17+ Memorable and Romantic Things to Do in Savannah

Memorable and romantic things to do in Savannah Georgia include seeing oak trees draped with moss (everywhere), exploring USA’s most walkable historic district and its classic riverfront, photographing amazing architecture and houses (and staying in them), and experiencing remarkable food and craft beverages.

I heard a local resident describe Savannah as the love child of New Orleans and Charleston. Love that!

There is a reason countless movies (including Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Forrest Gump) have been filmed in Savannah. Even the walk-up McD’s window is quaint and memorable (let me know if you find it).

17+ Memorable and Romantic Things to Do in Savannah Georgia

1. Wormsloe Historic Site

I saw a photo of the below oak alley scene and decided I would visit the spot on my next Savannah visit. It took a couple of years for me to return to Savannah and find Wormsloe but I did.

The Wormsloe Plantation house is privately owned and cannot be toured. But the Wormsloe gardens and property can.

2. Iconic Cemeteries

One of the best free things to do in Savannah is visit its three historic cemeteries.

Bonaventure Cemetery is the by far the most famous of the three historic cemeteries in Savannah. Its riverfront setting and gorgeous oaks were made popular by the Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil book and movie.

Colonial Park is the oldest Savannah cemetery and most of the burials were damaged by Union soldiers during the Sherman occupation. Button Gwinett, one of three signers of Declaration of Independence from Georgia, is buried here, along with many victims of the “Bloodiest Hour of the American Revolution.”

Notable burials in Laurel Grove, the third historic Savannah cemetery, include James Pierpont (he wrote Jingle Bells) and Juliette Gordon Low (founder of Girl Scouts).

3. Telfair Museums

Speaking of the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, go see the Before Midnight exhibition at Telfair Academy. But there is so much more to see at the eighth oldest art museum in USA, including the magnificent Rotunda room. Located a few steps away and also on Telfair Square is Jepson Center, the contemporary art counterpart to Telfair Academy.

A short seven minute walk from Telfair Square is Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, another Telfair Museums property. McCool Travel tip: One ticket grants you admission to all three!

4. Cathedral of St John the Baptist

While strolling the beautiful streets of Savannah, peeks of the two towers of the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist invite you to find it. McCool Travel tip: the cathedral is located between Lafayette Square and Colonial Park Cemetery.

5. Leopold’s Ice Cream

Time to take a break from the amazing Savannah attractions (there are so many more) and fuel up for the next part. Leopold’s Ice Cream is super popular, often with a line out the door. Inside, the walls are adorned with Hollywood movie posters and motion picture memorabilia, because the owners are connected.

I sampled many flavors (many!) but was most impressed with the honey almond and cream, made with honey from local Savannah Bee Company. Leopold’s Ice Cream celebrated 100 years in Savannah in August 2019.

See more memorable places to eat in Savannah below.

6. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

The founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, Juliette Gordon Low, was born in Savannah and her house was restored by donations from Girl Scouts across the country. A trip to Savannah is a pilgrimage for many US girls and, remember, there is even a Girl Scout cookie flavor called Savannah Smiles.

7. Forsyth Park

One of the most popular things to do in Savannah is visit Forsyth Park.

Lined with majestic oaks around its perimeter, the 30+ acre Forsyth Park is a popular walking and running spot for Savannah residents and visitors. The Forsyth Park fountain is one of the iconic images and most romantic spots to visit in Savannah but it was ordered from a New York City company catalog in the 1850s.

8. Explore Savannah Historic District

Savannah is one of the great walking cities in the United States and exploring by foot is by far the best way to experience The Hostess City of the South. Ask for a free walking map at a hotel desks or Savannah attraction. Strolling the Savannah Historic District is one of the best fun things to do in Savannah.

Explore the cobblestone streets and 22 squares in the Savannah Historic District—the largest National Historic landmark District in the USA. Be sure to explore Bull Street (the oldest street), Johnson Square (aka Banking Square, the oldest of the four original Savannah squares, from 1733) and see City Market and the River Street area.

McCool Travel tip: when at Tubby’s and a container ship passes on Savannah River, shots are $1.

9. Fun Trolley Tours

A ticket with Old Town Trolley Tours allows you get on and off trolleys all day at 15 stops to explore historic Savannah 15 stops. A complete circuit is 90 minutes if you stay on and the tours are fully narrated (entertaining and informative).

Old Savannah Tours is another trolley tour in Savannah.

10. American Prohibition Museum

One of the most interesting things to do in Savannah is visit the American Prohibition Museum in Savannah’s vibrant City Market. At the only museum dedicated to US Prohibition, learn about the bad boys, gangsters, and most infamous troublemakers of the 1920s and 1930s.

 

McCool Travel tip: remember the password and you can enjoy a 1920s era cocktail in the speakeasy (if you find the secret door).

11. Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

USS Savannah was first steamship to cross Atlantic Ocean and the president of the company had a lavish house built in 1820s. That house is now the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, now home to dozens of magnificent ship models along with maritime artifacts and history.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a great Savannah hidden gem and one of the lesser known things to do in Savannah.

12. Tybee Island

There are dozens of other cool, happy, and fun things to do in Savannah but perhaps a perfect complement to all the Savannah history, architecture, and amazing food and drink is a romantic trip to the beach. Tybee Beach pier and pavilion are a quick 30 minute drive from Savannah historic district. Look for the below swing, it is one of my favorite “office” spots.

McCool Travel tip: Original Crab Shack has amazing food, quirky signs, magnificent oaks, and reportedly the largest alligator ever known on display.

For your next US coastal road trip see our guide: Ultimate US Coastal Scenic Drives Resource Guide

13. Explore Haunted Savannah

For this luckiest of numbers, revisit those cemeteries (at night) or take a guided ghost tour. Guided Savannah walking tours include many haunted tours such as Haunted Savannah Walking Tour and 6th Sense tours.

Other Savannah tours include Savannah Taste Experience, Savannah Movie Tours, The Freedom Trail Tour, and Encryption Escape.

14. Places to Eat in Savannah

Savannah, my friends, is one of the best eating towns in the world. Any list of restaurants in Savannah cannot possibly do justice so your best bet is to explore and find your own favorite.

Here though is a starter list of Savannah restaurants I can suggest, based on some remarkable cuisine and experiences I have had.

• Treylor Park

• The Grey

• Huey’s Waterfront

• The Fat Radish

• Cha Bella

• Collins Quarter

• Lady and Sons

15. Places to Drink in Savannah

Make no mistake, Savannah is a drinking town, and not just during the St Patrick’s Day season—yes, they celebrate more than one day here. The Savannah Historic District is an open container area and people walk around carrying drinks in 16 ounce plastic cups (but ONLY in the historic district).

Everyone will have suggestions on favorite beverage places in Savannah (do not hesitate to ask anyone!). I would suggest a craft cocktail at The Grey and/or Treylor Park, the roof top bar at The Bohemian, and the popular places like The Rail Pub, Jen’s and Friends, and Pinkie’s Master Lounge.

16. Places to Stay in Savannah

No matter where you stay in Savannah, you will notice that it is a very clean city. The $1 daily fee on hotel rooms pays for cleaning crews every morning and night.

• Holiday Inn Express Savannah Historic District is in an excellent location, one block from Reynolds Square and the River Street area.

• Springfield Suites Savannah Historic District is also in an excellent location, closer to City Market and the Telfair Museums.

• The Gastonian has 16 rooms in two adjacent historic buildings and one fantastic secluded carriage house room (loved this room!). Just a block from SCAD and Forsyth Park.

For other romantic place to stay in US, please see: Romantic Hotels in North America: Places to Stay in Canada, Caribbean, and USA

17. Other Things to Do in Savannah GA

• First African Baptist Church

• Georgia State Railroad Museum

• The Pirate’s House is the Oldest building in Georgia (from 1734)

• Andrew Low House

• Davenport House

• Harper Fowlkes House

• Savannah Children’s Museum

• SCAD Museum of Art

• Mercer Williams House

• Massie Heritage Center

• Old Fort Jackson

• Oatland Island Wildlife Center

• Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum

• Forrest Gump (and other movie) filming locations

How to Get to Savannah Georgia

Savannah is about a 3-4 hour drive from Atlanta. You can also fly into Savannah/Hilton Head airport on a handful of airlines.

What are your favorite things to do in Savannah?

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