MUSEUMS | ART | PARKS | SHOPPING | GOLF | FISHING & WATERSPORTS | BEACHES | SIGHTSEEING TOURS| SPAS | WORSHIP | LOCAL INFORMATION
Whether you’re new to the area or have lived in Savannah for years, around Savannah there is something fun for everyone. From interactive venues to historical sites and sports venues to beautiful performing arts, Savannah offers so many options.
Each year Savannah attracts millions of visitors, who enjoy the city’s architecture and historic buildings: the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America), the Georgia Historical Society (the oldest continually operating historical society in the South), the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (one of the South’s first public museums), the First African Baptist Church (one of the oldest African-American Baptist congregations in the United States), Temple Mickve Israel (the third oldest synagogue in America), and the Central of Georgia Railway roundhouse complex (the oldest standing antebellum rail facility in America). Savannah’s downtown area, which includes the Savannah Historic District, the Savannah Victorian Historic District and 22 park squares, is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States (designated by the U.S. government in 1966). Downtown Savannah largely retains the original town plan prescribed by founder James Oglethorpe (a design now known as the Oglethorpe Plan). Savannah was the host city for the sailing competitions during the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta.
Art & Museums in Savannah
From museums and historic house tours to art galleries and theater performances, you can fill your days with plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences for all ages. Walk through our streets and see what inspires you, or head straight for the places on your personal must-see list.
- Albert Seidl – Both a realist and impressionist, Alber Seidl’s powerful and dynamic design is combined with gentle and delicate beauty that creates pieces that capture both the eye and the soul of his admirers. His musicians and marine images are the most popular and hang in homes and galleries worldwide. 312 W. St. Julian St., Franklin Ward Bldg., Upper Level.
- Wayne Chambers Gallery – Wayne has studied fine art throughout his life, including life drawing, oil painting, and composition at the New York Art Students League. His style has been nurtured from the experience of famous painters and teachers. In June 2000, Wayne relocated to Savannah. 305 W. Bryan St.
- Tybee Island Light Station & Tybee Museum – The Tybee Island Light Station is one of America’s most intact having all of its historic support buildings on its five-acre site. Rebuilt several times the current lightstation displays its 1916 day mark with 178 stairs.
- Samantha Claar Gullah Living – Award winning artist “painting the stories” that celebrate the unique persona of the Gullah-Geechee way of life and their influence on what we typically describe as “Southern Culture”. Visit Samantha at City Market, 309 W. St. Julian St., Studio One-A/Upstairs; Originals, Prints, Black Art dolls, handcrafted Gullah jewelry in beads and metalwork as well as the largest selection of Gullah Sweetgrass baskets in Savannah.
- Sue Gouse – Much of Sue Gouse inspiration for her oil paintings comes from her travels, with special emphasis on the beach and the mountains. Sue believes life, along with her ability to paint, is a gift from God, and her palette reflects her love of beauty in vivid color. 309 W. St. Julian St.
- Luba Lowry – Brushing Against Identity! Through portraiture, I explore the complex correlation between the personality of nature and the nature of personality. My paintings have been the featured décor in restaurants from Germany to Minneapolis, and more recently have been seen hanging in art galleries in Savannah and Atlanta. 309 W. St. Julian St., Studio FSU-7.
- The Downstairs Gallery 19 1/2 West Gordon Street | 912-233-0920
- Savannah Riverboat Cruises 9 East River Street | 800-786-6404
- Grace Rohland Printmaker – Painter Gallery 11 Upstairs, City Market | 912-598-8217
- Samantha Claar Gullah Living 309 West St. Julian Street | 404-966-3647
- Georgia State Railroad Museum 655 Louisville Road | 912-651-6823
- HReeves Art 309 West St. Julian Street | 912-312-1403
- Ships of the Sea Museum 41 MLK, Jr. Boulevard | Savannah | 912-232-1511
- The Harper Fowlkes House 230 Barnard Street | 912-234-2180
- The Andrew Low House 329 Abercorn Street | 912-233-6854
- Telfair Museum of Art 121 Barnard Street | Savannah | 912-790-8800
- Jepson Center For The Arts 207 West York Street | Savannah | 912-790-8800
- Savannah Theatre 222 Bull Street | Savannah | 912-233-7764
Parks in Savannah
Voted 1 of the 10 Most Beautiful Places in America by USA Weekend Magazine, the squares & parks of Savannah are the community’s most beloved icons. Originally with 24 squares, 22 remain today to be enjoyed by the millions who grace their grassy utopias every year.
GREENE SQUARE, HOUSTON AND PRESIDENTS STREETS – Greene Square was designed in 1799 to honor General Nathanael Greene, a Revolutionary War hero who fought against the British in Savannah. Located on the square: Second African Baptist Church.
Shopping in Savannah
Once upon a time, Savannahians would head to Charleston or Atlanta if they wanted to do “real” shopping. Today, there’s no need to venture outside the city limits.
Wright Square – Many people stop by Wright Square, the city’s second-oldest square, to visit a monument that memorializes famed Native American leader Tomochichi. The 17th-century Creek leader was a key factor in mediating peace between the native population and the English settlers. Bringing together diverse groups and celebrating unity is very much the mantra of the merchants whose businesses populate today’s Wright Square and the adjacent streets. Galleries, first-rate confectionaries and antique stores work together, along with the other lovely stores in the area to create a first-rate shopping experience for visitors. The merchants even throw an annual holiday open house in December to showcase their goods and services
Abercorn Walk – Just a few miles south of Downtown Savannah, Abercorn Walk is one of the city’s newest shopping centers and one of the nicest. Anchored by the gourmet grocery store Fresh Market, Abercorn Walk is a woman’s dream, with clothiers Palm Avenue (a Lilly Pulitzer boutique), White House Black Market, Loft, Chico’s, Talbots, Coldwater Creek and Francesca’s, all of which offer trendy, affordable frocks for women of all ages. Men can get their shopping groove on too at upscale retailer Jos. A. Bank, while those more interested in items for the home will enjoy browsing the goods at furniture store Nadeau and kitchen store Williams-Sonoma.
12 Oaks Shopping Center – 12 Oaks may not immediately catch the eyes of tourists, but this shopping center, anchored by Publix supermarket, has several locally owned businesses that make it well worth the trip. BleuBelle Boutique features some of the most fashionable designer clothes in town, while sister store BleuBelle Bridal Salon is a bride-to-be’s dream come true. Those shopping on a budget will appreciate the vast selection and reasonable prices at women’s clothing store Affordables Apparel. Longtime Savannah shoe store Globe is a must for shoe aficionados, while home chefs will drool over the insane selection of goods at Kitchenware Outfitters. And no trip to 12 Oaks is complete without a visit to the Savannah Wine Cellar, a wine store with a unique self-serve system that allows patrons to sample from up to 40 varieties of wine.
River Street – If you’re looking to pick up some Savannah souvenirs during your visit, River Street is the place to shop. But Savannah T-shirts and magnets aren’t the only reason to hit up the historic street that overlooks the Savannah River. There’s something for collectors (True Grits, a shop that specializes in Civil War artifacts), peanut lovers (The Peanut Shop of Savannah, a store that sells more than 50 varieties of hand-roasted peanuts) and book lovers (Books on Bay, a bookstore that features thousands of books from the 1700s to the late 1900s). There are also lovely galleries, an open-air marketplace, a good selection of restaurants and bars, and not one, but two candy stores. So many great shopping options, plus numerous special events held throughout the year in which vendors sell their arts and crafts, make River Street a one-stop shopping destination that you don’t want to miss.
Habersham Antiques Market – Habersham Antiques & Collectibles Market, located in Savannah’s Thomas Square Streetcar neighborhood, features an impressive selection of antiques, estate items and collectibles from more than 70 dealers. The market, which is housed in a former mid-20th century grocery store, boasts room after room of housewares, furniture, artwork, books, clothing, jewelry, accessories, Oriental carpets and more. Many details of the original grocery store remain and are repurposed, including meat hooks in the old butcher’s area that are cleverly used to hang rugs. Habersham Antiques’ staff goes out of its way to help customers navigate the large store, and prices are often negotiable depending on the dealer.
Oglethorpe Mall – With more than 100 stores, a number of restaurants, a food court and free children’s play area, the Oglethorpe Mall is the number one place for indoor shopping and dining in Savannah. Those looking to restock their wardrobes with the latest styles will find plenty to choose from at Savannah’s oldest shopping mall. Anchor stores JC Penney, Macy’s and Sears have a fine selection to fit every budget, while Belk has stepped it up, offering prestigious brands such as Kate Spade, Joe’s Jeans and Ugg Australia. Clotheshorses will enjoy favorites such as Gap, Old Navy, The Limited and Express, while parents will have no trouble finding duds for their little ones at Gymboree, Justice, Crazy Eight and Children’s Place. The Barnes and Noble, the city’s largest bookstore, is a breath of fresh air on the weekends, providing a quiet escape from the mall chaos.
City Market – City Market is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. An ode to the original City Market, which was used by farmers and traders in the 18th century to sell their goods, the open-air market has a little bit of something for everyone. City Market is home to several art galleries, including the A.T. Hun Gallery, Jim Pennington Fine Art, Raffine Galerie, Signature Gallery, Stephen Kasun Gallery and Thomas Kinkade Gallery, along with several smaller galleries and artists who have space in the market’s Art Center. There are several gift shops that boast an array of Savannah souvenirs and other goodies, among them All Things Georgia, Trolley Stop Gifts and Cinnamon Bear. Specialty retailers include Twinkle, which features fun fashion accessories, perfumery Scents of Savannah, bookstore Savannah Prose and Poetry, and Savannah Cigars. In addition to great shops, City Market also has a number of places to grab a light snack, sweet treat or hearty meal.
shopSCAD – The Savannah College of Art and Design has not only breathed life into Downtown Savannah, it has also produced some of the most talented artists and designers in the country. ShopSCAD, a retail store operated by the college that features jewelry, decor, paintings, pottery, photography, apparel and other gift items designed by the college’s students and alumni, is the perfect way to take a piece of the college home. Several items available at shopSCAD have been featured in prestigious magazines, including Vogue, Lucky and Woman’s Day. With brand new items arriving daily, you may want to peek in a few times during your trip.
Sandfly – Historic Sandfly, a neighborhood near Isle of Hope, has quickly become one of the trendiest shopping destinations outside of Downtown Savannah. Norwood Market on Skidaway Road features several unique shops, among them the clothing and accessory boutique the Pink Door, skincare shop Nourish and gift shop Summer Home. Nearby Newton’s Corner on Ferguson Avenue is home to trendy clothing boutique James Gunn and eclectic gift shop Sweet Tea Home & Gifts. Just a half a block down on Ferguson Avenue is the Sandfly Five Oaks Shopping Center, which features toy store Four Kids, women’s clothing shop Ej Scandals, and Sandfly Market Place, a hidden gem with antiques and collectibles from multiple vendors. The area also has several outstanding restaurants, among them Driftaway Café, Sandfly Bar-B-Q and Fiore, making Sandfly the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
Broughton Street – Hip boutiques, popular chain stores, galleries, unique gourmet shops and some of the city’s best restaurants contribute to Broughton Street’s reputation as one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations. Two century-old, family-owned businesses anchor Broughton Street–Levy Jewelers, which features an impressive collection of diamonds, watches, jewelry and giftware, and Globe Shoe Company, one of the city’s best stores for high-quality footwear and accessories. Broughton Street also boasts upscale retailers Marc Jacobs (the label’s only company store in the South outside of Miami) and Kate Spade, along with Urban Outfitters, Gap and Banana Republic. But some of the best shopping can be found in Broughton Street’s many locally owned businesses, among them jewelry store ZIA Boutique, skincare shop Sugar Works, handbag boutique Satchel, furniture store 24e Design Co., and the Savannah Bee Company, a retail shop specializing in Savannah-made honey.
Sightseeing Tours
Be sure to tour the city’s historic waterways, squares, mansions, forts and historic sites. Visit Revolutionary and Civil War landmarks. Take a riverboat ride or a dolphin tour from River Street. Investigate the paranormal in “America’s Most Haunted City.” From walking tours to trolley tours, there are so many ways to learn about Savannah.
Hearse Ghost Tours Take a ride if you dare and hear the tales of ghosts and spirits. On our travels you will experience historic Savannah as never before. You will be riding in a real hearse that was in service for over 15 years. Tours last approximately one and a half hours and are conducted by licensed guides.
Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours Family owned and operated since 1992, Lazaretto Creek Marina and Capt. Mike’s Dolphin Tours have been offering the best in dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and inshore and deep sea fishing from the serenity of Tybee Island, Georgia. 912.786.5848.
Dolphin Magic Tours Touring Savannah’s Historic Waterways! We invite you to come aboard, sit back, relax and enjoy a full featured narrated tour of Savannah’s Riverfront, waving Girl, Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski (trip route/duration varies according to dolphin location). Each cruise is 1-1/2 to 2 hours long.
Old Savannah Tours WE BRING SAVANNAH’S HISTORY TO LIFE Bringing Savannah’s History To Life is not just a slogan….it’s our promise. Along with our uniquely personal descriptions of Savannah’s rich and spellbinding history, actual historical re-enactors appear from time to time, boarding and walking the aisles of your trolley. You might see Forrest Gump, Georgia founder General James Oglethorpe, or a lingering pirate from the old days at the historic Pirate’s House. Your tour guide might even be dressed in a wardrobe from long ago as well.
Tybee Island Kayak Rentals & Tours – Savannah’s Beach Kayak or Jet Ski at Tybee Island’s one stop fun shop. We provide free instructional training, therefore no experience is required to jet ski or kayak. Immerse yourself in the scenic wonders of Dolphin Bay. Thrive on the simplicity of self-propelled travel on our ocean kayaks or cruise along on our wave runners, watching diverse wildlife in the bay and reflecting on what makes this a perfect day at Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports. While out buzzing around on the water, don’t be surprised if a few dolphins stop by to say “hello”. We are pet friendly!
Historic Savannah Theatre – Live Performances Nightly The Historic Savannah Theatre, originally built in 1818 is the oldest continually operating theatre in the United States. The show is a high-energy 2 hour variety show that features everything from “Pop” to “Broadway” and “Motown” to “Rock & Roll!” It is the #1 attraction on TripAdvisor.com. Featuring a rockin’ live band and eight singers, it is sure to be the most fun that you will have in Savannah!
Oglethorpe Trolley Tours Take a journey around the historic squares, along the waterfront, and throughout the 2.2 square miles of the Historic District aboard one of our beautiful BLUE Trolleys, steeped in old-fashioned charm. Our tour guides warmly invite you to explore the beauty of Savannah as only we can share it.
Great Savannah Races Museum Buy your copy of the new book, The First American Grand Prix at 411 Abercorn Street (at Taylor St.); Be sure to visit The Great Savannah Races Museum and shop that is dedicated to the Great Savannah Races!
Old Town Trolley – Ghosts & Gravestones Tours Ghosts & Gravestones guests journey through time with EXCLUSIVE nighttime entry into River Street’s Perkins and Sons Ship Chandlery for a haunting experience. Ghosts & Gravestones awaits… When the conductor howls “all aboard!” – Will you be there?
Savannah Riverboat Cruises See Savannah From The River That Made Her! Relive a bygone era on board one of our Riverboats. Hear our captain’s intriguing tales and historic facts as we travel a river once used by the founders of our beautiful city. Learn about the history of Savannah, her port modern day and past.
Savannah Taste Experience Food Tours Sample delicious foods from several restaurants and specialty food stores as we walk through the picturesque squares while learning about the food, restaurants, history and culture of Savannah. So much fun and enough yummy food for lunch!
Full Moon Tours Savannah’s Favorite Night Time Activity* Haunted Savannah “Themed” Pub Crawl.. This tour is a Strolling Party With a Haunted Theme. Even Skeptics Will Enjoy This Fun Tour. *Spirits Guaranteed!* Andrew’s Haunted & History Pub Crawl “I’ve met every person on this tour and we’re all having a great time.”
6th Sense World – Historic Ghost & Cemetery Tours In 2002, the Sixth Sense Savannah Ghost Tour was the first ghosts’ tour and paranormal stories to go beyond the usual Savannah sightseeing areas and tourism subject matter. Covering paranormal and haunted story topics of poltergeist, hags, exorcism, missing cemeteries, disembodies spirit forms, and haunted hotels, this pioneering Savannah ghost tour is arguably our customer’s favorite and best known walking ghost tour in Savannah!
The Harper Fowlkes House Overlooking Orleans Square, this 1842 Greek Revival mansion served as the headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Georgia and is filled with period antiques, beautiful gardens and a fascinating story about early preservationist Alida Harper Fowlkes. Open for tours Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or by appointment, and also serves as a popular wedding location.
Savannah Heritage Tours John Berendt’s book, Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, is about real life events that occurred in the 1980’s & is about antique dealer Jim Williams. This tour highlights houses restored by Jim and includes a visit to Bonaventure Cemetery.
Worship
Revitalize your spirit at one of Savannah’s historic houses of worship. Serving all denominations, our churches and synagogues provide an uplifting atmosphere where you can practice your faith. Our warm and friendly congregations will welcome you with open arms.
Bible Baptist Church | 4700 Skidaway Road | Savannah | 912-352-3020
Real Life Christian Fellowship Church | 910 Akin Drive | Savannah | 912-964-9797
Sacred Heart Catholic Church | 1707 Bull Street | Savannah | 912-232-0792
Second African Baptist Church | 123 Houston Street | Savannah | 912-233-6163
Calvary In Savannah | 25 Waters Avenue | Savannah | 912-351-2288
All Saints Episcopal Church | 804 Jones Avenue | Tybee Island | 912-786-5845
Trinity Lutheran Church | 12391 Mercy Boulevard | Savannah | 912-925-4839
Savannah Christian Church | 55 Al Henderson Boulevard | Savannah | 912-925-9657
Pineland Baptist Church | 4929 Pineland Drive | Savannah | 912-233-8424
Congregation Agudath Achim | 9 Lee Boulevard | Savannah | 912-352-4737
First African Baptist Church | 23 Montgomery Street | Savannah | 912-233-6597
Christ Church | 28 Bull Street | Savannah | 912-232-4131
Congregation B’Nai Brith Jacob | 5444 Abercorn Street | Savannah | 912-354-7721
Masjid Jihad | 117 East 34th Street | Savannah | 912-236-7387
St. Francis Islands Episcopal Church | 590 Walthour Road | Savannah | 912-897-5725
St. Michael’s Catholic Church | 2 Lovell Avenue | Savannah | 912-786-4505
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church | 2716 Mechanics Ave | Thunderbolt, GA | (912) 354-6815
LOCAL INFORMATION
- Savannah Chamber of Commerce
- Savannah Convention & Visitors Bureau
- City Market, The Art & Soul of Savannah
- Savannah Waterfront Association – River Street
- Savannah Hilton Head International Airport
- Tybee Island Georgia Online Guide
Extras
- Savannah’s Official Tourism Website – Read more about the Savannah’s events and attractions. This site will also give you information about where to stay if you are visiting.
- Savannah Greensource – Your one stop guide for green living in and around the Savannah, Tybee Island, and the Chatham County area.
- Gay Savannah
* All information believed accurate but is not warranted. All rights reserved.