Things to Do/Places to Visit
Located within Savannah’s Historic District, this 30-acre park is the perfect place to relax after enjoying Savannah’s activities. Don’t forget to bring your camera as there are interesting sites at the park, such as the Forsyth Fountains, as well as memorials set apart for the Confederacy and the Spanish-American War. There is also a Fragrant Garden for those who might be visually impaired. If you’re looking for something historic, stop by the Candler Oak tree, which is 300 years old. Aside from all this, the park offers open space for picnics and shaded walkways for a relaxing stroll. There is also a spray pool and a playground for the young ones. If you get hungry, visit the small restaurants that encircle the park. Forsyth Park is open daily from dusk till dawn. Entrance to the park is free.
If you’re an architecture buff or interested in beautiful cathedrals, this is the place for you. The original version of this cathedral was built in 1799 by early French settlers. Towards the late 1800’s, the old cathedral was taken down for it to be replaced by the larger cathedral that is standing today. If you’ve ever seen pictures of the magnificent building, you probably would have seen the gold-leaf designs, marble altar, and the intricate windows made of the stained glass. This cathedral is often compared to European medieval churches, mainly because of its beauty and architecture. Consider taking at least a few minutes away from your Savannah trip to peek inside the stunning cathedral. The Cathedral is open every day (except Sunday) from 9 to 11:45 am and from 12:45 to 5 pm. Sunday is reserved for religious meetings. While entrance fee, a donation of $2 is respected.
The Wormsloe Historic Site is another attraction you can’t miss if you’re in the Savannah area. Its main star is the mile-long avenue that leads to the plantation, which is sided by tall oak trees covered in Spanish moss. While the photo op is worth the visit alone, visitors also enjoy viewing the ruins of Wormsloe. Wormsloe is the oldest standing building in Savannah and was the colonial estate of a carpenter who came to Georgia at the beginning of its settlement. Aside from the ruins, there is also a small museum that contains artifacts from Wormsloe along with a film that teaches you about the estate and Georgian founding. Wormsloe is open every day of the week from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. Entrance costs $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $4.50 for those younger than 18 and older than 6. If younger than 6, it will cost only $2. Guided tours are available periodically throughout the day.
If you’re interested in Civil War history, Fort Pulaski is the place to visit. This was where Civil War General Robert E. Lee was first stationed after his graduation from West Point. When you visit, you can explore Pulaski’s huge battlements, towers, drawbridges, and moats. There are also reenactments which occur periodically so you can see what the fort was like back in its day. If you want to learn more about the fort than you would by yourself, consider taking a ranger-guided tour. The 45-minute tours are offered every day 11 am and 3 pm. If you can’t make it to a tour, we recommend you watch the 20-minute introductory film, “The Battle for Fort Pulaski.” For the most meaningful experience, watch the film before you tour the fort grounds. Fort Pulaski is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (hours may change depending on the season). There is a $7 admission fee for all visitors who are 16 or older.
The Owens-Thomas House once belonged to George W. Owens, a wealthy lawyer and politician. His estate housed his family as well as 14 slaves starting in 1830. Unlike other historic houses, this house is more known for its impressive architecture rather than art. The house is both simple and sophisticated in its own way. Inside the house, you will find Greek-influenced craftsmanship and elegant stained glass, as well as an old carriage house and slave-housing areas on the outside. The estate is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm; on Mondays and Sundays, they open only at noon. Guided tours are offered every 20 minutes until 4:20 pm. Entrance for adults cost $20. Prices for students (13-30) drop down to $15. Those who are 12 and under get in for free. Keep in mind that purchased admission to this house also guarantees free entry into another Telfair site, such as the Jepson Center or the Telfair Academy (Telfair Museum of Art).
The Telfair Museum of Art, along with the other Telfair sites, make up the largest public art museum in the South. The museum holds quite a few pieces mainly from the 1800’s and the 1900’s. Out of the 4,500+ works, many visitors claim their favorite is the “Bird Girl” statue. This statue appears on the cover of a bestselling book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The small museum is open every from 10 am to 5 pm; on Mondays and Sundays, they open only at noon. Entrance prices for adults cost $20. For students aged 13 through 30, admission is $15. For those who are under 12, entrance is free. Keep in mind that if you buy admission to this one site, you have free access to the other Telfair sites, including the Jepson Center and the Owens-Thomas House.
Located just 30 minutes from the Historic District of Savannah, the Tybee Island is a popular attraction in the Savannah area. On the island, there is near 5 miles of beach, the Tybee Island Light Station, the Marine Science Center, and more. Visitors appreciate Tybee Island because of its clean beachfront, as well as the amazing views of nearby attractions. If you’re looking for a place to spend your day, or at least most of it, this is the place to go. The beach or the pier doesn’t cost anything, but other amenities and activities might cost you. Also, parking is not free. Expect paying about $2 per hour for parking basically everywhere on the island. If you’re looking for things to do in Savannah, this must go to the top of your list.
Best Way to TourSavannah, GA
- The best way to tour the city of Savannah (as well as many other cities) is by charter buses, mini buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through busneeds.com, you can order the buses you need. Busneeds.com is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, busneeds.com can help you. Busneeds.com offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit busneeds.com to book your rental bus today!
Best Places to Shop/Eat
- City Market – If you’re looking for a historic shopping site, the City Market is the place to go. This marketplace offers everything from eateries to boutiques to art galleries. Other than shopping, great entertainment like live music is offered here.
- River Street – Once a spot for sailors, River Street is now a lively area filled with shops, galleries, restaurants, and pubs. If you’re shopping for souvenirs in Savannah, River Street is one of the best places to go, with over 75 souvenir shops. If you don’t want to shop or eat, just enjoy the beautiful river views.
- Broughton Street– Located in Savannah’s Historic District, Broughton Street is one of Savannah’s favorite shopping spots. The area features upscale retailers as well as more traditional finds. If you’re hungry, Broughton Street features some of the city’s best restaurants.
- Oglethorpe Mall –Named after Georgia’s founder, James Oglethorpe, Oglethorpe Mall is Savannah’s best indoor shopping/eating destination. Here, you can find the anchor stores you love to shop at, as well as specialty retailers.
- Abercorn Walk –If you’re a lady (or shopping for one), this is the perfect place. It features several clothiers that specialize in women’s clothing. Don’t worry if you’re a guy;you can still shop at JoS. A. Bank. There are also home décor as well as furniture stores located in the shopping center.
- 45 Bistro –If you’re looking for an amazing sit-down restaurant, 45 Bistro is the place to go. The American restaurant is popular among both locals and tourists. It is also rated the #1 fine dining restaurant in Savannah by tripadvisor. Take your loved ones out here to enjoy a great meal.
- Wilkes Dining Room – Who doesn’t like local food while visiting a great city? Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a popular local restaurant among locals and visitors. The American restaurant is rated #1 local cuisine restaurant in Savannah by tripadvisor.
Enjoy your Charter Bus Vacation!