Highlights of Savannah, GA
I spent a weekend in Savannah on a girls’ trip a few years ago and we had such a blast! Savannah is full of Southern charm and beautiful draping Spanish moss. This city is easy to explore by foot over a few days time, making it a perfect weekend destination.
Historic District
The Historic District is a great starting point for exploring the city. Savannah has 22 historic squares, each with its own charm and character. Take a stroll around the district and take in the Colonial style houses, old lampposts, trolleys, and horse-drawn carriages.
Forsyth Park
Spanning 30 acres, this park cannot be missed when visiting Savannah! This park is the first thing I picture when I think of this city. Forsyth Park is filled with beautiful oak trees swept with Spanish moss, providing ample shade if you are visiting in warm weather. The fountain in the North end of the park is iconic of Savannah.
Mercer House
The Mercer-Williams House Museum is in the Historic District, just north of Forsyth Park in Monterey Square. Built in 1868, construction of the Mercer House was paused during the Civil War.
This house is said to be haunted due to many tragedies that have taken place there. The Mercer-Williams House is now famous for its mention in the non-fiction novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil about the murder of Danny Hansford by his lover and employer, Jim Williams. Tours of the house include the gardens, first floor of the mansion, and the Carriage House gift shop.
Riverfront
Savannah’s riverfront is a bustling shopping area. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants, and pubs all housed in former cotton warehouses. The restaurants with outdoor seating offer beautiful views over the Savannah River. The sunsets on River Street cannot be missed!
Savannah’s African-American Monument on River Street is one of the only sites that acknowledges the city’s role in instituting slavery. This area is considered the most haunted part of Savannah.
Ghost Tour
Savannah is supposed to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States! Considering Savannah was built on top of a Native American burial ground and was the largest port in the Atlantic Slave Trade – it makes sense that it would be haunted! There are plenty of ghost tours available throughout the city. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s pretty fun to hear local ghost stories and get a little spooked! Some walking ghost tours also allow you to bring a drink (the Savannah Historic District allows open container).
Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery is a 20 minute drive outside of the historic city center. You can explore on your own or book a tour. This cemetery is also famous for being in the novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The cemetery was formerly Bonaventure Plantation where enslaved people produced timber and bricks.
Wormsloe Historic Site
Wormsloe Historic Site is a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Savannah. It is the colonial estate of Noble Jones from the 18th century. Jones arrived with the first group of settlers from England. Check out the website for entrance fees and hours.
The entrance itself is breathtaking! There are some cheeky colonial impersonators on the site, but my favorite part was exploring the walking trails that follow the property and surrounding swamp area.
Have you visited Savannah before? Share your favorite parts of the city below!
17 Comments
aisasami
I have heard a lot of wonderous things about Savannah before. It is such a beautiful place with lots of things to do!
Neil Alvin Nicerio
Is it possible to go inside every historic house?
I would love to see what’s inside.
Alyssa
Ooooh that Ghost Tour is definitely something that I would like to try! Savannah looks like an interesting and laid back city. Thanks for sharing and recommending activities to do!
Tena
I’ve always wanted to go on a ghost tour! That’s on my list of must do lol
ninalehan21
last year, my friend Savannah, she said it was absolutely beautiful. she would revisit in the future
Nadine
Can’t wait to go and visit it sounds like a wonderful place to go!
momelite2
I would really love to visit Savannah. I love old historic towns.
Louise
Beautiful! Although I think I’d give the ghost tour a miss!
Little Misadvencha (@iamchaesper)
Savannah is such a beautiful place with so much to offer. How I wish i can see it in person someday…
Brooke r
What an incredibly beautiful place! Hope after everything opens I can travel there soon!
Fatima Marie
Lovely! Hoping I could travel there too someday! 🙂