Things to Visit in Savannah

Savannah's original city plan by James Oglethorpe created 24 squares (22 remain). Each is a small park surrounded by historic buildings, live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, fountains, and monuments. Chippewa, Madison, Monterey, and Forsyth Park's adjacent square are the most beautiful. Walking all 22 takes about 3 hours. Free to explore at any time.

A 30-acre park at the southern edge of the historic district, anchored by the iconic white fountain (modeled after those in Paris). The Saturday Farmers Market (9 AM to 1 PM) is excellent. The park is perfect for morning jogs, picnics, and people-watching. The Forsyth Park Cafe in the old fort building serves brunch. Free to visit.

Often called the most beautiful street in America, this one-block stretch near Monterey Square has perfectly preserved row houses, garden gates, iron railings, and massive live oaks creating a canopy overhead. The houses are private residences, so admire from the sidewalk. Best photographed in the morning light when the street is quiet.

The house made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (the book, not the movie). The Italianate mansion on Monterey Square can be toured (USD 12.50, 35 minutes). The carriage house and ground floor rooms are open. Jim Williams' art collection is displayed. Fans of the book should also visit Bonaventure Cemetery and the Oglethorpe Club mentioned in the story.

A stunningly beautiful Victorian cemetery on a bluff above the Wilmington River, with live oaks, Spanish moss, and elaborate sculptured graves. The Gracie Watson statue (a young girl who died at 6) and the Bird Girl statue (from the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) are the most visited. Free entry, open dawn to dusk. A genuinely peaceful and photogenic place.

Savannah's most impressive church, with a French Gothic interior featuring stunning stained glass windows imported from Austria. The white marble altar and vaulted ceiling rival European cathedrals. Free to enter (donations appreciated). Located on Lafayette Square. Masses are open to visitors. The interior lighting is best in the late afternoon.

Savannah's art museum complex includes the Jepson Center (contemporary art in a Moshe Safdie building), the Telfair Academy (the oldest public art museum in the South, housed in a Regency mansion), and the Owens-Thomas House (Regency architecture with preserved slave quarters). A combination ticket (USD 25) covers all three. The Owens-Thomas slave quarters are among the best preserved in the country.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (family-style lunch, no reservations, line starts before 11 AM) is a Savannah institution serving fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The Olde Pink House (in a 1771 mansion) serves elevated Southern cuisine. The Grey (in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus station) is the city's most acclaimed restaurant. Leopold's Ice Cream has been scooping since 1919.

Savannah is one of the few US cities where you can walk the streets with an alcoholic drink in hand (in a plastic cup, within the historic district). Many bars offer to-go cups for this purpose. This means you can enjoy a cocktail while strolling through the squares and admiring the architecture. The law applies within specific boundaries of the historic district, roughly between River Street and Jones Street.

A cobblestone waterfront street along the Savannah River, lined with restaurants, shops, and bars in converted cotton warehouses. The steep cobblestone ramps connecting River Street to Bay Street above are the original paths used to roll cotton bales to the ships. Tourist-heavy but atmospheric, especially at night. The Waving Girl statue and Savannah Riverboat cruises (USD 35-60) are popular.

Savannah's emerging arts and food district south of Forsyth Park. The Bull Street corridor has independent restaurants, vintage shops, and art studios. The Starland Yard is a food truck park and gathering space. Two Tides Brewing and Service Brewing represent the local craft beer scene. Less touristy than the historic district with a more creative energy.

Savannah claims to be the most haunted city in America, and ghost tours are a local industry. Walking tours (USD 20-30, 90 minutes) visit allegedly haunted sites throughout the historic district. Blue Orb Tours and Ghost City Tours are well-reviewed. The 432 Abercorn house and the Sorrel-Weed House (USD 18, guided tour of the house) are highlights. Evening tours are most atmospheric.

The Savannah Architecture Foundation and other groups offer tours focusing on the city's remarkable collection of Federal, Regency, Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian buildings. Free self-guided tours are available via the Visit Savannah website. The diversity of architectural styles within a few blocks is unusual for an American city and reflects Savannah's prosperity over several centuries.

Savannah's beach community, 20 minutes east of the city. A relaxed, slightly scruffy beach town with a lighthouse (USD 10, climb for views), fishing pier, and casual seafood restaurants. The beach is wide with warm water from May through October. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is good for families. Much less commercialized than resort beaches further south.