The 20 Best Attractions in Savannah, Georgia

Location: Savannah, Georgia

If you’re dreaming of moss-draped oaks, historic charm, and Southern hospitality, Savannah is the place to be. This enchanting city is packed with rich history, vibrant culture, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets for the first time or returning to soak in more Lowcountry magic, here are the best attractions in Savannah that you won’t want to miss.

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The Best Attractions in Savannah:

1. Chippewa Square

This iconic square became famous as the filming location for Forrest Gump. While the original bench is now housed in a museum, Chippewa Square still draws fans of the film. It’s also a beautiful spot to relax under the shade of massive live oaks and take a snap of the nearby historic Savannah Theatre.

2. East Jones Street

Often called the most beautiful street in Savannah, East Jones Street is lined with impeccably preserved homes and ironwork balconies. Take a stroll and admire the quintessential Southern architecture that makes Savannah so charming.

3. Mercer Williams House

Step into Southern Gothic history at the Mercer Williams House, famously featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Tours of this beautifully restored home offer a glimpse into Savannah’s more mysterious past. The house’s tragic history deepens its eerie atmosphere.

4. Forsyth Park

Savannah boasts 22 squares within a one-square-mile stretch of downtown, but the crown jewel is Forsyth Park. The iconic fountain, walking trails, and wide-open lawns make it a must-visit for families and photographers alike.

Fun fact: Although inspired by classic French design, the fountain was simply ordered from a catalog.

5. Plant Riverside District

This entertainment district along the river blends luxury and fun. Check out Electric Moon Skytop Lounge, a rooftop bar with stunning views, live music, and even a slide to an outdoor playground below.

Don’t miss the dinosaur fossils and other museum-like features inside the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, you can send your kids on a scavenger hunt throughout the lobby with a fun prize at the end.

We kept finding ourselves drawn back to the Plant Riverside District day after day. Some of our favorite highlights included discovering mini masterpieces in the art vending machine at 18 Loves Art, scooping up a bag of delicious treats from Byrd’s Famous Cookies, enjoying a fancy breakfast at the Alida Hotel, watching massive freight liners glide by, and having a seemingly endless selection of restaurants to choose from.

6. Savannah History Museum

Located inside the former Central of Georgia Railway Passenger Depot, this museum covers everything from Savannah’s founding to the present day—including the original Forrest Gump bench and Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low.

7. Savannah Children’s Museum

This outdoor museum is a wonderland for young kids, featuring interactive exhibits like a sensory garden, maze, and reading nook. Housed in the ruins of an old railroad station, it’s a unique space that encourages learning through play.

8. Georgia State Railroad Museum

Located next door to the Children’s Museum, this National Historic Landmark offers an incredible look at the golden age of rail travel. Tour historic railcars, watch a working turntable in action, and even take a ride on a short train pulled by a steam or diesel locomotive. My kids loved operating a handcar and exploring the filming location of the movie Glory.

9. American Prohibition Museum

Located in the City Market, this one-of-a-kind museum explores the history of Prohibition through immersive exhibits, vintage vehicles, and even a speakeasy bar. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Savannah, blending education and entertainment in true 1920s style.

10. The Pirate House

Just steps from River Street, The Pirate House is one of Savannah’s oldest and most storied restaurants. Once a meeting spot for sailors and privateers, it now serves up hearty Southern fare alongside ghost stories and a peek into old rum tunnels.

11. Bonaventure Cemetery

Arguably the most famous cemetery in the South, Bonaventure is hauntingly beautiful. Winding paths, moss-covered tombstones, and massive live oaks create a peaceful—if slightly eerie—experience. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset and has a deep connection to Savannah’s history and lore.

12. Savannah’s Candy Kitchen

A kid-favorite (and let’s be honest, an adult favorite too), this bustling sweet shop features freshly made pralines, saltwater taffy, and candied apples.

13. The Paris Market

Part café, part boutique, The Paris Market is a beautifully curated shop filled with global treasures, home décor, and artisanal goods. Lizzie and I enjoyed perusing this shop while we nibbled on macaroons.

14. Leopold’s Ice Cream

Serving up scoops since 1919, Leopold’s is a Savannah institution. Expect a line, but know it’s worth the wait for flavors like Tutti Frutti and Honey Almond & Cream.

15. Lulu’s Chocolate Bar

For a sweet treat in a romantic setting, Lulu’s Chocolate Bar is the place to go. Their handcrafted desserts and cocktails make it a great spot for date night or a girls’ getaway.

16. Savannah Riverboat Cruise

See Savannah from the water on a narrated riverboat tour. Whether you opt for a sightseeing cruise, dinner cruise, or sunset sail, it’s a relaxing way to take in the city skyline and learn about its maritime past.

17. SCAD Museum of Art

This contemporary art museum, run by the Savannah College of Art and Design, showcases innovative exhibitions in a historic railroad depot. It’s a great way to experience the modern creative spirit that thrives in Savannah.

18. Wormsloe Historic Site

Just a short drive from downtown, this breathtaking site features a mile-long avenue of live oaks and ruins of Georgia’s oldest tabby concrete house. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the state—and a peaceful place to reflect on Savannah’s colonial roots.

19. Take a Ghost Tour

Savannah is known as one of America’s most haunted cities, and a ghost tour is a thrilling way to explore its spooky past. Choose from walking tours, hearse rides, or haunted pub crawls—whatever fits your fright level!

My husband took our oldest on the Savannah Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour since it was the highest rated tour and they had an amazing time.

20. Day Trip to Tybee Island

If you’re craving some beach time, Tybee Island is just 20 minutes away. This laid-back barrier island offers sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse, and plenty of seafood shacks to refuel after a swim. It’s also a great spot to hunt for shark teeth—nearby dredging has brought fossil-rich sediment to the surface, making the shores especially rewarding for beachcombers.

From historic homes and cobblestone streets to sweet treats and seaside escapes, the best attractions in Savannah offer something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with kids, seeking romance, or indulging your inner history buff, this magical Southern city delivers at every turn.

Plan your visit now—and don’t forget your walking shoes and sweet tooth. Savannah is ready to charm you. If you want to consider exploring the area, you can drive two hours north to the city of Charleston or two hours south to relax on the beautiful beaches of Amelia Island.