Island Lighthouse which was built in 1773 and remains the oldest and tallest in Georgia.
Tybee Island parking information
Getting Around
Free water ferry service between downtown Savannah and Hutchinson Island is available 7 days a week from River Street at City Hall landing and Waving Girl landing over to the Trade Centre Landing.
Operating 7am to midnight. CAT information
DOT
The DOT is a fare-free 1930 streetcar service created to assist visitors and residents get around downtown. DOT Express Shuttles serves 12 stops in the historic district plus an additional 6 stops along River Street. Click here for the timetable.
Best Coffee Houses in Savannah
Broughton Street is full of shops to look at and things to do. There is an excellent coffee house on the corner of Broughton street and opposite the Paris Market called The Coffee Fox The best coffee I have had in the US to date.
Another coffee house worth the walk to is the Foundry Coffee Pub This large cafe is located a little out of downtown, and an ease stroll along some very charming streets.
Savannah is awash with excellent bars and pubs which adds to the charm of downtown.
By sheer accident, I found the best downstairs bar beneath the Olde Pink House Restaurant, on Abercorn street which is highly rated.
The piano is positioned in one corner facing the bar and shared lounge area. It has a very intimate and friendly feel . Service is of a very high standard with the tendency to upsell by the bottle rather than the glass! The drinks menu is extensive offering global wines, beers and cocktails.
Diana Rogers, a very accomplished singer and piano player regularly performs here. She is such a breath of fresh air and known for wearing her signature big hats.
Diana engages with guests, plays requests from many genres but most of all she creates wonderful memories of Savannah.
I am the Progressive Traveller. I've been travelling the world extensively since 2002. My website is full of travel stories, tips, recommendations, resources, offers for you to use and enjoy. Follow my journey on social media and travel the world with me. Happy days.
