Visiting Savannah Georgia? 10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss

In Savannah, you’ll want to explore the 22 historic squares with their moss-draped oaks, snap photos at Forsyth Park’s iconic 1858 fountain, and stroll River Street’s cobblestones from old merchant ships. Don’t miss the stunning Cathedral Basilica, Wormsloe’s mile-long oak avenue, and the 300-year-old Candler Oak. Take the free Savannah Belles Ferry for river views, join an evening ghost tour, and experience Plant Riverside District’s nightlife. These experiences blend history with budget-friendly exploration that’ll reveal the city’s deeper secrets.

Wander the Historic District’s 22 Squares at Your Own Pace

While most cities force you to choose between history and relaxation, Savannah’s 22 historic squares let you have both without spending a dime. These pocket-sized parks, spaced every few blocks throughout the Historic District, create perfect rest stops during your self-guided exploration.

Each square offers something different—live oaks draped in Spanish moss, monuments telling Revolutionary and Civil War stories, and benches where you can people-watch. Larger perimeter bushes help create quiet interior spaces that feel peaceful even when surrounded by city activity.

Start with Johnson Square, the largest and first, then wander to Wright Square, considered one of the prettiest. Madison Square showcases the William Jasper monument surrounded by stunning historic architecture.

You’ll find interpretive plaques and historic churches around most squares’ perimeters, giving you historical context without paying for tours. The short distances between squares make flexible pacing easy.

Stand Beneath Forsyth Park’s Famous Cast-Iron Fountain

After exploring the intimate squares, head to Forsyth Park where Savannah’s most iconic landmark awaits—a towering 30-foot cast-iron fountain that’s appeared in countless photos and movies. You’ll instantly recognize this ornate two-tier beauty, crowned by a robed female figure and decorated with tritons, swans, and intricate leaf patterns that echo Georgia’s lowcountry marshes.

Installed in 1858 by New York’s Janes, Beebe & Company, the fountain was designed to provide cooling spray during Savannah’s sweltering summers. Its bright white paint scheme from 1935 creates stunning contrast against the surrounding live oaks and seasonal azalea blooms. What many visitors don’t realize is that this fountain design isn’t unique to Savannah—three other versions exist in Poughkeepsie, Madison, and even Cusco, Peru, all based on the same catalogue model.

Don’t just snap photos from afar—walk around the brick plaza to appreciate different angles. The fountain’s particularly magical during golden hour when soft light filters through the canopy overhead.

Stroll River Street’s Cobblestones and Catch a Riverboat

Down by the Savannah River, you’ll discover one of the city’s most atmospheric walks along River Street’s historic cobblestones. These aren’t ordinary stones—they’re ballast stones from 18th and 19th-century European merchant ships, repurposed as economical paving during the 1850s.

The uneven granite, quartz, and basalt surfaces make for charming but bumpy walking, so wear supportive shoes.

The converted cotton warehouses now house affordable shops, bars, and restaurants perfect for budget travelers. Access River Street via historic ramps and stairways from Bay Street above. Above the warehouses, you’ll find Factors Walk, where cotton brokers once conducted their business in offices connected by iron bridges and passageways.

While you’re there, consider a riverboat cruise—typically 1-2 hours with narrated history of Savannah’s cotton-trading past. The combination of cobblestone strolling and river views offers an authentic taste of this transformed waterfront district.

Step Inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

Where can you find Savannah’s most stunning Gothic Revival architecture without paying an admission fee? Step inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, where soaring twin spires and pointed arches create an architectural masterpiece you won’t forget.

This mother church of the Diocese of Savannah showcases French High Victorian Gothic design by architect Ephraim Francis Baldwin. You’ll marvel at hand-crafted Italian marble altars and beautiful stained glass windows that draw your eyes upward toward the cathedral’s impressive verticality.

Founded by French and Haitian Catholic émigrés in the late 18th century, the cathedral’s survived fire, rebuilding, and renovations since 1876. The Cathedral can seat 1,000 worshippers, reflecting the significant growth of Savannah’s Catholic community from its humble beginnings.

Pope Francis designated it a minor basilica in 2020, cementing its significance as both Savannah’s spiritual center and a must-see tourist destination.

Drive Wormsloe’s Stunning Live Oak Avenue

Just ten miles southeast of Savannah’s historic squares, you’ll discover one of the South’s most breathtaking drives at Wormsloe Historic Site. You’ll cruise beneath a tunnel of 400+ towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss along this mile-long avenue, planted in the early 1890s on Noble Jones’s former colonial plantation.

The $10 entrance fee gets you access to drive slowly under the canopy, with plenty of spots to pull over for photos. This isn’t just Instagram eye candy—you’re experiencing 250 years of Georgia history.

The dramatic masonry archway entrance immediately reveals why this drive appears in countless Savannah tourism photos.

Don’t rush through. Take your time photographing this stunning allee, then explore the on-site museum and tabby ruins to understand the plantation’s complete story. These ruins represent Georgia’s oldest plantation and the only surviving architectural remnant from the state’s founding period.

Explore Bonaventure Cemetery’s Victorian Garden Setting

While most visitors stick to Savannah’s downtown squares, you’ll find one of the South’s most hauntingly beautiful landscapes at Bonaventure Cemetery, where Victorian garden design meets Southern Gothic atmosphere. Located on a scenic bluff above the Wilmington River, this 103-acre garden cemetery offers much more than typical graveyards.

You’ll stroll beneath 250-year-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss along curving pathways designed in 1846 for contemplation and natural beauty.

The cemetery’s Victorian-era monuments, angels, and obelisks create an outdoor sculpture gallery spanning over 30,000 graves. Best of all, admission’s free.

Plan at least an hour to explore the wooded areas and riverfront edges that made this National Register site famous for its romantic, park-like setting. The grounds gained international recognition when naturalist John Muir documented his visit during his famous thousand-mile walk to Florida, describing the cemetery’s peaceful harmony between natural beauty and tranquility.

Join an Evening Ghost Tour Through the Historic District

After dark falls over Savannah’s cobblestone streets, you’ll discover why this Georgian city ranks as one of America’s most haunted destinations through an evening ghost tour of the Historic District. You’ll choose from walking tours, trolley experiences, or paranormal investigations that cover about 0.75 miles in 60-90 minutes.

Your guide will blend documented history with local legends as you visit Wright Square, Colonial Park Cemetery, and the Mercer-Williams House. You’ll hear tales of yellow fever epidemics, displaced graves, and mysterious deaths while exploring moss-draped squares built over Native American burial grounds. At Colonial Park Cemetery, you might catch glimpses of ghostly children playing hide-and-seek among the weathered tombstones.

Book ahead during peak seasons since these highly-rated tours fill quickly. Tours range from candlelit walks to hands-on ghost hunting with EMF meters, offering something for every comfort level.

Take the Free Savannah Belles Ferry to Hutchinson Island

When you’re ready to explore beyond Savannah’s haunted squares, you’ll find one of the city’s best-kept secrets waiting at the riverfront—a completely free ferry ride that doubles as a scenic mini-cruise.

The Savannah Belles Ferry connects downtown’s River Street with Hutchinson Island every 20-30 minutes, operating daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You’ll board vintage-styled boats that offer panoramic views of the historic riverfront and harbor activity. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers wanting river views without paying for tourist cruises.

The ferry also solves practical problems—skip expensive parking at the Westin or Convention Center by riding from downtown. Each vessel is named after influential women from Savannah’s history, including Juliette Gordon Low and Florence Martus, adding educational value to your scenic journey. Check current schedules since service hours can vary, and remember there’s no service on major holidays.

Visit the 300-Year-Old Candler Oak Near Forsyth Park

Since most travelers rush past it without noticing, you’ll discover one of Savannah’s most remarkable treasures hiding in plain sight across from Forsyth Park. The Candler Oak at 516 Drayton Street stands as Savannah’s oldest living landmark, with its massive 300-year-old trunk spanning over 16 feet around and crown spreading 110 feet wide.

This Southern live oak witnessed Savannah’s entire modern history, from its days as a seamen’s hospital site in 1803 through Civil War prisoner stockades beneath its branches. The tree towered to its current 54 feet height while serving both Confederate forces and General Sherman’s troops for medical purposes during the war.

By the 1980s, development nearly killed this ancient giant until the Savannah Tree Foundation stepped in, creating America’s first single-tree conservation easement.

You’ll find free parking nearby, making this Georgia Landmark easily accessible during your Forsyth Park visit.

Experience the Plant Riverside District’s Entertainment Scene

While Savannah’s historic squares charm visitors by day, the Plant Riverside District transforms into the city’s hottest entertainment destination after dark. You’ll find District Live at the heart of this riverfront hub, hosting national touring acts and local bands in an intimate 440-person venue with state-of-the-art sound systems.

The entertainment extends beyond the main stage. You can catch live bands and DJs on outdoor plazas while watching ships pass by, or head to rooftop bars for panoramic river views.

With over a dozen dining options from steakhouses to craft cocktail lounges, you’ll easily create a full evening itinerary in one walkable area. Music enthusiasts will appreciate the venue’s guitar memorabilia display from Gretsch, which adds fascinating musical history to any visit.

The district’s year-round programming includes seasonal celebrations, cultural showcases, and family-friendly events that appeal to all ages and budgets.

The Sum Up

You’ll discover Savannah’s charm doesn’t require breaking the bank. Many of these experiences are free or low-cost, from wandering the historic squares to riding the Savannah Belles Ferry. Pack comfortable walking shoes and bring your camera – you’ll cover plenty of ground exploring cobblestone streets and moss-draped squares. Whether you’re drawn to history, architecture, or nightlife, Savannah’s compact downtown makes it easy to experience the city’s magic without spending a fortune.