Fun Things to Do in Savannah

By Julie Gordey

Apr. 3, 2025 at 4:49 PM CST

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History and hospitality combine to create a welcoming environment in Savannah, Georgia. With fun for all ages Savannah has abundant Southern charm, history, and natural beauty. This city is an enticing spot for tourists and residents alike. From the Spanish moss draped trees to beautiful cobblestone streets to historic architecture, let Savannah intrigue you.

Savannah is for Everyone

An orange trolley navigates a cobblestone street surrounded by trees covered in Spanish moss.

For young professionals, Savannah offers a vibrant mix of the old and the new. Savannah beckons young professionals with its vibrant downtown scene, innovative cultural vibe, and an enterprising spirit that permeates its cobblestone streets. Sample craft beers at Moon River Brewing, savor farm-to-table fare at Local 11 Ten or indulge in late-night cocktails at The Jinx. After-hours, the Starland District, with its eclectic mix of bars, live music venues, and art studios, provides a playground for the creative and the ambitious. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) injects a constant stream of cultural events and artistic flair into the local scene.

Families discover Savannah is a community that values family bonding and recreation. The city is dotted with interactive museums like the Savannah Children's Museum and the Georgia State Railroad Museum. The numerous parks, such as Forsyth Park with its iconic fountain and ample green space, provide a perfect setting for picnics and family gatherings. Forsyth Park is a burgeoning locale with outdoor concerts, a splash pad, and Fragrance Garden. Scouting enthusiasts can explore the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the founder of Girl Scouts.

Retirees will realize the city's slower pace of life allows for leisurely strolls through the historic district, where architecture tours and art galleries offer a deep dive into the area's rich cultural heritage. For those interested in gardening or bird watching, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm offers lush landscapes and educational programs. Additionally, the plethora of golf courses and the proximity to Tybee Island beaches cater to active seniors seeking a blend of relaxation and recreation.

Unique to Savannah

There are twenty-two verdant, communal spaces, shaded by majestic live oaks draped with Spanish moss. The squares of this city encapsulate the essence of Savannah's charm and elegance. Each has a unique blend of history, beauty, and tranquility, acting as serene oases amidst the urban landscape. Explore history, statues, and intrigue including filming locations where the bench and feather blew from the Forest Gump movie.

Unique activities abound in Savannah, from ghost tours that explore the city's haunted history to culinary tours highlighting Southern cuisine as well as modern gastronomy. Events such as the famous St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of the largest in the United States, and the Savannah Craft Brew Fest, celebrating the art of beer making, are two local favorites.

Must-Do Attractions

Savannah is home to notable museums and attractions that capture the essence of its history and artistic prowess. The Telfair Museums encompass several sites including the Telfair Academy, the Jepson Center for the Arts, and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, offering a comprehensive look at art, history, and architecture. The Mercer Williams House Museum, immortalized in the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," provides a glimpse into Savannah's storied past. The unique Pin Point Heritage Museum highlights the Gullah/Geechee culture, specific to the Lowcountry.

Entertainment Options Await

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The Savannah Music Festival and the Savannah Film Festival are highlights in the city's cultural calendar, drawing visitors from all over the world. Savannah is a hub for community events, concerts, and farmers markets. Horse drawn carriage rides and trolley tours allow you to see the sights. Enjoy a drink in the speakeasy at the Prohibition Museum. Looking for more fun? There’s nothing like a riverboat ride complete with dinner and live music. Catering to a wide array of entertainment options, Savannah has live music in City Market as well as theater performances at the historic Savannah Theatre.

Dining and Shopping

From shops and boutiques, getting your fill of retail therapy is easy. Broughton Street offers everything from designer boutiques to artisanal stores, while the City Market is a hub for local art, souvenirs, and cuisine. Find everything from fried chicken to pecan pie and seafood. Paula Deen’s restaurant, The Lady & Sons Restaurant, is an adventure for your taste buds with Southern delights. Dining ranges from waterfront seafood shacks to fine dining establishments serving Lowcountry specialties.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Meanwhile, nearby state parks like Skidaway Island State Park will have you connecting with nature on the trails. Take some time to view the wildlife or camp to connect to Georgia’s natural beauty. Kayak the marshes and the Savannah River. The Savannah coastal lifestyle makes plenty of room to include fishing, boating, and dolphin tours at nearby Tybee Island.

This jewel of the South is a rich tapestry of charm, entertainment, and recreation. From the bustling waterfront area of River Street to the Savannah River to the nightlife and parks, Savannah is a Southern gem sure to elevate your fun and lifestyle. With a seductive drawl like a mint julep on a hot summer day, Savannah is a refreshing Southern city full of hospitality.


Julie Gordey

A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator.  After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.