City in Georgia, United States
Photo: J. Miers - User: (WT-shared) Jtesla16 at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Savannah is the fifth largest city in Georgia, at the northern end of the state's coast. It's famous for having one of the largest historic districts in the country.
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Fans of "The Book" will find Johnny Mercer's grave here, along with those of Conrad Aiken and other Southern notables. The view of the river is wonderful, and the Spanish moss creates a delightfully spooky atmosphere.
City Market is a mixed-use project in the northwest corner of the Historic District. The rehabilitation of the four-block area began in 1985. The result is a facility that economically could not be replicated today. City Market has established itself as a destination for entertainment, dining, and retailing in downtown Savannah. To create an anchor attraction that would attract both tourists and Savannah residents, the developer emulated its successful Torpedo Factory project in Alexandria, Virginia and established the Art Center at City Market. This group of working studios for artists occupies approximately 19000 sqft of space and has created an opportunity for other tenants of City Market to establish and operate viable food, entertainment, and retail businesses. In addition, City Market has three apartments and approximately 11000 sqft of office space. Ellis Square is immediately west of City Market and has an interactive fountain, information kiosk & an underground 1,100-space parking garage making it very easy to park in the heart of the historic & tourist area.
This large public park, which marks the southern edge of the Historic District, is ringed with bed and breakfasts and crowned with a beautiful fountain. They filmed Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil here. So stay in the park, admire the Spanish moss, and imagine yourself next to John Cusack under the dripping Spanish moss.
Features several vintage pieces of rolling stock, an operating model train layout, and an operating turntable.
Historic Grayson Stadium
It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the Savannah Bananas, a professional exhibition team. From 2016 to 2022, the Bananas played in the Coastal Plain League collegiate summer baseball league, but in 2020 started a professional exhibition team, playing a game with unique rule variations that it calls "Banana Ball". Thanks to their unique promotions, over-the-top entertainment, and distinctive take on professional play, the Bananas achieved major internet fame and sold out every game for both their college summer and professional operations. The professional side also regularly tours minor-league and even major-league ballparks around the country. After the 2022 season, the Bananas shut down their college summer team and went all-in on "Banana Ball". The Bananas play about 30 games in Savannah each season, as well as about 40 in different locations around the U.S. As for the stadium, it was also the part-time home of the Savannah State University college baseball team. It was used from 1927 until 1959 for the annual Thanksgiving Day game between Savannah High School and Benedictine Academy. Known as "Historic Grayson Stadium" it was built in 1926. It holds 4,000 people.
A former power plant that was decommissioned and redeveloped. Opened in 2020, a J. W. Marriott hotel anchors the development with a publicly-accessible lobby called Generator Hall featuring shops, restaurants, and a large collection of minerals and geodes on display. Other amenities along River Street include a splash pad, several outdoor covered restaurants and stores, a bust of Martin Luther King Jr., and a concert venue. Tours of Generator Hall are available at 11AM and 2PM by request.
A popular cobblestone street (one way east) along the south bank of the Savannah River. It is lined with numerous tourist-targeted shops and restaurants. The sculpture of the Waving Girl is towards the east end of River Street. The rest of the Historic District is on a bluff above the riverfront and is connected with River Street via stairs or ramps, and is home to many restaurants and cafes, such as the famous River Street Sweets!
The entrance has a beautiful avenue of live oak trees, plus there is a visitor's center with history of the plantation and trails along the marshes.
SCAD uses it for a number of events including the Savannah Film Festival. The college’s support also allows for a wide range of community uses: the Lucas has presented top-line entertainment including opera from London and Italy, European orchestras, country stars, travelling repertory companies and film series. These events bring in an average of more than 1,000 people per week.
SCAD
Founded in 1978 by Paula S. Wallace, Richard Rowan, May Poetter and Paul Poetter — is an independent, accredited and nonprofit school dedicated to the visual and performing arts, design, the building arts and the history of art and architecture. SCAD enrolls more than 10,000 students from all 50 states and at least 100 countries.
The Telfair Museum of Art traces its history from 1886 when the Telfair family home opened to the public as an art museum and school. Now composed of three buildings: the original Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences building, a National Historic Landmark; the Owens-Thomas House, also a National Historic Landmark; and the Jepson Center for the Arts.Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie, the Jepson Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art museum facility, featuring expanded gallery spaces, expanded educational resources, much-needed art storage facilities, sculpture gardens, an auditorium, café and museum store.Over the years the Telfair has become an invaluable confluence of arts, culture and history that reaches out to its audience through a diverse schedule of exhibitions and programs. Among the city's most-visited attractions, the museum is even more popular with the 2006 opening of its third venue, the Jepson Center for the Arts.
Held in late October/early November. The festival features more than 50 films, selected from more than 600 entries in the categories of feature, short, animation, documentary and student competition, which are submitted from all over the world. The featured screenings represent a variety of independent filmmakers, while a cross section of workshops, lectures, receptions and special events gives the festival participants an opportunity to meet colleagues active in all areas of film production.
"Southern, Soulful and Sophisticated." The festival's distinctive line-up showcases indigenous music from the Deep South, originally conceived chamber music, and a wealth of internationally renowned musicians representing an abundance of musical styles and genres.
This annual spring event offers self-guided walking tours through private homes and gardens in Savannah's National Landmark Historic District.
Held in the spring. The sidewalks of Savannah's charming Forsyth Park come to life with remarkable original artwork and live music. This event is free and open to the public. The Sidewalk Arts Festival draws thousands of visitors to view temporary chalk masterpieces created on the sidewalks of the historic park.
Held on March 17th, this is considered by many to be the second largest party in the country. The almost 4-hour parade winds through the beautiful historic district where families are picnicking in the squares, and the azaleas are in full bloom. "College antics" are usually regulated to River Street later that evening, making the day very much family friendly, and loads of kitchy fun.
An original Taco Bell sign that has remained unchanged. The actual sign is next to a Wendy's.
An outdoor sculpture depicting a pair of hands smashing an atom in honor of the school and its team name, the Atom Smashers. A gift from the Johnson High School class of 1962. Note that this sculpture is located at the entrance of a high school; visiting on weekends or during the summer may be best.
This 60-foot-tall spherical gas tank was built in the 1950s by the Savannah Gas Company and is painted to look like a globe. Originally painted by Eric Henn in 1999 and retouched in 2023. Located in a parking lot next to a Starbucks and a Parkers Kitchen.
Calhoun Square was laid out in 1851, one of the last squares. It is on Abercorn Street with the cross streets being Taylor and Gordon. It was named for John C. Calhoun a well-known South Carolina politician. Massie School and Wesley Monumental Methodist Church are on this square.
Chatham Square was laid out in 1847, one of the last squares. It is on Barnard Street with the cross streets being Taylor and Gordon. It was named for William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham. On the Southeast corner of the square is Gordon Row, fifteen four story townhouses built as rental housing. The Barnard Street School, now one of the buildings of the Savannah College of Art and Design is on the Northwest corner of the square.
This square was laid out in 1815 and named for a battle in the War of 1812. In 1820, this square was a center of nightlife as the William Jay designed theater (still there although greatly altered) was on this square. The classical First Baptist Church and the Charles Cluskey designed Moses Eastman House at 17 W. McDonough are also on Chippewa. North of the square is Independent Presbyterian Church on Bull St. at Oglethorpe. The center of this square is James Edward Oglethorpe's monument. The square is also notable for being the square with the bus stop in the movie Forrest Gump. (A replica of the bus stop bench is on display at the Visitors Center while the real bench is at Paramount Studios in California.)
In the center of this square is the Wormsloe Fountain, placed there in 1970 as a memorial to Augusta and Wymberly DeRenne, descendants of Noble Jones. Davenport House, the house saved in 1955 by seven women who went on to found the Historic Savannah Foundation, is on the North side of this square. It is also the site of current preservation activities. The Frederic Ball House and the former law offices on the Western side of the square next to the Kehoe House. The Stone House, dating from the 1820s, has been restored. The Universalist Church, on the Southwest corner of the square, is the former Sheftall House.
This square was laid out in the 1840s and named to honor William Harris Crawford who was Secretary of the Treasury under President Madison and once thought to be a prime contender for President of the United States. It is the only square that is still fenced as all the squares were at one time. Crawford Square is on Houston Street between Perry and Hull Streets.
This square is one of two lost squares. It was located on Montgomery St. directly across from the westside entrance to the Civic Center and is represented by a small grassy area today. The square was laid out in 1801 and named for Samuel Elbert, planter and Revolutionary soldier. In 1969 the "Flame of Freedom" was placed here, but it was subsequently moved to Liberty Square in front of the Courthouse.
This square is one of the original four squares, laid out in 1733. It was also referred to as Marketplace Square because that was its use. The square was named for Henry Ellis, second Royal Governor. Unfortunately, in 1954, this entire square, on Barnard Street between W. Bryan and W. Congress Streets, was covered by a city parking garage. This parking garage was torn down in 2007 and is being replaced by an underground parking structure, Savannah's first, with Ellis Square restored on top.
This square is on Montgomery Street between Congress and Bryan Streets. It was named for Benjamin Franklin who had been the Georgia Colony's agent in London. It was laid out in 1791 and for many years the City's water tower was here so it was referred to as Water Tower or Reservoir Square. The First African Baptist Church is on the West side of the square and the end of the City Market complex is on the East side. Franklin Square was restored in the 1980s, the same time period when the City Market complex was built.
Established in 1799, this square was named to honor General Nathanael Greene, second in command to General George Washington in the American Revolutionary War. The square is on Houston Street, between three convening streets -- York, State (originally named "Prince Street"), and President (originally named "King Street" prior to the American Revolutionary War).
This is the city's first square, laid out in 1733. It was named for Robert Johnson, Governor of South Carolina when the Georgia colony was founded. The public mill and oven were located on this square and it was the site of the earliest church, Christ Church, which is still there; but not in the original building. The Savannah Bank Building, now First Union, was the City's first "skyscraper." It was built in 1911 on the northeast corner of Bull Street and Bryan. This is the banking square and many of the City's banks are located here. In the center of the square is the Nathanial Greene Monument.
This square, located on Abercorn Street between Charlton and Harris Streets was laid out in 1837. Until 1846, the city jail was located here; but when it was moved, Andrew Low purchased some of the land and built in 1849 what we now refer to as the Andrew Low House. This house, on the west side of the square, is next to the Battersby-Hartridge House, the only Charleston style house in the city.
This is one of two lost squares. It was located on Montgomery Street in front of the present County Courthouse. It was laid out in 1799 and named to celebrate the freedom and independence gained through the Revolution and to honor the "Sons of Liberty" who had fought for independence. The "Flame of Freedom" is now on this site.
This square was named to honor President James Madison and laid out in 1837. It is on Bull Street with Harris and Charlton providing boundaries. The first home built on this square in the 1830s was the Sorrel-Weed House on the northwest corner. On the West side of the square there is St. John's Episcopal Church and its parish house, the Green-Meldrim House which is open to the public. On the corner of Charlton and Bull, there is the Scottish Rite Temple designed by Hyman Witcover who was also the architect for the present Savannah City Hall. Across from that is the Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory, now one of the Savannah College of Art and Design's buildings. The DeSoto Hilton Hotel, on the northeast corner, was built in the 1960s after the original DeSoto was torn down.
In 1847, the Irish Jasper Greens, a Savannah military group, returned from the Mexican war and this name (Monterey) was given to honor one of the battles in that war. All of the buildings on this square except one (the United Way building) are original to the square.
One of Savannah's first six planned squares in the city plan by James Edward Oglethorpe, this square is on Abercorn Street between State Street (called "Prince Street" prior to the American Revolutionary War) and York Street.
This square was laid out in 1815 and named to honor the heroes of the War of 1812. The German Societies placed a fountain and benches in this square in the late 1980s.
This square was laid out in 1837 and named for Count Casimir Pulaski, one of the highest ranking foreign officers to die in the American Revolution.
This square was named for James Reynolds, a Georgia Royal Governor.
From 1733 to 1883, this square was named St. James Square and was one of the most fashionable residential areas. It was renamed to honor Edward Telfair, three-time governor of Georgia (1786-1792) and his family. Located on Barnard Street between York and State Streets.
This square was laid out in 1851. It was named for George Michael Troup, Congressional representative, governor, and senator. There was only one other square, Washington Square, named for a person who was alive when so honored.
This square, laid out in 1791, was named for General Joseph Warren, killed in the 1775 battle of Bunker Hill. The city parking garage covers the two western Trust Lots.
This square is near the site of the old Trustees Garden. It was named for George Washington. For many years, until the mid-20th century, this square was the scene of the biggest New Year's Eve bonfires, many often taller than the houses around the square.
This square is named for the Rev. George Whitefield, an early minister in the colony, friend of John Wesley, and founder of the Bethesda Orphanage in 1740. Constructed in 1851, this was the last of the City's squares. Around the square there are wooden Victorian houses, a later style in the historic district.
This is one of the oldest of the City's squares, laid out in 1733. It is on Bull Street between State and York Streets. It was called Percival Square to honor Viscount Percival, later the Earl of Egmont. It was renamed to honor James Wright, Georgia's last Royal Governor.
See a musical variety show with the talented performers of this theatre company.
In the Savannah Bardo Hotel. A fine Italian cuisine restaurant and cocktail lounge located in historic downtown Savannah, adorned with chic artwork, stunning chandeliering, and the full restoration and artistic touches of the original 1888 Savannah Mansion.
Local chain with excellent burgers. Four locations: two downtown, off of Ellis Sq and further west on Broughton; one near Southside on Abercorn; and one in Pooler in a heavy retail area.
The only restaurant inside Forsyth Park. Great brunch menu and atmosphere.
One of the few surviving family-owned shrimp shacks from a previous era, with the same secret-recipe dipping sauce that they've used for more than half a century. Go for a taste of old-timey Southern boiled shrimp.
Outside seating on Chippewa Square makes this arty coffee shop even more appealing to locals and tourists alike. A large, almost daunting, menu of coffees, teas, sweets and sandwiches is sure to satisfy your hunger, while the abundant local art on display feeds the mind.
Locals and tourists enjoy reasonably priced breakfast, lunch, snacks in a comfortable setting, just south of Ellis Square.
A tea room, owned by the Savannah College of Art and Design, in an old pharmacy on Madison Square. Tea and atmosphere are excellent, but service and food often disappoint.
Right on the water and has a decent restaurant that has fabulous views of the river. It is possible to eat breakfast right next to the window while a huge container ship passes within maybe 100 feet. A pretty decent breakfast.
W. Congress and Whitaker. A popular Savannah experience, made even more popular with the exponential explosion of Paula Deen and sons on the Food Network. Reservations for lunch are taken beginning at 9:30AM. Expect a wait.
Laid-back chain pizza restaurant with full bar, good pizza, and many vegetarian options.
An original Savannah experience. Offers genuine southern home cooking served family style. Locals and tourists enjoy the convivial family dining. President Barack Obama dined here when he visited Savannah in March 2010. There are no reservations. Guests wait on an outdoor line to be seated. Arrive early.
Charming BBQ restaurant just across the Savannah River!
E. Broad near E. Bay. A Savannah tradition next to the historic Trustee Garden. The place to go with kids. Yo-ho-ho!
Seafood restaurant with white linen tables. A very decent restaurant with up market prices. The flounder is not bad but overcooked. As for the seafood platter, it is not worth the $29 as it is served warm and it is pretty small.
Centrally located in Savannah's historic district. Adorable and comfortable funky decor in an old car garage with a large menu of great salads, sandwiches, and more. Artwork, crafts and books also for sale. Favorite of locals too. Outside tables also available.
Excellent crab cakes. Great view of river street and the Savannah River from an upstairs balcony. Friendly service, good views, great food and drinks make it an excellent place.
Vinnie Van Go Go's is some of the best pizza to be found in Savannah. They make a thin hearty crust pizza called "Neapolitan". They make their dough fresh every night. They use fresh grated Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, and their rich sauce will make you happy and warm inside. Vinnie's delivers its pizzas to the downtown area on bicycles.
Insiders know this is a true Savannah experience. The best crab cakes in Savannah, lots of yummy vegetables, and homemade desserts. Hard to find but well worth it.
Corner of Highway 80 and Island's Expressway (out President Street Extension), 10 minutes from downtown Savannah. The "barbecue joint" features championship quality beef, chicken and pork BBQ complemented by homemade Southern sides daily for lunch (11AM-2PM) and supper (5PM-8PM).
A hometown favorite, this Savannah cookie company offers a multitude of favorites but make sure to try their famous Scottish Oatmeals!.
A nostalgic soda fountain, ice cream parlor and sandwich shoppe re-created by Savannahian and Hollywood movie producer Stratton Leopold. The original shoppe was on the corner of Habersham and Gwinnett Streets, just down the street from the birthplace of Johnny Mercer, Savannah's "Huckleberry Friend" and legendary lyricist known best perhaps for "Moon River," made famous in Breakfast at Tiffany's and for "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah", made famous in Walt Disney's Song of the South. Expect a long line, especially after lunch or dinnertime. If coming, consider having dessert before your meal to shorten wait time.
A must for Savannah visitors, this candy shops makes the candy right in front of you. You can buy home made fudge or their world-famous pralines.
This local cake shop offers delicious rum cakes as well as other fine treats.
Lots of paneling and atmosphere, this beautiful and cozy bar with an extensive wine selection also mixes great drinks. Becoming the hangout for the intellectual set.
Club One defines itself as the premier gay bar in a town priding itself on a level of decadence that falls somewhere between New Orleans's and Key West's, and it's the hottest and most amusing spot in town. Patrons include lesbians and gays from the coastal islands, visiting urbanites, and cast and crew of whatever film is being shot in Savannah at the time (Demi Moore and Bruce Willis showed up here in happier times). There's also likely to be a healthy helping of voyeurs who've read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. You pay your admission at the door then wander through the street-level dance bar, trek down to the basement-level video bar for a (less noisy) change of venue, and (if your timing is right) climb one floor above street level for a view of the drag shows. There, a bevy of black and white artistes lip-synch the hits of Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, and Bette Midler.
A true Savannah dive. Jimmy Carter started his campaign here. They don't take cards, so be sure to bring cash.
Where piano players ask you to sing along while you enjoy your favorite drinks.
Chain well-known for their potent frozen drinks.
formerly Avia hotel
Azalea Inn Bed and Breakfast
Inn with 11 rooms. Private off-street parking, nightly dessert, evening wine and hors d'oeuvres, bedtime cordial, and 3-course breakfast. Swimming pool, renowned gardens and eco-friendly style, on-site produce gardens.
Bed and breakfast. 16 rooms, elevator, around-the-clock concierge, southern breakfast, high tea, bar and private courtyard gardens.
Comfort Suites Savannah Historic District Hotel
Every room is a suite, pet-friendly hotel, non-smoking.
This hotel has a resort style indoor pool and hot tub.
Catherine Ward House
Historic District bed and breakfast that features 9 rooms - 2 with king sized beds, 2 with jacuzzis. Full breakfast, wifi access, parking, and free sodas/waters included in room rates. 2 guest rooms are dog friendly (with no weight limit).
All rooms are suites, wireless internet and breakfast provided, indoor heated pool.
The hotel offers free Internet in the lobby and all guest rooms.
Features a state-of-the-art lobby and stylish rooms.
The Desoto, as locals still call it (the original magnificent Queen Anne Victorian Desoto hotel burned down in the early 20th century) offers underground and valet parking, pool, restaurant and lounge.
A historic inn dating from the mid-1800s. Features an on-site restaurant and coffee/cocktail bar, with free parking and pet-friendly rooms available.
A former family home constructed in 1847, now converted into a 13-room bed and breakfast.
A four-bedroom Victorian B&B near the Riverfront.
Historically the talk of the town for its Savannah 400 social status, eclector doctor's early 1900s eco-friendly electric car, and its role in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. A family-friendly bed and breakfast mansion inn.
The hotel features a full service fireside lobby bar and a rooftop pool and gazebo. Rates include a Continental breakfast and high speed Internet access.
Spacious hotel rooms with private balconies, and many feature direct views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Enjoy views of the Savannah River, free Wi-Fi, and newly renovated rooms, in Downtown Savannah.
8 room bed and breakfast. Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, freshly prepared breakfast, daily housekeeping, afternoon sweets and wine social hour.
A historic bed and breakfast that features rooms named for prominent members of the Savannah area's history.
formerly the Mansion on Forsyth Park
The Hotel Bardo Savannah, with views of Forsyth Park, was built onto an existing 1888 mansion.
A historic upscale hotel downtown, with free continental breakfast, and internet.
Presidents' Quarters Bed and Breakfast
A prominent Oglethorpe Square historic inn (circa 1855), with 16 large rooms. Private off-street parking, nightly turn-down, afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres, bedtime cordial, and delightful breakfast.
Non-smoking hotel, pet-friendly.
Hotel with business center, lounge/bar on-site, pet-friendly.
A very intimate hotel overlooking Savannah River with 86 rooms and 4 on-site restaurants. 100% non-smoking.
Breakfast and internet provided, outdoor pool, daily guided tour buses of Savannah pick-up/drop off at hotel.
A pair of historic townhouses dating from the mid-1800s, now operating as a 17-room bed and breakfast on Gaston Street.
Exactly as a bookstore should look and feel, this full service used, rare, and new books shop, steps right out of a Dickens novel. Right around the corner from Shaver's, The Book Lady has lots of cozy places to sit, knowledgeable staff, and endless hard-to-find books in all genres. Free wifi, reading garden, and a cafe that serves coffee, tea, cold drinks, and homemade scones, cookies and more. Check their events schedule for author readings and book signings.
This is a great locally owned bookstore. Tons of new books inhabit many intimate rooms. If you eavesdrop on the doyennes who work there, you can learn all kinds of juicy gossip on the locals. They always have good advice on the latest book or that literary souvenir for Aunt Sue.
Great place for fair trade, handmade products. Owners travel around the world to find treasures to share.
Flagship location of Graveface Records. New and used records, CDs, cassettes, etc.
Full service pampering and consultations, nails, hair, and skin care, located in the historic district beside the Desoto Hilton Hotel. Owner Joseph Moody has been the go-to hairstylist for beautiful hair in Savannah for over 20 years. Call for an appointment.
A wonderful treasure trove of a little bit of everything -- items for home, stationery, gifts, etc. The owner has a wonderful eye for the unusual. There is also a small cafe inside.
On Madison Square. Great works of art by students at SCAD. Right across the street from the Gryphon Tea Room. Why buy junky mass produced souvenirs when you can support student artists? They always have a wonderful mix of eclectic items.
By plane
By train
Amtrak operates a passenger terminal at Savannah.
By bus
Greyhound - The Greyhound station is on W. Oglethorpe Ave. inside CAT's Joe Murray Rivers, Jr. Intermodal Transit Center, about a half mile from River St.
By car
The major east-west street through the Historic District is Bay Street, and the major north-south street is Abercorn, which begins at Bay Street and extends south through the city.
On foot
By bicycle
Savannah has limited biking facilities around the city, including:
By private bus tours
By horse and carriage
Horse and carriage is a relaxed option (though not for the horses) for seeing the city at a more leisurely pace and is abundant throughout the historic district.
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