On Georgia's Atlantic Coast lies a bustling city with a rich history that glistens with southern charm. Explore Savannah and learn more about American history on almost every street corner of the vibrant city!

Highlights

River Street:

Take a stroll down River Street on Savannah's waterfront. The lively cobblestone road is lined with small boutiques, restaurants, and pubs overlooking the Savannah River. Stop for a southern lunch, preferably seafood, and watch the boats pass by. Multiple historic monuments stand along River Street, reminding passers-by of Savannah's rich, yet complicated history. Parallel to River Street runs Factor's Walk, its red brick warehouses memorializing Savannah's once-booming cotton industry. 

Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum:

As a city made rich through the pre-war cotton trade and as the home of the First African Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King famously held his "I Have a Dream" speech, Savannah's long-standing African American History may not be overlooked. While many monuments are memorializing both the plight of Savannah's slave workers and the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum is the best place to learn about Savannah's African American history. The museum's name honors Ralph Mark Gilbert, who built the foundations of Savannah's civil rights movement. On three floors, it showcases historic documents and interactive exhibits on Savannah's black heritage and history.

Tybee Island:

Just a short 22.5 km (14 miles) drive from downtown Savannah lies Tybee Island. Tourists and city residents alike come here to lounge on the gorgeous Atlantic coast and to explore the island. Tybee houses four beaches, each with its strengths and charm. North Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand framed by gentle dunes. Climb Tybee Lighthouse, Georgia's oldest and tallest, for a great view of the island and take a walk through its historic museum. Just across the street is Fort Screven, now a historic landmark, which guarded Savannah River until after World War II. Experience Tybee's nature by renting a sea kayak to paddle through the coastal area or make use of the various other boat rentals available. When strolling along the beach be sure to keep an eye out for seabirds: the North Beach Birding Trail among the best places in Georgia to observe seabirds year-round! South beach is Tybee's entertainment hot-spot. Spend the day fishing off of the pier or go to one of the various events hosted in its pavilion. After sunset, make your way to Tybrisa Street to emerge yourself in the islands' nightlife: enjoy a few drinks at a bar or muster the courage to get on stage for some karaoke! Tybee has it all. Those in need of more downtime should checkout Back River Beach or Little Tybee. Relax in quiet at Back River Beach and soak in the ocean views: you might just see a bottlenose dolphin! Little Tybee Island is a nature reserve just next to the main island. The hidden gem is great for camping away from the crowds. While not reachable by car, renting a kayak to get there just makes the whole trip even more of an adventure!

Antebellum Mansions:

While exploring the city, one must take note of the architectural style of Savannah's buildings. Antebellum mansions (pre-civil war) are found throughout the city and remind visitors of Savannah's wealthy past. The most notable antebellum mansions are the Mercer-Williams House, which was also featured in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. Nowadays, both historic mansions are museums and offer guided tours. 

Forsyth Park:

Forsyth Park offers 30 acres of recreational area, loved by tourists and locals alike. Throughout the year the park hosts various festivals, most notably the last three days of the Savannah Jazz Festival each September. On days when Forsyth Park is not housing events, the large fields of grass invite everybody to lounge in the Savannah sun or play sports for an exciting afternoon! On the north end of the park stands Forsyth Park Fountain, which was erected in 1958 and built to resemble famous fountains in Paris and Cusco, Peru. It is one of the most photographed spots in Savannah and, due to its beauty, a hot spot for weddings. Also located in the park is the Garden of Fragrance, also known as the Garden for the Blind. Wandering among the scented flowers presents itself as a peaceful retreat from the otherwise lively Savannah city flair.

Bonaventure Cemetery:

While best known as the setting for much of the 1994 bestseller "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", Bonaventure Cemetery's striking beauty alone draws thousands of visitors each year. The cemetery covers 130 acres of land and visitors may drive along the long tree-lined avenues that run throughout. Come in early summer to experience the stark contrast between the colorful flower bushes that bloom all over the cemetery and the eery atmosphere conveyed by the mossy trees and victorian-style ornate tombs and statues.