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10 Savannah Must-Dos for First-Time Visitors

The historic Savannah Theatre never fails to entertain.

If you're visiting Savannah for the first time, the amount of things to do can be quite overwhelming! But don't worry, this list is the perfect combination of quaint, quirky, historic and modern. These Savannah must-dos will give you the well-rounded experience you're looking for.

Explore Forsyth Park

This 30-acre park is nestled in the Historic Landmark District and is known for its Spanish moss-draped oak trees, pedestrian/jogger-friendly sidewalks and iconic fountain. The park's amazing fountain is one of Savannah's most recognizable landmarks and is the perfect spot to snap a photo!

Within Forsyth Park, you'll find a cafe, a visitor information center, two memorials, a Fragrant Garden for the Blind and two playgrounds to accommodate children of all ages. On Saturday mornings, a lively Farmer's Market takes over the south end of the park.

A large crowd of people enjoying an outdoor festival. — Celebrate with City Market year-round.

Visit Savannah City Market and River Street

Savannah City Market is one of the great must-see spots! Meet some of the city's emerging artists, listen to live music, visit the American Prohibition Museum, or dine at one of their premier restaurants such as Wexford-Savannah's Irish Pub. This family-friendly attraction offers something for everyone!

Iconic River Street is an experience that can't be missed. Walk the historic cobblestone streets to take in breathtaking views of the Savannah River and indulge in the energetic vibes of the Plant Riverside District as you shop, dine, dance and are entertained along this beautiful boardwalk.

Common Thread; The Hungry Asian, photographer

Savor Savannah’s Culinary Creativity

Savannah’s dining scene is always evolving, and three standouts you won't want to miss are Municipal Bar, Common Thread and Saint Bibiana. The Municipal Bar is the Municipal Grand Hotel's signature restaurant, reinventing feel-good staples like French toast, steak frites and delicate branzino in a gorgeous, inviting atmosphere. Common Thread, set inside a restored 19th-century home, focuses on sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients presented with modern flair. Over at Hotel Bardo, Saint Bibiana serves up elevated Italian cuisine in a chic setting, blending timeless flavors with Savannah's signature hospitality.

Explore Savannah’s Sacred Places

You don’t have to be religious to enjoy Savannah’s sacred places. With breathtaking beauty, deep histories and plenty of photo-ops, Savannah’s sacred spots are often at the top of travelers’ must-do lists. Tour Savannah's most iconic churches like First African Baptist Church, Second African Baptist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, or step inside Congregation Mickve Israel to experience one of the oldest Jewish congregations in America.

Kehoe House Inn exterior view — Kehoe House

Learn About Savannah’s Architectural History

Take a comprehensive tour through 300 years of Savannah’s architectural history. Local author, SCAD graduate and owner of Architectural Tours of Savannah, Jonathan Stalcup, will lead you on a leisurely stroll sharing Savannah’s history through the periods, styles and forms of the homes and buildings.

Don’t know federal style from antebellum? This tour will bring you up to speed. The best part? The tour is small. Each tour is limited to a certain number of people to allow for dialogue and questions as they arise. And if you’re an Instagram photo junkie, charge your phone because this tour is right up your alley!

davenport house museum gift shop-b.howard.jpg — Davenport House Museum Gift Shop

Shop Local Keepsakes

What would we do without our local business owners? You can't visit Savannah without leaving with a few keepsakes. Don't miss out on all natural and aromatic skin care products at Nourish and Salacia Salts. The recently restored Kennedy Pharmacy is the Davenport House Museum's gift shop housing books, teas, jewelry and light bites. Locally Made Savannah is a respectful nod to an authentic soda shop where you can shop local artisan treasures and treat yourself to rich signature floats.

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See Artwork by Local and International Artists

The SCAD Museum of Art is a contemporary museum where the exhibitions rotate based on the academic term. The Savannah College of Art and Design has over 11,000 students from nearly 50 states and over 100 countries, so you know you'll see things you’ve never experienced before.

On Madison Square, you’ll find shopSCAD – a store filled with artwork, textiles, jewelry, photography made by current SCAD students, faculty and alumni. SCAD has many other galleries sprinkled throughout the Historic District, all of which are open for tours!

The Telfair Museum collection consists of various artistic tastes and Savannah's history. For a modernized, cutting-edge view, visit the Jepson Center. For classic American and European pieces, Telfair Academy will not disappoint. A deep dive into the lives of the haves and have-nots in 1819 Savannah can be found at the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. A local touch on art can be found at City Market. Other noteworthy museums such as the Andrew Low House Museum, Pin Point Heritage Museum and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum are worth adding to your bucket list to immerse yourself in the city's cultural, scientific and historical values.

A walking food tour in Savannah, GA. — Flavors Food Tours

Ditch the Car

Savannah's grid layout makes it so easy to get around town and explore by foot - or bike! Savannah is known for its incredible walking tours, like Footprints of Savannah Walking Tours, 40 Acres and a Mule Tour, Savannah Taste Experience, Flavors Food Tours, History of Savannah Walking Tour and Self-Guided Savannah Walking Tour.

Savannah Bikes Tours and Savannah On Wheels are laid-back bike tours around the city as you take in everything about Savannah at a leisurely pace.

For live music and entertainment in historic spaces, The Savannah Theatre and Lucas Theatre are a must. Each provides a rotating year-round line-up. If you love seeing the sights at your own pace and schedule, follow our guide to exploring Savannah in 10,000 steps!

Sisters of the New South — Get your fried chicken fix.

Devour a Southern Staple

If there’s one thing Savannah loves, it's fried chicken! We've broken down everything you need to know about Savannah's mouthwatering fried chicken scene. You can find some of the best at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, The Olde Pink House, Kim's Cafe, Geneva's Famous Chicken and Cornbread Co., or Sisters of the New South. Wear your stretchy pants and embrace the calories.

Mom and daughter playing in the ocean on Tybee Island, GA. — Make Tybee Island your coastal playground.

Broaden Your Horizons

Although seeing the Historic District is a must for first-time visitors, there's so much more to of Savannah's coast to explore! Tybee Island, Savannah's laid-back beach community, offers plenty of sand and surf, as well as nostalgic seafood shacks and stunning sunset cruises to end the day with playful dolphins.

Broaden your horizons by exploring Savannah's many neighborhoods, like the Moon River District, Eastern Wharf, the Starland District and the Victorian District.

We're sure these Savannah must-dos will give you the well-rounded experience you're looking for on your next visit. By the time you leave, you'll be an honorary Savannahian!