Savannah's Iconic Sights and Experiences Itinerary
By Brittany Howard
Very few iconic sights and experiences leave a lasting impression like Savannah, but our city has a habit of being an overachiever.
Our city admirer's most memorable moments are many of our own, inspiring us to highlight Savannah's iconic sights and experiences with this shareable itinerary.
Where We Go to Wander
Jones Street
Established 1779
One could spend hours roaming the gorgeous brick-lined streets of Jones Street. Consistently named the "prettiest street in Savannah," it has become a must-see for visitors and even now makes locals swoon. You can imagine the beauty beyond the wooden doors of the Georgian and Colonial estates that greet passer-byers as they not so subtly peek over the iron gates of the just as impressive gardens. It's no wonder we've been trying to "keep up with the Joneses" for years.
Forsyth Park
Established 1841
Calling all family members (you too, canine babies), athletes, picnickers, foodies, photographers and influencers - this 30-acre playground is for you. Forsyth Park is one of the dreamiest landmarks in the city with its plush green landscape, oversized oak trees, walk and running trails, tennis and basketball courts, playground, an amphitheater for live entertainment, the breathtaking Forsyth Park Fountain, Collins Quarter At Forsyth restaurant and more.
River Street
Established 1733
Having been around since the establishment of Savannah, picturesque River Street's port was once the primary hub for cotton exportation and incoming goods for the city. It is one of the most favored iconic sights for shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife. You could sit all day on one of the many stone benches that line the riverwalk and watch as the endless ripples signal incoming container ships throughout the day.
Wormsloe Historic Site
Established 1739
Get lost in the wonder of Wormsloe Historic Site. For more than 280 years, this 822-acre plantation has captured the attention of millions of people. An acreage that once grew corn, indigo and rice is now the remains of Noble Jone's fortified tabby home (made from oyster shells, sand, water and ash) and a museum. Live oaks line the 1.4-mile avenue, with branches stretching towards one another as if to join hands in welcoming its captivated audience.
Tybee Island
Established 1520
Tybee Island, Georgia, is a not-so-hidden best-kept secret along the Atlantic Coast. It's the perfect getaway for relaxing and enjoying its unique beauty. From lounging along the beach to catching a glimpse of the historic lighthouse, there is something for everyone to enjoy on Tybee Island. You can explore the island's many beaches, landmarks and parks by day. By night, enjoy the nightlife with its numerous local bars and restaurants. Tybee Island is a must-stop if you're looking for a peaceful and serene escape.
Extraordinary Dining Spots
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Established 1943
Mrs. Wilkes is a true Southern hospitality icon. Her restaurant has been serving delicious home-cooked meals for generations of locals and visitors alike. With its iconic white dining room and friendly staff, the restaurant can't be missed as diners line up to secure their shared table (there are no strangers here, just family!). Mrs. Wilkes is known for their generous portions, warm hospitality, and signature dishes that have become family favorites. The restaurant is a true testament to the unrivaled hospitality of the South, and Mrs. Wilkes embodies that.
The Pirates' House
Established 1794
Located in the heart of the historic district, The Pirates' House offers a unique blend of history and entertainment. Once an inn for seafarers and the rowdier crowd, people come from all over to experience the unique atmosphere created by the old-fashioned pirate-themed decor (plus pirate ghost stories) and the delicious food and drinks. Try the buffet with all the Southern fixings and make as many trips as your appetite desire.
Six Pence Pub
Established 1984
Experience the unique charm of Six Pence Pub. With its rustic decor and cozy atmosphere, this restaurant provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown to the streets of "London" on Bull Street. The menu is full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The friendly staff, British-inspired food and drink and local choices make it a great place to relax, share stories and enjoy a wonderful meal "across the pond."
Starland Yard
Established 2019
Starland Yard was once an industrial area transformed into an eclectic mix of restaurants, events, games and live entertainment. The site is alive with bright colors thanks to its container ship build. It's a wonderful gathering spot for people to explore and connect with the creativity and culture of Savannah. Every corner of Starland Yard offers something new and exciting to be discovered, from the rotating food trucks to the beer garden. It's a great place to enjoy a day with friends or family and explore the creative side of Savannah.
Historic Haunts
Historic Savannah Theatre
Established 1818
Give your regards to Broadway at the Historic Savannah Theatre, America's oldest operating theatre. This iconic stage has seen the likes of playwrights such as Oscar Wilde and actors such as W.C. Fields and Lillian Russell. Today's theatre hosts year-round live shows, including iconic scores like Guys and Dolls and Phantom of the Opera. With such an exhilarating past, this theatre's walls must have stories to tell. The Historic Savannah Theatre's Paranormal Investigations team will equip ghost hunters with thermal cameras, 4k night vision cameras, EMF detectors and digital voice recorders.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Established 1846
A haunted cemetery might be too on the nose, but it's different when it's true. Bonaventure Cemetery is a notable sight, established as part of the city's historic Victorian-style garden cemetery movement. The cemetery is situated on a peninsula between the Wilmington and Moon rivers and features a variety of monuments and sculptures. Among the most well-known monuments is the famous bird-girl statue, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" sound familiar? It become an icon of the city and is currently located in the Telfair Academy Museum. The resting place is also home to the graves of many notable Savannah residents, including poet Conrad Aiken, philanthropist Juliette Gordon Low, and artist Florence Martus. It has captivated visitors' imaginations for generations and is shrouded in mystery and legend. The cemetery is said to be haunted by ghosts from the past, and visitors have reported feeling a strange presence while wandering through the grounds.
Entertaining the Arts
Historic Grayson Stadium
Established 1926
You may know Grayson Stadium as the home to our well-loved and high energy baseball team, the Savannah Bananas. Still, this historic ballpark is also a popular venue for concerts, festivals, and other special events. The stadium features a seating capacity of 5,000, a natural grass surface and a state-of-the-art sound system. The stadium has been renovated several times over the years, most recently in 2015. It is a beautiful venue with a unique atmosphere, making it the perfect location to watch legendary banana ball!
Jepson Center
Established 2006
The Jepson Center for the Arts is a vibrant cultural gallery in the heart of downtown. It is home to the Telfair Museum of Art, the oldest public art museum in the Southeast, the contemporary Jepson Center and its most recent addition, the Telfair Children's Art Museum. The Telfair Museum of Art houses a collection of American, European, Asian, and African art, emphasizing 19th and 20th-century American and European art. The Jepson Center features rotating contemporary art exhibitions, a hands-on interactive gallery for children and an outdoor sculpture garden. The center offers educational programs, workshops and lectures for all ages. It is a great place to explore the visual arts and learn about Savannah's rich cultural history.
Chippewa Square
Established 1733
Chippewa Square is one of the original 24 city squares that remain today. The square was named after a group of Native Americans who lived and traded in the area. The location is most well-known for being the site of the climactic scene of the movie Forrest Gump, in which Tom Hanks's character sits on a bench (located in the Savannah Museum of History) and tells his life story. Various historical buildings, monuments and restaurants surround it, including the Pulaski Monument, the Nathaniel Greene Monument, Gallery Espresso and FIRE Street Food. It is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as benches and scenic pathways that locals and visitors have come to enjoy while partaking in afternoon strolls and picnics.
Savannah's diverse range of iconic sights and unique experiences will give visitors a lasting impression of our beautiful city. Savannah is a destination that will keep you returning for more.