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General James Oglethorpe laid out Savannah in 1733, and the colonial plan he drew, with its rhythm of leafy squares interrupting the streets, still defines how people move through the historic center. Set on a bluff above the Savannah River near the coast, the city came through the Civil War largely intact, and a twentieth-century preservation movement saved much of its historic core.
A slow walk through the squares is the essential experience. Live oaks hung with Spanish moss shade Chippewa and Madison squares en route to Forsyth Park. The twin spires of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist rise over Lafayette Square, and Monterey Square holds the Mercer Williams House, made famous by a bestselling true-crime book. The Owens-Thomas House pairs Regency architecture with a frank account of slavery. Near the water, cobbled ramps descend from Factors Walk to the bars and shops of River Street, and City Market and Ellis Square fill up at night. The SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center serve art lovers, while Bonaventure Cemetery and the oak-lined avenue at Wormsloe make atmospheric excursions.
Savannah suits walkers, architecture enthusiasts and anyone happy to linger over long meals. Spring is lovely, while summer is heavy with heat and humidity. The beaches of Tybee Island are a short drive east.
WiserMap travel guideSavannah Georgia Mossy Squares and Forsyth ParkExplore Savannah's squares, Forsyth Park, River Street, Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormsloe and Tybee Island, with food, neighborhoods, seasons and a weekend plan.Read the guide
Savannah's grand 30-acre park, shaded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss, with its iconic 1858 white fountain at the north end. Paths, lawns, a fragrant garden and a Saturday farmers market make it the city's living room. Perfect for a morning stroll or picnic.
Savannah's historic district is built around 22 leafy squares, each with monuments, benches and surrounding mansions. Chippewa Square is where Forrest Gump's bench scene was filmed, and Madison Square has a Revolutionary War monument. Walk from square to square to see the city's charm.
A French Gothic cathedral with twin spires, completed in 1876 and rebuilt after a fire. Inside are dazzling stained glass windows, murals and a carved marble altar. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the South. Visitors are welcome outside Mass times.
A hauntingly beautiful cemetery on a bluff over the Wilmington River, with moss-draped oaks, azaleas and elaborate Victorian monuments. It became famous through the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Free to visit; guided tours share its history and stories.
A stately Italianate mansion on Monterey Square, designed for Johnny Mercer's great-grandfather and later home to antiques dealer Jim Williams of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil fame. Tours show its fine rooms and art. The square is one of Savannah's prettiest.
The 1819 Owens-Thomas House is a Regency-style mansion with an urban slave quarters that tells a fuller story of the people who lived and worked there. Nearby house museums include the Davenport House and Juliette Gordon Low's birthplace, where the Girl Scouts founder grew up.
A colonial estate famous for its breathtaking mile-long avenue of more than 400 live oaks. At the end are the tabby ruins of a 1740s fortified house, a museum and nature trails through the marsh. One of the most photographed spots in Georgia. Arrive early for quiet photos.
A massive brick fort on Cockspur Island whose walls were breached by rifled cannon in 1862, changing military history. Explore the moat, drawbridge, casemates and cannon damage, and watch ranger demonstrations. Nature trails and a lighthouse view add to the visit.
River Street runs along the Savannah River with cobblestones, old cotton warehouses turned into shops, restaurants and bars, and big ships passing close by. Above, Factors Walk has iron bridges and stone stairs. Try pralines from a candy shop and watch the riverboats.
A lively four-block area of restored warehouses with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and live music in the courtyard. Next door, Ellis Square has a giant chess board, fountains for kids and the visitor center. A good base for evening strolls and dining.
The SCAD Museum of Art showcases contemporary art in a striking building made from a historic railway depot. The Jepson Center, part of the Telfair Museums, has modern galleries and a hands-on kids' area, while the nearby Telfair Academy holds classic American and European works.
Savannah's beach, about 20 minutes east, with wide sands, a fishing pier, dolphin tours and the historic Tybee Island Light Station, which you can climb for views. Laid-back seafood shacks and colorful cottages give it a relaxed feel. Bring bikes for getting around.
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