Savannah is one of those destinations where you'll be spoiled for choice. From great restaurants and shopping to a beautiful historic district, there's so much to see.
Forsyth Park is a must, but if you're looking for a more quiet spot to relax and take in the beauty of Savannah, look no further than River Street. This quaint neighborhood is lined with old oak trees dripping in Spanish moss.
1. Forsyth Park
If you’re looking for a scenic walk through historic Savannah, surrounded by live oaks and Spanish moss, Forsyth Park is the place to go. It’s home to a two-tiered cast-iron fountain inspired by the Parisian Place de la Concorde, historic monuments, a fragrant garden and acres of green space.
It’s also where you’ll find the Confederate Monument, tennis and basketball courts, open field spaces for Frisbee and soccer and the Saturday Farmer’s Market. It’s free to visit and has lots of fun public events in the summertime.
There are several spots to grab a bite to eat in the park, including The Sentient Bean, a popular cafe that offers vegetarian dishes and pastries. There’s also Brighter Day Natural Foods, a grocery store and walk-up window with a deli and tons of healthy snacks and fresh juices.
2. River Street
River Street is a must-visit when in Savannah, as it is one of the city's main shopping and dining districts. Sprawled across four blocks are countless boutiques and galleries, with a plethora of restaurants and busy bars also on offer.
As you walk along the cobblestone streets, you will see centuries of history laid out before you as you pass by dozens of businesses that operate in previously abandoned warehouses right on the water. Originally a center of import and export commerce, the waterfront has since entered a renaissance.
There are a number of great bars and restaurants to choose from on River Street, including The Rocks on the Roof and The Bohemian Hotel. As well as excellent dining, River Street is a fantastic place to soak up the sun, with its lovely promenade offering wonderful views of the river.
3. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
If you’re a fan of architecture, this Neo-Gothic cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Savannah. Its twin 200-foot white spires, stunning stained glass windows and impressive exterior make it a standout among the city’s many landmarks.
Its interior is well worth a look as well, with carefully restored rooms and artwork from German Impressionists and American French artists. It is also home to a museum, which showcases period furniture and silver.
Another must-see in Savannah is Bonaventure Cemetery, a picturesque place that’s filled with statues and gravestones decorated in hanging Spanish moss. It’s an interesting stop on the outskirts of town and well worth visiting in the midst of your tour of Savannah’s most famous landmarks.
4. Bonaventure Cemetery
If you want to get a true taste of Savannah's history, Bonaventure Cemetery is the place to go. Its beautiful traditional Victorian cemetery design has curving pathways, lots of trees and grassy areas.
Many of the grave markers at Bonaventure Cemetery are works of art that took countless hours to craft. These monuments are a testament to the life of those who passed away, and they make for stunning photo-ops.
One of the most famous graves at Bonaventure Cemetery is Conrad Aiken's. Fans of the author's work leave flowers and notes in his memory.
5. Savannah Historic District
When most people think of Savannah, they picture cobblestone streets lined with moss-laden oaks. However, there’s so much more to this city than meets the eye.
- Take a stroll along Bull Street or one of the many historic squares to get a feel for the heart of Savannah’s impeccably preserved downtown district. You’ll also come across a variety of shops, coffee bars and restaurants that are perfect for people-watching!
- If you have time, be sure to visit one of the many beautiful houses of worship. There are several to choose from, including the First African Baptist Church, which is thought to be the oldest in Georgia.
